Chapter 4

Ye Lixiao was still sitting exactly as he had been three days ago, slumped on the floor, surrounded by empty wine jars. The man who once carried himself with pride and power now looked hollow, stripped of his usual brilliance, leaving behind only quiet, aching sorrow.
What on earth had happened to him?
Xing Luo had never seen Ye Lixiao like this before.
She had always believed he was cold-blooded, emotionless, a man who cared for nothing and no one. That was what everyone said about him.
Yet here he was, looking. heartbroken.
So he did have feelings after all.
Still, Xing Luo couldn’t guess what had brought him to this state, and honestly, she wasn’t that interested.
Nimble as ever, she padded softly over to his side and lifted one tiny white paw, gently tapping twice on the back of his hand resting by his leg.
“…” Ye Lixiao finally seemed to notice her. His eyes were dark and still, lifeless pools filled with something she couldn’t begin to understand.
A heartbeat later, his large hand closed around her small body, lifting her up in front of him.
“Meow! Meow!!” Xing Luo yowled, flailing her paws. What’s this bastard trying to do now?!
Ye Lixiao’s gaze was distant, as if he wasn’t even seeing her but someone else entirely. “Luo’er.”
Then, lowering his head slightly, he pressed a light kiss to her soft, furry cheek.
“MEOW! MEOW!! MEOW!!!” How dare you! The pervert actually kissed her!
Fur bristling with outrage, Xing Luo slashed out with her claws, aiming straight for his annoyingly perfect face. Let’s see if you’re still so smug after this!
A sharp sound sliced through the air,
“Swish!”
Several thin red lines appeared on Ye Lixiao’s cheek.
“…” He blinked, momentarily dazed, then simply moved her back a little, but didn’t get angry.
Anyone else who so much as spoke rudely to him wouldn’t live to see the next sunrise. Yet now, scratched across the face, he didn’t even frown.
His gaze lingered on the tiny kitten in his hand, her fur standing on end, eyes wide with defiance. Pain flickered behind his calm eyes.
“So fierce.” he murmured hoarsely. “Just like her.”
“Meow?” Xing Luo tilted her head, still waving her paws in warning. What’s this man mumbling about now? She didn’t understand a word.
Then her stomach growled again.
“Hungry?” Ye Lixiao’s voice softened slightly, the fog in his eyes lifting. He set her down gently and rose to his feet, brushing his fingers over the scratches on his face, instantly, the wounds vanished without a trace.
He walked toward the doors and pushed them open.
Outside, two young men in blue robes were standing guard. One, with refined features, was named He Chen. The other, wild and sharp-eyed, was Yuan Xiu, Ye Lixiao’s most trusted aide.
Ye Lixiao cast a cold glance at He Chen and ordered, “Prepare water. I will bathe.”
“Yes, my lord!” He Chen immediately bowed and hurried off to give the command.
Yuan Xiu stepped forward respectfully. “My lord, you haven’t eaten in three days and nights. Shall I have a meal prepared for you?”
“Mn.”
“At once.” Yuan Xiu turned to leave.
“Wait.” Ye Lixiao’s voice stopped him.
Yuan Xiu paused. “Do you have any other orders, my lord?”
Ye Lixiao’s expression remained calm. “Also prepare. some milk.”
Without another word, he closed the door behind him.
“…” Yuan Xiu froze, utterly bewildered.
Did his lord just say.milk?
Milk? Since when did the mighty Demon King crave something like that?
Though still puzzled beyond belief, Yuan Xiu could only follow the order.