CHAPTER 109: STANNIS PURSUING HIS PRINCE

Stannis remained frozen, leaning over him, his eyes glazed and dark with want. His chest was rising and falling rapidly.

And there, pressed against the thigh of his tailored trousers, was the unmistakable, thick outline of his erection, a blatant testament to how that kiss had affected him.

Jian Rui’s own breath was ragged. He lifted a slightly trembling hand and wiped the corner of his wet mouth, his eyes locked on Stannis’s desperate, hungry face.

"You are a beast, you know that?" Jian Rui’s voice was rough, scraped raw.

A slow, dangerous smile spread across Stannis’s face, all teeth and charm. He didn’t move away. Instead, he leaned in closer, his voice a low, gritty rumble that vibrated straight through Jian Rui.

"You have no fucking idea, baby." His gaze dropped to Jian Rui’s lips, then lower, down his throat, to where his own hand still rested on his collarbone. "All I could think about on the way here was this. Was you. Was getting my mouth on you."

Jian Rui, "..."

He glanced at the time on his communicator and sighed. "I have ten minutes left."

Stannis leaned against the desk, his smile warm but insistent. "Have a bite before you go."

"I ate," Jian Rui replied quickly, though his tone lacked conviction.

Stannis’s eyes narrowed, his expression saying more than words ever could. I know you are lying.

Jian Rui exhaled, shoulders slumping. The truth was simple. He had only managed a cup of coffee before leaving home, intending to heat up a nutrient supplement later. Without Jian Ci, the house felt hollow.

Jian Ci had been the only one who could cook, and now the kitchen was cold, lifeless, with meals reduced to what robots could prepare.

Stannis reached out, clasping Jian Rui’s hand gently. "Come and eat before you go."

Reluctantly, Jian Rui allowed himself to be led to the couch. He sat down, and Stannis settled beside him, opening the lunch bag. Inside was fluffy rice porridge and fresh fruits, their aroma comforting.

Jian Rui glanced at him, curiosity flickering. "Where did you get it?"

He picked up the spoon and tasted the porridge. It was light, fluffy, and unexpectedly good.

Stannis’s hand brushed the nape of Jian Rui’s hair, caressing softly. "Do you like it?"

"I love it," Jian Rui admitted, lips curling faintly.

"Good," Stannis said, his smile beaming with satisfaction.

Jian Rui’s gaze dropped suddenly to Stannis’s healing burns on his hand. Stannis noticed and tried to hide it, but Jian Rui caught his hand firmly. "Why would you even do that?" he asked, his voice low, carrying both concern and reproach.

Stannis leaned back against the couch, his voice low but steady. "I know that now Jian Ci is gone the meals aren’t to your taste, so I made you something."

Jian Rui froze. He didn’t know how to feel. This man was driving him insane—relentless in his pursuit, working so hard to convince him into a relationship. And Jian Rui couldn’t lie, he was moved. Incredibly so. Yet no matter how he looked at it, this relationship was destined to fail.

He got up and looked for the medical kit. When he sat back down he pulled out healing ointment, he carefully applied it to Stannis’s injured hand. Stannis didn’t move, didn’t speak. He just stared at Jian Rui, his gaze hot, intense, unwavering. Jian Rui felt it, like Stannis was etching his name onto his very soul.

"Keep looking," Jian Rui muttered, "and I will gouge out your eyes."

Stannis chuckled, unbothered. "Sure, go ahead—as long as you take responsibility for me."

Jian Rui sighed, exasperated. "Marshal Stannis, do you have any self-respect?"

"Eat," Stannis said firmly, his tone softening. "I worked really hard to make this for you."

Jian Rui gave a small hum of acknowledgment and began eating again, the porridge warm and comforting. Stannis watched him closely, his smile faint but satisfied.

"Can I have a taste?" Stannis asked suddenly.

Jian Rui glanced into the lunch bag. "There is no other spoon," he said flatly, though his lips twitched as if fighting a smile.

Stannis leaned back with a mischievous grin, his voice low and teasing. "We have kissed so many times and done so many things... why can’t we share a spoon?"

Jian Rui raised a brow, his lips twitching. "Here," he said, holding the spoon out.

But Stannis shook his head, his smile widening. Jian Rui studied him for a moment before realization dawned. He chuckled softly, amused by the childish demand. Bringing the spoon to Stannis’s lips, he fed him.

Stannis’s eyes lit up, his happiness unrestrained. He leaned even closer, their shoulders pressing together, warmth flowing between them.

"What did you want to tell me?" Jian Rui asked, his tone shifting to something more serious.

Stannis’s expression sobered. "I found Yu Xi’s brother—or sister, I think. I am not sure how to address this situation."

Jian Rui’s eyes widened. Surprise rippled through him. Despite having the best resources of all the royal children, finding Xiaobao had been nearly impossible. Whoever was backing Xiaobao clearly didn’t want him found. Come to find out he had changed his gender.

"Where is he?" Jian Rui asked sharply.

Stannis transferred the file to Jian Rui’s communicator. Jian Rui scanned it quickly. Besides age and current status, there was little detail. But one fact stood out: Xiaobao had enrolled at the Virelia Institute of Neural Sciences.

His brow creased as he studied the file Stannis had given him. Something about it was fishy. It was too neat wbd too conveniently timed like they wanted him found. His instincts told him there was more beneath the surface.

Stannis leaned back, his grin wide. "How about it, am I impressive?"

Jian Rui looked at him, lips curling faintly. "Yes, you are." He leaned forward and kissed him, brief but enough to make Stannis beam. Stannis was so happy he couldn’t stop smiling, his entire face lit with satisfaction.

The moment was suddenly interrupted by the sharp ring of Jian Rui’s communicator. He answered quickly—it was already time for his meeting. Rising, he slipped into his uniform jacket, straightening the collar with practiced precision. "I have to go," he said, glancing at Stannis. "Are you going to wait for me, or are you leaving?"

Stannis walked over and embraced him from behind, his voice low. "I will wait for you."

"Just don’t make trouble in my office," Jian Rui warned.

"I won’t," Stannis replied smoothly.

Jian Rui kissed his cheek before leaving, his stride purposeful.