Chapter 85 (NEW)

Wait, what did he just just say? Shen Fengyue was completely flabbergasted.

It sounded like… he wanted me to help him with a back rub. Oh right, a back rub.

Hold on, a back rub?!!!

Shen Fengyue’s eyes widened in shock. His face was full of disbelief, all the words he wanted to utter were caught in his throat, neither coming out nor settling down. It was incredibly stifling.

However, Albert didn’t seem to care. With crossed arms, he gave a slight tug upwards, bowing slightly as he smoothly removed the last piece of clothing, revealing a back full of scars.

“Captain…” Seeing that back, Shen Fengyue couldn’t help but exclaim.

“Hmm?” Without turning his head, Albert swiftly removed his trousers, took a long stride, and, with his back to Shen Fengyue, stepped into the bathroom.

Shen Fengyue stood rooted to the spot. After Albert waited for a bit without hearing him come in, he called out, “Little chef, hurry up.”

“Oh.”

Shen Fengyue responded, then entered the bathroom. He closed the door behind him, and when he turned around, he saw Albert already seated in the bathtub with his back facing him.

The tub was filled to the brim with water, and as he entered, some of it spilled over, splashing onto the floor, and leaving wet patches all around.

The man in the water held onto the edges of the tub with both hands, his wrists hanging down and the knuckles of his fingers looked prominent. The water level was up to his waist, below which was a region that one wouldn’t casually glimpse.

Albert had held the top position in the Lone Wolf for many years, his status was unshakable, with no one daring to challenge him. Shen Fengyue knew Albert possessed great physical prowess, but this was just a vague notion without concrete details.

However, at this moment, as he saw Albert’s body, Shen Fengyue thought – I understand now.

Albert had a splendid physique. His limbs were long and lean, bones proportionate, and muscles not bulging grotesquely but distributed evenly where they should be. Those muscles became prominent with his movements, the lines were smooth and brimming with power.

Even though Shen Fengyue was a man, he had to admit, that such a physique would captivate the heart of any observer, regardless of gender.

But at this moment, what caught his attention wasn’t Albert’s formidable build but the scars – big and small – that adorned his back when he turned around.

There were two fierce scars on his back, reminiscent of two fierce beasts, refusing to fade easily. In this interstellar era where technology was advanced, ordinary scars could be healed. Yet, these two remained, reminding any onlooker of the depth of the injury the bearer once sustained.

Beyond these deep scars were lighter, fainter ones. Some were old, others were recent – new injuries layered over old, painting a striking picture.

“Little chef?” Standing at the door, Shen Fengyue was motionless. Albert turned his head and asked, “Why aren’t you coming over?”

Shen Fengyue was jolted back to reality by his voice. As he approached, stepping into a shallow puddle, there was a crisp “pop” sound, like that of a water bubble bursting. He halted, gazing at Albert’s back.

“Help me scrub my back. I can handle the front.” Seeing Shen Fengyue come closer, Albert turned his head away and handed him a washcloth.

Shen Fengyue took it, holding the cloth in his hand but hesitating to begin. Instead, he lightly tapped a rare unscarred patch on Albert’s back with a finger and asked softly, “Captain, does it hurt?”

His touch was gentle, almost flirtatious, causing the body beneath to tense instantly. Albert felt awkward. He was interested in Shen Fengyue but knew well that the feelings weren’t reciprocated. If he were to express himself openly, he might just scare away his dear cute “little chef.”

With a slight shrug, he deliberately moved away from Shen Fengyue’s touch.

“It doesn’t hurt.”

Shen Fengyue lowered his eyes, just beside his fingers lay a fresh wound. The skin around its edge oozed with traces of blood, while the center bore signs of a burn. Without guessing, he knew that this was an injury suffered on his behalf.

Shen Fengyue felt a pang of pain, and couldn’t help but whisper, “I’m sorry, Captain. It was my fault you got hurt.”

“A bit of injury for a grown man like me is nothing, don’t worry about it.” Albert discerned the guilt in Shen Fengyue’s words. Not wanting him to blame himself, he comforted, “Besides, it’s not your fault. Who could’ve known that the damned spaceship would run out of energy?”

Grasping the sentiment in Albert’s words, Shen Fengyue remained silent. He set the cloth aside, sprinkled some water on it, and then wrung it gently on his hand. With great care, he began to dab and wipe away the grime on the captain’s back.

He worked meticulously, leaning in close to Albert’s back, focusing intently on picking out dirt and using the cloth to wipe away blood traces.

Because of the close proximity, Shen Fengyue’s warm breath lightly brushed against Albert’s skin. While Albert’s face was as calm as a monk’s, inside, his heart raced, and the muscles on his back involuntarily tensed with a faint soreness creeping in.

Inwardly, he kept repeating, “Stay calm, stay calm, stay calm!”

But… The ‘little chef’, he… he is leaning too close! As if…. at any moment his lips might touch!

Perhaps Albert was too tense, as his body unexpectedly twitched. Coincidentally, at that very moment, Shen Fengyue also leaned in even closer.

Albert’s body jerked backward slightly, while Shen Fengyue leaned forward just a bit. It was a small movement, but its consequence was significant.

With a soft smack, Shen Fengyue’s lips landed on one of the wounds.

The gentle touch of his lips against Albert’s sensitive back sent a potent sensation straight to his brain, which then spread through his entire body, making sure every part was acutely aware.

Neither of them had anticipated such a peculiar turn of events. Both froze on the spot, with Shen Fengyue’s mouth still against the wound and Albert’s body growing even more rigid.

The atmosphere suddenly became still, carrying a strange and ambiguous factor.

Eventually, amidst this ambiguous atmosphere, Albert spoke, his voice faltering, “You…” Slowly, the visible tips of his ears turned crimson, the redness threatening to spread further.

“I’m so sorry, Captain!” Shen Fengyue hurriedly pulled away, apologizing, daring not to get that close again.

“Cough, it’s fine.”

Neither of them spoke again. After experiencing such an awkward moment, it was hard to find words.

Shen Fengyue continued to scrub Albert’s back, diverting all his attention to the task. Meanwhile, Albert discreetly moved a bit forward, creating some distance between them. His right hand, resting on the edge of the bathtub, rhythmically tapped.

After a while, Shen Fengyue finally finished cleaning the captain’s back. Seeing the scars on it, especially the fresh ones caused on his behalf, he softly murmured, “Captain, you are quite good.”

“Hmm?” Albert, lost in thought, was startled by the little chef’s words and inquired with a hint of amusement, “Good in what way?”

After a moment of hesitation, Shen Fengyue managed, “You’ve been very good to me.”

Albert couldn’t contain his laughter upon hearing this. He laughed out loud, making his body shake slightly with mirth.

With the back taken care of, Albert could handle the rest. So Shen Fengyue excused himself, quickly exiting the bathroom and leaving Albert alone.

The next day, Shen Fengyue was quick with his morning routine. After washing up, he headed to the kitchen. After preparing breakfast, he even brought up Albert’s portion.

Albert sat at the table, picking up his chopsticks to eat.

Shen Fengyue told him, “Captain, I prepared something light for you. It’s beneficial for your recovery.”

Albert nodded, chewing his food. After a moment, he suddenly said, “I once heard a saying.”

Shen Fengyue was puzzled.

Albert’s eyes crinkled with mischief as he tilted his head towards Shen Fengyue, “To capture a man’s heart, first capture his stomach.”

Shen Fengyue, “…” Why did that sound so strange?

And as if on cue, Albert continued, “Little chef, your cooking is so delicious, and you’re so considerate. You’ve captured my heart. If you were a woman, I’d definitely marry you.” He laughed more audaciously as he spoke with a wild, mischievous glint in his eyes and a wickedness that made people’s teeth itch in hatred.

Shen Fengyue gritted his teeth, giving Albert a cold glare. But the captain seemed completely oblivious, laughing even more heartily, half-seriously joking about marrying Shen Fengyue as his wife.

What should I do if I want to poison him to death again?!

Was Albert truly incapable of reading the room? Unlikely. It was just that every time he was with Little Chef, he couldn’t resist teasing him. Seeing Shen Fengyue riled up always filled him with joy.

Such a mindset can simply be described as the behavior of a mischievous schoolboy. Teasing the one he likes, believing the more you annoy them, the more it means you like them. A surely lonely way to behave.

So while a little teasing brought momentary joy, constant teasing was perpetual amusement. Captain Albert was deeply and irreversibly enchanted by this game.

Still upset about the morning’s incident, Shen Fengyue gave Albert the cold shoulder for quite some time. However, by the afternoon, Albert, under the pretext of a casual stroll, practically dragged Shen Fengyue out onto the streets.

“Hmph!” Every few steps, Shen Fengyue would let out a pronounced snort from his nose, emphasizing his displeasure.

Holding onto Shen Fengyue, Albert was afraid that if he let go, the young man would take off running. After hearing another round of snorts, Albert finally lost his patience. First, he mimicked Shen Fengyue’s disgruntled noises, then remarked, “Why are you grumbling and snorting the whole way? You sound like a petulant little pig.”

“Is that so? Hmph, hmph, hmph~” He exaggeratedly snorted three more times for emphasis.

Shen Fengyue turned his face away, deliberately ignoring Albert. “Hmph, you’re the little pig here.”

Albert chuckled.

I successfully provoked him once again. So cute, so satisfying! ——

Thankfully, Shen Fengyue wasn’t privy to Albert’s inner thoughts. If he was, he’d probably stomp on the man’s foot out of sheer annoyance.

After they had walked a little more, Albert suddenly took Shen Fengyue’s face in his hands, gently turning it to face him. “Always turning your head away like that, aren’t you afraid it’ll get stuck that way? Everyone will start calling you ‘Crooked-Neck Chef Shen’. How unflattering that would be.”

Then, still holding Shen Fengyue’s face, he directed his gaze towards a stall in front of them. “Do you want some? I’ll buy it for you.”

You’re the one with a crooked neck!!!

Shen Fengyue tried to turn away, but Albert’s grip was firm. Reluctantly, he looked at the stall.

It seemed to sell some kind of shaved ice or ice cream, vibrantly colored, but with ingredients he couldn’t recognize.

Albert winked at him, “Do you want some?”

“No.” Shen Fengyue declined firmly.

Using his thumbs, Albert playfully covered Shen Fengyue’s mouth, speaking for him, “No, you do want some.”

Shen Fengyue, “?????”

“Mmmph, mmmph, mmmph!!”

“Boss, one for me, please.” Meanwhile, Albert was already placing an order with the stall owner.

The vendor had been in the business for years, and his speed at preparing the order was impressively fast. In no time, he handed the treat over to Shen Fengyue, who reached out to take it. Albert then wrapped an arm around Shen Fengyue and they walked away.

Shen Fengyue shifted, not particularly keen on being this close to Albert. But Albert clung to him like super glue, impossible to shake off.

Unable to break free, Shen Fengyue’s attention diverted to the “ice cream” in his hand.

Tch, this meddlesome, autocratic jerk! He shot Albert a glare, only to receive a grin in response.

The ice cream came with a small spoon, making it easy to eat. He scooped a spoonful and tasted it, momentarily taken aback.

“How’s it? Good?” Albert asked with a teasing smile.

Shen Fengyue turned his face away, not answering. Instead, he scooped up another mouthful, letting it melt slowly before swallowing.

The ice cream had a unique texture. It was both soft like cotton candy and refreshing like ice cream. As it melted in the mouth, it transformed into a sweet liquid, flowing down his throat.

Mmm, it’s actually quite tasty. But I won’t admit it. Otherwise, wouldn’t Albert’s ego skyrocket?

Trying to remain nonchalant, Shen Fengyue commented, “It’s just… so-so.”

Hmph!

Albert didn’t call him out on the pretense, still maintaining his cheerful demeanor, seemingly content.

As Shen Fengyue walked and ate the ice cream, Albert ensured he wouldn’t stray away. Looking at the rather goofy and content little chef, Albert finally felt reassured enough to release him. To Albert’s surprise, once freed, Shen Fengyue didn’t wander off. Instead, he obediently stayed by Albert’s side. Witnessing this, a jubilant tune played in Albert’s heart; he was so elated he was almost humming out loud.

As they passed a certain spot, Albert came to a halt.

It was a notice, issued by the Federal Headquarters, stating they were recruiting a group of guards from the civilians.

Albert stared at the notice, looking deep in thought. A cryptic smile graced his face.

Seeing that smile, Shen Fengyue had a sinking feeling, sensing trouble. Albert looked like a mischievous child, preparing to play a prank.

“What are you up to?”

Albert didn’t respond. Instead, the corners of his lips curled upward even more.

Oh no… Shen Fengyue felt a slight twitch in his right eyelid.