Chapter 1044: I’m Not A Man

Zhao Qian gaped at him, his mouth open.

Why did this brat look like he was wiping the peach?

When he finally came to his senses, Chu Qi had already wiped the peach clean, refolded the handkerchief, and stuffed it back into Zhao Qian’s pocket.

Zhao Qian, “…”

Chu Qi brought the clean peach to his lips and took a bite.

It was juicy and sweet—a delectable peach indeed.

“Chu Qi, you little brat! How dare you use my handkerchief and stuff it back into my pocket without washing it! You’re abominable!” Zhao Qian roared and lashed out at the boy with his fly-whisk.

Having predicted his attack, Chu Qi shielded himself behind Chu Jiu.

Zhao Qian stopped short, fuming at the sight of Chu Qi hiding fearlessly behind Chu Jiu.

He jabbed a trembling finger at him. “Chu Qi, if you’re a man, get over here.”

“If you’re a man, come and get me,” Chu Qi drawled and took another bite of his peach.

Zhao Qian blurted out somewhat smugly, “I’m not a man.”

A muscle twitched in the corner of Chu Jiu’s mouth. Had Butler Zhao lost his mind in a fit of rage?

Chu Qi gave him a significant look. “I see. Then I guess I’ll go to you.”

However, when he was about to reach Zhao Qian, he suddenly turned on his heel and darted toward Long Yang and Lu Liangwei.

Staring at the boy walking away, Zhao Qian came to his senses with a start, and his face turned beet red with anger.

Chu Jiu gave him a sympathetic pat on the shoulder before making her way over to the Emperor and Empress as well.

Naturally, Lu Liangwei had heard the commotion.

However, she was already used to it.

She had long known that the Emperor’s trusted subordinates were a bunch of goofballs.

Although they sometimes seemed unreliable, they had never failed any task given to them, and they were steadfastly loyal to Long Yang.

That was probably why the Emperor could tolerate their shenanigans.

They were his servants, but they seemed more like his brothers and friends.

Back then, Frostbite had made the Emperor’s life a living hell, but fortunately, he had Butler Zhao and the others by his side.

Seeing Chu Qi approach them, she said in amusement, “Lil Qi, why are you being mean to Butler Zhao again?”

Chu Qi’s voice was as frigid as ever. “He was the one being mean.”

Lu Liangwei was speechless.

Given how close they actually were, their fight would likely blow over by tomorrow.

She shrugged and did not make any further comment.

She passed both peaches in her hands to Chu Jiu. “Leave one for Butler Zhao.”

“Yes, Your Highness.” Chu Jiu took them from her.

“Oh, I should get one for Zhu Yu too,” Lu Liangwei said, scanning the area to see if there were any more extra huge peaches.

Sure enough, she found one soon.

After plucking it from the tree, she gave it to Chu Jiu too and instructed her to pass it to Zhu Yu later on.

She bustled around, gathering peaches for everyone—all except Long Yang.

He could not help getting upset. “Weiwei, I think you’ve forgotten someone.”

Lu Liangwei thought for a moment before exclaiming in realization, “Oh, right! There’s Chu Yi too.” She then started her search for large peaches all over again.

Long Yang’s handsome face clouded over.

Both Chu Jiu and Chu Qi backed away at the same time.

Finally sensing the change in the atmosphere, Lu Liangwei turned and was surprised to find Long Yang glowering. “What’s wrong? Did someone make you angry?”

“Have you forgotten me?” Long Yang said sulkily.

Lu Liangwei blinked, finally understanding the reason for his displeasure.

She could not help cracking a smile. “You’re the last person I’d forget, Your Majesty. But I thought you didn’t like peaches.”