GTAS Arc. 2 Ch. 6

“If it’s the master’s will, then I, Ji Feng, will surely protect you and help accomplish the master’s grand plan.” 

As Ji Feng spoke, he dropped to one knee, his black tailcoat dragging on the greasy, dirty floor of the kitchen. Yet, he showed no sign of disgust or hesitation, bowing his head respectfully. 

Ji Yichen, holding a large, red apple, took a big bite. The crisp, sweet flesh burst with flavor in his mouth. 

It was fresh, delicious, and perfect for winning Ji Linchen’s favor. 

He reached into the counter and grabbed another apple, placing it on the lunch cart. This was the newly prepared lunch for Ji Linchen. 

“You understand, that’s good. No need to kneel so often. Just act as usual,” Ji Yichen said softly, glancing at Ji Feng. 

Ji Feng stood up, his expression returning to its usual cold demeanor. “Then, please deliver the lunch to the young master. I have other matters to attend to.” 

Watching Ji Feng, the natural-born actor and loyal servant of the Bai family, Ji Yichen’s phoenix eyes curved with curiosity as he smiled and asked, “Ji Feng, do you still remember your real name?” 

Ji Feng stared blankly at the small figure pushing the lunch cart away. No one had ever asked him that question before. He lowered his head, his bright eyes filled with an indescribable confusion. It was as if he were a lost deer, wandering deep in the forest, shrouded in fog, unable to find salvation… 

Meanwhile, Ji Yichen, munching on his apple and pushing the lunch cart, had no idea that his casual question would trigger such deep self-doubt and confusion in Ji Feng. His mind was occupied with how to please Ji Linchen. After all, the protagonist, Ji Yanzhi, would eventually join the military, but Ji Yichen, as a mere slave, couldn’t follow… 

“I’ll keep this little one by my side from now on.” 

That was what Ji Linchen had said to Lin Huai in the study that morning. Although Ji Yichen didn’t want to admit that the “little one” referred to him, it was clear that it did. 

Ji Yichen chose to believe only a fraction of what the young, strategic general said. If he couldn’t follow Ji Yanzhi to the military this time, once the war started, he would never see Ji Yanzhi again. And if Ji Yanzhi ascended the throne, completing his mission to punish the scumbag king would be harder than climbing to the heavens… Time was more pressing than he had imagined. 

“The Major General is taking a nap and said lunch can wait.” 

As Ji Yichen approached the door, he ran into Lin Huai, who was just leaving. 

Hearing Lin Huai’s words, Ji Yichen lifted his fair, delicate face and smiled brightly at him again. “Then, Doctor Lin, would you like to eat something?” 

This was the third time Ji Yichen had smiled at Lin Huai. The first was when Ji Yichen, lying weakly in bed, smiled and said, “Sorry for the trouble,” as Lin Huai prepared to treat his wounds. The second was earlier, when Lin Huai told Ji Feng to get Ji Yichen something to eat. And now, this was the third time. 

The young medic, Lin Huai, blushed and awkwardly shifted his posture, as if trying to hide something… 

For some reason, an image of Ji Linchen and Lin Huai intimately entangled on the study sofa flashed through Ji Yichen’s mind. He shuddered at the thought. 

If something like that had happened in the room just now… that would be truly terrifying… 

“Ah, I was just heading to the dining room. By the way, how’s the injury on your back?” Lin Huai quickly changed the subject to mask his flustered state. 

Ji Yichen smiled and nodded. “It’s much better now, thanks to you, Doctor Lin~” 

Lin Huai was momentarily stunned by Ji Yichen’s adorable little fang as he grinned. His face turned even redder, and he coughed lightly, avoiding Ji Yichen’s gaze. “Ahem, you need to keep applying that ointment for at least a month, or the bruising won’t fade. And, about what I said last night… don’t take it to heart. I just can’t stand the behavior of noble young masters. It wasn’t directed at you.” 

Lin Huai’s aversion to Ji Yanzhi’s actions was understandable. Born into a poor family, he had been raised with great love by his parents despite their hardships. Growing up in the slums, he had seen women treated as baby-making machines and infants sold like commodities. These scenes had left a deep shadow on his young heart. 

After joining the military, he caught Ji Linchen’s attention. Although he initially wanted to refuse, Ji Linchen offered him a house in the city, saying that even if he didn’t want to fight, he could settle there as a doctor and save lives. However, when Lin Huai went to fetch his parents, he witnessed the same infant-selling scenes from his childhood. He immediately sold the house, bought a manor in a remote town, and moved his parents and the oppressed women there. No one dared to stop him, given his status as Ji Linchen’s personal medic. 

Thus, Lin Huai returned to the military, following Ji Linchen on campaigns and earning the title of “Ghost Doctor,” becoming an excellent deputy major general. 

Knowing the backstory of the characters, Ji Yichen understood. He gently shook his head, indicating that he hadn’t taken Lin Huai’s words to heart. Then, he stepped closer to Lin Huai, looking up at the strange blush on his face, his clear phoenix eyes filled with admiration. 

“Actually, I really want to be like you, Doctor Lin—to go to the battlefield and fight the enemy!” 

Lin Huai was surprised by Ji Yichen’s words. He paused, then smiled and ruffled Ji Yichen’s soft hair. “You want to fight on the battlefield? That’s brave. But first, you need to heal your wounds. And in the future, you must learn to protect yourself, understand?” 

Ji Yichen nodded obediently. After Lin Huai left, a playful smile curled on his lips. Perfect. Even if Ji Linchen didn’t take him to the military, he could convince Lin Huai to bring him along, ensuring his plan would proceed without a hitch… 

When Ji Yichen quietly pushed open the study door and entered, he found Ji Linchen lying on the sofa, breathing steadily in his sleep. He tiptoed over and stood by the corner of the sofa, watching the sleeping man. 

Ji Linchen’s sharp, handsome features looked unusually soft in his sleep. His starry eyes were closed, long lashes slightly curled and trembling faintly, as if uneasy. His tall nose and thin lips were pressed together, as though suppressing something… 

“No, don’t…” 

Hearing Ji Linchen murmuring in his sleep, Ji Yichen leaned down curiously, trying to hear what he was saying. But just as he tilted his ear closer, Ji Linchen’s eyes snapped open, a hint of amusement in their depths. 

“Ah!” 

At that moment, a pair of strong hands wrapped around Ji Yichen’s waist, pulling him closer to the sofa. Losing his balance, Ji Yichen fell forward, landing in Ji Linchen’s warm embrace. The next second, he realized, to his shock, that his lips had landed right on Ji Linchen’s. 

Yes, that’s right—he and Ji Linchen had just kissed! 

Terrified, Ji Yichen tried to jump up and escape, but Ji Linchen held him firmly in place. 

“What? You think you can just take advantage and leave? You do know this was my first kiss, right? You have to take responsibility…” Ji Linchen teased, clearly enjoying the situation. 

Seeing no way to break free, Ji Yichen gave up and sneered. He pressed a hand against Ji Linchen’s chest and said in a soft, mocking tone, “Hmph, a man almost in his thirties still has his first kiss? People who know you would say you’re just picky, but those who don’t might think you’re… lacking in that department~” 

Ji Linchen, who had indeed just lost his first kiss, twitched at the corner of his eye. This little brat actually dared to mock him? He must have a death wish! 

Seeing Ji Linchen’s wide-eyed glare, Ji Yichen suddenly felt a chill. He quickly pulled out the apple he was holding and pressed it against Ji Linchen’s chest, forcing an awkward smile. “I was just joking, Young Master Ji. Don’t take it seriously. Here, have this delicious apple as an apology.” 

Ji Linchen stared at the bright phoenix eyes so close to his, filled with a pleading smile. He narrowed his own deep eyes and asked, “Who are these ‘people who don’t know’ you mentioned? Tell me.” 

Feeling the hand around his waist tighten, Ji Yichen raised an eyebrow and, without batting an eye, said, “Doctor Lin said it.” 

Hearing Ji Yichen’s blatant lie, Ji Linchen was both angry and amused. “Lin Huai said that? Fine, let’s see how I deal with him…” 

Ji Yichen nodded vigorously, thinking only of saving his own skin. He silently apologized to Lin Huai in his heart, but after all, Ji Linchen and Lin Huai were in that kind of relationship. Couples fight and make up, right? Surely nothing too bad would happen… 

As Ji Yichen schemed in his mind, his expressive face betrayed his thoughts, all of which Ji Linchen observed. Suddenly, Ji Linchen flipped over, pinning Ji Yichen beneath him on the sofa. 

Ji Yichen, wide-eyed, asked in confusion, “Ji Linchen, what are you doing?” 

This time, Ji Yichen didn’t use any honorifics or call him “Young Master Ji.” It seemed this little guy really wanted to test Ji Linchen’s limits… 

Ji Linchen’s lips curled into a smile, his voice laced with amusement but still carrying an undeniable authority. 

“Since others’ words can’t be trusted, why don’t you find out for yourself? See for yourself whether I’m… capable or not…”