Adoptive Father: C02-1

Chapter 2.1: Little Pig

This novel was posted on cntranslations [dot] com, by anasiana. If you're not reading it there, you get what you get ￣へ￣)

_{Who the heck are you calling a little pig?}
Once Han Xiling was fully washed, three large buckets worth of dirty water were washed away.

Who the heck are you calling a little pig?

_{The speed at which he slapped his hand across his mouth to not cry out was astounding. Suppressing all sound, he stared at Han Jiangxue, whose hands were planted firmly on his hips, while he began hopping on the tіps of his toes.}Long eyelashes frаming large doe-like eyes and a pair of petal-like lips were Han Xiling's favourite features on the face before him. The only thing he held no fondness for were those dagger-like eyebrows that scowled at him. Everything else was especially pleasing to his eyes.

The speed at which he slapped his hand across his mouth to not cry out was astounding. Suppressing all sound, he stared at Han Jiangxue, whose hands were planted firmly on his hips, while he began hopping on the tіps of his toes.

_{Back when he was at the academy, there was never a time when he had nothing to do, so now that he does have time on his hands, it left him feeling rather anxious.}With that, Uncle Bo left the room, and Han Xiling hopped on the bed and fell fast asleep.

Back when he was at the academy, there was never a time when he had nothing to do, so now that he does have time on his hands, it left him feeling rather anxious.

_{Oh, thank heavens… Han Xiling let out a sigh so long it stole his breath, his heart filled with jubilation at having avoided such a terrible disaster.}
The mansion did have a bathhouse in the western wing, but Uncle Wu did not allow Han Xiling to use it as it was reserved for Han Jiangxue alone. So, a large wooden tub was what the newest young master had to make do with—but Uncle Wu did bring him some soapberry to scrub with. So despite it all, it was still the nicest bath Han Xiling ever had in his life.

Oh, thank heavens… Han Xiling let out a sigh so long it stole his breath, his heart filled with jubilation at having avoided such a terrible disaster.

_{Han Xiling figured that if his cries sounded as sorrowful as they could, even if they weren’t enough to touch the heart of the one beside him, they might be enough to rouse Uncle and Aunty Wu from sleep, {yes?}}Headmaster… Headmistress… Han Xiling sobbed and sniffled in silence.

Han Xiling figured that if his cries sounded as sorrowful as they could, even if they weren’t enough to touch the heart of the one beside him, they might be enough to rouse Uncle and Aunty Wu from sleep, yes?

_{Han Jiangxue said nothing in response to this greeting and only walked over to pinch Han Xiling’s cheek. “You cleaned up quite nicely. Your skin still looks a bit dark, though.”}Han Xiling's nerves running amok dispelled those bitter feelings trying to bubble to the surface. What the—! Is he really? Does he plan on sleeping... with me?!

Han Jiangxue said nothing in response to this greeting and only walked over to pinch Han Xiling’s cheek. “You cleaned up quite nicely. Your skin still looks a bit dark, though.”

_{Back when he was at the academy, there was never a time when he had nothing to do, so now that he does have time on his hands, it left him feeling rather anxious.}
The bath was so soothing that Han Xiling almost fell asleep in the tub, but Uncle Wu lifted him out of the wooden tub before his mind could doze off.

Back when he was at the academy, there was never a time when he had nothing to do, so now that he does have time on his hands, it left him feeling rather anxious.

_{“It may be possible to call him foster father,” Uncle Wu pondered before asking, “No, never mind. It sounds far too distant. How did the master tell you to address him?”}“Hey, the chub on your face feels really nice, though.” Han Jiangxue spoke while still pinching. “Don’t go losing this, alright? Don’t go losing weight,” he added with a sigh.

“It may be possible to call him foster father,” Uncle Wu pondered before asking, “No, never mind. It sounds far too distant. How did the master tell you to address him?”

_{Did he fall asleep? Han Xiling’s eyes widened. Is he not going to lay a hand on me? Is he not going to turn me into a mistress? Was he really serious about only using me as a pillow?}
Despite the older man’s thin appearance and short stature, he possessed a good bit of strength within those muscles. So picking up a chubby kid like Han Xiling was no different than plucking up a chick.

Did he fall asleep? Han Xiling’s eyes widened. Is he not going to lay a hand on me? Is he not going to turn me into a mistress? Was he really serious about only using me as a pillow?

_{Han Jiangxue said nothing in response to this greeting and only walked over to pinch Han Xiling’s cheek. “You cleaned up quite nicely. Your skin still looks a bit dark, though.”}Han Jiangxue poked the head, shoulders, waist, buttocks, and thіghs of the unmoving form beside him and nodded with satisfaction. “Yes. This is good—very good indeed. You’ll make an excellent pillow. You even still smell like you're fresh out of the bath. There’s nothing to be afraid of. I’ll care for you dearly and keep you fed to fatten you up really nice, yeah?”

Han Jiangxue said nothing in response to this greeting and only walked over to pinch Han Xiling’s cheek. “You cleaned up quite nicely. Your skin still looks a bit dark, though.”

_{Han Xiling was still very much an anxious mess from the top of his head to the tіp of his toes. He kept waiting for something to happen, but that guy had simply laid down next to him and wrapped an arm around his waist before his eyes fluttered shut. “Relax, little piggy. Let’s get some sleep.”}
After tossing his newest young master’s old clothes in the kitchen furnace to burn, Uncle Wu brought him a few robes made of soft fabrics, which he explained were silk. They were clothes Han Jiangxue had not wanted, so he gathered some for Han Xiling to use for the time being.

Han Xiling was still very much an anxious mess from the top of his head to the tіp of his toes. He kept waiting for something to happen, but that guy had simply laid down next to him and wrapped an arm around his waist before his eyes fluttered shut. “Relax, little piggy. Let’s get some sleep.”

_{“The master is most fond of this room in particular, so I hope you will like it as well, young master Han.”}It was something any person would hate, yes? But to live a better life when there weren’t many options meant there were still those who would willingly follow those wealthy folks when the opportunity arose.

“The master is most fond of this room in particular, so I hope you will like it as well, young master Han.”

Han Jiangxue said nothing in response to this greeting and only walked over to pinch Han Xiling’s cheek. “You cleaned up quite nicely. Your skin still looks a bit dark, though.”

_{Chapter 2.1: Little Pig}Despite the older man’s thin appearance and short stature, he possessed a good bit of strength within those muscles. So picking up a chubby kid like Han Xiling was no different than plucking up a chick.

Chapter 2.1: Little Pig

_{“Hey, the chub on your face feels really nice, though.” Han Jiangxue spoke while still pinching. “Don’t go losing this, alright? Don’t go losing weight,” he added with a sigh.}
Han Xiling was taken out for a trip to a tailor shop—one he was told was best in the city—and was tasked with the making of garments for noblemen, both young and old.

“Hey, the chub on your face feels really nice, though.” Han Jiangxue spoke while still pinching. “Don’t go losing this, alright? Don’t go losing weight,” he added with a sigh.

_{“Then that is how you will address him.”}Han Jiangxue continued to prod and poke at him until his hand got far enough down to pinch Han Xiling’s butt.

“Then that is how you will address him.”

_{Once Han Xiling was fully washed, three large buckets worth of dirty water were washed away.}But despite him cursing about it countless times in his heart, when he saw that adoptive father of his later that evening, he still addressed the man respectfully. “Father, I have returned.”

Once Han Xiling was fully washed, three large buckets worth of dirty water were washed away.

_{Han Xiling had no idea how long he had been sleeping when the sound of someone approaching jolted him awake. It was Han Jingxue approaching, so he shot up from the bed and sat in wait.}Like a cat clawing its way out of hell, Han Xiling’s heart almost ripped out his chеst by the sensation, his inner voice screaming out just as frantically: This goddamn despicable bastard! He’s a goddamn beast parading around as a man!!

Han Xiling had no idea how long he had been sleeping when the sound of someone approaching jolted him awake. It was Han Jingxue approaching, so he shot up from the bed and sat in wait.

“If it was just to have someone take care of me in my old age, then why would I choose someone who is almost the same as me? When I get old, you’ll be getting almost as old too. That would be rather pointless, don’t you think? So the real reason is because I want you to act as my body pillow.”

_☆☆☆Han Xiling still lay there stiffly, like a dead fish on a cutting board waiting for the sharpened blade to fall. But even as the hours ticked away, not a thing happened. That guy didn’t move an inch, and the only sounds in his ear were steady and light exhales.

☆☆☆

_{Despite just having turned thirteen that year, because of his stay at the academy, there were many things about life he had already known.}Is this man really to be my adoptive father? He’s even more naive than me!

Despite just having turned thirteen that year, because of his stay at the academy, there were many things about life he had already known.

_{At some point during the latter half of the afternoon, Uncle Wu escorted him to his room.}In that residence, there were a total of five main rooms, with smaller rooms flanking each on either side. Han Xiling was led to the western wing of the main house by Uncle Wu. That room was very ordinary—rather plain, in fact. The windows, tables, and charts were etched in carvings, and on the table, there were a few books scattered about.

At some point during the latter half of the afternoon, Uncle Wu escorted him to his room.

_{{Headmaster… Headmistress…} Han Xiling sobbed and sniffled in silence.}But despite him cursing about it countless times in his heart, when he saw that adoptive father of his later that evening, he still addressed the man respectfully. “Father, I have returned.”

Headmaster… Headmistress… Han Xiling sobbed and sniffled in silence.

_{“Of course, young master. But please do not let the master hear you refer to him in such a manner. He will get rather cross if you do.”}
Once they were back at the house, Han Xiling asked Uncle Wu, “Is he having clothes made just for me?”

“Of course, young master. But please do not let the master hear you refer to him in such a manner. He will get rather cross if you do.”

_{{Why don't you swap places with me, then? Sniffle… If you were the one in my situation, would you be acting cute right now?}}He’s a bastard! The guy wearing the skin of a foster father is just a nasty son-of-a-bitch underneath! He may look like a flower on the outside, but there’s nothing pretty deep down. Everything inside is black—as black as goddamn pitch!

Why don't you swap places with me, then? Sniffle… If you were the one in my situation, would you be acting cute right now?

_{“It may be possible to call him foster father,” Uncle Wu pondered before asking, “No, never mind. It sounds far too distant. How did the master tell you to address him?”}“The master is most fond of this room in particular, so I hope you will like it as well, young master Han.”

“It may be possible to call him foster father,” Uncle Wu pondered before asking, “No, never mind. It sounds far too distant. How did the master tell you to address him?”

_{“Huh?” Han Xiling was stunned by this reaction. {Why is he acting like the cheeky kid I first met now?}}“Headmaster! Headmistress! Sniffle. I wanna go home! I wanna go home! I don’t wanna be somebody’s mistress! I wanna go home! Sniffle. Save me... Sobs. Somebody save me, please...”

“Huh?” Han Xiling was stunned by this reaction. Why is he acting like the cheeky kid I first met now?

_{“I do. I really like it.”}Han Xiling was still very much an anxious mess from the top of his head to the tіp of his toes. He kept waiting for something to happen, but that guy had simply laid down next to him and wrapped an arm around his waist before his eyes fluttered shut. “Relax, little piggy. Let’s get some sleep.”

“I do. I really like it.”

_{No! I. Don’t. Want. This!}
“Of course, young master. But please do not let the master hear you refer to him in such a manner. He will get rather cross if you do.”

No! I. Don’t. Want. This!

_{“Huh?” Han Xiling was stunned by this reaction. {Why is he acting like the cheeky kid I first met now?}}When you see the terms "kept man", "concubine", "sugar baby", "mistress", "whore", "pros*titute", etc. They are referring to this term "娈童: luán tóng, whose neutral definition is a catamite (a boy in a "..."-type of relationship with a grown man). Obviously no sane person would want that, or be perceived as such, so it's used as an insult, especially towards adult men. When it's used like that, it's more synonymous with "whore/pros*titute/etc."

“Huh?” Han Xiling was stunned by this reaction. Why is he acting like the cheeky kid I first met now?

_{{Did he fall asleep?} Han Xiling’s eyes widened. {Is he not going to lay a hand on me? Is he not going to turn me into a mistress? Was he really serious about only using me as a pillow?}}“But…” But calling him father is so... Han Xiling still couldn’t get over the unease and unwillingness he felt at having to call Han Jiangxue “father.”

Did he fall asleep? Han Xiling’s eyes widened. Is he not going to lay a hand on me? Is he not going to turn me into a mistress? Was he really serious about only using me as a pillow?

_{“So you know about kept men, huh?” Han Jiangxue used his slender fingers to pinch Han Xiling’s face again. The poor boy wanted to burst into tears, but he was utterly unable to move.}
“But…” But calling him father is so... Han Xiling still couldn’t get over the unease and unwillingness he felt at having to call Han Jiangxue “father.”

“So you know about kept men, huh?” Han Jiangxue used his slender fingers to pinch Han Xiling’s face again. The poor boy wanted to burst into tears, but he was utterly unable to move.

_{{What the—! This is so weird!}}With his cries failing, Han Xiling did his best to make the glare he shot at that man even more fierce, hoping it would be enough to scare him off.

What the—! This is so weird!

_{Despite the older man’s thin appearance and short stature, he possessed a good bit of strength within those muscles. So picking up a chubby kid like Han Xiling was no different than plucking up a chick.}But having only let out a couple of these cries, his voice was reduced to hum. He was now speechless and unable to move—that guy attacked my acupoint and muted me!

Despite the older man’s thin appearance and short stature, he possessed a good bit of strength within those muscles. So picking up a chubby kid like Han Xiling was no different than plucking up a chick.

_{“But…” But calling him father is so... Han Xiling still couldn’t get over the unease and unwillingness he felt at having to call Han Jiangxue “father.”}
“It may be possible to call him foster father,” Uncle Wu pondered before asking, “No, never mind. It sounds far too distant. How did the master tell you to address him?”

“But…” But calling him father is so... Han Xiling still couldn’t get over the unease and unwillingness he felt at having to call Han Jiangxue “father.”

_{{Who the heck are you calling a little pig?}}For some reason, Han Xiling felt unpleasant at the thought. It was as though someone had snatched away something that was his own.

Who the heck are you calling a little pig?

The mansion did have a bathhouse in the western wing, but Uncle Wu did not allow Han Xiling to use it as it was reserved for Han Jiangxue alone. So, a large wooden tub was what the newest young master had to make do with—but Uncle Wu did bring him some soapberry to scrub with. So despite it all, it was still the nicest bath Han Xiling ever had in his life.

_{Back when he was at the academy, there was never a time when he had nothing to do, so now that he does have time on his hands, it left him feeling rather anxious.}“Hey, the chub on your face feels really nice, though.” Han Jiangxue spoke while still pinching. “Don’t go losing this, alright? Don’t go losing weight,” he added with a sigh.

Back when he was at the academy, there was never a time when he had nothing to do, so now that he does have time on his hands, it left him feeling rather anxious.

Long eyelashes frаming large doe-like eyes and a pair of petal-like lips were Han Xiling's favourite features on the face before him. The only thing he held no fondness for were those dagger-like eyebrows that scowled at him. Everything else was especially pleasing to his eyes.

_{That naive “father” of his then rubbed the top of his head to check if he had grown taller, muttering, “{Tch,} I’m still not tall enough. He always says I’m not tall enough and that I look like a teenager.”}Han Xiling still lay there stiffly, like a dead fish on a cutting board waiting for the sharpened blade to fall. But even as the hours ticked away, not a thing happened. That guy didn’t move an inch, and the only sounds in his ear were steady and light exhales.

That naive “father” of his then rubbed the top of his head to check if he had grown taller, muttering, “Tch, I’m still not tall enough. He always says I’m not tall enough and that I look like a teenager.”

_{For some reason, Han Xiling felt unpleasant at the thought. It was as though someone had snatched away something that was his own.}
Ugh… But that’s… dammit, dammit, damn it…

For some reason, Han Xiling felt unpleasant at the thought. It was as though someone had snatched away something that was his own.

_{{Waaaaah… I don’t wanna be adopted anymore! I wanna go back to the academy! I wanna see my master! I miss my brothers! I wanna go home…}}Han Jiangxue poked the head, shoulders, waist, buttocks, and thіghs of the unmoving form beside him and nodded with satisfaction. “Yes. This is good—very good indeed. You’ll make an excellent pillow. You even still smell like you're fresh out of the bath. There’s nothing to be afraid of. I’ll care for you dearly and keep you fed to fatten you up really nice, yeah?”

Waaaaah… I don’t wanna be adopted anymore! I wanna go back to the academy! I wanna see my master! I miss my brothers! I wanna go home…

_{{Why don't you swap places with me, then? Sniffle… If you were the one in my situation, would you be acting cute right now?}}Han Jiangxue poked the head, shoulders, waist, buttocks, and thіghs of the unmoving form beside him and nodded with satisfaction. “Yes. This is good—very good indeed. You’ll make an excellent pillow. You even still smell like you're fresh out of the bath. There’s nothing to be afraid of. I’ll care for you dearly and keep you fed to fatten you up really nice, yeah?”

Why don't you swap places with me, then? Sniffle… If you were the one in my situation, would you be acting cute right now?

_{Han Jiangxue said nothing in response to this greeting and only walked over to pinch Han Xiling’s cheek. “You cleaned up quite nicely. Your skin still looks a bit dark, though.”}
But despite him cursing about it countless times in his heart, when he saw that adoptive father of his later that evening, he still addressed the man respectfully. “Father, I have returned.”

Han Jiangxue said nothing in response to this greeting and only walked over to pinch Han Xiling’s cheek. “You cleaned up quite nicely. Your skin still looks a bit dark, though.”

_{After tossing his newest young master’s old clothes in the kitchen furnace to burn, Uncle Wu brought him a few robes made of soft fabrics, which he explained were silk. They were clothes Han Jiangxue had not wanted, so he gathered some for Han Xiling to use for the time being.}“Yes, Father.” Han Xiling followed behind, muttering, “Is this that guy’s true character?”

After tossing his newest young master’s old clothes in the kitchen furnace to burn, Uncle Wu brought him a few robes made of soft fabrics, which he explained were silk. They were clothes Han Jiangxue had not wanted, so he gathered some for Han Xiling to use for the time being.

_{“If it was just to have someone take care of me in my old age, then why would I choose someone who is almost the same as me? When I get old, you’ll be getting almost as old too. That would be rather pointless, don’t you think? So the real reason is because I want you to act as my body pillow.”}It was the first time in his life he had ever slept in such comfort. His thoughts even wandered to the parents who had birthed him, imagining if they would’ve also treated him as Han Jiangxue had. Would they have given such nice food? Bought him such nice clothing? Allowed him to sleep on such a nice bed? For a boy who had only known poverty, just these things alone were the most luxurious things he could fathom.

_{Han Xiling bit his lips and said nothing in response. If not, he may have burst out laughing, so he held his mouth shut tіght.}W-whaaaat?! Han Xiling cried out in his heart. He really is one! This guy is really a pervert!!!

Han Xiling bit his lips and said nothing in response. If not, he may have burst out laughing, so he held his mouth shut tіght.

_{To take care of you during your elderly years...?}
Han Jiangxue said nothing in response to this greeting and only walked over to pinch Han Xiling’s cheek. “You cleaned up quite nicely. Your skin still looks a bit dark, though.”

To take care of you during your elderly years...?

_{{Whoa… he really is a looker.}}Whoa… he really is a looker.

Whoa… he really is a looker.

_{“Hey, relax already. Calm down. I just said you’ll be a pillow; I have no intention of laying a finger on you. I’m not a paed*ophile, you dummy.” Han Jiangxue poked the boy next to him on the nose. “Goodness, just look at you. You’re as white as a sheet. Are you even listening?”}Oh, thank heavens… Han Xiling let out a sigh so long it stole his breath, his heart filled with jubilation at having avoided such a terrible disaster.

“Hey, relax already. Calm down. I just said you’ll be a pillow; I have no intention of laying a finger on you. I’m not a paed*ophile, you dummy.” Han Jiangxue poked the boy next to him on the nose. “Goodness, just look at you. You’re as white as a sheet. Are you even listening?”

_{{Did he fall asleep?} Han Xiling’s eyes widened. {Is he not going to lay a hand on me? Is he not going to turn me into a mistress? Was he really serious about only using me as a pillow?}}Long eyelashes frаming large doe-like eyes and a pair of petal-like lips were Han Xiling's favourite features on the face before him. The only thing he held no fondness for were those dagger-like eyebrows that scowled at him. Everything else was especially pleasing to his eyes.

Did he fall asleep? Han Xiling’s eyes widened. Is he not going to lay a hand on me? Is he not going to turn me into a mistress? Was he really serious about only using me as a pillow?

_{Back at the academy, he also came to know that it was possible for one male to embrace another.}
“Huh?” Han Xiling was stunned by this reaction. Why is he acting like the cheeky kid I first met now?

Back at the academy, he also came to know that it was possible for one male to embrace another.

_{This thought was enough to make a warm feeling blossom in Han Xiling’s heart and wash away all his prior grievances in an instant.}Headmaster… Headmistress… Han Xiling sobbed and sniffled in silence.

This thought was enough to make a warm feeling blossom in Han Xiling’s heart and wash away all his prior grievances in an instant.

_{{Did he fall asleep?} Han Xiling’s eyes widened. {Is he not going to lay a hand on me? Is he not going to turn me into a mistress? Was he really serious about only using me as a pillow?}}Han Xiling had no idea how long he had been sleeping when the sound of someone approaching jolted him awake. It was Han Jingxue approaching, so he shot up from the bed and sat in wait.

Did he fall asleep? Han Xiling’s eyes widened. Is he not going to lay a hand on me? Is he not going to turn me into a mistress? Was he really serious about only using me as a pillow?

_{“‘Huh?’ ‘Huh,’ what?” Han Jiangxue’s mood flipped like a switch. “Just come along so we can have dinner!” He spat out coldly.}But Han Jiangxue only smiled before reaching over to pinch that scrunched-up little nose. “You’re really not cute at all.”

“‘Huh?’ ‘Huh,’ what?” Han Jiangxue’s mood flipped like a switch. “Just come along so we can have dinner!” He spat out coldly.

_{Han Xiling still lay there stiffly, like a dead fish on a cutting board waiting for the sharpened blade to fall. But even as the hours ticked away, not a thing happened. That guy didn’t move an inch, and the only sounds in his ear were steady and light exhales.}
“‘Huh?’ ‘Huh,’ what?” Han Jiangxue’s mood flipped like a switch. “Just come along so we can have dinner!” He spat out coldly.

Han Xiling still lay there stiffly, like a dead fish on a cutting board waiting for the sharpened blade to fall. But even as the hours ticked away, not a thing happened. That guy didn’t move an inch, and the only sounds in his ear were steady and light exhales.

_{{Waaaaah… I don’t wanna be adopted anymore! I wanna go back to the academy! I wanna see my master! I miss my brothers! I wanna go home…}}In that residence, there were a total of five main rooms, with smaller rooms flanking each on either side. Han Xiling was led to the western wing of the main house by Uncle Wu. That room was very ordinary—rather plain, in fact. The windows, tables, and charts were etched in carvings, and on the table, there were a few books scattered about.

Waaaaah… I don’t wanna be adopted anymore! I wanna go back to the academy! I wanna see my master! I miss my brothers! I wanna go home…

_{When the man finally stopped, Han Xiling’s eyes were practically hanging from their sockets.}Oh, thank heavens… Han Xiling let out a sigh so long it stole his breath, his heart filled with jubilation at having avoided such a terrible disaster.

When the man finally stopped, Han Xiling’s eyes were practically hanging from their sockets.

_{{To take care of you during your elderly years...?}}Han Jiangxue said nothing in response to this greeting and only walked over to pinch Han Xiling’s cheek. “You cleaned up quite nicely. Your skin still looks a bit dark, though.”

To take care of you during your elderly years...?

_{Waaaaah… I don’t wanna be adopted anymore! I wanna go back to the academy! I wanna see my master! I miss my brothers! I wanna go home…}
“Yes, Father.” Han Xiling followed behind, muttering, “Is this that guy’s true character?”

Waaaaah… I don’t wanna be adopted anymore! I wanna go back to the academy! I wanna see my master! I miss my brothers! I wanna go home…

_{So, when Han Jiangxue extended one of his arms to hug Han Xiling, the boy started squealing like a slaughtered pig!}“Headmaster! Headmistress! Sniffle. I wanna go home! I wanna go home! I don’t wanna be somebody’s mistress! I wanna go home! Sniffle. Save me... Sobs. Somebody save me, please...”

So, when Han Jiangxue extended one of his arms to hug Han Xiling, the boy started squealing like a slaughtered pig!

_{Like a cat clawing its way out of hell, Han Xiling’s heart almost ripped out his chеst by the sensation, his inner voice screaming out just as frantically: {This goddamn despicable bastard! He’s a goddamn beast parading around as a man!!}}“It may be possible to call him foster father,” Uncle Wu pondered before asking, “No, never mind. It sounds far too distant. How did the master tell you to address him?”

Like a cat clawing its way out of hell, Han Xiling’s heart almost ripped out his chеst by the sensation, his inner voice screaming out just as frantically: This goddamn despicable bastard! He’s a goddamn beast parading around as a man!!

_{{Did he come here just to check up on me?}}Han Xiling was still very much an anxious mess from the top of his head to the tіp of his toes. He kept waiting for something to happen, but that guy had simply laid down next to him and wrapped an arm around his waist before his eyes fluttered shut. “Relax, little piggy. Let’s get some sleep.”

Did he come here just to check up on me?

☆☆☆

_{Han Jiangxue continued to prod and poke at him until his hand got far enough down to pinch Han Xiling’s butt.}
After dinner, Han Jiangxue vanished without a trace, leaving Han Xiling sitting alone in the room and lost in thought.

Han Jiangxue continued to prod and poke at him until his hand got far enough down to pinch Han Xiling’s butt.

_{Long eyelashes frаming large doe-like eyes and a pair of petal-like lips were Han Xiling's favourite features on the face before him. The only thing he held no fondness for were those dagger-like eyebrows that scowled at him. Everything else was especially pleasing to his eyes.}Once they were back at the house, Han Xiling asked Uncle Wu, “Is he having clothes made just for me?”

_{{W-whaaaat?!} Han Xiling cried out in his heart. {He really is one! This guy is really a pervert!!!}}N/A

W-whaaaat?! Han Xiling cried out in his heart. He really is one! This guy is really a pervert!!!

_{{Headmaster… Headmistress…} Han Xiling sobbed and sniffled in silence.}“Yes, Father.” Han Xiling followed behind, muttering, “Is this that guy’s true character?”

Headmaster… Headmistress… Han Xiling sobbed and sniffled in silence.

_{After tossing his newest young master’s old clothes in the kitchen furnace to burn, Uncle Wu brought him a few robes made of soft fabrics, which he explained were silk. They were clothes Han Jiangxue had not wanted, so he gathered some for Han Xiling to use for the time being.}
Back when he was at the academy, there was never a time when he had nothing to do, so now that he does have time on his hands, it left him feeling rather anxious.

_{“Headmaster! Headmistress! {Sniffle.} I wanna go home! I wanna go home! I don’t wanna be somebody’s mistress! I wanna go home! {Sniffle.} Save me... {Sobs.} Somebody save me, please...”}“Hey, relax already. Calm down. I just said you’ll be a pillow; I have no intention of laying a finger on you. I’m not a paed*ophile, you dummy.” Han Jiangxue poked the boy next to him on the nose. “Goodness, just look at you. You’re as white as a sheet. Are you even listening?”

“Headmaster! Headmistress! Sniffle. I wanna go home! I wanna go home! I don’t wanna be somebody’s mistress! I wanna go home! Sniffle. Save me... Sobs. Somebody save me, please...”

_{“The master is most fond of this room in particular, so I hope you will like it as well, young master Han.”}
At some point during the latter half of the afternoon, Uncle Wu escorted him to his room.

“The master is most fond of this room in particular, so I hope you will like it as well, young master Han.”

_{Despite the older man’s thin appearance and short stature, he possessed a good bit of strength within those muscles. So picking up a chubby kid like Han Xiling was no different than plucking up a chick.}Waaaaah… I don’t wanna be adopted anymore! I wanna go back to the academy! I wanna see my master! I miss my brothers! I wanna go home…

_{Is this man really to be my adoptive father? He’s even more naive than me!}
In that residence, there were a total of five main rooms, with smaller rooms flanking each on either side. Han Xiling was led to the western wing of the main house by Uncle Wu. That room was very ordinary—rather plain, in fact. The windows, tables, and charts were etched in carvings, and on the table, there were a few books scattered about.

Is this man really to be my adoptive father? He’s even more naive than me!

_{But as he lay there with eyes closed, and his heart beaming, he began hearing noises coming from inside the room. Upon opening his eyes, he caught sight of his adoptive father hopping on the ground like some rabbit.}Why… How did I end up in such a tragic state?

But as he lay there with eyes closed, and his heart beaming, he began hearing noises coming from inside the room. Upon opening his eyes, he caught sight of his adoptive father hopping on the ground like some rabbit.

_{In that residence, there were a total of five main rooms, with smaller rooms flanking each on either side. Han Xiling was led to the western wing of the main house by Uncle Wu. That room was very ordinary—rather plain, in fact. The windows, tables, and charts were etched in carvings, and on the table, there were a few books scattered about.}
The bed was impressively large, however—big enough to comfortably fit three. The mattress was also present and made from high-end silk, making it both soft and smooth to the touch.

In that residence, there were a total of five main rooms, with smaller rooms flanking each on either side. Han Xiling was led to the western wing of the main house by Uncle Wu. That room was very ordinary—rather plain, in fact. The windows, tables, and charts were etched in carvings, and on the table, there were a few books scattered about.

_{When the man finally stopped, Han Xiling’s eyes were practically hanging from their sockets.}He? Who’s “he”? Why does that guy care about what that “he” says so much?

When the man finally stopped, Han Xiling’s eyes were practically hanging from their sockets.

_{Like a cat clawing its way out of hell, Han Xiling’s heart almost ripped out his chеst by the sensation, his inner voice screaming out just as frantically: {This goddamn despicable bastard! He’s a goddamn beast parading around as a man!!}}That naive “father” of his then rubbed the top of his head to check if he had grown taller, muttering, “Tch, I’m still not tall enough. He always says I’m not tall enough and that I look like a teenager.”

_{He knew from an even younger age that the most beautiful or handsome swordsmen at that school/orphanage were the easiest to adopt. He knew the reason for this was that there were many nobles who liked to play around with boys.}It was something any person would hate, yes? But to live a better life when there weren’t many options meant there were still those who would willingly follow those wealthy folks when the opportunity arose.

He knew from an even younger age that the most beautiful or handsome swordsmen at that school/orphanage were the easiest to adopt. He knew the reason for this was that there were many nobles who liked to play around with boys.

_{Han Xiling had no idea how long he had been sleeping when the sound of someone approaching jolted him awake. It was Han Jingxue approaching, so he shot up from the bed and sat in wait.}“Of course, young master. But please do not let the master hear you refer to him in such a manner. He will get rather cross if you do.”

Han Xiling had no idea how long he had been sleeping when the sound of someone approaching jolted him awake. It was Han Jingxue approaching, so he shot up from the bed and sat in wait.

_{“You can go back to sleep,” Han Jiangxue patted Han Xiling, coaxing him to lie back down as he spoke.}With that, Uncle Bo left the room, and Han Xiling hopped on the bed and fell fast asleep.

“You can go back to sleep,” Han Jiangxue patted Han Xiling, coaxing him to lie back down as he spoke.

_{With that, Uncle Bo left the room, and Han Xiling hopped on the bed and fell fast asleep.}This thought was enough to make a warm feeling blossom in Han Xiling’s heart and wash away all his prior grievances in an instant.

With that, Uncle Bo left the room, and Han Xiling hopped on the bed and fell fast asleep.

The bed was impressively large, however—big enough to comfortably fit three. The mattress was also present and made from high-end silk, making it both soft and smooth to the touch.

_{Once Han Xiling was fully washed, three large buckets worth of dirty water were washed away.}
“I do. I really like it.”

Once Han Xiling was fully washed, three large buckets worth of dirty water were washed away.

_{{A pillow?} Han Xiling’s eyes widened in shock.}That naive “father” of his then rubbed the top of his head to check if he had grown taller, muttering, “Tch, I’m still not tall enough. He always says I’m not tall enough and that I look like a teenager.”

A pillow? Han Xiling’s eyes widened in shock.

_{{Just as I was thinking that something truly good came my way, it turns out I was just taken in to be this guy’s sugar baby…}}Oh, thank heavens… Han Xiling let out a sigh so long it stole his breath, his heart filled with jubilation at having avoided such a terrible disaster.

Just as I was thinking that something truly good came my way, it turns out I was just taken in to be this guy’s sugar baby…

_{Ugh… But that’s… dammit, dammit, damn it…}
With that, Uncle Bo left the room, and Han Xiling hopped on the bed and fell fast asleep.

Ugh… But that’s… dammit, dammit, damn it…

_{“But…” {But calling him father is so...} Han Xiling still couldn’t get over the unease and unwillingness he felt at having to call Han Jiangxue “father.”}But as he lay there with eyes closed, and his heart beaming, he began hearing noises coming from inside the room. Upon opening his eyes, he caught sight of his adoptive father hopping on the ground like some rabbit.

“But…” But calling him father is so... Han Xiling still couldn’t get over the unease and unwillingness he felt at having to call Han Jiangxue “father.”

_{Han Xiling figured that if his cries sounded as sorrowful as they could, even if they weren’t enough to touch the heart of the one beside him, they might be enough to rouse Uncle and Aunty Wu from sleep, {yes?}}Han Xiling's nerves running amok dispelled those bitter feelings trying to bubble to the surface. What the—! Is he really? Does he plan on sleeping... with me?!

_{Despite the older man’s thin appearance and short stature, he possessed a good bit of strength within those muscles. So picking up a chubby kid like Han Xiling was no different than plucking up a chick.}Waaaaah… I don’t wanna be adopted anymore! I wanna go back to the academy! I wanna see my master! I miss my brothers! I wanna go home…

_{Just as I was thinking that something truly good came my way, it turns out I was just taken in to be this guy’s sugar baby…}
It was the first time in his life he had ever slept in such comfort. His thoughts even wandered to the parents who had birthed him, imagining if they would’ve also treated him as Han Jiangxue had. Would they have given such nice food? Bought him such nice clothing? Allowed him to sleep on such a nice bed? For a boy who had only known poverty, just these things alone were the most luxurious things he could fathom.

Just as I was thinking that something truly good came my way, it turns out I was just taken in to be this guy’s sugar baby…

_{Han Jiangxue poked the head, shoulders, waist, buttocks, and thіghs of the unmoving form beside him and nodded with satisfaction. “Yes. This is good—very good indeed. You’ll make an excellent pillow. You even still smell like you're fresh out of the bath. There’s nothing to be afraid of. I’ll care for you dearly and keep you fed to fatten you up really nice, yeah?”}“The master is most fond of this room in particular, so I hope you will like it as well, young master Han.”

Han Jiangxue poked the head, shoulders, waist, buttocks, and thіghs of the unmoving form beside him and nodded with satisfaction. “Yes. This is good—very good indeed. You’ll make an excellent pillow. You even still smell like you're fresh out of the bath. There’s nothing to be afraid of. I’ll care for you dearly and keep you fed to fatten you up really nice, yeah?”

_{{Just as I was thinking that something truly good came my way, it turns out I was just taken in to be this guy’s sugar baby…}}Headmaster… Headmistress… Han Xiling sobbed and sniffled in silence.

Just as I was thinking that something truly good came my way, it turns out I was just taken in to be this guy’s sugar baby…

_{“Do you want to know why I adopted you?” Han Jiangxue suddenly asked.}
Han Xiling had no idea how long he had been sleeping when the sound of someone approaching jolted him awake. It was Han Jingxue approaching, so he shot up from the bed and sat in wait.

“Do you want to know why I adopted you?” Han Jiangxue suddenly asked.

_{“Yes, Father.” Han Xiling followed behind, muttering, {“Is this that guy’s true character?”}}Like a cat clawing its way out of hell, Han Xiling’s heart almost ripped out his chеst by the sensation, his inner voice screaming out just as frantically: This goddamn despicable bastard! He’s a goddamn beast parading around as a man!!

“Yes, Father.” Han Xiling followed behind, muttering, “Is this that guy’s true character?”

_{{W-whaaaat?!} Han Xiling cried out in his heart. {He really is one! This guy is really a pervert!!!}}“I do. I really like it.”

W-whaaaat?! Han Xiling cried out in his heart. He really is one! This guy is really a pervert!!!

_{He? Who’s “he”? Why does that guy care about what that “he” says so much?}
Han Jiangxue lit a candle, revealing his full form. The pitch-black uniform of a swordsman he usually wore during the daytime had been exchanged for a crescent-white inner robe that gave him a more sender and alluring form.

He? Who’s “he”? Why does that guy care about what that “he” says so much?

_{{Headmaster… Headmistress…} Han Xiling sobbed and sniffled in silence.}Han Xiling was taken out for a trip to a tailor shop—one he was told was best in the city—and was tasked with the making of garments for noblemen, both young and old.

Headmaster… Headmistress… Han Xiling sobbed and sniffled in silence.

_{“The master is most fond of this room in particular, so I hope you will like it as well, young master Han.”}The bath was so soothing that Han Xiling almost fell asleep in the tub, but Uncle Wu lifted him out of the wooden tub before his mind could doze off.

“The master is most fond of this room in particular, so I hope you will like it as well, young master Han.”

_{Which part of me is pleasing to the eye, huh? I worked my behind off to fatten up so no one would pay attention to me! But… b-but… I don’t wanna be a kept man! I don’t wanna be a ponce! I hate it! I hate it! I hate it so damn much!}
Whoa… he really is a looker.

Which part of me is pleasing to the eye, huh? I worked my behind off to fatten up so no one would pay attention to me! But… b-but… I don’t wanna be a kept man! I don’t wanna be a ponce! I hate it! I hate it! I hate it so damn much!

_{Chapter 2.1: Little Pig}With his cries failing, Han Xiling did his best to make the glare he shot at that man even more fierce, hoping it would be enough to scare him off.

Chapter 2.1: Little Pig

_{The bath was so soothing that Han Xiling almost fell asleep in the tub, but Uncle Wu lifted him out of the wooden tub before his mind could doze off.}
Long eyelashes frаming large doe-like eyes and a pair of petal-like lips were Han Xiling's favourite features on the face before him. The only thing he held no fondness for were those dagger-like eyebrows that scowled at him. Everything else was especially pleasing to his eyes.

The bath was so soothing that Han Xiling almost fell asleep in the tub, but Uncle Wu lifted him out of the wooden tub before his mind could doze off.

It was the first time in his life he had ever slept in such comfort. His thoughts even wandered to the parents who had birthed him, imagining if they would’ve also treated him as Han Jiangxue had. Would they have given such nice food? Bought him such nice clothing? Allowed him to sleep on such a nice bed? For a boy who had only known poverty, just these things alone were the most luxurious things he could fathom.

_{Han Xiling's nerves running amok dispelled those bitter feelings trying to bubble to the surface. {What the—! Is he really? Does he plan on sleeping... with me?!}}Like a cat clawing its way out of hell, Han Xiling’s heart almost ripped out his chеst by the sensation, his inner voice screaming out just as frantically: This goddamn despicable bastard! He’s a goddamn beast parading around as a man!!

Han Xiling's nerves running amok dispelled those bitter feelings trying to bubble to the surface. What the—! Is he really? Does he plan on sleeping... with me?!

_{Han Xiling was still very much an anxious mess from the top of his head to the tіp of his toes. He kept waiting for something to happen, but that guy had simply laid down next to him and wrapped an arm around his waist before his eyes fluttered shut. “Relax, little piggy. Let’s get some sleep.”}Oh, thank heavens… Han Xiling let out a sigh so long it stole his breath, his heart filled with jubilation at having avoided such a terrible disaster.

_{Han Xiling has never been the boss—not even for a day! All because he had no interest in talking to those 'girls' in the slightest. They were all coy little things that deliberately put on a shy and innocent act.}
“You can go back to sleep,” Han Jiangxue patted Han Xiling, coaxing him to lie back down as he spoke.

Han Xiling has never been the boss—not even for a day! All because he had no interest in talking to those 'girls' in the slightest. They were all coy little things that deliberately put on a shy and innocent act.

_N/AHan Xiling was still very much an anxious mess from the top of his head to the tіp of his toes. He kept waiting for something to happen, but that guy had simply laid down next to him and wrapped an arm around his waist before his eyes fluttered shut. “Relax, little piggy. Let’s get some sleep.”

N/A

_{Like a puppet on a string, Han Xiling was twirled and prodded by staff, comparing different sets of fabrics on his body until five sets of garbs were decided on and ordered.}
Did he come here just to check up on me?

Like a puppet on a string, Han Xiling was twirled and prodded by staff, comparing different sets of fabrics on his body until five sets of garbs were decided on and ordered.

_{{Who the heck are you calling a little pig?}}Once they were back at the house, Han Xiling asked Uncle Wu, “Is he having clothes made just for me?”

Who the heck are you calling a little pig?

_{Like a cat clawing its way out of hell, Han Xiling’s heart almost ripped out his chеst by the sensation, his inner voice screaming out just as frantically: This goddamn despicable bastard! He’s a goddamn beast parading around as a man!!}
This thought was enough to make a warm feeling blossom in Han Xiling’s heart and wash away all his prior grievances in an instant.

_{But such a thing sounded horrifying to the too-young him—impressively so!}Han Xiling was still very much an anxious mess from the top of his head to the tіp of his toes. He kept waiting for something to happen, but that guy had simply laid down next to him and wrapped an arm around his waist before his eyes fluttered shut. “Relax, little piggy. Let’s get some sleep.”

But such a thing sounded horrifying to the too-young him—impressively so!

_{Despite the older man’s thin appearance and short stature, he possessed a good bit of strength within those muscles. So picking up a chubby kid like Han Xiling was no different than plucking up a chick.}Back when he was at the academy, there was never a time when he had nothing to do, so now that he does have time on his hands, it left him feeling rather anxious.

_{“Someone told me that it’s possible to get taller by doing this,” Han Jiangxue explained under the flіckering candlelight, his flushed face making him look especially cute.}With that, Uncle Bo left the room, and Han Xiling hopped on the bed and fell fast asleep.

“Someone told me that it’s possible to get taller by doing this,” Han Jiangxue explained under the flіckering candlelight, his flushed face making him look especially cute.

_{When the man finally stopped, Han Xiling’s eyes were practically hanging from their sockets.}
But as he lay there with eyes closed, and his heart beaming, he began hearing noises coming from inside the room. Upon opening his eyes, he caught sight of his adoptive father hopping on the ground like some rabbit.

When the man finally stopped, Han Xiling’s eyes were practically hanging from their sockets.

_{Han Jiangxue poked the head, shoulders, waist, buttocks, and thіghs of the unmoving form beside him and nodded with satisfaction. “Yes. This is good—very good indeed. You’ll make an excellent pillow. You even still smell like you're fresh out of the bath. There’s nothing to be afraid of. I’ll care for you dearly and keep you fed to fatten you up really nice, yeah?”}Despite the older man’s thin appearance and short stature, he possessed a good bit of strength within those muscles. So picking up a chubby kid like Han Xiling was no different than plucking up a chick.

_{When the man finally stopped, Han Xiling’s eyes were practically hanging from their sockets.}In that residence, there were a total of five main rooms, with smaller rooms flanking each on either side. Han Xiling was led to the western wing of the main house by Uncle Wu. That room was very ordinary—rather plain, in fact. The windows, tables, and charts were etched in carvings, and on the table, there were a few books scattered about.

When the man finally stopped, Han Xiling’s eyes were practically hanging from their sockets.

_{Han Xiling figured that if his cries sounded as sorrowful as they could, even if they weren’t enough to touch the heart of the one beside him, they might be enough to rouse Uncle and Aunty Wu from sleep, {yes?}}Like a puppet on a string, Han Xiling was twirled and prodded by staff, comparing different sets of fabrics on his body until five sets of garbs were decided on and ordered.

_{{He? Who’s “he”? Why does that guy care about what that “he” says so much?}}He? Who’s “he”? Why does that guy care about what that “he” says so much?

He? Who’s “he”? Why does that guy care about what that “he” says so much?

_{Headmaster… Headmistress… Han Xiling sobbed and sniffled in silence.}
The speed at which he slapped his hand across his mouth to not cry out was astounding. Suppressing all sound, he stared at Han Jiangxue, whose hands were planted firmly on his hips, while he began hopping on the tіps of his toes.

Headmaster… Headmistress… Han Xiling sobbed and sniffled in silence.

_{Han Jiangxue lit a candle, revealing his full form. The pitch-black uniform of a swordsman he usually wore during the daytime had been exchanged for a crescent-white inner robe that gave him a more sender and alluring form.}It was the first time in his life he had ever slept in such comfort. His thoughts even wandered to the parents who had birthed him, imagining if they would’ve also treated him as Han Jiangxue had. Would they have given such nice food? Bought him such nice clothing? Allowed him to sleep on such a nice bed? For a boy who had only known poverty, just these things alone were the most luxurious things he could fathom.

Han Jiangxue lit a candle, revealing his full form. The pitch-black uniform of a swordsman he usually wore during the daytime had been exchanged for a crescent-white inner robe that gave him a more sender and alluring form.

_{“Huh?” Han Xiling was stunned by this reaction. {Why is he acting like the cheeky kid I first met now?}}After muttering to himself, a panting Han Jiangxue sat on the bed to catch his breath before finally lying down.

“Huh?” Han Xiling was stunned by this reaction. Why is he acting like the cheeky kid I first met now?

_{“It may be possible to call him foster father,” Uncle Wu pondered before asking, “No, never mind. It sounds far too distant. How did the master tell you to address him?”}
What the—! This is so weird!

“It may be possible to call him foster father,” Uncle Wu pondered before asking, “No, never mind. It sounds far too distant. How did the master tell you to address him?”

_N/AHe? Who’s “he”? Why does that guy care about what that “he” says so much?

N/A

_{Long eyelashes frаming large doe-like eyes and a pair of petal-like lips were Han Xiling's favourite features on the face before him. The only thing he held no fondness for were those dagger-like eyebrows that scowled at him. Everything else was especially pleasing to his eyes.}“Someone told me that it’s possible to get taller by doing this,” Han Jiangxue explained under the flіckering candlelight, his flushed face making him look especially cute.

_{“I do. I really like it.”}
When the man finally stopped, Han Xiling’s eyes were practically hanging from their sockets.

“I do. I really like it.”

_{At some point during the latter half of the afternoon, Uncle Wu escorted him to his room.}Which part of me is pleasing to the eye, huh? I worked my behind off to fatten up so no one would pay attention to me! But… b-but… I don’t wanna be a kept man! I don’t wanna be a ponce! I hate it! I hate it! I hate it so damn much!

At some point during the latter half of the afternoon, Uncle Wu escorted him to his room.

_{{Headmaster… Headmistress…} Han Xiling sobbed and sniffled in silence.}Han Xiling had no idea how long he had been sleeping when the sound of someone approaching jolted him awake. It was Han Jingxue approaching, so he shot up from the bed and sat in wait.

Headmaster… Headmistress… Han Xiling sobbed and sniffled in silence.

_{The bath was so soothing that Han Xiling almost fell asleep in the tub, but Uncle Wu lifted him out of the wooden tub before his mind could doze off.}Is this man really to be my adoptive father? He’s even more naive than me!

The bath was so soothing that Han Xiling almost fell asleep in the tub, but Uncle Wu lifted him out of the wooden tub before his mind could doze off.

_{Chapter 2.1: Little Pig}When the man finally stopped, Han Xiling’s eyes were practically hanging from their sockets.

Chapter 2.1: Little Pig

_{Han Jiangxue poked the head, shoulders, waist, buttocks, and thіghs of the unmoving form beside him and nodded with satisfaction. “Yes. This is good—very good indeed. You’ll make an excellent pillow. You even still smell like you're fresh out of the bath. There’s nothing to be afraid of. I’ll care for you dearly and keep you fed to fatten you up really nice, yeah?”}
“Someone told me that it’s possible to get taller by doing this,” Han Jiangxue explained under the flіckering candlelight, his flushed face making him look especially cute.

_{{Ugh… But that’s… dammit, dammit, damn it…}}W-whaaaat?! Han Xiling cried out in his heart. He really is one! This guy is really a pervert!!!

Ugh… But that’s… dammit, dammit, damn it…

_{Like a puppet on a string, Han Xiling was twirled and prodded by staff, comparing different sets of fabrics on his body until five sets of garbs were decided on and ordered.}Despite just having turned thirteen that year, because of his stay at the academy, there were many things about life he had already known.

Like a puppet on a string, Han Xiling was twirled and prodded by staff, comparing different sets of fabrics on his body until five sets of garbs were decided on and ordered.

_{“Then that is how you will address him.”}“Hey, the chub on your face feels really nice, though.” Han Jiangxue spoke while still pinching. “Don’t go losing this, alright? Don’t go losing weight,” he added with a sigh.

“Then that is how you will address him.”

_{“Of course, young master. But please do not let the master hear you refer to him in such a manner. He will get rather cross if you do.”}When the man finally stopped, Han Xiling’s eyes were practically hanging from their sockets.

“Of course, young master. But please do not let the master hear you refer to him in such a manner. He will get rather cross if you do.”

_{“As Father.”}
Han Xiling bit his lips and said nothing in response. If not, he may have burst out laughing, so he held his mouth shut tіght.

“As Father.”

_{Once they were back at the house, Han Xiling asked Uncle Wu, “Is he having clothes made just for me?”}He’s a bastard! The guy wearing the skin of a foster father is just a nasty son-of-a-bitch underneath! He may look like a flower on the outside, but there’s nothing pretty deep down. Everything inside is black—as black as goddamn pitch!

Once they were back at the house, Han Xiling asked Uncle Wu, “Is he having clothes made just for me?”

_{But such a thing sounded horrifying to the too-young him—impressively so!}“Hey, relax already. Calm down. I just said you’ll be a pillow; I have no intention of laying a finger on you. I’m not a paed*ophile, you dummy.” Han Jiangxue poked the boy next to him on the nose. “Goodness, just look at you. You’re as white as a sheet. Are you even listening?”

But such a thing sounded horrifying to the too-young him—impressively so!

_{{Headmaster… Headmistress…} Han Xiling sobbed and sniffled in silence.}“So you know about kept men, huh?” Han Jiangxue used his slender fingers to pinch Han Xiling’s face again. The poor boy wanted to burst into tears, but he was utterly unable to move.

Headmaster… Headmistress… Han Xiling sobbed and sniffled in silence.

_{{What?! I’m gonna start losing weight tomorrow! You won’t wanna touch me then!} Han Xiling screamed like a madman in his heart!}The bath was so soothing that Han Xiling almost fell asleep in the tub, but Uncle Wu lifted him out of the wooden tub before his mind could doze off.

What?! I’m gonna start losing weight tomorrow! You won’t wanna touch me then! Han Xiling screamed like a madman in his heart!

_{What?! I’m gonna start losing weight tomorrow! You won’t wanna touch me then! Han Xiling screamed like a madman in his heart!}
Is this man really to be my adoptive father? He’s even more naive than me!

What?! I’m gonna start losing weight tomorrow! You won’t wanna touch me then! Han Xiling screamed like a madman in his heart!

_N/ABut despite him cursing about it countless times in his heart, when he saw that adoptive father of his later that evening, he still addressed the man respectfully. “Father, I have returned.”

N/A

_{The bed was impressively large, however—big enough to comfortably fit three. The mattress was also present and made from high-end silk, making it both soft and smooth to the touch.}
That naive “father” of his then rubbed the top of his head to check if he had grown taller, muttering, “Tch, I’m still not tall enough. He always says I’m not tall enough and that I look like a teenager.”

The bed was impressively large, however—big enough to comfortably fit three. The mattress was also present and made from high-end silk, making it both soft and smooth to the touch.

_{After dinner, Han Jiangxue vanished without a trace, leaving Han Xiling sitting alone in the room and lost in thought.}Back at the academy, groups of teenage boys would sometimes gather and compare their sizes. They would also secretly gossip about who the 'prettiest girl' was when they went outside for training. When that 'girl' was chosen, whoever worked up the nerve to go over and talk to her would be declared the boss for the day and showered in adulation.

After dinner, Han Jiangxue vanished without a trace, leaving Han Xiling sitting alone in the room and lost in thought.

It was something any person would hate, yes? But to live a better life when there weren’t many options meant there were still those who would willingly follow those wealthy folks when the opportunity arose.

_{Han Xiling bit his lips and said nothing in response. If not, he may have burst out laughing, so he held his mouth shut tіght.}“Of course, young master. But please do not let the master hear you refer to him in such a manner. He will get rather cross if you do.”

Han Xiling bit his lips and said nothing in response. If not, he may have burst out laughing, so he held his mouth shut tіght.

_{Whoa… he really is a looker.}
For some reason, Han Xiling felt unpleasant at the thought. It was as though someone had snatched away something that was his own.

Whoa… he really is a looker.

_{That naive “father” of his then rubbed the top of his head to check if he had grown taller, muttering, “{Tch,} I’m still not tall enough. He always says I’m not tall enough and that I look like a teenager.”}It was the first time in his life he had ever slept in such comfort. His thoughts even wandered to the parents who had birthed him, imagining if they would’ve also treated him as Han Jiangxue had. Would they have given such nice food? Bought him such nice clothing? Allowed him to sleep on such a nice bed? For a boy who had only known poverty, just these things alone were the most luxurious things he could fathom.

_{{No! I. Don’t. Want. This!}}“Hey, the chub on your face feels really nice, though.” Han Jiangxue spoke while still pinching. “Don’t go losing this, alright? Don’t go losing weight,” he added with a sigh.

No! I. Don’t. Want. This!

_{Despite just having turned thirteen that year, because of his stay at the academy, there were many things about life he had already known.}Long eyelashes frаming large doe-like eyes and a pair of petal-like lips were Han Xiling's favourite features on the face before him. The only thing he held no fondness for were those dagger-like eyebrows that scowled at him. Everything else was especially pleasing to his eyes.

Despite just having turned thirteen that year, because of his stay at the academy, there were many things about life he had already known.

_{“You can go back to sleep,” Han Jiangxue patted Han Xiling, coaxing him to lie back down as he spoke.}
After muttering to himself, a panting Han Jiangxue sat on the bed to catch his breath before finally lying down.

“You can go back to sleep,” Han Jiangxue patted Han Xiling, coaxing him to lie back down as he spoke.

_{{Who the heck are you calling a little pig?}}“Someone told me that it’s possible to get taller by doing this,” Han Jiangxue explained under the flіckering candlelight, his flushed face making him look especially cute.

Who the heck are you calling a little pig?

_{The bath was so soothing that Han Xiling almost fell asleep in the tub, but Uncle Wu lifted him out of the wooden tub before his mind could doze off.}Han Jiangxue continued to prod and poke at him until his hand got far enough down to pinch Han Xiling’s butt.

The bath was so soothing that Han Xiling almost fell asleep in the tub, but Uncle Wu lifted him out of the wooden tub before his mind could doze off.

_{{No! I. Don’t. Want. This!}}At some point during the latter half of the afternoon, Uncle Wu escorted him to his room.

No! I. Don’t. Want. This!

_{“Yes, Father.” Han Xiling followed behind, muttering, “Is this that guy’s true character?”}
Han Xiling's nerves running amok dispelled those bitter feelings trying to bubble to the surface. What the—! Is he really? Does he plan on sleeping... with me?!

“Yes, Father.” Han Xiling followed behind, muttering, “Is this that guy’s true character?”

_{{He? Who’s “he”? Why does that guy care about what that “he” says so much?}}“As Father.”

He? Who’s “he”? Why does that guy care about what that “he” says so much?

_{But such a thing sounded horrifying to the too-young him—impressively so!}
No! I. Don’t. Want. This!

But such a thing sounded horrifying to the too-young him—impressively so!

_{“So you know about kept men, huh?” Han Jiangxue used his slender fingers to pinch Han Xiling’s face again. The poor boy wanted to burst into tears, but he was utterly unable to move.}“Headmaster! Headmistress! Sniffle. I wanna go home! I wanna go home! I don’t wanna be somebody’s mistress! I wanna go home! Sniffle. Save me... Sobs. Somebody save me, please...”

“So you know about kept men, huh?” Han Jiangxue used his slender fingers to pinch Han Xiling’s face again. The poor boy wanted to burst into tears, but he was utterly unable to move.

_{But having only let out a couple of these cries, his voice was reduced to hum. He was now speechless and unable to move—{that guy attacked my acupoint and muted me!}}“Hey, the chub on your face feels really nice, though.” Han Jiangxue spoke while still pinching. “Don’t go losing this, alright? Don’t go losing weight,” he added with a sigh.

But having only let out a couple of these cries, his voice was reduced to hum. He was now speechless and unable to move—that guy attacked my acupoint and muted me!

_{“Of course, young master. But please do not let the master hear you refer to him in such a manner. He will get rather cross if you do.”}When you see the terms "kept man", "concubine", "sugar baby", "mistress", "whore", "pros*titute", etc. They are referring to this term "娈童: luán tóng, whose neutral definition is a catamite (a boy in a "..."-type of relationship with a grown man). Obviously no sane person would want that, or be perceived as such, so it's used as an insult, especially towards adult men. When it's used like that, it's more synonymous with "whore/pros*titute/etc."

“Of course, young master. But please do not let the master hear you refer to him in such a manner. He will get rather cross if you do.”

_{But despite him cursing about it countless times in his heart, when he saw that adoptive father of his later that evening, he still addressed the man respectfully. “Father, I have returned.”}
Despite just having turned thirteen that year, because of his stay at the academy, there were many things about life he had already known.

But despite him cursing about it countless times in his heart, when he saw that adoptive father of his later that evening, he still addressed the man respectfully. “Father, I have returned.”

_{“As Father.”}The mansion did have a bathhouse in the western wing, but Uncle Wu did not allow Han Xiling to use it as it was reserved for Han Jiangxue alone. So, a large wooden tub was what the newest young master had to make do with—but Uncle Wu did bring him some soapberry to scrub with. So despite it all, it was still the nicest bath Han Xiling ever had in his life.

“As Father.”

_{It was something any person would hate, yes? But to live a better life when there weren’t many options meant there were still those who would willingly follow those wealthy folks when the opportunity arose.}“Headmaster! Headmistress! Sniffle. I wanna go home! I wanna go home! I don’t wanna be somebody’s mistress! I wanna go home! Sniffle. Save me... Sobs. Somebody save me, please...”

_{This thought was enough to make a warm feeling blossom in Han Xiling’s heart and wash away all his prior grievances in an instant.}
He knew from an even younger age that the most beautiful or handsome swordsmen at that school/orphanage were the easiest to adopt. He knew the reason for this was that there were many nobles who liked to play around with boys.

This thought was enough to make a warm feeling blossom in Han Xiling’s heart and wash away all his prior grievances in an instant.

_{{He? Who’s “he”? Why does that guy care about what that “he” says so much?}}He? Who’s “he”? Why does that guy care about what that “he” says so much?

He? Who’s “he”? Why does that guy care about what that “he” says so much?

_N/AW-whaaaat?! Han Xiling cried out in his heart. He really is one! This guy is really a pervert!!!

N/A

_{{He? Who’s “he”? Why does that guy care about what that “he” says so much?}}☆☆☆

He? Who’s “he”? Why does that guy care about what that “he” says so much?

The bed was impressively large, however—big enough to comfortably fit three. The mattress was also present and made from high-end silk, making it both soft and smooth to the touch.

_{Why… How did I end up in such a tragic state?}
It was something any person would hate, yes? But to live a better life when there weren’t many options meant there were still those who would willingly follow those wealthy folks when the opportunity arose.

Why… How did I end up in such a tragic state?

_{So, when Han Jiangxue extended one of his arms to hug Han Xiling, the boy started squealing like a slaughtered pig!}Long eyelashes frаming large doe-like eyes and a pair of petal-like lips were Han Xiling's favourite features on the face before him. The only thing he held no fondness for were those dagger-like eyebrows that scowled at him. Everything else was especially pleasing to his eyes.

So, when Han Jiangxue extended one of his arms to hug Han Xiling, the boy started squealing like a slaughtered pig!

_{“‘Huh?’ ‘Huh,’ what?” Han Jiangxue’s mood flipped like a switch. “Just come along so we can have dinner!” He spat out coldly.}Once they were back at the house, Han Xiling asked Uncle Wu, “Is he having clothes made just for me?”

“‘Huh?’ ‘Huh,’ what?” Han Jiangxue’s mood flipped like a switch. “Just come along so we can have dinner!” He spat out coldly.

_{So, when Han Jiangxue extended one of his arms to hug Han Xiling, the boy started squealing like a slaughtered pig!}
Back at the academy, groups of teenage boys would sometimes gather and compare their sizes. They would also secretly gossip about who the 'prettiest girl' was when they went outside for training. When that 'girl' was chosen, whoever worked up the nerve to go over and talk to her would be declared the boss for the day and showered in adulation.

So, when Han Jiangxue extended one of his arms to hug Han Xiling, the boy started squealing like a slaughtered pig!

_{Despite just having turned thirteen that year, because of his stay at the academy, there were many things about life he had already known.}Han Xiling's nerves running amok dispelled those bitter feelings trying to bubble to the surface. What the—! Is he really? Does he plan on sleeping... with me?!

Despite just having turned thirteen that year, because of his stay at the academy, there were many things about life he had already known.

_{{A pillow?} Han Xiling’s eyes widened in shock.}Waaaaah… I don’t wanna be adopted anymore! I wanna go back to the academy! I wanna see my master! I miss my brothers! I wanna go home…

A pillow? Han Xiling’s eyes widened in shock.

_{“Headmaster! Headmistress! Sniffle. I wanna go home! I wanna go home! I don’t wanna be somebody’s mistress! I wanna go home! Sniffle. Save me... Sobs. Somebody save me, please...”}
Han Xiling has never been the boss—not even for a day! All because he had no interest in talking to those 'girls' in the slightest. They were all coy little things that deliberately put on a shy and innocent act.

“Headmaster! Headmistress! Sniffle. I wanna go home! I wanna go home! I don’t wanna be somebody’s mistress! I wanna go home! Sniffle. Save me... Sobs. Somebody save me, please...”

_{At some point during the latter half of the afternoon, Uncle Wu escorted him to his room.}“Yes, Father.” Han Xiling followed behind, muttering, “Is this that guy’s true character?”

At some point during the latter half of the afternoon, Uncle Wu escorted him to his room.

_{Despite just having turned thirteen that year, because of his stay at the academy, there were many things about life he had already known.}Why don't you swap places with me, then? Sniffle… If you were the one in my situation, would you be acting cute right now?

Despite just having turned thirteen that year, because of his stay at the academy, there were many things about life he had already known.

_{But Han Jiangxue only smiled before reaching over to pinch that scrunched-up little nose. “You’re really not cute at all.”}The bath was so soothing that Han Xiling almost fell asleep in the tub, but Uncle Wu lifted him out of the wooden tub before his mind could doze off.

But Han Jiangxue only smiled before reaching over to pinch that scrunched-up little nose. “You’re really not cute at all.”

_{What the—! This is so weird!}
Back at the academy, he also came to know that it was possible for one male to embrace another.

What the—! This is so weird!

_{Once they were back at the house, Han Xiling asked Uncle Wu, “Is he having clothes made just for me?”}
But such a thing sounded horrifying to the too-young him—impressively so!

Once they were back at the house, Han Xiling asked Uncle Wu, “Is he having clothes made just for me?”

_{{No! I. Don’t. Want. This!}}Headmaster… Headmistress… Han Xiling sobbed and sniffled in silence.

No! I. Don’t. Want. This!

_{{He’s a bastard! The guy wearing the skin of a foster father is just a nasty son-of-a-bitch underneath! He may look like a flower on the outside, but there’s nothing pretty deep down. Everything inside is black—as black as goddamn pitch!}}After muttering to himself, a panting Han Jiangxue sat on the bed to catch his breath before finally lying down.

He’s a bastard! The guy wearing the skin of a foster father is just a nasty son-of-a-bitch underneath! He may look like a flower on the outside, but there’s nothing pretty deep down. Everything inside is black—as black as goddamn pitch!

“I do. I really like it.”

_{Chapter 2.1: Little Pig}
So, when Han Jiangxue extended one of his arms to hug Han Xiling, the boy started squealing like a slaughtered pig!

Chapter 2.1: Little Pig

_{{Who the heck are you calling a little pig?}}Just as I was thinking that something truly good came my way, it turns out I was just taken in to be this guy’s sugar baby…

Who the heck are you calling a little pig?

_{Despite just having turned thirteen that year, because of his stay at the academy, there were many things about life he had already known.}But as he lay there with eyes closed, and his heart beaming, he began hearing noises coming from inside the room. Upon opening his eyes, he caught sight of his adoptive father hopping on the ground like some rabbit.

Despite just having turned thirteen that year, because of his stay at the academy, there were many things about life he had already known.

_{But having only let out a couple of these cries, his voice was reduced to hum. He was now speechless and unable to move—{that guy attacked my acupoint and muted me!}}Back at the academy, he also came to know that it was possible for one male to embrace another.

But having only let out a couple of these cries, his voice was reduced to hum. He was now speechless and unable to move—that guy attacked my acupoint and muted me!

_{After dinner, Han Jiangxue vanished without a trace, leaving Han Xiling sitting alone in the room and lost in thought.}What the—! This is so weird!

After dinner, Han Jiangxue vanished without a trace, leaving Han Xiling sitting alone in the room and lost in thought.

_{“Someone told me that it’s possible to get taller by doing this,” Han Jiangxue explained under the flіckering candlelight, his flushed face making him look especially cute.}
“Headmaster! Headmistress! Sniffle. I wanna go home! I wanna go home! I don’t wanna be somebody’s mistress! I wanna go home! Sniffle. Save me... Sobs. Somebody save me, please...”

“Someone told me that it’s possible to get taller by doing this,” Han Jiangxue explained under the flіckering candlelight, his flushed face making him look especially cute.

_{After muttering to himself, a panting Han Jiangxue sat on the bed to catch his breath before finally lying down.}With his cries failing, Han Xiling did his best to make the glare he shot at that man even more fierce, hoping it would be enough to scare him off.

After muttering to himself, a panting Han Jiangxue sat on the bed to catch his breath before finally lying down.

_{That naive “father” of his then rubbed the top of his head to check if he had grown taller, muttering, “{Tch,} I’m still not tall enough. He always says I’m not tall enough and that I look like a teenager.”}“Headmaster! Headmistress! Sniffle. I wanna go home! I wanna go home! I don’t wanna be somebody’s mistress! I wanna go home! Sniffle. Save me... Sobs. Somebody save me, please...”

_{Han Xiling's nerves running amok dispelled those bitter feelings trying to bubble to the surface. What the—! Is he really? Does he plan on sleeping... with me?!}
Han Xiling figured that if his cries sounded as sorrowful as they could, even if they weren’t enough to touch the heart of the one beside him, they might be enough to rouse Uncle and Aunty Wu from sleep, yes?

Han Xiling's nerves running amok dispelled those bitter feelings trying to bubble to the surface. What the—! Is he really? Does he plan on sleeping... with me?!

_{“Huh?” Han Xiling was stunned by this reaction. {Why is he acting like the cheeky kid I first met now?}}The bath was so soothing that Han Xiling almost fell asleep in the tub, but Uncle Wu lifted him out of the wooden tub before his mind could doze off.

“Huh?” Han Xiling was stunned by this reaction. Why is he acting like the cheeky kid I first met now?

_{W-whaaaat?! Han Xiling cried out in his heart. He really is one! This guy is really a pervert!!!}
But having only let out a couple of these cries, his voice was reduced to hum. He was now speechless and unable to move—that guy attacked my acupoint and muted me!

W-whaaaat?! Han Xiling cried out in his heart. He really is one! This guy is really a pervert!!!

_{“Hey, the chub on your face feels really nice, though.” Han Jiangxue spoke while still pinching. “Don’t go losing this, alright? Don’t go losing weight,” he added with a sigh.}After dinner, Han Jiangxue vanished without a trace, leaving Han Xiling sitting alone in the room and lost in thought.

“Hey, the chub on your face feels really nice, though.” Han Jiangxue spoke while still pinching. “Don’t go losing this, alright? Don’t go losing weight,” he added with a sigh.

_{The bed was impressively large, however—big enough to comfortably fit three. The mattress was also present and made from high-end silk, making it both soft and smooth to the touch.}So, when Han Jiangxue extended one of his arms to hug Han Xiling, the boy started squealing like a slaughtered pig!

The bed was impressively large, however—big enough to comfortably fit three. The mattress was also present and made from high-end silk, making it both soft and smooth to the touch.

_{{Did he come here just to check up on me?}}At some point during the latter half of the afternoon, Uncle Wu escorted him to his room.

Did he come here just to check up on me?

_{{Whoa… he really is a looker.}}At some point during the latter half of the afternoon, Uncle Wu escorted him to his room.

Whoa… he really is a looker.

_N/A
Headmaster… Headmistress… Han Xiling sobbed and sniffled in silence.

N/A

_{But despite him cursing about it countless times in his heart, when he saw that adoptive father of his later that evening, he still addressed the man respectfully. “Father, I have returned.”}That naive “father” of his then rubbed the top of his head to check if he had grown taller, muttering, “Tch, I’m still not tall enough. He always says I’m not tall enough and that I look like a teenager.”

But despite him cursing about it countless times in his heart, when he saw that adoptive father of his later that evening, he still addressed the man respectfully. “Father, I have returned.”

_{“Huh?” Han Xiling was stunned by this reaction. {Why is he acting like the cheeky kid I first met now?}}“Of course, young master. But please do not let the master hear you refer to him in such a manner. He will get rather cross if you do.”

“Huh?” Han Xiling was stunned by this reaction. Why is he acting like the cheeky kid I first met now?

_{This thought was enough to make a warm feeling blossom in Han Xiling’s heart and wash away all his prior grievances in an instant.}Waaaaah… I don’t wanna be adopted anymore! I wanna go back to the academy! I wanna see my master! I miss my brothers! I wanna go home…

This thought was enough to make a warm feeling blossom in Han Xiling’s heart and wash away all his prior grievances in an instant.

_{Han Xiling was taken out for a trip to a tailor shop—one he was told was best in the city—and was tasked with the making of garments for noblemen, both young and old.}
Why… How did I end up in such a tragic state?

Han Xiling was taken out for a trip to a tailor shop—one he was told was best in the city—and was tasked with the making of garments for noblemen, both young and old.

_{“It may be possible to call him foster father,” Uncle Wu pondered before asking, “No, never mind. It sounds far too distant. How did the master tell you to address him?”}So, when Han Jiangxue extended one of his arms to hug Han Xiling, the boy started squealing like a slaughtered pig!

“It may be possible to call him foster father,” Uncle Wu pondered before asking, “No, never mind. It sounds far too distant. How did the master tell you to address him?”

_{But such a thing sounded horrifying to the too-young him—impressively so!}“If it was just to have someone take care of me in my old age, then why would I choose someone who is almost the same as me? When I get old, you’ll be getting almost as old too. That would be rather pointless, don’t you think? So the real reason is because I want you to act as my body pillow.”

But such a thing sounded horrifying to the too-young him—impressively so!

_{“Hey, the chub on your face feels really nice, though.” Han Jiangxue spoke while still pinching. “Don’t go losing this, alright? Don’t go losing weight,” he added with a sigh.}With his cries failing, Han Xiling did his best to make the glare he shot at that man even more fierce, hoping it would be enough to scare him off.

“Hey, the chub on your face feels really nice, though.” Han Jiangxue spoke while still pinching. “Don’t go losing this, alright? Don’t go losing weight,” he added with a sigh.

_{The mansion did have a bathhouse in the western wing, but Uncle Wu did not allow Han Xiling to use it as it was reserved for Han Jiangxue alone. So, a large wooden tub was what the newest young master had to make do with—but Uncle Wu did bring him some soapberry to scrub with. So despite it all, it was still the nicest bath Han Xiling ever had in his life.}Which part of me is pleasing to the eye, huh? I worked my behind off to fatten up so no one would pay attention to me! But… b-but… I don’t wanna be a kept man! I don’t wanna be a ponce! I hate it! I hate it! I hate it so damn much!

_{“‘Huh?’ ‘Huh,’ what?” Han Jiangxue’s mood flipped like a switch. “Just come along so we can have dinner!” He spat out coldly.}
Which part of me is pleasing to the eye, huh? I worked my behind off to fatten up so no one would pay attention to me! But… b-but… I don’t wanna be a kept man! I don’t wanna be a ponce! I hate it! I hate it! I hate it so damn much!

“‘Huh?’ ‘Huh,’ what?” Han Jiangxue’s mood flipped like a switch. “Just come along so we can have dinner!” He spat out coldly.

_{{No! I. Don’t. Want. This!}}“Then that is how you will address him.”

No! I. Don’t. Want. This!

_{{Whoa… he really is a looker.}}“Someone told me that it’s possible to get taller by doing this,” Han Jiangxue explained under the flіckering candlelight, his flushed face making him look especially cute.

Whoa… he really is a looker.

_{Han Xiling was taken out for a trip to a tailor shop—one he was told was best in the city—and was tasked with the making of garments for noblemen, both young and old.}For some reason, Han Xiling felt unpleasant at the thought. It was as though someone had snatched away something that was his own.

Han Xiling was taken out for a trip to a tailor shop—one he was told was best in the city—and was tasked with the making of garments for noblemen, both young and old.

_{“Hey, relax already. Calm down. I just said you’ll be a pillow; I have no intention of laying a finger on you. I’m not a paed*ophile, you dummy.” Han Jiangxue poked the boy next to him on the nose. “Goodness, just look at you. You’re as white as a sheet. Are you even listening?”}
With his cries failing, Han Xiling did his best to make the glare he shot at that man even more fierce, hoping it would be enough to scare him off.

_{{Whoa… he really is a looker.}}Like a cat clawing its way out of hell, Han Xiling’s heart almost ripped out his chеst by the sensation, his inner voice screaming out just as frantically: This goddamn despicable bastard! He’s a goddamn beast parading around as a man!!

Whoa… he really is a looker.

_{“Do you want to know why I adopted you?” Han Jiangxue suddenly asked.}Did he come here just to check up on me?

“Do you want to know why I adopted you?” Han Jiangxue suddenly asked.

_{“Of course, young master. But please do not let the master hear you refer to him in such a manner. He will get rather cross if you do.”}“If it was just to have someone take care of me in my old age, then why would I choose someone who is almost the same as me? When I get old, you’ll be getting almost as old too. That would be rather pointless, don’t you think? So the real reason is because I want you to act as my body pillow.”

“Of course, young master. But please do not let the master hear you refer to him in such a manner. He will get rather cross if you do.”

_{But Han Jiangxue only smiled before reaching over to pinch that scrunched-up little nose. “You’re really not cute at all.”}
But Han Jiangxue only smiled before reaching over to pinch that scrunched-up little nose. “You’re really not cute at all.”

But Han Jiangxue only smiled before reaching over to pinch that scrunched-up little nose. “You’re really not cute at all.”

_{{Why don't you swap places with me, then? Sniffle… If you were the one in my situation, would you be acting cute right now?}}“Someone told me that it’s possible to get taller by doing this,” Han Jiangxue explained under the flіckering candlelight, his flushed face making him look especially cute.

Why don't you swap places with me, then? Sniffle… If you were the one in my situation, would you be acting cute right now?

_{After dinner, Han Jiangxue vanished without a trace, leaving Han Xiling sitting alone in the room and lost in thought.}
Why don't you swap places with me, then? Sniffle… If you were the one in my situation, would you be acting cute right now?

After dinner, Han Jiangxue vanished without a trace, leaving Han Xiling sitting alone in the room and lost in thought.

_{{Ugh… But that’s… dammit, dammit, damn it…}}Which part of me is pleasing to the eye, huh? I worked my behind off to fatten up so no one would pay attention to me! But… b-but… I don’t wanna be a kept man! I don’t wanna be a ponce! I hate it! I hate it! I hate it so damn much!

Ugh… But that’s… dammit, dammit, damn it…

_{This thought was enough to make a warm feeling blossom in Han Xiling’s heart and wash away all his prior grievances in an instant.}Despite the older man’s thin appearance and short stature, he possessed a good bit of strength within those muscles. So picking up a chubby kid like Han Xiling was no different than plucking up a chick.

This thought was enough to make a warm feeling blossom in Han Xiling’s heart and wash away all his prior grievances in an instant.

_{Despite the older man’s thin appearance and short stature, he possessed a good bit of strength within those muscles. So picking up a chubby kid like Han Xiling was no different than plucking up a chick.}
“So you know about kept men, huh?” Han Jiangxue used his slender fingers to pinch Han Xiling’s face again. The poor boy wanted to burst into tears, but he was utterly unable to move.

_{“Huh?” Han Xiling was stunned by this reaction. {Why is he acting like the cheeky kid I first met now?}}Han Xiling's nerves running amok dispelled those bitter feelings trying to bubble to the surface. What the—! Is he really? Does he plan on sleeping... with me?!

“Huh?” Han Xiling was stunned by this reaction. Why is he acting like the cheeky kid I first met now?

_{Han Jiangxue continued to prod and poke at him until his hand got far enough down to pinch Han Xiling’s butt.}Han Xiling still lay there stiffly, like a dead fish on a cutting board waiting for the sharpened blade to fall. But even as the hours ticked away, not a thing happened. That guy didn’t move an inch, and the only sounds in his ear were steady and light exhales.

Han Jiangxue continued to prod and poke at him until his hand got far enough down to pinch Han Xiling’s butt.

_☆☆☆
This is harassment! This is sure as hell sеxual harassment!

☆☆☆

_{“Headmaster! Headmistress! {Sniffle.} I wanna go home! I wanna go home! I don’t wanna be somebody’s mistress! I wanna go home! {Sniffle.} Save me... {Sobs.} Somebody save me, please...”}Han Jiangxue lit a candle, revealing his full form. The pitch-black uniform of a swordsman he usually wore during the daytime had been exchanged for a crescent-white inner robe that gave him a more sender and alluring form.

“Headmaster! Headmistress! Sniffle. I wanna go home! I wanna go home! I don’t wanna be somebody’s mistress! I wanna go home! Sniffle. Save me... Sobs. Somebody save me, please...”

_{{Is this man really to be my adoptive father? He’s even more naive than me!}}But such a thing sounded horrifying to the too-young him—impressively so!

Is this man really to be my adoptive father? He’s even more naive than me!

_{“But…” {But calling him father is so...} Han Xiling still couldn’t get over the unease and unwillingness he felt at having to call Han Jiangxue “father.”}Back at the academy, groups of teenage boys would sometimes gather and compare their sizes. They would also secretly gossip about who the 'prettiest girl' was when they went outside for training. When that 'girl' was chosen, whoever worked up the nerve to go over and talk to her would be declared the boss for the day and showered in adulation.

“But…” But calling him father is so... Han Xiling still couldn’t get over the unease and unwillingness he felt at having to call Han Jiangxue “father.”

_{He knew from an even younger age that the most beautiful or handsome swordsmen at that school/orphanage were the easiest to adopt. He knew the reason for this was that there were many nobles who liked to play around with boys.}
He’s a bastard! The guy wearing the skin of a foster father is just a nasty son-of-a-bitch underneath! He may look like a flower on the outside, but there’s nothing pretty deep down. Everything inside is black—as black as goddamn pitch!

_{“If it was just to have someone take care of me in my old age, then why would I choose someone who is almost the same as me? When I get old, you’ll be getting almost as old too. That would be rather pointless, don’t you think? So the real reason is because I want you to act as my body pillow.”}Back at the academy, groups of teenage boys would sometimes gather and compare their sizes. They would also secretly gossip about who the 'prettiest girl' was when they went outside for training. When that 'girl' was chosen, whoever worked up the nerve to go over and talk to her would be declared the boss for the day and showered in adulation.

_{That naive “father” of his then rubbed the top of his head to check if he had grown taller, muttering, “Tch, I’m still not tall enough. He always says I’m not tall enough and that I look like a teenager.”}
“Hey, the chub on your face feels really nice, though.” Han Jiangxue spoke while still pinching. “Don’t go losing this, alright? Don’t go losing weight,” he added with a sigh.

_{But Han Jiangxue only smiled before reaching over to pinch that scrunched-up little nose. “You’re really not cute at all.”}Despite the older man’s thin appearance and short stature, he possessed a good bit of strength within those muscles. So picking up a chubby kid like Han Xiling was no different than plucking up a chick.

But Han Jiangxue only smiled before reaching over to pinch that scrunched-up little nose. “You’re really not cute at all.”

_{Han Jiangxue continued to prod and poke at him until his hand got far enough down to pinch Han Xiling’s butt.}That naive “father” of his then rubbed the top of his head to check if he had grown taller, muttering, “Tch, I’m still not tall enough. He always says I’m not tall enough and that I look like a teenager.”

Han Jiangxue continued to prod and poke at him until his hand got far enough down to pinch Han Xiling’s butt.

_{{Waaaaah… I don’t wanna be adopted anymore! I wanna go back to the academy! I wanna see my master! I miss my brothers! I wanna go home…}}For some reason, Han Xiling felt unpleasant at the thought. It was as though someone had snatched away something that was his own.

Waaaaah… I don’t wanna be adopted anymore! I wanna go back to the academy! I wanna see my master! I miss my brothers! I wanna go home…

_{{Did he come here just to check up on me?}}The mansion did have a bathhouse in the western wing, but Uncle Wu did not allow Han Xiling to use it as it was reserved for Han Jiangxue alone. So, a large wooden tub was what the newest young master had to make do with—but Uncle Wu did bring him some soapberry to scrub with. So despite it all, it was still the nicest bath Han Xiling ever had in his life.

Did he come here just to check up on me?

_{With that, Uncle Bo left the room, and Han Xiling hopped on the bed and fell fast asleep.}
What?! I’m gonna start losing weight tomorrow! You won’t wanna touch me then! Han Xiling screamed like a madman in his heart!

With that, Uncle Bo left the room, and Han Xiling hopped on the bed and fell fast asleep.

_{It was something any person would hate, yes? But to live a better life when there weren’t many options meant there were still those who would willingly follow those wealthy folks when the opportunity arose.}The speed at which he slapped his hand across his mouth to not cry out was astounding. Suppressing all sound, he stared at Han Jiangxue, whose hands were planted firmly on his hips, while he began hopping on the tіps of his toes.

_{Han Xiling figured that if his cries sounded as sorrowful as they could, even if they weren’t enough to touch the heart of the one beside him, they might be enough to rouse Uncle and Aunty Wu from sleep, {yes?}}Just as I was thinking that something truly good came my way, it turns out I was just taken in to be this guy’s sugar baby…

_{But Han Jiangxue only smiled before reaching over to pinch that scrunched-up little nose. “You’re really not cute at all.”}This thought was enough to make a warm feeling blossom in Han Xiling’s heart and wash away all his prior grievances in an instant.

But Han Jiangxue only smiled before reaching over to pinch that scrunched-up little nose. “You’re really not cute at all.”

_{“Huh?” Han Xiling was stunned by this reaction. Why is he acting like the cheeky kid I first met now?}
Han Jiangxue continued to prod and poke at him until his hand got far enough down to pinch Han Xiling’s butt.

“Huh?” Han Xiling was stunned by this reaction. Why is he acting like the cheeky kid I first met now?

_{“Huh?” Han Xiling was stunned by this reaction. {Why is he acting like the cheeky kid I first met now?}}After tossing his newest young master’s old clothes in the kitchen furnace to burn, Uncle Wu brought him a few robes made of soft fabrics, which he explained were silk. They were clothes Han Jiangxue had not wanted, so he gathered some for Han Xiling to use for the time being.

“Huh?” Han Xiling was stunned by this reaction. Why is he acting like the cheeky kid I first met now?

_{With his cries failing, Han Xiling did his best to make the glare he shot at that man even more fierce, hoping it would be enough to scare him off.}He knew from an even younger age that the most beautiful or handsome swordsmen at that school/orphanage were the easiest to adopt. He knew the reason for this was that there were many nobles who liked to play around with boys.

With his cries failing, Han Xiling did his best to make the glare he shot at that man even more fierce, hoping it would be enough to scare him off.

_{When the man finally stopped, Han Xiling’s eyes were practically hanging from their sockets.}“So you know about kept men, huh?” Han Jiangxue used his slender fingers to pinch Han Xiling’s face again. The poor boy wanted to burst into tears, but he was utterly unable to move.

When the man finally stopped, Han Xiling’s eyes were practically hanging from their sockets.

_{Back when he was at the academy, there was never a time when he had nothing to do, so now that he does have time on his hands, it left him feeling rather anxious.}Despite the older man’s thin appearance and short stature, he possessed a good bit of strength within those muscles. So picking up a chubby kid like Han Xiling was no different than plucking up a chick.

Back when he was at the academy, there was never a time when he had nothing to do, so now that he does have time on his hands, it left him feeling rather anxious.

_{It was the first time in his life he had ever slept in such comfort. His thoughts even wandered to the parents who had birthed him, imagining if they would’ve also treated him as Han Jiangxue had.}
Like a cat clawing its way out of hell, Han Xiling’s heart almost ripped out his chеst by the sensation, his inner voice screaming out just as frantically: This goddamn despicable bastard! He’s a goddamn beast parading around as a man!!

_{{Oh, thank heavens…} Han Xiling let out a sigh so long it stole his breath, his heart filled with jubilation at having avoided such a terrible disaster.}After muttering to himself, a panting Han Jiangxue sat on the bed to catch his breath before finally lying down.

Oh, thank heavens… Han Xiling let out a sigh so long it stole his breath, his heart filled with jubilation at having avoided such a terrible disaster.

_{Han Xiling bit his lips and said nothing in response. If not, he may have burst out laughing, so he held his mouth shut tіght.}
“Do you want to know why I adopted you?” Han Jiangxue suddenly asked.

Han Xiling bit his lips and said nothing in response. If not, he may have burst out laughing, so he held his mouth shut tіght.

_N/AThe bath was so soothing that Han Xiling almost fell asleep in the tub, but Uncle Wu lifted him out of the wooden tub before his mind could doze off.

N/A

_{Like a puppet on a string, Han Xiling was twirled and prodded by staff, comparing different sets of fabrics on his body until five sets of garbs were decided on and ordered.}“I do. I really like it.”

Like a puppet on a string, Han Xiling was twirled and prodded by staff, comparing different sets of fabrics on his body until five sets of garbs were decided on and ordered.

_{After tossing his newest young master’s old clothes in the kitchen furnace to burn, Uncle Wu brought him a few robes made of soft fabrics, which he explained were silk. They were clothes Han Jiangxue had not wanted, so he gathered some for Han Xiling to use for the time being.}“You can go back to sleep,” Han Jiangxue patted Han Xiling, coaxing him to lie back down as he spoke.

_{{He’s a bastard! The guy wearing the skin of a foster father is just a nasty son-of-a-bitch underneath! He may look like a flower on the outside, but there’s nothing pretty deep down. Everything inside is black—as black as goddamn pitch!}}Han Xiling still lay there stiffly, like a dead fish on a cutting board waiting for the sharpened blade to fall. But even as the hours ticked away, not a thing happened. That guy didn’t move an inch, and the only sounds in his ear were steady and light exhales.

_{Long eyelashes frаming large doe-like eyes and a pair of petal-like lips were Han Xiling's favourite features on the face before him. The only thing he held no fondness for were those dagger-like eyebrows that scowled at him. Everything else was especially pleasing to his eyes.}He’s a bastard! The guy wearing the skin of a foster father is just a nasty son-of-a-bitch underneath! He may look like a flower on the outside, but there’s nothing pretty deep down. Everything inside is black—as black as goddamn pitch!

_{Despite just having turned thirteen that year, because of his stay at the academy, there were many things about life he had already known.}
“If it was just to have someone take care of me in my old age, then why would I choose someone who is almost the same as me? When I get old, you’ll be getting almost as old too. That would be rather pointless, don’t you think? So the real reason is because I want you to act as my body pillow.”

Despite just having turned thirteen that year, because of his stay at the academy, there were many things about life he had already known.

_{Han Xiling's nerves running amok dispelled those bitter feelings trying to bubble to the surface. {What the—! Is he really? Does he plan on sleeping... with me?!}}Whoa… he really is a looker.

Han Xiling's nerves running amok dispelled those bitter feelings trying to bubble to the surface. What the—! Is he really? Does he plan on sleeping... with me?!

_{It was the first time in his life he had ever slept in such comfort. His thoughts even wandered to the parents who had birthed him, imagining if they would’ve also treated him as Han Jiangxue had.}Like a puppet on a string, Han Xiling was twirled and prodded by staff, comparing different sets of fabrics on his body until five sets of garbs were decided on and ordered.

_{Han Jiangxue continued to prod and poke at him until his hand got far enough down to pinch Han Xiling’s butt.}Did he come here just to check up on me?

Han Jiangxue continued to prod and poke at him until his hand got far enough down to pinch Han Xiling’s butt.

_{After dinner, Han Jiangxue vanished without a trace, leaving Han Xiling sitting alone in the room and lost in thought.}This thought was enough to make a warm feeling blossom in Han Xiling’s heart and wash away all his prior grievances in an instant.

After dinner, Han Jiangxue vanished without a trace, leaving Han Xiling sitting alone in the room and lost in thought.

_{Why don't you swap places with me, then? Sniffle… If you were the one in my situation, would you be acting cute right now?}
Han Jiangxue poked the head, shoulders, waist, buttocks, and thіghs of the unmoving form beside him and nodded with satisfaction. “Yes. This is good—very good indeed. You’ll make an excellent pillow. You even still smell like you're fresh out of the bath. There’s nothing to be afraid of. I’ll care for you dearly and keep you fed to fatten you up really nice, yeah?”

Why don't you swap places with me, then? Sniffle… If you were the one in my situation, would you be acting cute right now?

_{“Someone told me that it’s possible to get taller by doing this,” Han Jiangxue explained under the flіckering candlelight, his flushed face making him look especially cute.}He knew from an even younger age that the most beautiful or handsome swordsmen at that school/orphanage were the easiest to adopt. He knew the reason for this was that there were many nobles who liked to play around with boys.

“Someone told me that it’s possible to get taller by doing this,” Han Jiangxue explained under the flіckering candlelight, his flushed face making him look especially cute.

_{{This is harassment! This is sure as hell sеxual harassment!}}But having only let out a couple of these cries, his voice was reduced to hum. He was now speechless and unable to move—that guy attacked my acupoint and muted me!

This is harassment! This is sure as hell sеxual harassment!

_{With his cries failing, Han Xiling did his best to make the glare he shot at that man even more fierce, hoping it would be enough to scare him off.}It was the first time in his life he had ever slept in such comfort. His thoughts even wandered to the parents who had birthed him, imagining if they would’ve also treated him as Han Jiangxue had. Would they have given such nice food? Bought him such nice clothing? Allowed him to sleep on such a nice bed? For a boy who had only known poverty, just these things alone were the most luxurious things he could fathom.

With his cries failing, Han Xiling did his best to make the glare he shot at that man even more fierce, hoping it would be enough to scare him off.

_{When you see the terms "kept man", "concubine", "sugar baby", "mistress", "whore", "pros*titute", etc. They are referring to this term "娈童: luán tóng, whose neutral definition is a catamite (a boy in a ".}
W-whaaaat?! Han Xiling cried out in his heart. He really is one! This guy is really a pervert!!!

When you see the terms "kept man", "concubine", "sugar baby", "mistress", "whore", "pros*titute", etc. They are referring to this term "娈童: luán tóng, whose neutral definition is a catamite (a boy in a "..."-type of relationship with a grown man). Obviously no sane person would want that, or be perceived as such, so it's used as an insult, especially towards adult men. When it's used like that, it's more synonymous with "whore/pros*titute/etc."

_{At some point during the latter half of the afternoon, Uncle Wu escorted him to his room.}“You can go back to sleep,” Han Jiangxue patted Han Xiling, coaxing him to lie back down as he spoke.

At some point during the latter half of the afternoon, Uncle Wu escorted him to his room.

_{{Who the heck are you calling a little pig?}}☆☆☆

Who the heck are you calling a little pig?

_{“Hey, the chub on your face feels really nice, though.” Han Jiangxue spoke while still pinching. “Don’t go losing this, alright? Don’t go losing weight,” he added with a sigh.}☆☆☆

“Hey, the chub on your face feels really nice, though.” Han Jiangxue spoke while still pinching. “Don’t go losing this, alright? Don’t go losing weight,” he added with a sigh.

_{But having only let out a couple of these cries, his voice was reduced to hum. He was now speechless and unable to move—that guy attacked my acupoint and muted me!}
Just as I was thinking that something truly good came my way, it turns out I was just taken in to be this guy’s sugar baby…

But having only let out a couple of these cries, his voice was reduced to hum. He was now speechless and unable to move—that guy attacked my acupoint and muted me!

_{Back at the academy, groups of teenage boys would sometimes gather and compare their sizes. They would also secretly gossip about who the 'prettiest girl' was when they went outside for training. When that 'girl' was chosen, whoever worked up the nerve to go over and talk to her would be declared the boss for the day and showered in adulation.}“The master is most fond of this room in particular, so I hope you will like it as well, young master Han.”

Back at the academy, groups of teenage boys would sometimes gather and compare their sizes. They would also secretly gossip about who the 'prettiest girl' was when they went outside for training. When that 'girl' was chosen, whoever worked up the nerve to go over and talk to her would be declared the boss for the day and showered in adulation.

_{Back at the academy, he also came to know that it was possible for one male to embrace another.}“Someone told me that it’s possible to get taller by doing this,” Han Jiangxue explained under the flіckering candlelight, his flushed face making him look especially cute.

Back at the academy, he also came to know that it was possible for one male to embrace another.

_{When the man finally stopped, Han Xiling’s eyes were practically hanging from their sockets.}After muttering to himself, a panting Han Jiangxue sat on the bed to catch his breath before finally lying down.

When the man finally stopped, Han Xiling’s eyes were practically hanging from their sockets.

_{Han Xiling had no idea how long he had been sleeping when the sound of someone approaching jolted him awake. It was Han Jingxue approaching, so he shot up from the bed and sat in wait.}Han Xiling still lay there stiffly, like a dead fish on a cutting board waiting for the sharpened blade to fall. But even as the hours ticked away, not a thing happened. That guy didn’t move an inch, and the only sounds in his ear were steady and light exhales.

Han Xiling had no idea how long he had been sleeping when the sound of someone approaching jolted him awake. It was Han Jingxue approaching, so he shot up from the bed and sat in wait.

_{Back at the academy, groups of teenage boys would sometimes gather and compare their sizes. They would also secretly gossip about who the 'prettiest girl' was when they went outside for training. When that 'girl' was chosen, whoever worked up the nerve to go over and talk to her would be declared the boss for the day and showered in adulation.}
“Hey, relax already. Calm down. I just said you’ll be a pillow; I have no intention of laying a finger on you. I’m not a paed*ophile, you dummy.” Han Jiangxue poked the boy next to him on the nose. “Goodness, just look at you. You’re as white as a sheet. Are you even listening?”

_{{Oh, thank heavens…} Han Xiling let out a sigh so long it stole his breath, his heart filled with jubilation at having avoided such a terrible disaster.}“The master is most fond of this room in particular, so I hope you will like it as well, young master Han.”

Oh, thank heavens… Han Xiling let out a sigh so long it stole his breath, his heart filled with jubilation at having avoided such a terrible disaster.

_{The speed at which he slapped his hand across his mouth to not cry out was astounding. Suppressing all sound, he stared at Han Jiangxue, whose hands were planted firmly on his hips, while he began hopping on the tіps of his toes.}
Waaaaah… I don’t wanna be adopted anymore! I wanna go back to the academy! I wanna see my master! I miss my brothers! I wanna go home…

_{“‘Huh?’ ‘Huh,’ what?” Han Jiangxue’s mood flipped like a switch. “Just come along so we can have dinner!” He spat out coldly.}With his cries failing, Han Xiling did his best to make the glare he shot at that man even more fierce, hoping it would be enough to scare him off.

“‘Huh?’ ‘Huh,’ what?” Han Jiangxue’s mood flipped like a switch. “Just come along so we can have dinner!” He spat out coldly.

_{“Then that is how you will address him.”}
Han Xiling was still very much an anxious mess from the top of his head to the tіp of his toes. He kept waiting for something to happen, but that guy had simply laid down next to him and wrapped an arm around his waist before his eyes fluttered shut. “Relax, little piggy. Let’s get some sleep.”

“Then that is how you will address him.”

_{{Just as I was thinking that something truly good came my way, it turns out I was just taken in to be this guy’s sugar baby…}}He knew from an even younger age that the most beautiful or handsome swordsmen at that school/orphanage were the easiest to adopt. He knew the reason for this was that there were many nobles who liked to play around with boys.

Just as I was thinking that something truly good came my way, it turns out I was just taken in to be this guy’s sugar baby…

_{{Did he come here just to check up on me?}}Ugh… But that’s… dammit, dammit, damn it…

Did he come here just to check up on me?

_{After muttering to himself, a panting Han Jiangxue sat on the bed to catch his breath before finally lying down.}
Who the heck are you calling a little pig?

After muttering to himself, a panting Han Jiangxue sat on the bed to catch his breath before finally lying down.

_{“‘Huh?’ ‘Huh,’ what?” Han Jiangxue’s mood flipped like a switch. “Just come along so we can have dinner!” He spat out coldly.}When you see the terms "kept man", "concubine", "sugar baby", "mistress", "whore", "pros*titute", etc. They are referring to this term "娈童: luán tóng, whose neutral definition is a catamite (a boy in a "..."-type of relationship with a grown man). Obviously no sane person would want that, or be perceived as such, so it's used as an insult, especially towards adult men. When it's used like that, it's more synonymous with "whore/pros*titute/etc."

“‘Huh?’ ‘Huh,’ what?” Han Jiangxue’s mood flipped like a switch. “Just come along so we can have dinner!” He spat out coldly.

_{Han Jiangxue said nothing in response to this greeting and only walked over to pinch Han Xiling’s cheek. “You cleaned up quite nicely. Your skin still looks a bit dark, though.”}But as he lay there with eyes closed, and his heart beaming, he began hearing noises coming from inside the room. Upon opening his eyes, he caught sight of his adoptive father hopping on the ground like some rabbit.

Han Jiangxue said nothing in response to this greeting and only walked over to pinch Han Xiling’s cheek. “You cleaned up quite nicely. Your skin still looks a bit dark, though.”

_{He’s a bastard! The guy wearing the skin of a foster father is just a nasty son-of-a-bitch underneath! He may look like a flower on the outside, but there’s nothing pretty deep down. Everything inside is black—as black as goddamn pitch!}
Han Xiling still lay there stiffly, like a dead fish on a cutting board waiting for the sharpened blade to fall. But even as the hours ticked away, not a thing happened. That guy didn’t move an inch, and the only sounds in his ear were steady and light exhales.

_{With that, Uncle Bo left the room, and Han Xiling hopped on the bed and fell fast asleep.}Like a cat clawing its way out of hell, Han Xiling’s heart almost ripped out his chеst by the sensation, his inner voice screaming out just as frantically: This goddamn despicable bastard! He’s a goddamn beast parading around as a man!!

With that, Uncle Bo left the room, and Han Xiling hopped on the bed and fell fast asleep.

_{Did he come here just to check up on me?}
Did he fall asleep? Han Xiling’s eyes widened. Is he not going to lay a hand on me? Is he not going to turn me into a mistress? Was he really serious about only using me as a pillow?

Did he come here just to check up on me?

_{Back at the academy, groups of teenage boys would sometimes gather and compare their sizes. They would also secretly gossip about who the 'prettiest girl' was when they went outside for training. When that 'girl' was chosen, whoever worked up the nerve to go over and talk to her would be declared the boss for the day and showered in adulation.}What?! I’m gonna start losing weight tomorrow! You won’t wanna touch me then! Han Xiling screamed like a madman in his heart!

_{This is harassment! This is sure as hell sеxual harassment!}
Oh, thank heavens… Han Xiling let out a sigh so long it stole his breath, his heart filled with jubilation at having avoided such a terrible disaster.

This is harassment! This is sure as hell sеxual harassment!

_{Han Xiling's nerves running amok dispelled those bitter feelings trying to bubble to the surface. {What the—! Is he really? Does he plan on sleeping... with me?!}}He’s a bastard! The guy wearing the skin of a foster father is just a nasty son-of-a-bitch underneath! He may look like a flower on the outside, but there’s nothing pretty deep down. Everything inside is black—as black as goddamn pitch!

Han Xiling's nerves running amok dispelled those bitter feelings trying to bubble to the surface. What the—! Is he really? Does he plan on sleeping... with me?!

_{{Why… How did I end up in such a tragic state?}}“If it was just to have someone take care of me in my old age, then why would I choose someone who is almost the same as me? When I get old, you’ll be getting almost as old too. That would be rather pointless, don’t you think? So the real reason is because I want you to act as my body pillow.”

Why… How did I end up in such a tragic state?

Author's Note:

N/A

Notes:

Updated every Saturday. Raws: Kobo

Adoptive Father: C02-1

Chapter 2.1: Little Pig

Author's Note:

Notes:

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