A name similar to Li Fugui next door

Demon Gathering Island.

Tie Mansion.

Luxurious… truly extravagant!

The lifestyle of the rich was beyond imagination.

Inside the room, Xiao Yu soaked in a wooden tub, leaning back with a relaxed expression, sighing in admiration.

Fragrant incense burned nearby, filling the space with its scent. Petals of soft pink floated atop the warm water, exuding a gentle floral aroma.

Immersed in this, Xiao Yu felt his fatigue melt away. Even the stagnant spiritual energy in his meridians stirred slightly, beginning to flow again.

No wonder they said—Tie Mansion wasn’t the richest on Demon Gathering Island, but it certainly had no shortage of money.

As soon as Xiao Yu entered the estate, he felt like Liu Laolao stepping into Grand View Garden—overwhelmed by the dazzling sights and rare, exotic items everywhere.

Even the two sika deer grazing in the courtyard probably cost more than everything he owned combined.

Frankly, Xiao Yu hadn’t expected Tie Yanran to agree so easily to let him stay the night. He’d braced himself for some persuasion.

Yet upon arriving at Tie Mansion, he was given the best room without hesitation.

Originally, he had even thought—*if things go bad, I can just sleep in the woodshed.*

But now, looking at this opulent room bathed in golden light, especially the wide bed dressed in pristine white silk curtains and two jade pillows…

Forget the woodshed.

This place was too good.

Still, despite the comfort, Xiao Yu couldn’t shake a sense of unease.

He sat upright, brown eyes flickering with contemplation. The water in the tub rippled, splashing gently against his chest.

Tie Yanran’s behavior toward him was worth pondering. From their first meeting, Tie seemed to recognize him—but Xiao Yu had no recollection of ever meeting him before.

Could it be…
He was actually one of those types? Was his hospitality just an excuse to seduce him?

Looking at the large bed clearly meant for two people, he fell into deep thought.

Just as Xiao Yu considered whether he should weld the iron underwear Fan Hai made for him onto his body tonight—

A slender figure appeared outside the door. From the silhouette cast through the paper screen, it was definitely a delicate woman.

Knock knock!

“Sorry to disturb you!”

A voice—soft, neutral, impossible to determine gender—called out. A smooth, pale hand pushed open the door, stepping inside.

The visitor was a woman—graceful, willow-soft brows, eyes like moonlit waters, skin fair as snow, lips like cherries, teeth pearly white, hair flowing like a waterfall—exuding elegance.

The only flaw? The area where curves should’ve been remained frustratingly flat.

She wore a simple pale robe, her slender frame radiating innocence and purity. Her eyes held a faint moisture—as if always on the verge of tears—making her appear heartbreakingly beautiful. Truly peerless in appearance.

……

Wow… stunning.

Xiao Yu blinked, then quickly submerged himself deeper into the water, making sure nothing showed.

“This young lady… did you get the wrong room?”

He rasped, half-bent over awkwardly.

They say a man is weakest when defecating—but now he realized bathing wasn’t much safer.

“Nope. I came here specifically for you.”

Her voice was sweet and gentle. Then came a crisp click—she locked the door from the inside.

“……”

Crap! N-No way…
Could this really be what he thought it was?

Back in his previous life, Xiao Yu had only read about this in novels—maids sent in to serve during baths.

Never did he expect to experience it firsthand.

Tie Mansion truly lived up to its reputation.

Was today the day he finally crossed into adulthood?

Never imagined Jade-Faced Demon Tie would be like this…

Of course, Tie Yanran must’ve arranged this.

For that, Xiao Yu wanted to ask:
Brother Tie, what do you take me for? I’m a true gentleman—doesn’t steal, doesn’t peek sideways…

But secretly eyeing the girl, he chuckled inwardly.
Alright then… Brother Tie, your judgment is spot-on!

Just as Xiao Yu prepared to accept this unexpected gift—

The delicate beauty turned sideways, gazing at him with a slight smile:

“Yu Gege… long time no see. You’re finally back!”

At her words, Xiao Yu spotted something familiar around her neck.

Looking closely at this incredibly beautiful woman before him, Xiao Yu froze.

Throat… Adam’s apple?!

Xiao Yu was certain—this extremely pretty person who looked more feminine than most women…

Was still a man.

After dressing in the clothes already laid out for him, finishing his bath, Xiao Yu stood up.

Throughout, the “woman” politely turned around while he got changed, only turning back once he was fully clothed.

Strange. They were both men—why the modesty?

“Hehe… Seeing Yu Gege like this brings back memories. I remember when you used to take me and Big Brother to bathe in the creek. Hehe! White Sister must be so happy you’re back!”

The “girl” smiled sweetly, revealing two small ivory fangs—a strangely charming touch.

With a nostalgic tone, she continued:

“At first, I thought I saw wrong when Big Brother brought you home. But now I know—it really is you, Yu Gege!”

Seeing her getting sentimental, Xiao Yu quickly raised a hand:

“W-Wait a second… my mind’s a bit foggy right now. Memory’s not great lately. This younger miss… or rather, sir—may I ask who you are?”

“I’m Tie Zhu! Don’t you remember? When we were little, you used to play with me and Big Brother all the time!”

Tie Zhu…

Looking at the graceful, ethereal beauty before him, Xiao Yu winced slightly.

Such a strong sense of dissonance.
What kind of parents gave their son such a name?

It was like comparing him to his neighbor Li Fugui—names were absolute disasters.

Still, after a moment of recall, fragments surfaced in Xiao Yu’s mind.

Back when he first took Bai Yan as a disciple, she was cold and aloof, barely making any friends. It looked like she might grow up isolated.

To give her a better childhood—to awaken her emotions—Master Xiao Yu decided to step in personally.

He became the child king of Demon Gathering Island, playing with kids alongside Bai Yan on Great Bamboo Sword Peak—telling stories, raiding bird nests, fishing, fighting crickets… basically every childish activity imaginable.

Among them were two Tie siblings—his closest companions among the children.

One was a tomboyish girl who liked wearing skirts, fiercely independent. She once argued with Bai Yan and ran off alone into the forest near Sea of Forbidden Tides.

Kids being kids.

In the end, Xiao Yu found her and carried her back, comforting her all the way.

The other was a dark-skinned boy—the most mature of the group, the easiestgoing.

Specific details were fuzzy now.

Gazing at the “lady” before him, Xiao Yu mused:

“So *you’re* the ones. No wonder Tie Yanran treated me so well. Instant acceptance of lodging just because I asked—makes sense now.”

Xiao Yu gave a bitter smile. So much for worrying about his virtue.

After all, these were kids he practically raised himself.

This must be the skirt-wearing tomboy.

He subtly glanced at Tie Zhu’s dress and thought:

“You mean Big Brother?” The “girl” replied softly.

“Yes. Big Brother adores you greatly. When he heard you left Demon Gathering Island, he threw a tantrum for days, crying and begging you to come back.”

“Oh…”

So that explained Tie Yanran’s mysterious favoritism.

Unintentionally, he learned one of Tie Yanran’s secrets.

*Truly brothers,* Xiao Yu mused.

“Is that so? Hard to believe, seeing how cold he is now.”

“Big Brother loves you deeply. He even said when he grew up, he wanted to marry…”

She caught herself mid-sentence, covering her mouth. Xiao Yu barely caught the last part.

Thinking of Tie Yanran’s terrifying mask and his infamous title of Jade-Faced Demon…

Making friends? Impossible.

“So…”

The “girl” suddenly gripped Xiao Yu’s hand, her eyes shining with sincerity:

“Yu Gege, could you spend more time with Big Brother? Just like when we were little?”

Her delicate cheeks flushed red with embarrassment, her innocent charm almost unbearable.

“Aww…”

Feeling the warmth in his grip, Xiao Yu hesitated.

This really was a man, right?

“Well… sure. Of course. But may I ask, Little Zhu… are you sure you’re male? Not female?”

“Hmph! What nonsense, Yu Gege! I’m a real man, okay!”

Tie Zhu’s cheeks puffed cutely, letting out a slight huff—almost sulking.

“If you don’t believe me, feel for yourself.”

Before Xiao Yu could react, Tie Zhu grabbed his hand and pressed it firmly against his chest.

Puuuh—so soft!

Not the softness of fat—just naturally tender, likely due to overall softness. Probably the rest of his body felt the same.

There was no doubt—he was definitely male.

And yet…

Xiao Yu instinctively tilted his head back.

“Ahh!”

“What’s wrong, Yu Gege?! Did you hurt yourself? Let me call a doctor!”

“No need. Just a minor injury. Nothing serious.”

Xiao Yu stopped Tie Zhu from rushing out.

Still, one question lingered:

“If you’re a guy… why the dress?”

He voiced his confusion.

“Oh! Mother said I look too cute not to wear dresses. So she took all my male clothes. Only dresses were left—I had no choice.”

His face flushed red, bashfully lowering his head.

Xiao Yu mentally applauded the mother—truly wise.

After a few more exchanges,

Tie Zhu rose to leave:

“I won’t bother you anymore. Rest early. I’m just glad you’re back, Yu Gege. Oh, wait!”

He turned back at the door, eyes slightly misty:

“I really hope you’ll keep spending time with my useless older brother. Thank you!”

“As long as I have food in my mouth, there’ll always be a share for Brother Tie. Making friends? That’s right up my alley.”

Xiao Yu patted his chest firmly, his expression serious as he made the promise.

Any man would’ve found it hard to refuse such a pitifully beautiful young lady’s request.

Though, technically speaking… this “lady” was still a man.

The “girl” left with a relieved expression.

Creak~

The door opened, then closed again. A gentle breeze drifted in from outside, carrying a faint fragrance into Xiao Yu’s room along with his departure. Before leaving completely, he turned back one last time and waved:

“Yu Gege, good night!”

“Good night!”

……This guy is really a man?

Xiao Yu sat in silence for a moment, then shifted his gaze toward the large bed inside the room.

Finally—time for a peaceful sleep!