Becoming Puppet Emperor of a Paranoid Eunuch - Chapter 137

While Wu Jing waited for the traditional medicine to be prepared, Ning Qinghong quietly stood by with the bag of Western medicine, watching as the boy happily ran back with the bag of traditional medicine. Wu Jing exclaimed with joy, “Brother, let’s go home!”

 

Ning Qinghong smiled, “Wuwu is so happy?”

 

Wu Jing nodded eagerly, smiling brightly, “Brother, let’s go home first, then I can introduce you to my parents!”

 

Ning Qinghong paused for a moment, then asked with a faint smile, “Has Wuwu explained everything clearly?”

 

Wu Jing’s voice lowered, “Last time, when Brother suddenly showed up at my house, it was impossible to explain. But now, it should be fine!”

 

Ning Qinghong looked at Wu Jing for a moment. The tension between his brows eased slightly, but there seemed to be a hint of regret. “Then lead the way, Wuwu.”

 

It was already close to six or seven in the evening, and the sky quickly darkened. However, even at night, the neon lights were still dazzling, illuminating the city as if it were daylight.

 

Having spent the entire day out, Wu Jing was a bit tired. He no longer leaned against the car window to introduce the beautiful scenery. With his arms full of medicine, he drowsily leaned against Ning Qinghong’s arm, murmuring in his sleep, “Brother… these lights are bright, right? Is it just as beautiful here… I want Brother to be happy…”

 

They had called for a special car, and the high fare reflected the quality of service and the luxury of the vehicle.

 

Ning Qinghong quietly pressed a button to lower the car’s partition and softly called, “Wuwu? Look up.”

 

Wu Jing sleepily opened his eyes, lifting his face to look up. Before he could react, he was gently kissed. The pressure on his lips made it hard to breathe, and he let out a faint whimper.

 

During the brief pause in the kissing, he heard the other party chuckle, “The partition isn’t soundproof, Wuwu. It’s best to keep quiet.”

 

Wu Jing immediately stifled any sound, feeling dizzy from the kisses. He finally heard a whisper in his ear, “Enough, I’ll let Wuwu go this time.”

 

He didn’t quite understand what that meant, only that his eyes were wet from the kissing. But because Ning Qinghong’s actions were gentle, there wasn’t any further movement.

 

It was clear Ning Qinghong was controlling himself.

 

By the time they arrived, Wu Jing’s face was flushed, and the base of his neck was burning red. He was so dazed that he had to be helped out of the car. Since they couldn’t go in immediately, he stood by the roadside with his arms full of medicine, burying his face in Ning Qinghong’s shoulder, rubbing against the nice fabric of his coat. After standing in the cold wind for a while, he finally calmed down and asked, still confused, “Why did Brother suddenly kiss me?”

 

He was a bit embarrassed.

 

Ning Qinghong chuckled, “Wuwu was being very good, so Brother kissed you.”

 

Wu Jing stood on tiptoe and gave Ning Qinghong a peck on the cheek. He wanted to kiss him more but knew he couldn’t. They were about to go inside, and he couldn’t show any signs of it, he thought to himself.

 

They entered through the main gate, walking along the stone path. There was a rockery and flowing water in the courtyard. Wu Jing breathed out the cold air, keeping his head down and saying nothing. The closer they got to the door, the more nervous he became. He tried to plan in his mind how to start the conversation. Lost in thought, he walked straight into the closed door.

 

Ning Qinghong sighed lightly and stopped him, “Wuwu?”

 

Wu Jing dazedly looked at the door and replied, “Ah?”

 

Ning Qinghong naturally reached out and asked, “The door code…”

 

Wu Jing subconsciously said, “26879.”

 

He didn’t notice that as soon as he spoke, Ning Qinghong had already entered the code without hesitation or confirmation.

 

Wu Jing just took a deep breath, nervously letting go of the hand holding Ning Qinghong, and walked inside with his arms full of medicine. Every few steps, he turned to look back at the man behind him.

 

Ning Qinghong glanced at his fingertips discreetly, his smile never fading.

 

Wu Jing shivered slightly. He thought it was due to the difference in temperature between indoors and outdoors. He took a deep breath to steady himself and then called out, “Dad, Mom, I’m back.”

 

Mrs. Wu and Mr. Wu were sitting in the living room watching a soap opera on TV. They were chatting and laughing when they turned to see their son with a man behind him. They were momentarily stunned, then smiled politely.

 

Mrs. Wu asked, “Wujing, you’re back?”

 

Mr. Wu added, “Why didn’t you tell us you were bringing a friend?”

 

Mrs. Wu nudged him, “It’s fine, don’t listen to your dad. The housekeeper always makes extra food, so it’s perfect.”

 

All the scenarios Wu Jing had prepared vanished in the blank space of his mind. He could only nod repeatedly, “Uh-huh, uh-huh.”

 

Ning Qinghong remained composed, speaking gently, “I apologize for disturbing you both by coming unannounced and without any gifts. Wuwu?”

 

Wu Jing responded with another “Ah?”

 

Ning Qinghong smiled and softly said, “Go upstairs and bring down the two wooden boxes I left in your room.”

 

Wu Jing dazedly complied, instinctively heading upstairs. When he looked back, he saw that Ning Qinghong had somehow already seated himself in the armchair to the right of the living room, calmly chatting, “These medicines are all mine. Your son isn’t sick.”

 

Mrs. Wu thought for a moment and then recalled, “I remember, you’re the friend Wujing mentioned yesterday, the one who’s unwell…”

 

Wu Jing had already gone upstairs and didn’t hear the rest.

 

Ning Qinghong smiled and replied, “Yes, I came specifically for treatment today. But I thought it would be polite to stop by and thank you both as well.”

 

Mrs. Wu waved her hand, “There’s nothing to thank us for. It’s a good thing we have relatives who run a private hospital. If they can help you recover, I’m sure Wujing will be very happy for you.”

 

Mr. Wu, who didn’t know about this situation, finally understood, “Yes, yes.”

 

For some reason, both of them began treating Ning Qinghong as if he were their peer, speaking to him in a tone that was not directed at a younger person. They even found his somewhat traditional way of speaking quite pleasant to hear.

**Wu Jing’s father**, being somewhat traditional, had a tea cabinet specially set up in the living room. He poured some tea and pushed it over, saying, “My young friend, have some tea, have some tea.”

 

Ning Qinghong took a sip and said, “I should be the one pouring the tea. Thank you for the trouble.” Then, as if he had eyes on the back of his head, he called out without turning around, “Wuwu? Why aren’t you coming over?”

 

Wu Jing had just come downstairs, his footsteps light but still audible. He didn’t find it strange. After putting the medicine back in its place, he was now holding two wooden boxes. He hesitated for a moment before sitting down on the chair next to Ning Qinghong, and handed the boxes over.

 

Ning Qinghong took them and opened the first box, revealing a compressed tea cake. He placed it on the table and said, “I heard you enjoy tea. This isn’t anything special, but I hope you’ll accept it with a smile.”

 

The second box contained a completely transparent white jade bracelet. Ning Qinghong added slowly, “I heard that your wife also has some assets under her name. This isn’t anything too valuable, but it might help maintain appearances.”

 

Wu Jing’s father was itching to brew a cup as soon as he saw the tea, but his wife slapped his hand away. “No, that’s too valuable.”

 

Wu Jing’s mother, who frequently attended auctions and banquets, had some knowledge of appraising items. After just one glance, she said, “This must be worth at least a million. As a gift for our first meeting, it’s way too extravagant.”

 

Ning Qinghong smiled, “It seems I didn’t think this through and have been somewhat impolite.”

 

Wu Jing’s father quickly said, “Please don’t say that. I can see this tea is very valuable. How about I just try a tiny bit, and you take the rest back?”

 

Ning Qinghong responded, “Once a gift is given, there’s no taking it back. If I visit again in the future, please forgive me if I come empty-handed.”

 

Only then did Wu Jing’s parents accept the gifts.

 

Wu Jing sat beside them like a little quail, wishing he could bury his head, completely unable to get a word in.

 

Ning Qinghong chuckled, “Wuwu, why aren’t you saying anything?”

 

Wu Jing instinctively raised his head, “R-right, this is my friend, his surname is Ning, and he has a very good personality…”

 

He was still repeating the words he had prepared in his mind earlier.

 

Wu Jing’s father shook his head and chuckled.

 

Wu Jing’s mother sighed helplessly, “Daydreaming again while the adults are talking, not paying attention at all.”

 

Ning Qinghong paused for a moment, then smoothed things over, “He didn’t say anything wrong.” He smiled, “We are indeed friends.”

 

Wu Jing swallowed nervously. Even in his dull state, he realized something wasn’t quite right, but he forced himself to go along with it and changed the subject, “Mom, I’m hungry. When are we eating?”

 

After Wu Jing’s father finished making the tea and expressed his amazement, the group moved to the dining table. Since there was a guest, Wu Jing’s mother had the housekeeper prepare two extra dishes.

 

The kitchen was semi-open, and for convenience, they usually ate at the kitchen island. But today, Wu Jing’s father unfolded the wooden dining table, turning it into an octagonal Eight Immortals Table.

 

As Wu Jing sat there listening to the laughter and conversation between the three adults, he buried his head in his food, feeling like the whole matter had already been resolved without him needing to do anything.

 

After the meal, Wu Jing’s mother asked with concern, “By the way, I asked the housekeeper to prepare a guest room. From what Wu Jing said, you came from out of town. Why not stay here tonight?”

 

Wu Jing’s eyes lit up, and he was about to nod.

 

Ning Qinghong’s smile didn’t waver, “I wouldn’t want to impose. We have plans to meet with a friend later tonight and will be heading out soon. Besides, our luggage is still at the hotel, so bringing it here would be a hassle.”

 

What friend? What gathering? What hotel?

 

Wu Jing was completely puzzled.

 

Luggage? What luggage?

 

Ning Qinghong glanced at Wu Jing and softly said, “Wuwu, why don’t you take Brother upstairs to get the medicine?”

 

Wu Jing nodded dumbly, “Okay.”

 

Ning Qinghong resumed in his normal tone, “There’s a lot of medicine. Wuwu, why don’t you grab a suitcase to help pack it?”

 

Wu Jing swallowed nervously, stiffly following Ning Qinghong upstairs. Once they were out of earshot of his parents, he whispered, “Brother, are we really going to stay at a hotel?”

 

Ning Qinghong chuckled, “Wuwu, pack some clothes. Bring plenty.”

 

The suitcase wasn’t meant for the medicine.

 

Wu Jing was slow to realize this, his eyelids fluttering as he hesitated, dragging out a suitcase. Although they were only supposed to stay for three days, he packed several sets of clothes, even putting in the crane cloak and other clothes from the fashion store. He barely managed to fit the medicine in as well.

 

As he stepped out of the room, his legs were trembling, finally feeling a bit afraid.

 

As they left through the front door, Wu Jing followed behind Ning Qinghong, who was carrying the suitcase, and looked back at his parents, hoping they would ask him to stay, his eyes full of a silent plea for help.

 

Wu Jing’s mother didn’t pick up on it at all. She smiled and said, “Shall I have the driver take you there?”

 

Ning Qinghong calmly replied, “That would be very kind, thank you.”

 

Wu Jing, still unwilling to give up, mumbled, “…Mom?”

 

His mother walked over and hugged him, saying, “Your dad said that if you really don’t mind, we can keep the baby in my belly and let you decide whether it’s a brother or sister.” She laughed, “Now go have fun with your friend.”

 

Wu Jing watched in despair as the front door closed mercilessly behind them.