18. A Rose Dedicated to Dio (18)

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Jun Shunmou, brushing back his unruly hair, began to explain, “I read it in a book, don’t get me wrong, I’m a perfectly innocent, well-behaved kid.”

Dio’s expression softened a little.

But his words were merciless, sneering coldly, “That’s only because you’re picky, spoiled, and stubborn. What sharp-eyed girl could ever like you?”

Jun was speechless.

Was this guy just itching to be rude?

Despite these harsh words, Jun remained calm, not angered by Dio, and instead curved his eyes into a crescent moon shape, whining softly, “Why would I be looking for any other girl? Isn’t it enough to have you? In the future, I will be your wife. Why would I want to be with anyone else?”

Clearly, he was teasing Dio.

Dio caught on immediately, snorting, “Shameless.”

Yet, the two said this so naturally, without the slightest sense that the idea of two men being together was something people would normally avoid like poison.

The next day, after Jojo left, Dio followed closely behind.

Jun thought for a moment, then reluctantly trailed after as well. This time, a girl got involved, and he worried that the mischievous Dio might make a move on her.

The villain was no gentleman.

Dio noticed that this lazybones was finally moving and his expression was unreadable. He smirked meaningfully, “You’re not following me just to interfere with Jojo, are you?”

Spot on. What a keen intuition, truly villainous!

Jun, looking fresh and tender these days, like a dewy sprout slowly blossoming on a tree, flashed his innocent, cute face and sweetly said, “I’m not that kind of person, Dio. You don’t trust me at all.”

“Besides that time with Danny, when have I ever interfered with your plans?”

Dio didn’t believe a word and said flatly, “Then why are you suddenly following me? That’s not like you.”

Jun swayed as he walked beside Dio, casually plucking a blade of grass from the forest and swinging it playfully in his hand.

He didn’t answer Dio’s question. Instead, he said, “I guess the girl Jojo likes is probably very beautiful.”

Dio laughed at him in exasperation, glancing up and down at Jun with utter contempt.

Mocking, he said, “You’re not even fully grown, and you’re already thinking about liking girls?”

Jun retorted stubbornly, “I’m about your age!”

Dio grew even more displeased, speaking disdainfully, “She’s just a little girl, look at how clueless you are.”

Jun couldn’t tolerate this and started stomping his feet, “Nonsense! I’m not interested in girls at all! I’m worried you have bad intentions— you’re not allowed to like her!”

Such a domineering statement.

This was rare for the usually adaptable and cunning Jun, who loved to play the weak and harmless act before striking a deadly blow.

To say something like that while in disguise meant he was truly pushed to the edge.

Dio wasn’t really angry and even teased, “Who would like the girl Jojo cares about? She must be blind.”

Jun wisely refrained from badmouthing others.

They were following Jojo’s movements, essentially just watching the young couple flirt.

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They saw the two chasing each other, splashing water by the river, picking flowers and drawing pictures—such happiness.

Jun and Dio exchanged a glance, then averted their eyes with expressionless faces.

They couldn’t imagine joking and fooling around with each other in front of one another!

Jun couldn’t help but ask, “When are we leaving? You already know who Alina is; why do we need to keep watching?”

Dio found him hopelessly dense and said, “Are we just here to watch? We didn’t come to admire their lovey-dovey romance. Our job is to ruin their relationship so Jojo will be devastated.”

Jun frowned, “So what do you want to do?”

Dio looked at him but didn’t answer immediately.

A thought flashed through his mind, but when he looked at Jun, he hesitated.

Jun eyed Dio suspiciously, knowing full well this guy had no good ideas!

He said softly, “You want to ruin their relationship by seducing Alina and breaking them up, don’t you?”

A chill ran down Dio’s spine.

Feigning calm, he snorted, “Why would I get my hands dirty? That would just alert Jojo to my plan. Let’s go back and plan properly.”

Jun was a little uneasy about him but was no mind reader; no way could he know what the villain was thinking.

He worried that the innocent Alina might get dragged into their fight, and lately he had been going out more often.

Dio didn’t stop him, only sneering, “You’re surprisingly kindhearted to a stranger like her.”

Jun stubbornly argued, “I’m not. I just want to exercise properly. I have to take horseback riding lessons seriously. I heard in high school we’ll go hunting together.”

Among British aristocrats, this was common: riding horses, hunting, or other amusing activities. Since the invention of the hunting rifle, hunting became even more fashionable among the upper class, also a way to display masculinity.

Dio was noncommittal but said, “In that case, in a few days you’ll come with me to pick out horses. Let me see how well you’ve done in riding.”

Jun’s face instantly fell.

Dio was indifferent to his pity.

If anyone else dared to interfere with his plans, he would never be so merciful. He was already lenient with Jun.

Jun didn’t realize Dio was going easy on him. He had been going out a lot lately and even became friends with Alina.

She was also kindhearted, and when she saw Jun’s different appearance, she did not discriminate but warmly befriended him.

Jun really didn’t want to be a third wheel between her and Jojo, but if it weren’t for Dio scheming behind the scenes, he wouldn’t even bother stepping outside.

However, it had been peaceful lately, with nothing happening. He now suspected Dio was deliberately causing trouble to wear him out.

Fortunately, he was rational enough to know he wasn’t truly worth Dio’s elaborate schemes; the real target was probably Jojo.

One day, he left just after Jojo but didn’t find him at their usual meeting place. Instead, he found Alina picking flowers and playing.

Jun asked her, puzzled, “Hasn’t Jojo come yet?”

The blonde girl looked equally confused, “No, has he already left? I’ve been waiting here but haven’t seen him.”

Jun frowned tightly, “That’s strange. Jojo should be here to find you. Could something have delayed him on the way?”

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Alina’s worry grew; her face was anxious as she said, “Jun, do you think Jojo might have run into danger?”

Jun thought of Dio’s secret schemes and couldn’t be sure it was safe.

He pondered and said seriously, “Let’s go look for him. Don’t worry too much. Jojo’s not a kid anymore; he won’t get hurt.”

Jun’s brief reassurance didn’t calm Alina. She frowned, still worried.

The two hurried along the path searching for Jojo.

Jun trailed behind Alina, thinking how much she and Jojo resembled each other—they really were a perfect match.

Unfortunately, a huge obstacle stood between the young couple—Dio.

The boy was lost in thought, glancing occasionally at the woods. Since it was a well-traveled area, there was little danger.

Halfway along, he saw Alina suddenly stop, covering her mouth in shock, her face full of disbelief.

Upon closer look, Alina’s pupils dilated as if struck by a heavy blow.

Jun quickly peered through the trees and was stunned.

Through the foliage, they saw Jojo holding hands with a delicate-featured girl, cradling her in his arms as they kissed.

Jojo’s back was to them. Hearing Jun’s call, he turned and saw Alina covering her mouth, tears streaming silently from red eyes.

“Alina!” he shouted, “Listen to me…”

Jojo started toward them, but the girl in his arms let out a soft cry, timidly grabbing his hand and looking at them with wide, rabbit-like eyes.

The girl had flaxen hair, a few small freckles on her face, quite cute, and spoke softly, “Jojo…”

Jojo wanted to move but, out of gentlemanly decorum, couldn’t push her away.

Alina, unable to bear it, covered her face and ran off crying.

Jun opened his mouth, feeling something was off. He didn’t think Jojo was the type to flirt and chase after every girl.

Jojo wasn’t that kind of playboy.

“I saved you, so you should be fine now. Please let me go; I need to find my friend,” Jojo said, turning to the girl.

He looked at Jun and quickly added, “It was all a misunderstanding.”

Jun shrugged, “I know, but you should explain it to Alina.”

Meanwhile, on the other side, Alina leaned against a tree, sobbing quietly, her strength draining away.

Suddenly, she heard footsteps.

A handsome, beautiful blonde youth approached her.

He lowered his head, his crimson eyes mocking her, “What a pity. Jojo’s first kiss wasn’t with you, but with another woman! He’s gentle and attentive to every girl; you’re not his one and only. Such a tragic love story—who knew he was such a playboy? Ha ha ha…”

Alina’s heart shattered hearing this.