Chapter 149: Second World: Curiosity Killed the Cat

Wen Qinxi head towards his pavilion in large strides almost blacking out in rage. He was closed off to the world with that footage replaying over and over again in his mind like a broken record. He was immersed in that bubble so much so that he didn't notice Qie Ranzhe silently following behind him. He just wanted to find a safe space to calm the storm raging within and if he was outside the game it would be his bedroom.

In a matter of minutes he was in his pavilion heading straight for his room when he heard a deep gentle voice calling out to him.

"Xieshu.....," called out a nervous Qie Ranzhe not sure were to start. He desperately wanted to talk things through and clear out all misunderstanding but faced with Zhao Xieshu's grim expression his words got stuck in his throat his mind going blank.

It was only then did Wen Qinxi notice he had a tail. Qie Ranzhe had been following behind his footsteps all the way to his pavilion but he hadn't noticed and wasn't in the mood to talk. In fact, with the kind uncontrollable anger surging within it wasn't a good idea for the Marshal to stay here.

"Go rest, will talk tomorrow," replied Wen Qinxi his tone unhurried and aloof before heading upstairs leaving the Marshal standing in the middle of the lounge with a pained expression.

Wen Qinxi didn't even look back instantly taking off his clothes to take a shower as soon as he entered his room hoping to soothe his temper and clear his mind by running some warm water all over his body.

'Gecko, you are doing well. Your heart rate is now decreasing,' said a familiar voice but Wen Qinxi was startled squeezing out too much shower gel that it spilled over to the floor.

"Shit!....What the fuck are you all still doing here? Why haven't you closed the communication channel yet?" he said rinsing off the excess slippery shower gel from his hand before turning off the water.

"Ha!...Thats what we get for caring for you? You scared the shit out of me and Xia Bai with your abnormal heart beat," said Hei Bao in a nasal tone voicing out his complaint.

Xia Bai reached out to gently rub Hei Bao's earlobe saying, "You were the only one freaking out like dog before a storm it was kind of cute," in an obviously amused tone.

"Who are calling cute?" protested Hei Bao removing Xia Bai's fingers off his earlobe which the guy seem to like doing often these days, "You were frantic as well calling doctor Machu with tears in your eyes. Awwww...such a sensitive soul."

Wen Qinxi suddenly felt a sour taste in his mouth hearing them bicker in such a weird way. The dynamics of their argument seemed different from what he was used to and he found this kind rather sickening. Tired of it he asked, "Are you flirting or fighting? If you have nothing important to say then piss off," obviously still in a bad mood. He wanted some personal space but these two invaded his serene atmosphere disturbing his peace.

"Who is fucking flirting? Qi-ge you really have no filter when you are angry. Remind me never to screw with you in the future," said a Hei Bao in a taut voice before walking towards the exit.

Seeing him leave, Xia Bai asked, "Where are you going?"

"To the vending machine," he casually answered while opening the door.

With a beaming smile Xia Bai replied, "Wait for me?" before whispering to Wen Qinxi through the open channel, "We were flirting by the way," dropping such an explosive bomb, Xia Bai hurried after Hei Bao indifferent towards Wen Qinxi's reaction.

Wen Qinxi, "...."

Machu had been around long enough to know that something fishy was going on between them two and the rumors in the office was fueling his suspicions. Tossing those thoughts at the back of his mind he asked a much more important question. "Hey, Gecko. Do you like Ran-ge by any chance," recalling how angry Wen Qinxi was when they were eavesdropping on his argument with Empress Wuzhishu and Zhao Huangzhi. He couldn't help but feel a genuine emotion coming from Wen Qinxi's voice earlier on. This kind of emotion was beyond acting and he just had to ask but instead of a response he only received an automated reply, "Communication channel severed. Have a nice day."

Machu, "..."

"Hahahaha.....doc you must be familiar with the term curiosity killed the cat? I suggest you stick to medical questions from now on, hahaha," said the system amused by Machu's frank method of questioning.

Machu knew the system was right but the last time he didn't intervene, Qie Ranzhe ended up dating Zhao Huangzhi and we all know what a nightmare that was. He sincerely hoped after this, his best friend won't be a coward anymore and face his feelings head on.

***

Wen Qinxi felt bad for cutting off Machu but how was he supposed to answer that question? Frustrated, he cut the channel reaching out to switch the shower back on. After an hour of running a steamy shower and almost slipping on shower gel, Wen Qinxi emerged from the shower feeling refreshed as though the water had washed away all his frustrations. His stomach grumbling, he put on a loose white t-shirt with a low collar and some random jogger pants heading downstairs to make something to eat.

He was literally bouncing down the stairs when he caught sight of Qie Ranzhe right where he left him looking lost in thought. Wen Qinxi's heart sank at the thought that this man stood there the entire time waiting for him to come down. Why didn't he listen and go home? "What are you still doing here?" he asked after the initial shock wore off.

Qie Ranzhe finally snapped out his trance but he was soon left in a stupor faced with such a tantalizing meal right in front of him. Zhao Xieshu's hair was slightly damp with his blonde strands sticking to his forehead and supple crimson cheeks giving him an enticing appearance under the bright natural light. His line of sight soon fell on the prince's exposed fair long neck and captivating collarbone making Qie Ranzhe gasp heavily trying to control his impulses.

"I want to talk to you," he said trying not to look but how on earth was he supposed to restrain himself from such a dazzling omega who was intentionally driving his hormones crazy. He found his throat invaded by dry heat thirst that couldn't be quenched no matter how much he swallowed. "Ahem...may I...may I have a glass of water please," he said attempting to cover up the lust in his eyes.

Wen Qinxi led the way to the kitchen and poured him a glass while beckoning him to sit down. Qie Ranzhe sat across him on a bar stool with the glass in hand. The entire glass couldn't completely quench his thirst but it helped him cool down.