Villainous Junior Chapter 6
Translated by Sylver (ko-fi)
Chapter 6: Senior Brother
Meng Chen looked like fresh snow in a mountain stream, or a cold moon at night. However, when embraced, he felt warm.
As Xue Lang held this person, he suddenly felt as if he was embracing a wisp of cloud - light, soft, yet somewhat too thin. His waist was so slender that it could easily be encircled with just one arm.
And then there was that cool fragrance. At this distance, the scent of orchid grass was clearer and more distinct than ever before. It emanated from his neat collar, his jade-like neck, his jet-black hair tips... enveloping him layer by layer, causing him to sink deeper and deeper, as if he had drunk a jar of potent wine, intoxicated to the point where he couldn't tell what day it was.
"That, Junior Brother Xue," Xiao Guan's voice, barely suppressing laughter, suddenly came from nearby, "Have you hugged enough?"
Xue Lang snapped back to reality in a daze. His body stiffened, and he abruptly let go and stepped back two paces. Only then did he realize that everyone else had long finished hugging and were now staring at him with strange smiles.
"So Junior Brother Xue is the tsundere type. He looked so unwilling earlier, but once he started hugging, he wouldn't let go, hehe."
"I don't think this has anything to do with being tsundere. If I could hug Senior Brother Meng Chen, I'd be willing to hug him for a lifetime!"
"I'm jealous to tears, I want to hug Senior Brother Meng too!"
"Senior Brother Meng is really nice to Xue Lang. Even Senior Brother Yin probably doesn't get this kind of treatment, right?"
The discussions were endless. Xue Lang wished he could dig a hole and bury himself. Just then, Xiao Guan announced that the trial was over and they could disperse. He immediately turned to leave without a word.
"Xue Lang." That person called out to him again, gently beckoning. "Come here."
****
Everyone had dispersed. The scorching sun was overhead, and only the lush green canopy of this large tree provided a shady spot.
Meng Chen stood in the shade, carefully examining the "green worm" on the youth's collar. The corners of his lips couldn't help but curve upward again. "Did you sew this yourself?"
"What's wrong with it?" Xue Lang covered his chest with his hand, glaring back fiercely. "I think it looks very good!"
"Hmm," Meng Chen carefully chose his words, saying diplomatically, "It could look even better."
As he spoke, a needle threaded with green silk appeared on his right hand. Seeing Xue Lang's incredulous expression, Meng Chen explained. "I borrowed it from Junior Sister Liu earlier. She likes to sew pouches and such things."
Having said that, he reached out his left hand and grasped Xue Lang's collar. Xue Lang immediately shrank back as if startled. "What are you—"
"Don't move." Meng Chen's expression was serious as he forcefully pulled the youth back. In three quick moves, he unpicked the green worm that Xue Lang had sewn, then began to stitch anew.
He lowered his head, his pristine neck bending into a graceful arc. From Xue Lang's perspective, he could see the youth's jade-like nose tip and his long, lowered eyelashes.
With his collar held in the other's grasp, Xue Lang momentarily forgot to breathe. He didn't dare move a muscle, like a lifeless mannequin. After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, he finally saw the young man before him put away the needle with satisfaction and gently pat his collar. "Done."
Xue Lang looked down and saw that the big green worm from his collar to his chest had disappeared. In its place was an elegant orchid. The orchid's posture was graceful and uniquely charming. Moreover, it was sewn with green thread the same color as the school uniform, and the embroidery was exceptionally delicate and clever. As a result, it didn't look out of place at all, and could even be described as a perfect fit.
He was utterly shocked and at a loss. "How do you even know how to embroider this!?"
Meng Chen paused slightly, only softly uttering an "Mm," then asked with a smile. "Do you like it?"
Xue Lang looked at the sky and the ground, anywhere but at the person in front of him. He didn't say whether he liked it or not, only squeezing out a barely audible "Thanks" through gritted teeth before fleeing without looking back, as if there was some terrible beast behind him.
It wasn't until he returned to Luosong Residence on Tianji Peak that the youth finally let out a light sigh, sitting down somewhat absentmindedly on a stone bench in the courtyard. He stared blankly into space for a while, thinking of who knows what, then stupidly grinned as if to smile. But immediately after, he furrowed his brow and clenched his mouth shut, forcefully pressing down the corners of his lips, causing his mouth to twitch in a conflicted manner, resulting in an expression that looked a bit ferocious.
Just then, two unhurried knocks came from the courtyard gate.
Xue Lang immediately suppressed his somewhat strange expression, stood up and turned to look.
At the entrance of Luosong Residence stood a tall man. He wore a snow-white satin robe and had an elegant, noble air about him. In his right hand, he held a jade-white flute. If not for the long sword at his waist, one might have mistaken him for a young master from some wealthy family.
"You must be Junior Brother Xue Lang?" The man's exceptionally handsome face bore a gentle and refined smile as he walked step by step towards Xue Lang. "I'm Pei Yuze. I was away on a mission recently and missed your initiation ceremony. I hope you won't hold it against me."
Many disciples of Taixuan Sect had said that Tianji Peak's eldest disciple Pei Yuze and second disciple Meng Chen had many similarities.
They were both stunningly talented and carried themselves with noble bearing. They were figures who lived in the clouds, yet never looked down on others, treating their fellow disciples with humility and courtesy. While Meng Chen might appear somewhat cold on the surface, Pei Yuze always wore a slight smile, making others feel as if basking in the spring sun.
Xue Lang didn't see it that way.
He looked at Pei Yuze without any reaction, not even addressing him as "Eldest Senior Brother" as etiquette would dictate. Pei Yuze didn't mind, taking out a sheathed dagger from his storage ring. The sheath was actually made of dragon scale jade, which was worth a fortune. The hilt was inlaid with a blue dragon pearl. Although the blade itself couldn't be seen, the faint chill emanating from the sheath indicated that the dagger inside was at least a precious treasure.
"I came back in a hurry this time and didn't have time to prepare a proper welcoming gift for you, Junior Brother. This dagger is of decent craftsmanship and can be used for defense." Pei Yuze said with a smile, holding out the dagger to Xue Lang with his palm.
Compared to Yin Chi, who had made him stand under the cold waterfall upon their first meeting, this Eldest Senior Brother's attitude was undoubtedly very friendly and kind. However, Xue Lang didn't accept his goodwill, not even glancing at the precious treasure that would make countless others green with envy. "No need."
Pei Yuze's gaze lingered on the youth's expressionless face for a moment, then imperceptibly swept over the orchid on his school uniform collar. He smiled slightly and put away the dagger.
"Master is not on Tianji Peak at the moment. If you have any questions or concerns, Junior Brother, you can come ask me or the other two senior brothers." Pei Yuze said gently, nodding as he turned to leave. Suddenly remembering something, he turned back with a smile and said, "I almost forgot to congratulate you on winning first place in the new disciples' trial."
The man left, his tall hat and elegant bearing making even his back view appear as handsome as an immortal who had descended to the mortal world.
Xue Lang stared at his retreating figure, slowly clenching his jaw.
The direction he was heading was towards Qixue Residence.
****
The Shenling Water was a high-grade spiritual water with extremely strong restorative effects. On the stem that had been cut in half some time ago, a new banana leaf had already grown, lush and verdant, even more flourishing than before.
But no matter how well it grew, it wasn't the same leaf as before.
As Pei Yuze stepped into the courtyard, he saw the young man lightly stroking the banana leaf, appearing slightly lost in thought. The light shone on his jet-black hair, giving the dark strands a faint golden sheen.
Pei Yuze stared at the young man for a long while before softly calling out. "Ah Chen."
Meng Chen turned around. For a moment, he seemed dazed upon seeing Pei Yuze, then said, "Eldest Senior Brother." After a pause, he asked, "When did you return?"
"Just now," Pei Yuze said with a smile as he walked over. He bent down to examine the banana plant closely for a moment, then raised an eyebrow. "Was this Yin Chi's doing? That guy's temper is getting more and more arrogant. I can't believe he'd even lay hands on your beloved plant."
Meng Chen lowered his eyelids without saying a word.
Whether from fatigue or something else, his expression was slightly cold. His eyelids were half-lowered, long lashes sweeping down like faint ink strokes. His skin was almost transparently white, even his lip color seemed pale.
Yet he was still breathtakingly beautiful.
"This mission was a bit troublesome. I didn't expect to be delayed down the mountain for so long," Pei Yuze said, gazing at the downcast eyelashes of the person before him. His voice lowered gently, as if afraid of disturbing something. "While I was away, did Ah Chen miss me?"
Meng Chen was silent for a moment before finally raising his head.
His eyes were not dark, appearing as a warm, beautiful amber color in the sunlight, like a clear, rippling lake. Yet strangely, one couldn't see the bottom.
"Of course," Meng Chen smiled softly, looking into Pei Yuze's eyes. He said slowly, "Day and night, I've been thinking of Eldest Senior Brother."
