There's a specific arc (on cultivation) where MC is a candidate as ML's disciple and is in love with him. But ML loves another one of his disciple (or martial junior?) - ML gifted all sorts of treasure to the disciple but said disciple doesn't appreciate it, feeling burdened by ML's affection and in turn, betrays ML. - ML came to appreciate MC's devotion and loyalty and turned into an obsessive and protective gong to MC. Other details: - the disciple broke a jade pendant given by ML and MC collected it to piece it together. - ML was given a sleeping drug, and MC came in to steal a kiss from him.
https://www.novelupdates.com/series/holding-onto-my-man/ Arc 2 ch 16, the rest of the novel is on Chrysanthemum Garden
A THANK YOUU I had this on my reading list but somehow I didn't think to re-read this novel Legit thought it was either boss transmigrate as little cutie or the villain is too cute