BL Ch80

Two hours later, the convoy reached the Mogok checkpoint.

Pei Ming’s secretary produced the prepared passports, local government approvals, and registration documents for the inspection officers to check.

After a thorough search of the vehicles and individuals, the dark-skinned local police scrutinized them multiple times, especially the man with the unusual hair color. However, after confirming the government-approved documents with official seals, they were allowed to pass. The officers murmured in Burmese, discussing something inaudible. The accompanying translator could understand but didn’t dare translate for Yu Duqiu.

Back in the car, Pei Ming was puzzled, “There weren’t this many police guarding this checkpoint before. Why is it so strict today?”

Ji Lin had anticipated this question, deflecting it, “I heard there are still some armed groups in the mountains north of Mogok. Maybe something happened recently.”

Pei Ming seemed to accept this explanation, saying, “When we get to the city, let’s see if we can buy some weapons for protection.”

Ji Lin, seeing no suspicion arose, breathed a silent sigh of relief. He then noticed someone else in the car looking odd, “Yu, what’s wrong with you?”

Yu Duqiu rubbed his chin, deep in thought, “Didn’t you think… Bai Zhao’s expression was a bit strange just now?”

Ji Lin: “Everyone was focused on themselves; who would notice others? You seem to care about him a lot.”

Yu Duqiu paused his fingers, “I just happened to see it.”

Pei Ming, intrigued, asked, “Bai Zhao, the wolf? A pet name you gave him?”

“Yeah, is it not appropriate? They always say I’m bad at naming.”

“No, it’s quite fitting.” Pei Ming smiled, a fleeting, enigmatic expression crossing his handsome face.

The convoy continued forward as the night grew darker, with the temperature dropping from about thirty to the low twenties. The evening breeze was warm and pleasant.

Yu Duqiu opened the sunroof, reclined his seat, and comfortably gazed at the real natural starry sky above.

Ji Lin truly admired how Yu Duqiu could always appear so relaxed, as if nothing could ever make him panic.

After another four to five hours of driving, the convoy rounded a dark mountain bend, and the view suddenly opened up into a majestic landscape of surrounding mountains with a small city at the center of a basin, shaped like a conical hat.

“Everyone, we’ve arrived at the ‘City of Gems,'” the driver announced.

The sparse lights of the city didn’t illuminate it entirely, but the calm, mirror-like lake in the city center reflected the silver moonlight, resembling a giant gem embedded in the heart of the city, shining brightly.

From their elevated position, they could see the entire city of Mogok, and everyone visiting for the first time couldn’t help but marvel at its unexpected beauty.

As the driver drove into the city, he explained that the central lake was man-made, formed from old mining pits, and now mining was not allowed. There was a legend that anyone who mined in the lake would be cursed and would die soon.

With these half-truth legends, the convoy finally arrived at their lodging for the night. Although it was the most luxurious hotel in the area, it was quite modest compared to developed regions.

It was already 10 PM, and after a long day of travel, everyone was too tired for sightseeing and retired to their rooms. Ji Lin, seeing Pei Ming’s people had left, stopped Yu Duqiu, who was about to leave, whispering, “Come to my room later.”

Yu Duqiu was surprised, “If you want to be my bodyguard, you don’t have to climb into bed. Just apply normally.”

“…” Ji Lin’s forehead vein bulged, “Can you act like a normal person for one second? Never mind, talking to you is exhausting… Anyway, wait for me, don’t fall asleep!”

Under his stern gaze, Yu Duqiu indeed stayed awake, waiting for him in his room—at least, that’s what Ji Lin thought.

The reality was: Yu Duqiu had taken a bath, donned his plush bathrobe, and was comfortably lying on the sofa with his long legs propped up on his bodyguard’s lap, enjoying a massage, humming, “Captain Ji, I called him in to listen too… Hmm… is that okay?”

Ji Lin quickly locked the door, afraid the sounds might leak out, giving the wrong impression.

He sat on the bed, took a deep breath to calm himself in the face of their improper posture, cleared his throat, and said seriously, “Captain Xu and his team have reached the Lincang City Police Bureau. He’ll coordinate with local and Myanmar police to search for Bai Zhiming’s whereabouts.”

Yu Duqiu hummed in acknowledgment, “And then?”

… This was more like a vacation with a lover than a case investigation. Ji Lin suppressed his irritation and continued, “The Myanmar police are conducting a carpet search. Although the population here is only in the tens of thousands, many live scattered in the mountains, making it not easy to investigate. It’ll take at least another two weeks. Captain Xu wants us to assist the Myanmar police in capturing Bai Zhiming quickly. But at the same time, we can’t let the local police know we’re here to investigate, or we’ll be sent back.”

Yu Duqiu raised an eyebrow slightly, “So, they’re in the open, and we’re in the shadows?”

“Exactly.” Ji Lin said, “But this means we can’t get information from the local police; we’re on our own. Bai Zhao, considering what you know about Bai Zhiming, where would be the best place to gather information about him?”

Bai Zhao continued his massage, evenly applying pressure through the robe, “Most locals here are involved in the gem business. The gem market is where information flows most freely. Bai Zhiming used to come here often on business to buy gems; someone might remember him. We can ask around at the market tomorrow.”

Ji Lin thought it over and found the plan feasible, “Alright, after we meet the mayor tomorrow, we’ll head to the gem market to gather some intelligence… Yu, can you pull your robe down a bit? Who are you showing your legs to? I’ve been putting up with this for a while!”

Yu Duqiu smiled, “The AC here isn’t good; it’s too hot. What, are you shy about seeing a man’s legs?”

“Who’s shy? You’re the one being indecent!” Ji Lin stood up abruptly, not wanting to stay in this room that felt like a den of vice, “Anyway, be wary of Pei Ming, and with the ‘Queen’s’ identity still unknown, be cautious. I’m going back to my room; you go to sleep too, don’t be late tomorrow!”

The young officer left indignantly, and Bai Zhao also stood to leave.

Yu Duqiu used his legs to push him back down, crossing his arms and leisurely observing him, “What’s wrong? Your face looks off. You were fine when we got off the plane; what happened on the way?”

Bai Zhao blinked, “Are you worried about me?”

Yu Duqiu chuckled, “Is that so surprising?”

Bai Zhao shook his head, “It’s something that makes me happy.”

Yu Duqiu looked at the man in front of him—under the warm yellow light, his striking features lost their usual sharpness, his eyes slightly lowered, long lashes gilded with light, his lips a lighter shade, every contour softened… very gentle.

He reached out his hand involuntarily.

Bai Zhao’s eyelashes trembled as he instinctively dodged the hand reaching for his eyes, looking at Yu Duqiu with confusion.

Yu Duqiu snapped back to reality, also finding his action inexplicable.

The impulse he felt just now was like… he wanted to cup Bai Zhao’s face and kiss him.

Not as a reward or out of desire, but simply to touch him.

Bai Zhao, thinking he was being teased again, didn’t take it to heart and said, “I’m fine; I just thought of some things. I’m not sure yet, I’ll tell you once I’ve verified it back home.”

Yu Duqiu stared at his own hand, which seemed to have a mind of its own, slowly pulling it back, suppressing the stirring in his heart, his tone as casual as ever, “You’re keeping more and more secrets, huh? Won’t you really turn into a wolf?”

Bai Zhao boldly ruffled his hair, “I’m not telling you for your own good. I’m going back to my room; you should rest early.”

Yu Duqiu’s mind was in chaos, irritated by the feeling of losing control. He gave a perfunctory hum, withdrew his legs, and lay down on the bed, not bothering with the blanket due to the heat, his bathrobe open, revealing his chest covered with a thin layer of muscle, “Leave, but don’t turn off the light.”

Silence filled the room, with no sound of footsteps.

After a few seconds, the poor-quality bed creaked, and another person joined him on the bed.

Yu Duqiu felt the warm breath on his cheek, half-opening his eyes to ask the man hovering above him, “What are you doing?”

Before Bai Zhao answered, he acted—leaning down to give him a fleeting kiss on the lips.

“Goodnight kiss.”

Yu Duqiu looked into his dark, bright eyes so close to his, his Adam’s apple moving, “Only couples do that.”

“Aren’t we a couple?”

“We’re lovers.”

“Almost the same; as long as there’s ‘love’.” Bai Zhao’s gaze casually returned from Yu Duqiu’s collarbone, gently brushing aside the hair on his forehead, touching his slightly warm forehead, “You’re so hot? I’ll get a fan…”

Just as he stood up, his hand was grabbed by the side.

Bai Zhao turned back—Yu Duqiu placed his hand on his own bathrobe’s belt, as if inviting him to unwrap a gift, “Just say you want to stay.”

“…I was afraid you’d refuse.”

“My rationality tells me I should refuse.” Yu Duqiu covered his head, clicking his tongue, his eyes shifting with a glance, “But my rationality seems no match for you right now.”

Bai Zhao was stunned.

The hand holding the soft belt trembled slightly, unsure if it was from Yu Duqiu’s breathing or his own racing heart extending to his fingertips.

Either way, there was no reason to stop.

“…No need for a struggle; I surrender.” He lowered his defiant head, but bared his sharp fangs, slipping his hand under the robe, “But my surrender comes with conditions: you become my prize.”

An hour later, the night sky started drizzling again, making the air humid and stuffy. The window was open, occasionally letting in a hot summer breeze that dried the thin layer of sweat on their skin, making it sticky and uncomfortable.

Yu Duqiu, having passed the most intense moments, couldn’t stand the sensation of being clung to anymore. He retracted his tongue, pulling away from the endless kiss, blocking Bai Zhao’s pursuit with his hand, “Enough… let’s stop.”

“I’m not done yet.” Bai Zhao’s voice was hoarse as he grabbed Yu Duqiu’s wrist, licking each of his long fingers before intertwining them, pinning both hands beside the pillow. He leaned down, his sharp teeth lightly biting Yu Duqiu’s now deeply red lips, his eyes still brimming with desire, his intentions blatantly clear, “When can I have you, Young Master?”

Yu Duqiu’s chest was hit by his own pounding heart, struggling to breathe, his Adam’s apple moving, “Be more refined; don’t be so vulgar.”

Bai Zhao’s high nose brushed against Yu Duqiu’s cheek, “I’m just a common man, only wanting to do common things.”

“No chance, stop dreaming.” Yu Duqiu exerted force, freeing his hands, pushing Bai Zhao away to sit up, intending to go to the bathroom to wash off the sticky sweat. Before his feet touched the ground, he was hugged from behind.

Bai Zhao kissed his shoulder, whispering, “Is it because you don’t like it, or because I’m not worthy?”

“Both.” Yu Duqiu didn’t turn around, “You’ve crossed the line today; don’t try to challenge my limits again.”

“Or else what?”

“Or else? You dare ask. I can make exceptions for you, even let you act out once in a while, that’s my choice, but I won’t let you completely control me, understand?”

Bai Zhao gave a low laugh, “If you hold all the control, no matter how good you are to me, it can’t be called love.”

That last word was like a needle pricking into Yu Duqiu’s brain, the pain snapping him back to reality, his rationality returning, washing away all the impulses and indulgences of tonight and this period.

From beginning to end, what Bai Zhao wanted was his love.

All the rewards, care, and attention he gave, no matter how much, would never tame this wolf.

Only by taming him could it be satisfied.

But once the last line of defense is breached, what follows is being conquered, invaded, waiting to be taken until one becomes a captive.

He would not be anyone’s captive again.

After a long silence, Yu Duqiu took a deep breath, then forcefully removed Bai Zhao’s hand from his waist.

“Love, something so intangible, isn’t worth trading for control.” He stood up, his voice suddenly cold, his eyes losing their warmth, “I’ve given you far more than I’ve given to others; I can’t give more, so don’t fantasize.”

The man behind him felt his gaze like needles on his back, “Is it my fantasy, or are you afraid to admit it? Afraid to give trust?”

Yu Duqiu walked towards the bathroom, leaving him with an indifferent back, “Think what you want, but I can never love you.”

“Young Master.” Bai Zhao called out loudly, “If I die tomorrow, will you regret what you said today?”

Yu Duqiu’s steps didn’t falter, “We’ll see if you die.”

He closed the bathroom door, turning on the faucet, the sound of water covering a faint sigh.

The man in the room didn’t follow; after about a minute, the sound of the door opening and closing came, followed by footsteps fading away.

In the bathroom, the man leaned on the sink, staring at the flowing water, lost in thought for a while, then slowly closed his eyes.

“Slap.”

A not-so-gentle slap landed on his face, the crisp sound echoing in the small space, accompanied by a barely audible murmur:

“What nonsense was I talking…”