Hot flashes

He ran a couple of steps, then ran back, looking at Zhou Heng with a serious expression.

"You stay here and wait for me, don't go anywhere!"

Zhou Heng nodded.

Xiao Jue glanced at him again, making sure he nodded, before turning around and continuing to run. After a few steps, he suddenly stopped, turned back, and shouted at him.

"I'll be quick!"

Then he plunged into the woods and disappeared.

Xiao Jue ran back all the way.

He rushed into Fuyun Manor, startling several sparrows.

The servants saw Xiao Jue rush in like a gust of wind and rush out like a gust of wind again, this time carrying a pile of clothes in his arms and a bundle in his hand.

"Young master?" a servant couldn't help but call out, "Where are you going?"

Xiao Jue didn't even turn his head.

"Pick them up!"

The words had barely left his mouth when he was already far away.

The servants looked at each other in bewilderment.

Xiao Jue ran back to his room and rummaged through his belongings to find a clean set of clothes.

As he was about to leave, Xiao Jue paused for a moment.

He turned around and his gaze fell on the plate of pastries on the table.

He thought for a moment, then turned back, wrapped the plate of pastries in oil paper, and put it in his pocket.

After doing all this, he nodded in satisfaction, picked up his clothes, and ran outside.

The mountain path was darker than when we had come. The setting sun had already sunk behind the mountains, leaving only a sliver of afterglow that stained the horizon a dark red.

Zhou Heng was still sitting there.

He heard footsteps, looked up, and saw Xiao Jue running over, carrying a large pile of things in his arms.

"Here you go." Xiao Jue handed over the clothes. "Change into these first."

Zhou Heng took the clothes and looked down at them. It was a moon-white robe, the fabric was very soft to the touch, it was folded neatly, and it had a faint scent of soap.

Xiao Jue then took out the packet of pastries from his pocket and handed it over.

"It's so late now, you must be hungry. I brought some snacks, you can eat them on the way, just to have something to eat first."

Zhou Heng took the bag of pastries, feeling somewhat embarrassed.

We've taken so many advantages from them—living in their houses, eating their food, and wearing their clothes.

He thought for a moment and then patted himself down.

There was something hard in my pants pocket.

Zhou Heng paused for a moment, then reached inside to rummage.

It is a piece of jade.

It was warm to the touch, slightly cool, and smooth to the feel. He looked down at it—the color was excellent, and the carving was exquisite.

Zhou Heng paused for a moment, then suddenly remembered.

Before boarding the cruise ship, he and his group of cronies were browsing an antique market. They passed a small stall run by an old man, with a jumble of old things piled up haphazardly.

He hadn't originally intended to buy it, but he spotted this piece of jade at a glance; its quality was truly excellent. He bought it on a whim and put it in his pocket.

After boarding the ship and drinking, he completely forgot about the incident.

I never expected it would come in handy now.

Zhou Heng handed the jade over.

"Xiao Jue," he said, "this is for you."

Xiao Jue was stunned for a moment, then looked down at the jade in his palm.

Zhou Heng said, "This is a thank-you gift. Thank you for helping me so much."

Xiao Jue's face suddenly turned red.

He shook his head vigorously and took a step back.

"No, no! I don't want to!"

Zhou Heng looked at him.

Xiao Jue shook his head even more violently.

"Really, I don't want it! I'm not helping you because I want your things!"

Zhou Heng said, "I know that's not what you're after. But I want to give it to you."

Xiao Jue shook his head again.

Zhou Heng looked at him, then suddenly put the jade away.

"Never mind then."

Xiao Jue was stunned for a moment.

Zhou Heng said, "If you don't want it, then I won't stay at your house."

Xiao Jue was stunned.

He stood there, looking at Zhou Heng, his expression changing several times.

Zhou Heng waited for a while and then handed the jade over.

"Take it."

Xiao Jue hesitated for a moment, then finally reached out his hand.

He carefully took the jade, put it in his bosom, and placed it close to his heart.

He picked up the clothes.

Zhou Heng said, "I'll change my clothes."

He immediately started taking off his clothes.

As the clothes were pulled off his head, he heard Xiao Jue suddenly cough.

He didn't pay attention and continued taking off his clothes.

Shorts need to be changed too; it seems like you have to wear something underneath this ancient robe.

He took off his shorts as well.

Xiao Jue's coughing grew louder.

Zhou Heng turned his head and saw Xiao Jue standing straight with his back to him, his ears as red as if they were about to bleed.

Zhou Heng was stunned for a moment.

He thought about it and roughly understood. It's understandable that people in ancient times were more conservative.

He didn't think much of it and continued changing his clothes.

He studied that moon-white robe for a long time before he could barely put it on correctly. Tying the ties was a bit of a hassle; he twisted and turned them, but finally got it right.

He looked down at himself.

It fits quite well.

Xiao Jue is young, but he's not short. When they stand together, their heights are almost the same. In fact, if Zhou Heng stands up straight and compares them, Xiao Jue seems to be slightly taller.

Zhou Heng spoke.

"alright."

Xiao Jue slowly turned around.

His gaze fell on Zhou Heng, glanced at him, and then quickly looked away. Then, as if he couldn't resist, he glanced at him again.

Zhou Heng found his gaze somewhat perplexing.

"What's wrong? Is it inappropriate?"

Xiao Jue shook his head, his voice somewhat muffled.

"Suitable, appropriate."

He paused, then added.

"It looks pretty good."

Zhou Heng looked down at himself.

"Let's go," he said. "It's getting dark."

Xiao Jue nodded.

The two walked back along the mountain path.

Zhou Heng walked ahead, with Xiao Jue following behind. After walking for a while, Zhou Heng looked back and saw Xiao Jue with his head down, seemingly lost in thought.

"Xiao Jue".

Xiao Jue raised his head.

Zhou Heng said, "You go first. I don't know the way."

Xiao Jue said "Oh," quickened his pace, and walked in front of him.