Wheat Seedlings - Chapter 12

After saying goodbye to Dr. Tang, Mai Miao still wore an unhappy expression.

He shook Chen Li's hand a few times, but Chen Li held on tightly, stubbornly preventing him from lifting his head as he led him out of the hospital like a protective parent.

Once they boarded the bus, Mai Miao stomped angrily to his seat.

Just as Chen Li was about to sit beside him, Mai Miao twisted his body and plopped down on the outer seat, pouting as he stared out the window: "This seat's taken!"

With other passengers waiting to board behind them, Chen Li had no choice but to take a seat further back.

As more passengers gradually filled the bus, the two brothers sat separated—one in front, one behind.

Not long after the bus started moving, the younger one in front kept sneaking glances backward.

Whenever Chen Li made any movement, he'd quickly avert his eyes.

Absolutely fuming.

Chen Li watched that black crown of hair, imagining steam practically rising from it. No matter how heavy his heart felt, he couldn't help but smile.

Mai Miao's hair had grown somewhat long, the ends covering his pale nape where a faint, intoxicating fragrance seemed to emanate. Chen Li reached out, but the moment his fingers brushed against it, Mai Miao jerked his head away.

Undeterred, Chen Li persisted in teasing him, tracing the tips of those silken strands.

Mai Miao whipped his head around to glare.

Before Chen Li could speak, he turned away again, scooting over to the window seat.

Chen Li sat quietly behind him, savoring the moment until he noticed the seat beside Mai Miao had emptied. Seizing the opportunity, he quickly moved forward.

When Mai Miao saw Chen Li squeezing into the vacated spot, his eyes widened like copper bells—

How degenerate the world had become! Even fools weren't spared from bullying nowadays, what a complete lack of virtue!

Chen Li looked as if he'd scored some great bargain, grinning shamelessly at Mai Miao. This time, he didn't give him any chance to escape, firmly grasping that slender wrist.

The pale hand clenched into a fist, struggling briefly before being enveloped by that large palm, forcibly softened until fingers interlaced tightly together.

Later, Chen Li bought a colorful pinwheel from a roadside vendor, barely managing to placate Mai Miao.

Mai Miao admired the pinwheel, its glittering paper shining like stars.

Midway home, his steps slowed.

Following his gaze, Chen Li spotted an old man hawking roasted sweet potatoes by a metal drum across the street: "Fresh roasted sweet potatoes here—!"

Chen Li soon returned, clutching two steaming sweet potatoes as he darted across the busy road.

Mai Miao craned his neck anxiously until Chen Li reappeared before him, his expression finally relaxing as his anger fully dissipated.

Standing by the roadside, Chen Li peeled one potato, licking his scorched fingers before handing it over: "Careful, it's hot."

He didn't eat his own, simply watching as Mai Miao took bite after delicious bite.

Cars and pedestrians flowed endlessly around them.

Gradually, Chen Li's smile faded as he straightened to his full height.

His imposing frame completely shielded Mai Miao when he raised an arm.

Chen Li scanned their surroundings, all traces of tenderness and ease gone from his expression.

Now, he stood like a lion guarding its prey.

Should any fool dare reach out a hand, he'd destroy them without mercy.

Mai Miao was completely enveloped by Chen Li's scent, unable to perceive anything else.

He devoured more than half in one go, then lifted his face to look at Chen Li. Thinking he hadn't eaten any, Mai Miao hurriedly pushed the remainder toward his lips. "Gege, you eat too."

Chen Li's fierce expression instantly softened at Mai Miao's interference.

He lowered his head to take a bite, though his eyes continued scanning their surroundings.

"Is it sweet?" Mai Miao's temper came and went quickly. Now he was squinting happily, dimples appearing on his cheeks.

Chen Li smiled too, a faint dimple showing on his face as well.

***

Mai Miao hadn't expected the faucet to produce hot water directly.

Chen Li filled the bathtub to the brim for him, and Mai Miao eagerly stripped naked, lifting his leg to step inside.

As soon as he sat down, water overflowed.

Unfortunately, the bathtub was too narrow—not even spacious enough for him to stretch out properly, forcing him to sit with his legs bent. After playing with the water for a while, Mai Miao turned his head and saw Chen Li undressing too.

Chen Li wasn't just handsome in the face; his body was equally striking. When those strong arms held him tight, it felt like even if the sky collapsed, there'd be nothing to fear.

Suddenly, Mai Miao understood why all the village girls came knocking for his brother.

At this thought, his chest tightened uncomfortably, and his teeth even ached.

He'd never... felt like this before.

A few rustling sounds quickly diverted his attention again.

Chen Li pulled down his pants.

His lower abdomen was thick with hair, and hanging between his legs was a deep flesh-colored member—clearly visible even through the steam.

Now Mai Miao saw clearly: Chen Li's thing was bigger than his. Much bigger.

When Chen Li glanced over, Mai Miao immediately averted his eyes, pretending nonchalance as he splashed water around. That look was just like his usual petty tantrums, scratching at Chen Li's chest and making his heart itch.

"Look if you want to." Chen Li turned on the showerhead, water cascading down. Instantly, the bathroom filled with steam.

He washed himself casually as he added, "My wife—what can't you see?"

Mai Miao's face burned. He turned his head away, then back again. Biting his lower lip, he said, "Miao Miao... isn't your wife." The sound of running water behind him stopped.

Mai Miao felt a wave of heat approach before Chen Li's voice sounded by his ear: "Why isn't Miao Miao my wife?"

"...Huh?"

With that "huh," scorching lips landed beside his ear.

Mai Miao felt heat spread not just through his ears but his entire body.

Yet he still hesitated before answering: "Wives... have to sleep together. Every day." He swallowed hard, voice tiny. "And have babies." Turning his face to meet Chen Li's eyes, he said seriously, "Miao Miao is a boy... can't have babies."

Mai Miao's world was simple—if he couldn't bear children, then of course he couldn't be Chen Li's wife.

He thought to himself, his brother was so silly not to know this.

And he couldn't lie to him either.

A calloused hand cupped the young man's face.

Rough fingertips gently brushed across his skin.

Chen Li lowered his head, his face brushing against Mai Miao's nose. Like a beast retracting its claws, he carefully nuzzled the small white flower cradled in his palm.

This little white flower bloomed in the wheat field, at its most radiant, its intoxicating fragrance filling the air.

No matter how tightly he hid it, someone would always find it.

As their cheeks brushed together, that hand slid up to the nape of Mai Miao's neck, kneading the delicate skin there.

The touch instinctively made Mai Miao uncomfortable. He frowned and squirmed slightly. Suddenly, with a splash, Chen Li pulled him tightly against his chest and kissed him fiercely.

Mai Miao's legs kicked in the water for a moment before stilling.

The cramped bathing area was filled with the wet sounds of their kisses, occasionally interrupted by the sloshing of water. "Ah...!"

A startled gasp escaped him.

Mai Miao tilted his head back in the water, his upper body still pressed against Chen Li's chest.

The man dipped his head again, sealing their lips together.

One of his arms slipped beneath the water, letting those smooth legs wrap around it.

Mai Miao's entire body flushed pink, his legs restlessly shifting in the water, his expression betraying his restless thoughts.

Beneath the clear surface, the shadow of a tanned hand lingered between his thighs, two thick fingers thrusting in and out of a certain spot, stirring the water into ripples.

Chen Li had only indulged with Mai Miao a few times during his episodes. After that, it had all been bluster—never anything real.

Logically, Chen Li was in his prime, and Mai Miao had only just tasted desire—both should have been at their most eager.

But there were concerns on both sides. First, in the village, where neighbors knew everything, they couldn't be too obvious. Second, Chen Li worried about Mai Miao's health, afraid he might lose control and exhaust him day and night.

Mai Miao was still new to all this, tender in body and mind—how could he endure such intensity?

Besides, the nature of their relationship was still unsettled.

Chen Li had a stubborn thought in his heart—he wanted to know what Mai Miao truly felt about the two of them.

"Ah...!"

Mai Miao cried out again as Chen Li lifted him from the water with both hands.

Their lips barely parted before they crashed together once more.

Pinned against the wall, Mai Miao twisted his face away under Chen Li's relentless kisses, whimpering softly.

Between ragged breaths, Chen Li grabbed his hand and dragged it downward. Mai Miao tried to pull back but failed, his fingers brushing against the thick, hard length.

He lowered his head under Chen Li's demanding kiss, watching as the man guided his hand up and down.

That cock stood swollen between them, making Mai Miao's mouth go dry, his Adam's apple bobbing.

Chen Li noticed Mai Miao pouting, muttering something.

Leaning closer, he caught the words: "...rolling pin..."

Chen Li chuckled and nipped his earlobe. "Asking for trouble."

Mai Miao remembered the last time Chen Li had said that—and how he had indeed "troubled" him afterward.

Chen Li had originally planned to stop while he was ahead.

But perhaps he had overestimated his own restraint—or underestimated Mai Miao's ability to provoke him.

Mai Miao stroked the long, rigid shaft and asked hoarsely, "Can I... lick it?"

Chen Li thought he hadn't heard correctly, his mind buzzing. He blurted out, "What?"

Mai Miao's ears were red to the point of burning, as if he'd made some resolute decision. He crouched down.

Facing that stiff, upright rod, he lifted his eyes slightly, looking at Chen Li with an innocent expression, seemingly unsure where to begin. Chen Li only felt his scalp tingling. His hand caressed Mai Miao's cheek, and as if guided by some unseen force, he leaned his hips forward.

The tip brushed against those slightly parted, damp lips—the heavy musk mixed with the scent of gunpowder clinging to Chen Li rushed straight into Mai Miao's nose.

Suddenly understanding, he tentatively extended his tongue.

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