141. Cook the Rice

Yan glared at Hua and sulkily said, “No.”

Hua had never seen the man in such a bad mood before. “Are you tired?” he tenderly asked. “Why not sleep for a while longer?”

“No,” Yan huffed. “I still have work to do.” Pretending to sleep won’t work anymore so why the hell would he continue doing it?

Hua’s heart hurt even more at that. He couldn’t help but walk closer to squat down before Yan and said, “You don’t look so good. Does something hurt? How about going to the hospital for a check-up?”

Yan shook his head. “Right. YiHan sold your house. Where do you sleep at night? Why not stay over at my place? My family would love to have you!”

“Speaking of the house,” Hua chuckled, “YiHan, that naughty little brat, transferred the place to his name. I was wondering why it’d be sold this fast. It’s because he himself was the buyer.”

“Oh,” said Yan with a nod. “Are you free this evening?”

Hua was stunned. “Tonight? I am. What is it?”

“I heard the new movie’s not bad,” Yan said without an ounce of hope in him. “Why don’t we watch it together?”

This time, Hua was well and truly shocked. He thought back to Yan’s weird behaviour throughout the day. He gave him a watch, took him to lunch, took a stroll with him, gave him flowers, and now he was asking him out to a movie. Were these not how dates usually went?

Hua had been telling himself the whole time not to think too much into it. He didn’t dare to think anything more about it. However, Yan was giving him more and more hope. It was to the point where Hua couldn’t ignore it any longer. He did his best to suppress his skipping heart

“Why? Are you asking me out to the movies?” he softly asked.

Just as Yan thought! This was a rejection, right? This was an outright refusal?

“There are no whys to watching a movie,” Yan huffily replied. “If you’re not interested, I’ll go by myself.”

Hua’s heart couldn’t be contained any longer. His breathing was starting to come out in shuddering huffs. “Okay. I’ll go with you.”

Yan instantly perked up. Those guides weren’t useless after all. Was it because he hadn’t completed all the steps?

He lightly cleared his throat. “Okay then,” said Yan in a much better mood all of a sudden. “We’ll head there together after work.”

Hua looked at Yan. He couldn’t control the thirst swelling in him anymore. He cautiously stretched out a hand and gently held onto Yan’s fingertips on his knees. Just the fingertips.

Yan’s body shook. A numbing sensation spread from his fingertips through his entire body. He didn’t dare move. All he could do was look up into Hua’s eyes. Hua was looking back at him. Those almond-shaped eyes seemed to shimmer. For a while, no one spoke. The air in the room began to turn sweet and tense.

A long minute later with no reciprocation, Hua slowly let go of Yan’s fingers but the man grabbed his retreating hands. Yan’s eyes stared into Hua’s glimmering eyes, mesmerised and bewitched. Then, slowly, gradually, he leaned in.

Hua’s breathing grew more uneven as he watched Yan’s lips close in. He could hardly breathe. When their lips met, he could feel a thrilling numb spread throughout his body, even his hair. This was different from the kiss he’d stolen. This was Bai Yan kissing him on his own free will while sober and awake. Yesterday, he thought he’d be willing to die for a chance of Yan kissing him and holding him while awake. He didn’t think that wild and impossible wish would be so quickly realised.

Hua’s legs were growing numb from squatting for too long and Yan’s kissed seemed to have leeched all strength from him. His legs, no longer able to support his body, crumbled. He sat down on the floor. Yan followed him down and knelt on the ground, a knee between Hua’s legs. Yan licked at Hua’s lips and slowly pushed downwards until Hua’s entire body was laid out across the smooth floor. Only then did the man force Hua’s teeth to part to begin truly conquering Hua.

Hua had never kissed anyone before and neither had Yan. The two men instinctively sucked at each other’s tongues, relishing in the pleasure they provided for each other. They kissed until their lips were sore. Yan finally let Hua’s lips go but he didn’t get up. He hovered over Hua’s body and stared down at the man.

Eventually, Hua’s harsh pants drifted off into calm breathing. He pursed his swollen lips. When he spoke, his voice was hoarse.

“Mr Bai, you…”

Yan caressed Hua’s lips and said in an equally hoarse voice, “Call me Yan. My loved ones call me that.”

Hua’s flushed face went from pink to red. “Y-Yan,” he stammered. “W-We…”

Yan pecked the other man’s lips again and said, “After the movie tonight, come home with me.”

“W-What?” Hua was dazed.

In an exasperated but doting (?) voice, Yan said, “We’ve confirmed our relationship now. Of course you have to meet my parents. My mother wishes to meet you too.”

Hua’s jaw dropped. He was petrified. Confirmed their relationship? That kiss just now? Why would Madam Bai wish to meet him? Did she want to beat him to death?

Yan thought Hua’s silence was a rejection. He leaned in close, dangerously close, and continued, “Do you not want to? Let’s put today aside. Let’s put what we’re doing now aside. You kissed me yesterday but you wouldn’t confess to me. I’ve already confessed everything to my parents and I have their approval, yet you don’t want to? Are you toying with me?”

Hua felt like he was going to explode. He was caught stealing a kiss.

“You… Yesterday, y-y-you weren’t asleep?” Hua’s tongue was tied. “You knew?”

“Someone was kissing me. How can I not wake up?” Yan said. There was a hint of pitiful misery (?) in his voice. “I thought you’d confess your love for me but you didn’t. You’ve also been very cold to me today. I thought you thought I was too slobby and scruffy yesterday. I made sure to take a shower today but you wouldn’t kiss me. I’m kissing you now yet you wouldn’t go home with me. Jiang Hua, are you playing me for a fool?”

Hua was so shocked by Yan’s mystical logic that his eyes went wide. His petrified body turned from stone to dust, scattered by the wind.

Upon seeing Hua remaining silent, Yan burst in anger. He stood up and paced around the room before walking back to Hua, still laid across the floor. He lifted the man up into his arms and dumped him onto the bed. He then pounced onto the man. Since all the guide’s methods didn’t work, then he’d use the ultimate move most people say was effective: cook the rice!

Before Hua even reacted, Yan kissed him once more. His hands began fumbling with Hua’s clothes. Hua’s mouth was blocked off. His muffled protests did nothing. Soon, his jacket was off and his shirt was fully unbuttoned. Hua hurriedly clamped down on Yan’s hand on Hua’s belt.

Hua twisted his head away from the kiss and panted, “What are you doing?”

“What am I doing?” Yan huffed out upon seeing Hua still resisting. “You! I’m doing you! Let’s see if you dare deny our relationship after we’ve done the deed!”

Hua’s mouth gaped open. The hands stopping Yan from undoing his belt dropped to the side as a tear slid down his cheek.

Yan was startled, stunned. He quickly stopped and scurried closer to wipe the tear off Hua’s face.

“W-Why are you crying? If you don’t want to, then let’s forget about it. I can’t force you anyway.” Yan was sobbing on the inside. Ultimate move? The heck is that? It’s basically useless! The man didn’t fall in love with him at all! Instead, Hua was pissed off and brought to tears! Great. Hua will definitely think he’s a pervert through and through. There’s no hope for Yan now…

Hua bit down hard at his lips. Beads of blood soon adorned those soft lips.

“What are you biting yourself for?” Yan cried, panicked. “You’re bleeding!”

The bite hurt a lot yet Hua laughed. He raised his hands to Yan’s anxious face and said what he’d been wanting to say for years but had never dared to say even in his dreams, “Yan, I…I love you. I love you.”

The hands on Yan’s face had meant Yan couldn’t move his face. A hand was stretched out to grab a tissue paper when Hua’s ears reached his ears. The piece of tissue paper he’d worked so hard to obtain drifted to the bed.

Yan’s mouth gaped wide open for a long while. In the end, all he could muster was, “What did you say?”

Hua licked the blood off his lips and smiled, a tear sliding down his face once more. “I said I love you.”

Yan’s hand was still stretched out in a strenuous pose. “I, um, I…love you too. Why…so suddenly…”

***

Several very long moments later, the two men stopped and cleaned themselves up.

Yan was sitting in his office chair and watching Hua walk towards the exit when he suddenly called out, “Hua!”

Hua turned around. A radiant smile graced his face, one that had never been seen before. “What is it?”

Yan stared at Hua in a daze for a while before pursing his lips and replying, “Nothing.”

Hua chuckled and walked back. He leaned down to peck the other man on the lips. He was about to straighten up when Yan pulled him in and turned the gentle kiss into a deep kiss. Minutes passed before Yan let Hua go.

“Do not smile at anyone like this,” Yan ordered, breaths coming out in harsh pants.

Hua looked down at the man with glimmering, lovestruck eyes and warmly replied, “Okay.”

Translator’s Notes:

Cook the rice: The idiom, “cook the grains into rice”, means something has already been done and it can’t be changed. Typically used to refer to sex due to the concept of virginity.

Ultimate move: Reminder, this is rape. Yan is a lucky, naive man. Not everyone is kind enough to forgive a  rape attempt like Hua is.

Merry Christmas, everyone! That’s the end of the Advent Calendar. There are about 80 more chapters left and YiHan and JingYuan’s main arc is about to be placed on a shelf soon to make way for our other supporting ships/couples. Technically, they’re all connected but some readers have felt YiHan and JingYuan were put into the sidelines completely.

◄Previous • Index• Next►

140. All Guides Lie

Later that night while Bai FuRen cuddled up with his wife in their bed, Ma whispered, “FuRen, don’t you think JingYuan has fallen in love with HanHan? Look at how he looks at HanHan and how he acts around HanHan.”

“It might not be it,” FuRen hummed. “He could’ve really fallen in love with YiHan due to the act he’d put on, but the greater possibility is this is just the brotherly love he’d felt for YiHan since he was a child.”

“How nice would it be if he actually fell in love with HanHan?” Ma said. “The thought of having to tell YiHan it was all an act on JingYuan’s part for the sake of YiHan’s health makes my heart ache and panic.”

“Yes,” FuRen sighed. “Once one turns into a parent, one has a chance of becoming selfish. I secretly hope JingYuan truly falls in love with YiHan but I keep feeling guilty and sorry to ChuanYu and Ying. I feel so conflicted.”

The room was silent for a moment as Ma sunk into thought. Then, she glumly said, “Perhaps it’s human to be more willing to believe in what one wants to believe. Whenever I look at JingYuan these days, I keep thinking he truly does love HanHan.”

FuRen hugged her closer. “Don’t think too much about it. Of course, it’d be great if they could truly be together but if it’s impossible, there’s nothing we can do about it. JingYuan had already given too much for HanHan. We really can’t ask for more.”

Ma nodded and paused a second for thought before saying, “You’re right. I was too greedy. I wish the day HanHan needed to know the truth would come later and not sooner.”

FuRen gently kissed his wife on the forehead. “If he could know the truth, that meant he’s recovered. We should be happy for him.”

“True,” Ma sighed. “I’m scared he’ll hate us for cheating and lying to him.”

“He won’t. He’ll understand we did it all just for him.”

***

The next morning, Jiang Hua was greeted with a watch on his desk, new and still in its box. He was stunned.

Yan stood before him. He unhappily said, “Watches are meant to be worn, not stared at.”

“Mr Bai,” Hua dazedly said, “why did you give me a watch all of a sudden?”

“Your watch is too ugly,” Yan sternly replied. “It’s affecting the company’s image.”

Hua: …My watch is pretty. It’s not ugly at all, please.

However, Hua couldn’t say that out loud. He could only switch out his watch without saying another word. Huh. It suited him quite well.

“Thank you, Mr Bai,” Hua said with a smile.

Yan looked down at Hua’s hand. The black watch laid against a pale wrist. It looked good, so good that it made him want to hold that slender wrist in his hand. He twisted his fingers behind his back as he softly cleared his throat.

“Mn,” said Yan, “not bad. Keep wearing it.”

He then turned to enter his office but when he reached the doors, he turned back again and said, “You’re not allowed to take it off. It’s a company rule.”

Hua: …there’s no such rule in the office, okay? Alright, fine. You’re the boss. If you say it’s a rule, it’s a rule.

That wasn’t all. When the clocked ticked near noon, Yan walked over to Hua’s desk. He knocked on it and said, “Follow me out on a trip.”

Hua swiftly cleaned up his desk and stood up. “Yes, Mr Bai.”

He thought Yan was taking him out to meet with someone important or for an important job. Worst case scenario, it’d be a last-minute lunch meeting he didn’t know about. To his surprise, Yan took him straight to a grand restaurant. When they were seated, no one else appeared. Yan didn’t even seem like he was waiting for anyone. The man handed Hua the menu straight away!

“Mr Bai, shouldn’t we wait?” Hua questioned.

“Wait for what?” Yan questioned back.

“No one else is coming?”

“We’re having lunch. Why would anyone else be coming?”

“So…you brought me here just to have lunch, Mr Bai?”

“Everyone needs to eat. What’s weird about bringing you out to lunch?”

Hua: …Fine. You’re the boss. Whatever you say goes.

After lunch, Yan didn’t lead Hua straight back to the car. Instead, they walked along the street.

“Mr Bai, is there something we need to do?” Hua sighed. “Aren’t we heading back to the office?”

“Aren’t we heading back to the office now?”

They were heading towards the direction of the office but…

“Aren’t we driving?” Hua asked.

Yan looked at the other man with a gaze that screamed “why are you so unromantic?” while his lips said, “We’ll take a walk. It helps with digestion.” The holding hands while crossing the road segment the guides talked about weren’t romantic at all! Hua wouldn’t even walk beside Yan. How would he be able to accidentally bump against the other man’s hand and naturally link them? If Yan forcefully grabbed Hua’s hand, would the man think he was a pervert? Hua would beat him up and resign in fury, right?

Hua: Okay. You’re the boss. What you say goes. Speaking of which, while Mr Bai had been acting weird for the past two days, it was rare for them to be together alone. If the man reverted back to his normal behaviour, this kind of chance would never happen again. He must cherish it.

When they were crossing the road, Yan naturally walked over to the side with cars and raised a hand slightly to block Hua from the cars.

Well? Can you feel the strong “boyfriend energy” from me? You’re touched, right?

When the pair passed by a flower shop, Yan naturally took a lily and handed it to Hua.

“Mr Bai, this is…?”

“I gave it to you so hold it,” Yan said, face as blank as usual. “Don’t you think it looks pretty?”

“The flower is pretty but…” Hua was a man. Did Yan want him to walk through the streets with a flower in his hand?

“Why aren’t you taking it?” Yan was starting to get angry from embarrassment. “Do you want me to hold your flower?”

Hua: “…” Fine. You’re the boss. If you say it’s mine, it’s mine. It’s just a flower but I can feel my heart beating slightly faster in excitement. It’s not only girls who like flowers, okay?

The flower shop girls looked at them with deep and mysterious smiles.

For some reason, Hua’s face burned. As the two men turned and walked away, he faintly heard the girls whispering to each other, “Wow, they’re so cute! Did you see the couple? They’re wearing the same watch. The colour and model are exactly the same! They’re so in love!”

Hua looked at Yan’s sleeve cuff. As the man’s arm swayed, Hua could spot a little peek of the watch hiding beneath. It really did look exactly like the watch Yan had demanded Hua put on this morning. He remembered Yan wearing a silver-grey watch yesterday. His heart raced. He tried hard to tell himself not to overthink it. Yan might’ve been too lazy to select another model when purchasing the watches, so he bought two that were exactly the same. Yan just gave one of them to Hua on a whim.

Before Hua noticed this, he was fine. Now that he’d realised they were wearing the same watch, he could feel his wrist burning up. His eyes couldn’t help but dart over to look at Yan’s hands. The flower in his hands was slowly getting covered in sweat from his palms.

Two handsome men in business suits walking down the street would always be more eye-catching than the average joe, let alone when one of them had a flower in his hands! The rate of people turning around to look at them was 1000%. Still, Hua couldn’t be bothered to think about that. His mind was filled with all sorts of nonsensical thoughts. He thought about the weird way Yan had been acting over the past two days, the watch on his wrist, the flower in his hands. What did they all mean? Hua didn’t dare hope but why did Yan insist on giving him hope? Was he mistaken?

The duo walked back to the office in silence. Yan stormed into his office. He paced round and round in his office, his face twisted into a nasty look. Those methods the guides listed were useless! Give a present, ask him out to lunch, a date, protect him while crossing the road, give him a flower; he’d done all that! However, the man didn’t even say a word to him on the way back! It’d probably be useless to go watch a movie tonight! Those methods were all not as useful as pretending to be asleep. At least he could lure Hua in for a kiss then!

That afternoon, Hua knocked on Yan’s office doors. He knocked and knocked but there was no answer. His heart skipped in fear. He hurriedly barged into the office. There was no one in the room. Hua’s desk was right outside the office doors. There was no way he would’ve missed Yan leaving his office. Hua scanned the room once before pushing through to the break room.

…!!!

Yan was laying on the bed in the same pose as he was in yesterday. However, unlike yesterday, he didn’t look bedraggled. His breathing was calm and even. The stern and astute face looked so innocent and peaceful. Perhaps the man felt it was hot. The blanket only came up to the stomach. Yan’s shirt was also unbuttoned slightly and pulled open. Hua not only could see the man’s collar bones, but he could also see a wide and sturdy chest. The edges of the man’s nipples peeked at Hua as the sleeping man’s chest rose.

Hua inhaled sharply and stumbled out of the room.

On the bed, Yan opened his eyes and sat up, frustrated. What was going on? Did pretending to be asleep only work once? Why wasn’t it working this time? He looked down at his chest and buttoned up his shirt. Then, he paused and unbuttoned it again. He pulled harder at his shirt to expose more of his chest. As expected, he heard Hua’s returning footsteps. Yan hurriedly laid back down and closed his eyes.

Hua calmed down his breathing, prepared himself for the sight he’d be greeted with before walking into Yan’s personal break room once more. Just like yesterday, the man knelt on the bed and stared down at Yan. He was close enough to smell a whiff of the fragrance of the man’s body wash. Did Yan take a shower before his nap? That would indeed be much more comfortable for him. Yan really had been exhausted lately. He’d slept in his office two days in a row. Hua gently touched Yan’s smooth cheeks. He couldn’t help but feel his heart ache at the thought. Before yesterday, this attached break room was just decoration. Yan never used it.

Should Hua wake him up? What if the man just fell asleep? Wouldn’t the man feel bad being woken up then? If Hua didn’t wake the man up, then the work… Forget it. He’ll postpone Yan’s work and let the man sleep a while longer.

Hua stood back up and looked at the air conditioning’s temperature. It wasn’t high. Why didn’t Yan have the blanket cover him up? Hua reached out and laid a hand against Yan’s face. The man felt normal. Only then did Hua let out a breath he didn’t realise he’d been holding in. He straightened up Yan’s clothes, tucked the man in with his blanket and tiptoed out the room.

Yan instantly threw the blanket away and punched hard at the bed. He sighed in frustration and helplessness. Why wouldn’t Hua kiss him? Yan looked much better today. He even took a shower! Did the man not like him anymore?

Hua hadn’t left the office then. When he heard sounds coming from the break room, he turned back to it and softly opened the door to be met with the sight of Yan having a little fit on the bed.

“Did I wake you up, Mr Bai?” Hua apologetically said upon noticing the man’s sour face.

◄Previous • Index• Next►

139. Just So Happened to Be a Man

“Male?” the old Mr Bai questioned. “Jiang Hua…Jiang Hua…I remember now. It’s your secretary! He seduced you?”

The word “seduced” reminded Yan of the stolen kiss just now. “No,” he guiltily said. “He still doesn’t know.”

“He doesn’t know what? Of your feelings?” the old Mr Bai angrily said. “Yan, I didn’t know you could be so perfect in every aspect of life but you’d be an idiot in this. If he doesn’t even know of your feelings, then what relationship is there? He’s your secretary. You’re close to him. It’s such an easy and convenient situation! You have to court him. If you don’t despite liking him, are you waiting to regret things once he’s someone else’s lover? You’re so not like me in this. Back then when I fell in love with your grandmother, she was a beauty while I was ugly. Even so, I wasn’t afraid or self-conscious at all. I bravely wooed her. Look what happened. In the end, she married me and gave birth to your father. What a happy ending!”

“Grandfather,” Yan stammered, “aren’t you…mad? He’s a man.”

“Do you think your grandfather’s some outdated old man?” the old Mr Bai huffed in disdain. “You think too little of me. Say, you’re so stupid. By the time you act, the food would’ve gone cold! Why don’t I find you some advice articles or guides?”

“It’s fine, Grandfather,” Yan said, struggling to keep his tears and laughter in. “I’ll handle it myself. I think I stand a good chance in that.”  Jiang Hua had stolen a kiss from him already. He must hold some romantic affections for Yan. Tee-hee.

“Really?” the old Mr Bai asked. “Alright then. Act early. Aah, you have a future partner now. I can feel a weight lifting off my shoulders. I’ll stop the chatter. I have to tell your grandmother so she’d stop worrying too.”

With that said, the old Mr Bai immediately hung up with a bang.

Yan looked down at the words “call ending” in exasperation and let out a chuckle. Should he court Hua now? He’d have to plan it through.

Yan turned on his computer and looked up a few articles and guides on chasing after a potential romantic interest. He found a mountain of them. Once those unreliable articles were eliminated, Yan took out a notebook and began to get serious, taking notes as he went.

As the man was hard at work, someone began knocking on his door. From that knocking pattern, it should be Jiang Hua. He hurriedly closed off all the tabs he had open, slammed his notebook shut and threw it into a drawer. He paused, thinking for a moment, before opening the drawer again to shove the notebook to the bottom of the drawer.

Then and only then did he call out, “Come in!”

Hua entered the room, pushing the door open with an armful of documents.

“Mr Bai,” Hua softly said, “you have a meeting this afternoon at three. This is the information for the meeting.”

Yan accepted the folders, opened one, flipped through it and said, “Mn, I got it. Anything else?”

“No,” Hua replied. “I’ll be heading out then.”

“Wait!” Yan quickly called.

Hua turned around. Yan had stopped him from leaving but he couldn’t think of anything else to say.

“Get me a cup of coffee,” Yan finally said.

“Mr Bai,” Hua said with a frown, “it’s not good to have coffee on an empty stomach. How about I get you some freshly squeezed fruit juice or honey water?”

The man cared so much for him, Yan thought. Surely it meant Hua was in love with him.

“Alright,” Yan replied with a confident little smile. “I’ll leave it to you.”

Hua was somewhat bewildered. Why was Yan being so easy-going and easily persuaded today? However, it was good for him to not drink coffee. Afraid that Yan would change his mind, Hua rushed out to get some fruit juice. While Hua knew there’s an 80% chance Yan wouldn’t drink the juice, there’s at least 20% chance he will. Right?

Hua dug out the juicing machine from the tea room and rinsed it out thoroughly before juicing some apples. Then, after some brief contemplation, he added a teaspoon of honey into the glass. When he handed the glass to  Yan, he thought the man wouldn’t even take a sip out of it. To his surprise, Yan took a sip, frowned and still downed the whole glass!

Hua accepted the empty glass, filled it up again with hot water and placed it on Yan’s desk. The secretary shot his boss a weird look only to be met with a smile.

Hua: …

The man left the room, mind full of questions.

***

That evening when Yan stepped through the doors of his home, he was met with the sight of his entire family sitting in the living room. They were sat in a weirdly formal manner with stern faces. The second he walked into the room, everyone’s heads snapped to look at him. Yan sighed internally. He just knew Grandfather would tell Father. All Yan could hope for was for his parents not to be too angry.

Yan took off his jacket and handed it to Aunt Yang. He then slowly approached his family and sat down on the couch. YiHan secretly tug at Yan’s shirt and kept giving him glances.

“YiHan, you don’t need to shoot looks at him,” FuRen said in a low voice. “Your brother is smarter than you. He should know what’s going on.”

“I’m sorry, Father,” Yan said.

“What are you saying sorry for?” FuRen rebuked.

“Grandfather told you, right?” Yan sincerely asked. “I thought I was a heterosexual too. I just hadn’t met the right person. However, I recently discovered I’ve fallen in love with Jiang Hua.”

“And?” FuRen asked, his face still cold.

“I’ve thought about it a lot this afternoon,” Yan said. “I might not be homosexual. I don’t feel any interest in other men. I just like Jiang Hua and he just so happened to be a man.”

“I’m asking you, then?” FuRen pushed.

Yan closed his eyes and solemnly replied, “I know this is a great shock to you and Mother but I can’t change it.”

“Did we tell you to change?” FuRen’s flat and stern voice said. “Your mother and I are asking you this. You like Jiang Hua, what then? How far along are you in courting him?”

“Huh?” Yan was confused.

“Huh, what?” Ma Bai asked in an exasperated, heated tone. “I didn’t believe it when your grandfather told us you were stupid. Now, it looks like it’s true. I know Jiang Hua. That child is a handsome man. He’s mature, steady and he doesn’t like playing around. He’s one who’s made for spending one’s life out together. Do you not know just how precious someone like that is? You like him but you just won’t act. What’s the use in telling us you love him then? Just what are you waiting for?”

“I thought…” Yan started.

“You thought what?” Ma Bai interrupted, side-eyeing him as she did so. “That we wouldn’t agree to it? Just as your grandfather said, you’re nearly thirty and this is the first time you’ve fallen in… No, you didn’t even have any sort of romantic or sexual interest in anyone before. We thought you were asexual! Furthermore, we’ve already agreed to your little brother’s relationship with JingYuan. Adding you into the mix won’t change anything. What’s there to disagree to?”

YiHan was sneaking bites of oranges, with JingYuan’s help, during this whole time. Upon hearing what Ma Bai said, he choked and sprayed out his mouthful of orange with a loud “pfft”. He later coughed so hard, trying to catch his breath, that his face went red.

Startled, JingYuan threw away the orange he was holding and patted YiHan’s back. He also handed YiHan some tissues and water. No one else had the chance to help at all.

Finally, when YiHan caught his breath, JingYuan softly grumbled, “You’re an adult now yet you can choke on an orange slice.”

YiHan didn’t dare look up at anyone else. He stared down as his fingers curled around the fabric wrapped around some legs. It took him some time before he realised those legs were JingYuan’s. He hurriedly shrank back and turned his attentions to poking at the couch.

“You all know?” YiHan mumbled.

XueQing was the first to cave in. She ruffled YiHan’s hair with all her might and chuckled, “Ma and Pa knew a long time ago. Everyone just kept quiet. What? You think we didn’t know?”

YiHan shot her a glare in protest. He knew she knew but he didn’t know their parents and older brother knew too. Ugh, what’s with that tongue-twisting sentence?

“Alright, don’t hang your head,” Ma said. “It’s been obvious for a while. Your father and I aren’t fools. How could we not tell? We didn’t expose it because you two looked like you were having fun sneaking around. Ahem. Erm, JingYuan’s perfect in all aspects. While it’s a pity for a flower like him to be planted on a cow pat like you, this counts as ‘keeping what’s good within the family’.”

YiHan: …Dear Mother, I don’t think those are the appropriate phrases.

JingYuan combed out YiHan’s hair, made messy by XueQing, and warmly said with glimmering eyes, “HanHan is very good.”

Ma squinted at JingYuan’s expression then pinched FuRen’s waist, hard. Her husband gritted his teeth. It took him a lot of effort to suppress the gasp of pain. He looked at his wife in question only to see her eyes darting from him to JingYuan and YiHan, indicating to him to look at their youngest son and his lover. He patted his wife’s hand in response and Ma calmed down.

FuRen gently cleared his throat and spoke, “Today is a very important day for our family. We don’t need to say any more about XueQing. She’s formalised her relationship with TianYang and that boy is a good kid. They’ll likely get married after dating for a year or two. He should be joining us in such an important family meeting but he had something to do at the last minute. It’s a shame. While all of us knew about YiHan and JingYuan but today is the day we’re popping that bubble of ambiguity. Most important of all is Yan. His future happiness had always been a major question. Now, his heart has finally been conquered by Jiang Hua. All three of our Bai family children have their own partners. It’s a load off of your mother’s and my minds Now, we have one last difficult but vital question. What does Jiang Hua think? If we just leave it to Yan and his denseness, the food would’ve gone cold by the time he acts. This concerns Yan’s future life. We must take it seriously. We must use all our might and help Yan conquer Jiang Hua’s castle. We have to brainstorm and strategise for him.”

His gaze drifted over his children several times over before finally settling down on YiHan. “YiHan,” he said, “you should have experience in courting someone. Tell your brother.”

“I-I don’t know how to,” YiHan stuttered.

 “Don’t be shy,” Ma said. “This is a grave matter. No one will laugh at you. How did you woo JingYuan? Teach your brother.”

JingYuan turned to look at his lover. His shoulders were trembling. YiHan’s face was flushed red.

“Ma,” Yan said, face in his hands, “I don’t need to be taught. I ca–”

“If you really can do it yourself, Jiang Hua could be having dinner with us tonight!” Ma interrupted, dissatisfied.

Resigned, Yan took out a little notebook from his pocket and handed it over to her.

Ma stared at it suspiciously for a few seconds before accepting it and flipping it open. Her eyes swiftly scanned through the contents within before smiling and saying, “Not bad. At least you have an intention to improve. However, your methods are too old-school, too conservative. Are you certain?”

XueQing leaned over to look at Yan’s notes but was pushed away by Ma. “Shoo. What are you looking for?”

With a pout on her lips, XueQing went back to her seat.

Yan took the notebook returned to him and sighed, “Yes. If they don’t work, I’ll ask for more help. Okay?”

“Fine,” Ma relented. “You must act quick! Those who act fast get what they want; those who are slow, don’t. Got it?”

“I know,” Yan sighed once more. “I’ll do my best.” This was Ma’s experience. Yan knew she could take down his father all those years ago because she was fast, decisive and precise.

FuRen proudly held his head high and said with a wave of his hand, “Okay. Let’s have dinner! I had Aunt Yang add a few more dishes in today!”

Translator’s Notes:

Food would’ve gone cold: The phrase here is “the daylily (dish) would’ve gone cold”. The daylily dish is one typically served as one of the last dishes of a feast for the alcohol-drinking guests to nibble on.

A flower like him to be planted on a cow pat like you: Original idiom has “placed (in a vase)” instead of “planted”.

Keeping what’s good within the family: Original idiom reads “rich waters (fertilizer/fertilized water) shouldn’t flow to another’s (rice) field”.

◄Previous • Index• Next►

138. He’s a Tom

Bai Yan’s lips were so soft! Jiang Hua’s heart leapt out of his throat. In this peaceful room, Jiang Hua could hear his heart beating as loud as thunder. He didn’t dare do anything more. He was afraid of waking Yan up. But he was also reluctant to step back. Hence, his lips stayed glued to the other man’s.

After a long moment, he finally gave in. Hua’s tongue slipped out of his mouth to gently lick at the gap between Yan’s lips. The sensation set him ablaze. His face was burning hot. His sweaty palms were trembling as he didn’t dare breathe too loudly. He was holding his breaths in so hard that his chest felt like it would explode. He carefully leaned away from Yan’s lips and took a big step back. Then, he slumped down to sit on the floor as he took in a few big gulps of air with his mouth wide open.

He knew he was a despicable and lowly man. He sexually harassed Yan as he was sleeping. However, he couldn’t resist or deny that perfect moment when his lips met with the ones belonging to the man he loved. Hua would be willing to die for the chance of Yan holding him and granting him a kiss while the man was awake and aware

He did his best to suppress the thirst in him and slowly calmed his breathing down. He wanted to take a few moments to gather himself and make sure he looked normal but then he caught Yan’s fingers twitching out of the corner of his eyes.

Startled, Hua shot up to his feet, walked over to the bed and gently called out, “Mr Bai?”

Yan slowly opened his eyes, hummed in response and asked in a voice hoarse and languid from sleep, “It’s been two hours?”

At the sound of that sensual voice, Hua’s hard-earned calm shattered as his heart began to race once more. The man took a step back in panic and replied, “Yes, Mr Bai.”

Somehow, Yan didn’t seem to have noticed Hua’s flaming red cheeks and flustered glances. He hummed again in response, stood up from the bed and shuffled into the en suite bathroom.

Hua stared at the closed door. Every ounce of strength holding him up fled as he stumbled back to collapse against the wall. Yan didn’t act like he’d noticed anything. He shouldn’t have then! Hua, oh, Hua, when did you become so…perverted?

He scrubbed hard at his face with his hands and left the room.

In the bathroom, Yan wasn’t showering or washing up his face at all. He was sternly staring into the mirror with his hands propped up against the counter. Jiang Hua stole a kiss from him! The man kissed him!

Actually, Yan had woken up when Hua opened the door. He didn’t want to open his eyes without being prompted though, so he waited for Hua to speak up yet the man just wouldn’t. Yan was getting impatient. He was contemplating whether to “wake up” by himself when he felt Yan getting closer and closer!

Yan had some guesses as to what Hua was going to do but he didn’t dare make a move. He didn’t know if he was happy and eager for it or not. All he knew was that he wasn’t angry or disgusted. When Yan’s lips met his, Yan nearly jumped out of bed. It took him a great deal of effort to hold back the urge. In his mind, he was telling Hua that a kiss shouldn’t just be lips meeting. There should be other actions involved. Still, the man just laid there unmoving. It made Yan so frustrated that he was going to open his eyes and seize control of the kiss when Hua licked him! He just…licked him once.

It’s such a shame Hua was still too much of a coward. The man ran off just after licking Yan once!

Yan looked at himself in the mirror. Deep down, he screamed. Why was he so ugly today? His face was as pale as a ghost and his chin was unshaven! Why didn’t he take a nice shower before his nap and tidy himself up?

He solemnly lifted an arm and sniffed himself. He let out a small sigh in relief. Thank goodness. There’s no stink but…

Yan looked down and saw his eager, quivering little me. Thank goodness he acted natural just now and Hua was so flustered that he didn’t notice the protruding organ! What would happen to his dignity then? Look at how over-enthusiastic this thing was! The man just licked me once! He didn’t lick it. So why was it trembling and flaunting itself?

Wait, no. What was he thinking? Jiang Hua…licking his…little me…no. Stop. Don’t think about it anymore.

Yan could feel an itch on his nose. He looked up at the mirror and stopped. He was petrified. B-Blood…he was bleeding from the nose. Was he that starved? Just one lick and he was bleeding from the nose. When the word “lick” popped into his mind, more blood flowed out of his nose.

Yan: …

He took a slightly longer shower that afternoon. He took care of his nosebleed and used his hand to calm down his furious little brother. The lack of sleep plus losing some blood and pulling one off meant his face was paler than before his shower.

He drifted out of his private break room with a heavy head. Hua was nowhere to be seen. He let out a breath he was holding in and threw himself into his chair. His hand went up to his throbbing head. He might be gay, just like YiHan. What was life turning out to be…? Ugh. Should he pretend to sleep the next time he finds a chance?

Yan was thinking hard at how to pretend to be asleep before Hua without being suspicious when his phone suddenly rang. It made him jump. He shook his head clear and dug out his phone. The moment he read the caller id, he hurriedly answered it.

“Hello? Grandfather?” Yan said into the phone.

“Mn,” the old Mr Bai responded. “Your father said he wants to hand the company over to you. Gives him a chance to slack off and roam the world with your mother for a few years while his body’s still young. What do you think? Can you handle it?”

“It’s alright,” Yan replied. “At first, it’s a little chaotic but I’ve slowly gotten used to the company’s work procedures. Father has been slowly retiring for quite some time now. So it doesn’t really affect me much.”

“Good,” the old Mr Bai laughed. “Among you and your siblings, you’re the strongest in all aspects. Your parents and I have high hopes for you. We need you to hold up the company all by yourself. The burden might be heavy but you’d long since capable of holding your own. It must not be too hard to support the entire family now.”

“XueQing’s also helping me,” Yan said.

“Yes,” the old Mr Bai said. “XueQing is an excellent girl. She’s decisive and has great potential but she’ll be part of the Chen family’s core support after her marriage to Chen TianYang. You would have no one to help you then and YiHan’s useless!”

Yan hurriedly defended his younger brother. “YiHan’s still young.”

“He’s not anymore!” the old Mr Bai angrily said. “He’s 24! You were working independently at the company when you were 24! It’s all your family’s fault! You guys spoiled him rotten!”

“There’s you, my parents, me, JingYuan and XueQing supporting the company for him,” Yan laughed. “It’s fine if he’s useless. There’s so many of us. Can we not afford to raise a kid? There’s no need for him to be as tired as we are.”

“What you said is true,” the old Mr Bai said. “You and XueQing can dote him but you can’t spoil him too much. We wouldn’t want him getting a big head. He’ll suffer in the future.”

“He won’t,” Yan replied. “Lil Bro’s a very good kid. He’s doesn’t just fool around all the time. He even proposed a project for the Mu and Bai Groups to collaborate on. He’s a major investor in this project. Once it succeeds, he can live out his life in luxury and without worry even without us.”

“What project?” the old Mr Bai asked. “The southern districts? I know this project’s just something you’re pacifying him with, a little game. Don’t try and use it to throw me off.”

“Grandfather,” Yan said, “JingYuan said this project has good prospects. This is Lil Bro’s idea. Don’t you rain on his parade.”

“JingYuan said?” the old Mr Bai sighed in resignation. “If your brother says rocks are edible, he’d take a bite out of one! He’s usually a mature and steady man but if this is your brother’s idea, you can just ignore what he says. You are right, however. This is the first time your brother has engaged in something proper. We must support him. Does the project have enough funds?”

Yan hid a laugh away from the phone before he solemnly replied, “It’s enough. Don’t worry. Lil Bro researched into it himself. He’s very sure of this project.”

“He even researched into it?” the old Mr Bai laughed again. “Okay. Not bad! At least there’s something good and proper in his mind. The little brat would be running over to my place all the time. It’s been a few months since he’s visited. I thought he’d gone mad fooling around that he doesn’t want to visit an old coot anymore. So he was busy with an actual project. I misunderstood him!”

A bead of sweat rolled down Yan’s forehead. “No way,” he guiltily replied. “He was talking about you yesterday. He even went out on a few shopping trips just to select a gift for you himself. He thinks about you all the time. Father was even a little jealous.”

The old Mr Bai had been chuckling the whole time but when he heard Bai FuRen was jealous, he unhappily said, “He, jealous? What right did he have to be jealous? He can flaunt and flex before YiHan day after day, all day long. I can only see him once in a while!”

“That’s why we said for you to live with us,” Yan commented, “but you just wouldn’t.”

“Your grandmother likes her peace,” the old Mr Bai replied. “You brats shouting and fooling around would disturb her sleep. If no one is with her, she’d be sleeping alone. That’s just miserable. I’m fine being here alone with her.”

“Grandfather,” Yan sighed, “Grandmother has passed away for years. You…”

“Yan, you’re not married so you don’t know yet,” the older man said. “You all think she’s gone but I can feel her by my side the whole time. I know she’s reluctant to part with me. Once you have a lover, you’ll understand. Look. Your father doesn’t even try and talk me around. He understands.”

Something grew and stuck to the back of Yan’s throat. For some reason, his mind began to think of Jiang Hua’s warm smile. He quickly cleared his throat and patted those weird thoughts out of his mind.

“Yan?” asked the astute old Mr Bai. “Why aren’t you talking? Who were you thinking about just then?”

“Jiang Hua,” Yan blurted. His mind was fuzzy from the lack of oxygen.

“Who?” the old Mr Bai shouted, up and alert all of a sudden. “Something is really going on with you. Why does this name sound so familiar though?”

Yan’s fingers slipped and pressed the “End Call” button. He was beating himself up internally. Yan, oh, Yan, did a dog chew on your brain?

Since he hung up on his grandfather, his petty grandfather would sure get angry. He was about to call back when his phone rang once more.

“Grandfather, I didn’t mean to hang up on you. I accidentally pressed the wrong button,” Yan hurriedly explained after answering the call.

Surprisingly, the old Mr Bai didn’t chew Yan up about it. Instead, he asked, “Let’s put that aside for now. Who were you talking about just now?”

“Who?” Yan said in feigned confusion.

The old Mr Bai wasn’t that easily fooled though. “Stop trying to play the fool!” he shouted. His voice even went up a pitch. “Tell me!”

Yan’s free hand clenched and unclenched. He gathered his courage and said, “I’ll tell you but you can’t get angry.”

“You’re so old already and I’ve heard not a single whisper about you. I nearly thought you’re asexual or some cold-hearted person. Why would I be angry at you for having something going on? Even if you like a tomcat, I wouldn’t be angry! Hurry up!”

“It’s not a cat,” Yan said with trepidation, “but he’s a tom. Ah, no. He’s a man.”

◄Previous • Index• Next►

137. There’s Only One Chance

YiHan’s recently closed jaw dropped once more. “Why didn’t you tell me?” he shouted.

“Jiang Hua was in the car,” JingYuan innocently replied. “There was no way for me to tell you. I was afraid of giving him hope. If Yan didn’t appear, he’d be even more disappointed.”

YiHan nodded to that. “True. You did the right thing.” He grabbed the luggage bag Jiang Hua had abandoned and turned back to JingYuan to ask, “Then we’ll…?”

“Head back,” JingYuan said with a shrug. “We came for a tour of the airport.”

A burst of laughter escaped YiHan’s lips. He felt much better now. JingYuan tugged at his sleeve and gestured for YiHan to look at the man beside them. It was only then that YiHan remembered Lu FengYu’s presence. He turned around. Well, the man looked like a plant withering from the frost.

YiHan couldn’t help but sympathise with the man but he didn’t know what he should say.

“It’s time for you to board your flight,” JingYuan said.

“Jiang-ge’s gone,” replied the dejected man. “Why would I want to go to ChangCheng? I despise the cold.”

YiHan: So you requested to be transferred all because you wanted to court a man?

JingYuan: How unfortunate. He worked so hard but someone stole his prize right before his eyes!

In conclusion, poor man!

***

Yan dragged Jiang Hua by the hand during their journey out of the airport. The moment Yan stepped through the airport doors, he could feel the depressing fury that had been weighing down on his heart over the past few days dissipate. The sun was bright and the air was refreshing to his senses. He looked back and there was Jiang Hua, still in a daze. No matter which angle he viewed the man from, Jiang Hua looked so pleasing to his eyes. Why did Yan think the sight of the man was aggravating? Jiang Hua was so likeable!

Yan shoved Jiang Hua into his car. He was about to close the door after the man when Jiang Hua spoke up, “Mr Bai, I’ll drive.”

Yan’s eyes were bloodshot. It was clear to all he hadn’t slept at all. Jiang Hua was worried for the man. Yan actually dared to drive in the state he was in.

As for Yan, those words reminded him that he was now someone with Jiang Hua by his side. He didn’t need to do something like driving himself around! Bwahahahaha! With Jiang Hua by his side, the world’s his oyster!

“Alright,” Yan said with a calm nod.

Jiang Hua immediately got out of the passenger seat and circled over to the driver’s seat. Yan had already settled himself into the front passenger seat by the time Jiang Hua opened the door to the driver’s seat.

Jiang Hua started the car and smoothly slid the car out of its spot. He glanced at the stern man sitting beside him and tentatively asked, “Mr Bai, have you not been sleeping well? You don’t look so good.”

“Mn. I’m a little tired,” Yan replied, closing his eyes as he said so.

Jiang Hua bit down on his lip and asked, “Why did…plans change so suddenly?”

Yan’s eyes shot open. He couldn’t be bothered maintaining his calm facade anymore as he angrily said, “How dare you ask that. The people you trained up are all as dumb as pigs. They can’t even arrange a file properly. They’d mess up their categories and genres. Who knows how much workload they’ve increased in total? And was that boy blind? I’ve given him a lot of glances yet he just stood there, confused as to what I even wanted him to do! Also, at the dinner party a few nights ago, he actually ran off! He left me all alone in there! (The younger man was puking his guts out. The poor man spent the night sleeping in the toilet!) I thought he was a smart man but after his promotion, I realised he’s as dumb as rocks! If he’s dumb, he should work harder. However, he’s not good at work at all. He is great at slacking off and sneaking out of work though! Your temper must’ve been way too nice! How were you not angered to death when training someone like that?”

“It’s not that bad,” Hua replied, “right? He’s quite a smart young man. He just got promoted. He must’ve found it hard to get used to your work pace so soon. You should give him some time and compromise a little.”

Yan hmphed. “Why should I compromise for him? I’m the one who pays him! Why me?”

Hua: … You’re right. That made so much sense that I can say nothing in response.

Thus, Yan only wanted Jiang Hua to work by his side now because he couldn’t get used to the newbie? True. There’s no need for Yan to bend over backwards for anyone.

Yan glanced at Hua. There was a pause as he mused about something before Yan said, “Going to ChangCheng would be much better for your future career and you wouldn’t be working under someone else anymore. If you truly wish to go, you can apply for the role.” I wouldn’t approve it anyway.

“I didn’t say I wish to go,” Hua replied, bemused. “Wasn’t it part of the company’s plans?”

Yan’s anger was stoked by Hua’s words. “You still say you didn’t want to go? You were dancing with joy and accepted the orders as soon as you received them. You didn’t hesitate at all. You were even happily handing over all of your work. You wouldn’t be seen in the office as soon as you were done. You were so eager to hop on that flight and fly away. You still want to tell me you didn’t want to go?”

“…I wasn’t dancing with joy, Mr Bai.”

“So you’re willingly staying behind?” Yan asked, turning to look at Hua.

Hua’s grip tightened around the steering wheel as he smiled and replied, “Yes.” This city has you in it. Why would I not be willing to stay here?

Yan let out a sigh of relief. The corners of his mouth perked up in a smile as he said, “You’ll have to work hard then. Your future won’t be any worse by my side. At least in the office, you’re now someone ‘superior to all but one’. Even the Executive Manager of the ChangCheng branch office would need to lower his head before you.”

“Wouldn’t I be like the ass in the lion’s skin?” Hua asked.

Yan’s chest burned hot at Hua’s smile. Subconsciously, his voice softened as he replied, “You can do that as much as you want. I give you my power.”

The other man could feel warmth spreading through his heart. He couldn’t help but turn to look at Yan only to be met with a passionate pair of eyes. Stunned, he quickly snapped his head back to look at the road. His heart raced faster and faster. Today’s Bai Yan felt exceptionally different but he didn’t dare think too much about it. He didn’t dare give himself hope.

Arriving at the office, Yan led Jiang Hua up into his office. His chest puffed up, he strode over to his chair and sat in it.

“Your senior’s back,” Yan said to Jiang Hua’s now ex-substitute, “You’ll be his assistant from now on. Learn from him. Once you’re done learning, I’ll send you to a good post.”

The young man, Lil Zhang, wiped away the few drops of sweat from his forehead and let out a long exhale. His face had the expression of someone who’d just seen the light after going through a lot of difficulties.

“Thank you, Mr Bai,” said Lil Zhang, giving his superior a sincere smile he had never shown before. “I’ll work hard and study from Jiang-ge.”

Yan was satisfied with the man’s attitude. “Mn, not bad,” he said, not a single hitch in his voice. “If you can learn even 20% of what Jiang-ge can do, you can be a manager already. The chance you have now is one everyone in this building would kill for and still not get.”

Jiang Hua was standing beside the two men as they spoke. His fair face was tinted pink. He really wanted to cover his face with his hands right now. Did Mr Bai understand just how embarrassing it was to be flattered like that? “Kill for and still not get”? It’s just the role of an assistant secretary!

On the other hand, Lil Zhang very much agreed with what Yan said. “You’re right, Mr Bai,” he said, fervently nodding. “I’ll cherish this opportunity.” Just the ability to soothe this superior’s hackles, this boss who looked so mature and calm yet was extremely nit-picking, made Jiang Hua god-like! Lil Zhang recalled the two weeks of hell he’d went through and he couldn’t help but weep for what he’d been through.

He looked up at Jiang Hua, worship evident in his eyes. How did this man work? No matter how Lil Zhang organised his files and information, Mr Bai could always find something wrong with it. He was strictly following Jiang-ge’s method but Mr Bai would never be happy with it. And then Mr Bai would sit there and glare at him. Someone, please tell Lil Zhang, just what was the boss trying to say? Who could tell what the boss meant by those glares? How did Jiang-ge know? Was the man a mind reader?

Yan spotted those glimmering glances Lil Zhang shot at Hua and was instantly upset again. “When can you learn to be a bit more professional?” he barked. “Is there something on Jiang Hua’s face? Get to work!”

Lil Zhang hurriedly replied with a “yes” and scurried out. When he turned around to close the door behind him, he saw Mr Bai glance at the file cabinet. Jiang Hua walking over to extract a folder out from the cabinet and placed it on Mr Bai’s desk. Mr Bai then nonchalantly flip the folder open with a satisfied smile.

Jiang Hua! My god, Jiang-ge! How did you do it? I could never learn that ability…

Within the office, Jiang Hua looked down at Yan’s obviously exhausted face. He hesitated a little before saying, “Mr Bai, you don’t look so good. Would you like to head inside for a nap?” Yan never liked other people talking to him about his private affairs. Hua knew that but he still asked. The man couldn’t help but feel nervous the moment the words left his mouth.

To Hua’s surprise, Yan not only didn’t get angry, the man even looked happy about it.

“Oh?” Yan remarked. “Is it that bad? Hm, I am a little tired. I’ll go take a nap. Wake me up in two hours.”

Hua looked in shock as the man stood up, stretched out his waist and walked over to the attached break room. He looked like he was in a very good mood.

Did something happen that Hua was ignorant to? What’s with Mr Bai’s sudden change?

Hua shook his head and left the office, softly closing the door behind him as he went. Then, as he turned away from the door, he was met with numerous pairs of eyes gleaming at him with a green light in them.

Everyone working outside of Yan’s personal office had been feeling sad over today being the day Jiang Hua would be leaving. The ever-punctual Mr Bai didn’t appear, even later into the morning. The staff had begun to gather in duos and trios to gossip. “Jiang Hua’s flight should’ve left by now” was one of the statements being thrown around. The second the elevator doors opened, everyone shot back to their seats like rabbits running away. To their shock, a seemingly-exhausted but very energetic Mr Bai brought Jiang Hua back to the office!

What was going on? The urge to gossip burned through them but no one could enter Mr Bai’s office other than Lil Zhang. They could only wait in agitation. Finally, Lil Zhang exited the office. Everyone pounced to interrogate him about what was going on. When they knew Jiang Hua would be going nowhere, a few girls started cheering. Then, they waited for Jiang Hua to leave Mr Bai’s office. The second the man was out, they pounced on him and crowded around him. Lil Zhang, who was the previous focus of the other workers, was subsequently pushed out of the crowd.

Lil Zhang held a hand up to his face and sighed. This world only cared for looks. Those who have beauty held the greatest advantage in life! It’s quite depressing.

Two hours later, Jiang Hua stepped into Yan’s private break room. The man was still fast asleep, only covered by a corner of his blanket. Beneath the slightly agape collar, his sharp collarbones rose and fell with the man’s even breaths.

Hua took a few steps forward and hesitated. He was somewhat reluctant to wake the man up. It was his first time seeing Yan asleep. The man was usually very strict and solemn at work. He would never fall asleep during work hours. This might be Hua’s only chance to watch the man without worry. He really couldn’t bear to break this moment of tranquillity.

A finger reached out to brush against Yan’s cheek. Then, it shrank back as if burned. Looking down at Yan’s unaware sleeping face, Hua suddenly thought that perhaps this would be only chance he’d ever have to be so close to Yan.

It was as if he was possessed. Hua placed a knee on the bed and leaned down. Closer and closer he got to Yan as he supported his weight with arms placed at the sides of the bed. Hua was not close enough that Yan’s breathing rang in his ears. Hua’s heart skipped. His palms began to sweat. Looking down at those lips, Hua gathered his courage and slowly leaned down to meet them with his.

Translator’s Notes:

In conclusion: The term used here (横批) generally refers to the horizontal scroll usually seen above doors, accompanied by spring couplets. These scrolls usually summarise/give an ending flair to the message written on those couplets.

Superior to all but one: The actual idiom is “inferior to one, superior to thousands” (一人之下万人之上).

Ass in the lion’s skin: The Aesop fable equivalent of the idiom “fox pretending to be a tiger” (狐假虎威).

◄Previous • Index• Next►

136. You Came to Send Me Off?

“Okay,” Lu FengYu hurriedly responded. “I’ll help you pull your bag, Jiang-ge.”

“I’m fine,” Jiang Hua said with a polite smile. “Thanks.”

At first, FengYu was rather disheartened by the refusal. Soon, he perked back up and dashed off with his bag to follow close behind Hua.

Jiang Hua initially wanted to sit at the end of the bench but a little nudge from YiHan pushed him into the middle seats. YiHan sat down to his left. JingYuan settled into YiHan’s other side. FengYu gave YiHan a grateful glance before scurried over to sit beside Jiang Hua. He was so excited to be sitting so close to Jiang Hua. Perhaps Jiang Hua was carrying a personal heater or oven with him. The cheek closest to him was flushed red.

“Jiang-ge,” YiHan asked, “is your accommodation all settled over there?”

Jiang Hua let out an exasperated chuckle. “YiHan, you’ve asked me that several times now. The company has arranged a flat for me. I’ll be staying there for a while. Once all the paperwork is done and a normal has been established, I’ll look for a proper place.”

“I’ve transferred the money all into your card,” YiHan said. “You can buy a house over there. Their property prices are cheaper. You can buy something a little bigger.”

“So quickly?” Jiang Hua was surprised.

YiHan’s fingers scratched against his cheek in guilt. “I just so happen to have a friend looking to buy a place,” he softly replied. “He said he won’t be redecorating it.”

“Oh,” Hua said, eyes dropping down to the ground. “That’s good. I’ll leave you a room in my new place too. You can come over anytime.”

“Okay,” YiHan said, smile back on his face. “I’ll visit you when I have the time.”

“I can help you with looking for a house,” FengYu chimed in. “I have a friend who deals in property in ChangCheng. I can ask him to find something nice.”

“No need to trouble yourself,” Hua refused. “I can just find one myself and it’s still rather early to start looking. Buying a place would have to wait a while longer.”

YiHan could almost see a pair of invisible, furry ears on top of FengYu’s head droop. He couldn’t help but laugh a little at that.

Hiding not far away was Bai Yan, watching them chat and laugh while a weird rage burned deep in him. After he returned to his room last night, he was feeling restless. He couldn’t stay in his room but he didn’t know what he wanted to do, so he just went to his car. He was going to start the car but he didn’t know where to go, but he also didn’t want to get out of the car. So he sat there in his car, fuming as images of Jiang Hua flashed through his mind. He recalled how Jiang Hua looked as the man focused on his work, when he smiled at Yan, when he’d help Yan deal with all the drunkards toasting Yan, when he was tired and frustrated and during the night he was dead drunk.

Yan’s mind was in a daze as images whirled through it. Yan had never realised he had so many memories of Jiang Hua. Lost in his thoughts, he sat there through the night until dawn broke. Stuck in a rare languid daze, he stayed in the car as the sun shone brightly. He wanted to head back into his room but he was afraid of bumping into his little brother. He was afraid of being questioned by YiHan why he wasn’t in his room. The younger man would be leaving the house to drive Jiang Hua to the airport anyway. Yan could leave his car when his brother’s gone from the house.

Ah, yes. YiHan’s going to drive Jiang Hua to the airport. The thought of Jiang Hua leaving left a heavy weight on Yan’s chest. He was having very strong second thoughts about the man leaving. He couldn’t help but blame himself a little. Everything was fine but he just had to kick up a huge fuss and transfer Jiang Hua away. Now, look. He’d gotten on the train and there’s no backing out yet he couldn’t bear to let Jiang Hua leave. It’d be humiliating to change his mind at the last minute. This was the most shameful thing he’d ever done in his whole life!

Jiang Hua must hate him a lot now, right? Otherwise, he wouldn’t say he’d never return to this city again. (Come on. The man’s words weren’t that drastic.) True. Anyone who was doing a good job at work would be angry at being transferred to a frigid city just because the boss was throwing a temper tantrum over nothing. Only Jiang Hua was good-natured enough to not instantly flip out at Yan.

However, Jiang Hua would never come back. Would he have to find some reason to use as an excuse to visit the man in ChangCheng? He wasn’t YiHan. One line about being Jiang Hua’s “younger brother” was enough for the man to give YiHan a room in his home!

His mind rambled on in a downward spiral until Yan didn’t even know what his mind was thinking. Perhaps it was the lack of sleep. His head might be going fuzzy from staying awake the whole night.

Yan had thought to get out of the car and head back to his room after YiHan and JingYuan left, but when he watched the two men drive off and he was reminded why they were leaving the house so early in the morning, he couldn’t help but start the car and sneakily followed behind them. He was now realising, after he’d ordered for Jiang Hua’s transfer, he’d been spending more and more time sneaking around.

Yan followed the lovers to the residential area of Jiang Hua’s home. He then hid his car near the entrance of the area gates. He’d definitely be able to see JingYuan’s car the moment they leave the area. He thought they’d be right out with Jiang Hua but then they stayed in there for a very long time. Hmph! They must’ve been having breakfast at Jiang Hua’s apartment!

Yan laid a hand on his growling stomach. Why did he follow them? He even made himself act and look like a thief. He didn’t even have breakfast!

He grumbled and griped but he didn’t dare leave the car to find some food. He was scared Jiang Hua and the other two would leave the moment he left.

Finally, the long-awaited car and its passengers swerve out of the gates. Yan started his car and began following them once more, this time to the airport. When he spotted Lu FengYu, his lungs nearly burst with fury. That shameless man was going to be on the same flight as Jiang Hua!

Fine. They’re happily chatting away while he’s hiding behind a huge pot of plant like a criminal or stalker!

The airport security was keeping a close eye on him!

He had never felt so embarrassed before!

Hmph! Damn Jiang Hua!

Aaargh! What did he just see? That shameless Lu FengYu was secretly tugging on Jiang Hua’s shirt! He was even shimmying on the spot in pride (he wasn’t)! Were there thorns on that chair? Why are you fidgeting? It’s just a seat beside Jiang Hua. What’s there to be proud of?

Aaaah! He was so annoyed! The thought of Lu FengYu having more chances to twist and shimmy (he wasn’t!) before Jiang Hua when they’re at ChangCheng made Yan feel anger blazing through him, the anger of a magnitude he’d never felt before.

Further. More! Once this bastard seduces Jiang Hua, he’d move into Jiang Hua’s home (brainwashed by YiHan)! Damn it! What chance did he stand then? He was the one who was closer!

What? Closer? Mr Yan sank deep into thought.

The men chat and joked around. Soon, it was time for the two men to board. Again, Lu FengYu wanted to help Jiang Hua with his luggage. However, by coincidence, Jiang Hua was about to grab his bag too. Naturally, the two hands touched.

FengYu’s face instantly went red, so red that he looked like he was a cooked prawn.

Jiang Hua nonchalantly pulled his bag closer, thanked FengYu and walked ahead to the boarding counter. FengYu patted his cheeks and pattered along, heart still thumping with excitement.

Yan was still stuck in his thoughts when his sharp eyes caught the touch. He gritted his teeth. You scheming little crap! How dare he seized the chance to grope Jiang Hua! He was even acting all shy like a little wife! Did he think Jiang Hua lacked a sweet, baby bird for a loved? Erm, he actually does lack a significant other!

Yan watched Jiang Hua’s figure walk further and further from him. The man was nearly at the security checkpoint. The thought of never seeing him again after today made his heart feel more and more hollow with every step the other took away from Yan. It felt like he was going to lose something important. That feeling was so upsetting. It made his heart curdle in discomfort as his feet unwittingly took a step forward. However, the foot bumped into the flower pot!

Jiang Hua slowly walked towards the security checkpoint. Finally, he let out a heavy sigh as a farewell to a hopeless romance and for the helplessness he felt in life.

YiHan followed close behind the man. His heart ached at the sigh.

Jiang Hua turned around and said, “YiHan, you can stop here. Go back. Come visit me when you’re free.”

YiHan did his best to push out a smile and replied, “Alright. Hurry up. Remember to call me once you get off the place. Call me once you’re settled in too.”

“Okay,” Jiang Hua softly said.

YiHan had so much more to say to Jiang Hua but he’d repeated himself too many times on what to do and what not to do. He also didn’t know how he should comfort the other man. Lu FengYu was also standing near them. In the end, all YiHan could do was wave and watch as Jiang Hua left him.

The older man gave YiHan a light pat on the shoulder and revealed a warm smile that was so very familiar to YiHan. Then, he turned away.

Just then, a deep voice rang through the hall, “Halt!”

This new voice was one Jiang Hua knew all too well. Every day, he listened to it. It echoed into his dreams at night. Jiang Hua snapped his head around in disbelief. The sight he was met with was one he’d never ever forget.

Bai Yan was striding towards him from not far behind YiHan. His collared shirt was crumpled and wrinkled in all sorts of places. There were patches of growing beard hair on his jaw. His face was in a scowl.

Jiang Hua’s heart skipped. His ever-gentle voice sounded hoarse as he spoke up, “Mr Bai, you came…to see me off?”

Yan had wanted to shout back “fuck the send-off” but he held it in out of consideration of his image. “Didn’t you receive the notice?” he growled. “There’s been a change of plans. Someone else will be going to ChangCheng. You’ll return to your original post.” He paused, then continued, “You have work today. You’re late!”

“When was the notice sent?” Hua was truly stunned. “I didn’t receive any.”

“Look at your phone,” Yan said with a straight face.

The other man took his phone out and thoroughly checked through all of his inboxes. Naturally, there wasn’t a notice to be found.

“There aren’t any,” Hua asserted once more.

 “Then someone made a mistake,” Yan sternly replied. “Look at the subordinates you train. They even missed a notice that should’ve been sent out earlier! I really should deduct your bonus. What are you still standing there for? Get back now! Do you want to skip half a day’s worth of work?”

Jiang Hua: …

Airport Security Guard A: Oh, it’s not a thief. He’s here to chase down his wife.

Airport Security Guard B: I’ve long since seen through him. Didn’t you notice how I’ve stopped paying attention to him a long time ago?

YiHan, JingYuan and FengYu who watched the duo walk away, leaving chaos in their wake: …

What was going on? Why did it look as clichéd as an objection at a wedding? Big Brother, your dearest, most beloved little brother was standing right in front of you. Did you not see YiHan? Lu FengYu’s a slim man, so fine. You didn’t see him. But did your eyes also skip past Mu JingYuan, that tall giant? Why didn’t you give us a single glance? You just dragged Jiang Hua away while you started and finished a conversation all by yourself. Did you realise how many holes there were in your lie?

YiHan clicked his gaping jaw shut and nudged JingYuan with an elbow. “What’s going on?”

JingYuan, on the other hand, was as calm as always. “He’d thought things through. Hm. He’s much better at holding back his temper than I thought. He could hold it in until now.”

“What?” YiHan asked, confused.

“He’s been following us the whole time,” JingYuan replied.

Translator’s Notes:

Gotten on the train and there’s no backing out: The actual idiom was “it’s hard getting off the tiger (one’s riding)”.

Most shameful: The actual word used was “ugly/short” which implied shame because it’d be losing face/not done as well.

One who was closer: The actual idiom is “the closer to the water, the closer to the moon”.

◄Previous • Index• Next►

135. Send-Off

The apartment has been sold off already? Yan lowered his eyes.

JingYuan nodded to what YiHan said and replied, “Yes. Jiang Hua dotes on you so. What else are you afraid of?”

“But if that’s the case, he’ll have to buy a bigger house,” YiHan grumbled in seeming frustration. “I’m afraid he won’t have enough money. He won’t even let me pay for the room.”

“Why would he need to buy a big house?” JingYuan questioned in bemusement.

“Think about it,” YiHan said, looking at JingYuan as if he’d asked a foolish question. “Lu FengYu is following Jiang-ge to ChangCheng this time.”

JingYuan was really confused. “What does Jiang Hua’s home have to do with Lu FengYu? He wouldn’t be staying in the same place anyway.”

Yan’s heart skipped. His right hand shifted off the couch arm and onto his knee.

“Have you forgotten?” YiHan answered. “When Jiang-ge got drunk, Lu FengYu protected him and stalled for time. It was because of him that we could arrive on time. Without the man’s protection, who knows what would’ve happened. Zhu Xun alone couldn’t have stopped those scum. Zhu Xun even told me it was just to men. Thank goodness I was cautious and called for more men to come with us. Only then did we win. There were about eight buff men there, right? That was so dangerous.”

“I know that,” JingYuan responded. “But what does it have to do with Jiang Hua’s house?”

YiHan patted his lover on the arm and explained, “Are you an idiot? Lu FengYu risked his life to protect Jiang-ge and now he’s leaving the city he’d grown up in just to follow Jiang-ge. He’s deeply in love with Jiang-ge. I’m sure of it. You know how much Jiang-ge yearns for a family. He’ll be all alone in unfamiliar surroundings. How could he not be touched by a man who’d so lovestruck and persistent in sticking by his side? Once he’s been touched, he’s likely to date the man. Once they’re dating, Lu FengYu would move into Jiang-ge’s home, right? Think. Jiang-ge’s place had one master bedroom, one study room, one room for me, a kitchen and a bathroom. If Lu FengYu moves in, he’d need another room, right? Then the original place would be too small.”

JingYuan glanced Yan who’d grown considerably paler from the moment YiHan started mentioning Lu FengYu’s name.

“You’re the one who’s stupid here,” JingYuan said in a monotone voice. “If Lu FengYu moves in with Jiang Hua, they’d be dating already. Can’t they just sleep in the same room?”

A loud sploosh rang out. The orange Yan had been holding in his left hand had been squashed into a ball of pulp. The man looked down at his hand and tossed the ragged remains of the orange into the bin. He then stood up.

“Where are you going, brother?” YiHan hurriedly asked.

“Getting changed. Sleep,” Yan growled out.

YiHan was so angry at that response that his eyes bulged out as he glared at the man. Then, he seized the moment Yan was still at the bottom of the stairs to turn to JingYuan and said, “Aah, you’re so smart, JingYuan. Of course, Lu FengYu would be staying with Jiang-ge then. Why didn’t I think of it? I’d better not visit so often and disturb their lovers’ world!”

Yan’s feet paused for a moment before he stomped right up the staircase.

YiHan watched as Yan disappeared from their sight. “He wouldn’t react even to that,” YiHan sighed in despair. “Looks like Jiang-ge really stands no chance. I just don’t know how to give up. He’s the one who ordered Jiang-ge’s transfer. He’s eagerly waiting for Jiang-ge to leave. They have been working together for so many years. Jiang-ge had always gone with whatever work my brother threw at him. Even if Jiang-ge likes him, the man never planned on making a move. Can’t he just pretend as if he doesn’t know anything? But then he chased Jiang-ge away. Just like that. He’s so heartless! Jiang-ge is only in love with him. He hadn’t done anything wrong. Is there a need?”

JingYuan held onto YiHan’s hands and blinked at his younger lover. “That might not be it. Some people would think they’re straight but they might already be as bent as a mosquito coil.”

YiHan’s head shot up to look at the staircase in shock. “You mean he’s already gay?” he whispered. “There’s hope for Jiang-ge then? Wait, no. We’ve turned my brother into a homosexual. I feel so bad for our parents! I’m sorry, Ma, Pa!”

JingYuan chuckled, “Just what do you think about in that little head of yours? It’s not up to us to decide or change Yan’s sexual orientation. We just never realised it before. It has nothing to do with us. It has nothing to do with Jiang Hua. Sexual orientation is mostly decided from birth. However, some people discover theirs and face it head-on. Some people never realise it and would be depressed over why their marriage to the opposite sex didn’t make them happy. Perhaps they’d think all married life is boring and monotone. Some people might realise it but would never admit it. They’d just find another person to have a heterosexual marriage with to disguise themselves.”

“Won’t that be a sham marriage?” YiHan said with disgust.

“You’re right,” JingYuan replied. “This kind of behaviour is a sham, a lie. It’s more vile and evil than cheating someone out of their money.”

YiHan nodded hard to that statement. Then, hand on his chin, he mused, “Would my brother be the kind that has never realised it? True. He’s always slow when it comes to love. There’s not a single news of him dating or anything. We all thought it was because he likes to keep himself clean of vices. Now that I look at it, maybe it’s because he can’t feel anything for women?”

YiHan had never considered this before. Yan had always been a strict and disciplined man. He’d never flirt around, or hint at flirting, with anyone. He hasn’t dated once despite his age and no one suspected a thing. However, since JingYuan mentioned it, YiHan recalled how Yan would be single even by the time YiHan died. In the story Tao Qi narrated, Yan would remain alone even at the end of the book. No dating, no marriage. How many years would that be? His brother was nearly thirty this year. How old would he be by the end of the novel? No matter how solemn, he can’t delay marriage for too long. The more YiHan thought about it, the more suspicious he was.

Nevertheless…

YiHan continued with a frown, “So what if he’s gay? Jiang-ge still has no hope. He’s so heartless to Jiang-ge that anyone could tell Yan didn’t care for him. If Yan really cared for Jiang-ge, how could he bear to treat Jiang-ge this way? Plus, he kept making things hard for Jiang-ge before.”

“Hm,” JingYuan hummed. “Love and feelings are things that no one can predict if their owner won’t say it out? Still, you are right about one thing. Yan is a log head. When it comes to other people’s business, if he really puts some effort into it, he could be as observant as a bystander. When it comes to his own matters however, that may not be the case. Don’t forget. He still thinks he’s straight. This means we can’t help with this issue no matter how much we want to. He has to think it through for himself or the more we help, the worse things will be.”

“What if he never thinks things through,” YiHan asked.

“There’s nothing we can do about that,” JingYuan answered with a shrug. “Don’t worry. If things start getting into ridiculous territory, it’s not too late for us to act then. Anyway, all we have now are our hypothesis. We still can’t be sure if Yan is straight or gay. If we act out of the blue, it might worsen things. We can only sit back and wait.”

“You’re right.” YiHan nodded. “Actually, it doesn’t matter if Big Bro doesn’t feel any love for Jiang-ge. I think that Lu FengYu is quite smitten with Jiang-ge. If he can truly move Jiang-ge’s heart and they can get together, it might not be a bad ending. I’m just afraid Jiang-ge would be too stubborn for it.”

“Alright,” JingYuan soothed. “Stop wrecking your head over it. Jiang Hua is a smart man. He’s also a logical man. He will choose the path most suitable for himself. All we can do is be by his side through it all. Love is like the water we drink. It knows its past. It knows what path it’ll take. We can’t force Yan to make a move. Similarly, we can’t force Jiang Hua to do anything. We might think it’s for the better, but he might not be happy. He might be dragging Lu FengYu into the deep end then. Why not just let him choose the way he’ll live?”

“Mn,” YiHan responded. “That’s all we can do. We’re only outsiders in this. There’s only so much we can help with.”

JingYuan stared at that soft bed of hair. He tried resisting the urge but he still gave in to it and caressed it. Instantly, his life felt complete. He then seized the chance to put his hand down while YiHan had yet to react, stuck in his thoughts about Jiang Hua.

“Okay, it’s late,” JingYuan warmly said. “Let’s go to sleep. We must get a good night’s rest so we can properly send Jiang Hua off tomorrow morning.”

YiHan nodded in reply and followed JingYuan up to their room.

This was a night destined to be restless. Jiang Hua tossed and turned. Yan was kept up by his own aggravation and uneasiness. YiHan sighed through the night. In the end, he only dropped off into sleep from exhaustion after JingYuan grabbed him for some night-time exercise.

The next morning, YiHan woke up bright and early with JingYuan. The two cleaned up and descended down the stairs to their car. At their departure time, YiHan still, in a stubborn spree, dashed to the door to Yan’s room and sprawled over it, listening for something, anything. It was as silent as the grave in there. No movement could be heard.

YiHan was so angry he walked back downstairs with gritted teeth.

When the pair arrived at Jiang Hua’s home, the man was already packed and ready to go. He looked as he always did, except for the two dark circles framing his eyes. There was breakfast on the table for YiHan and JingYuan, prepared by Jiang Hua. YiHan pulled his lover down to sit by the table.

“Have you eaten, Jiang-ge?” YiHan asked as he slurped a spoonful of congee.

“I’ve eaten long ago,” Jiang Hua replied with a smile. “Eat up.”

“Your congee tastes the best,” YiHan gleefully praised.

The smile on Jiang Hua’s face deepened. “If that’s the case, hurry up. I know there’s no way you could’ve had breakfast by this hour.”

YiHan nodded with a happy grin as he grabbed some vegetables with his chopsticks.

On the journey to the airport, YiHan chattered on and on about something or other. He didn’t remember what he said but all he knew was that he couldn’t relax at all. He wanted to sigh but he was afraid it’d bring down Jiang Hua’s mood. The urge pricked and prodded at his heart. The man merely smiled and nodded along to YiHan’s ramblings. He acted so calm that one could mistake this trip to be one of his usual business trips out of the city.

JingYuan was driving but he’d occasionally glance at the two in the back through the rear-view mirror. A smile hung on his lips during the whole drive.

When the trio walked into the waiting area of the airport, Lu FengYu could be spotted from afar, waving as hard as he could. Jiang Hua sighed at the sight of the man and shuffled over to him.

The perky man greeted JingYuan and YiHan before warmly looking at Jiang Hua and greeting, “You’re here, Jiang-ge.”

“Mn,” Jiang Hua replied, a smile on his face. “You’re here early.”

“Yes,” said Feng Yu. “I came early in the morning.”

“Then why didn’t you find a place to sit and wait?” Hua asked.

A faint blush took over FengYu’s handsome face. “I was afraid I’d miss you when you arrive,” he said, embarrassed. “Standing here, I can keep an eye on the entrance.”

YiHan could feel an itch tickling the back of his throat. He wanted to cough but he held it in. This didn’t feel like a good time to be clearing his throat. He could only raise a hand to scratch at his neck.

JingYuan silently laughed at his lover. His eyes shimmered as bright as two pools of water. His gaze so warm that they were visibly overflowing with warmth.

FengYu’s eyes were darting all over the place in anxiety. There was a moment when they drifted over to JingYuan’s face. The man was stunned at what he saw before he snapped his eyes away. For the past two years, Mu JingYuan had turned colder and colder until he seemed heartless. Now, he’s met the right man. Even the strongest steel rod could be as soft and malleable.

Jiang Hua lifted a hand to look at the time. “There’s still some time before we have to board,” Jian Hua said. “Let’s sit over there for now.”

◄Previous • Index• Next►

134. Strange Feelings

“Your flight ticket’s all booked?” YiHan asked as he fidgeted with his cup.

“Mn,” Jiang Hua softly replied.

YiHan paused and asked, “You’ll be flying tomorrow. Are you all packed up? Are you missing anything?”

Jiang Hua smiled and replied, “I’m all packed-up. There’s nothing much to bring, honestly. Just a few sets of clothes. The rest I can buy over there.”

“Mn,” YiHan said, nodding. “Jiang-ge, if there’s anything you can’t get used to or you find uncomfortable over at ChangCheng, do call me.”

Jiang Hua smiled and nodded in reply.

YiHan glanced up at the man again. “Why don’t you just stay?” YiHan suddenly burst out with, frustration evident in his voice. “Just quit. With your capabilities, you can find success anywhere. You can at least head into the Mu Group. There’s no need to run off to some freezing city like ChangCheng.”

Jiang Hua couldn’t help but laugh at that. “The company has never treated me badly. Why resign? I’m going to ChangCheng to be the Executive Manager of the entire branch office. It’s actually a promotion.”

“To anyone else, it’d be a promotion,” YiHan griped. “To you, that might not be it. You don’t need to comfort me with that. I know. It’s because my brother gave the order. If he says so, you’ll do it. Damn my brother!”

JingYuan soothingly patted his lover on the hand. “Alright now. Jiang Hua’s only going to ChangCheng. He’s not going overseas. It’s only a few hours by plane. If you miss him, you can visit him anytime. A phone call, a video call, a message, you can always contact him. Don’t throw a tantrum and make things hard for Jiang Hua, okay?”

YiHan sulkily nodded.

Jiang Hua glanced at YiHan again and did his best to change the topic. “Right. YiHan, there’s someone who’d be flying off with me tomorrow.”

YiHan’s head shot up at that. “Someone’s going with you? Who?”

“Lu FengYu,” Jiang Hua sighed.

“Him?” YiHan’s jaw dropped.

“Yes,” Jiang Hua said with a nod. “He just told me yesterday. He said his family had a branch office at ChangCheng too. He’s applied to be transferred over. He even booked the same flight as I did.”

YiHan’s eyes darted around as he thought before he finally smiled and said, “Okay. If you two leave together, he’ll at least be a familiar face. You can be there for each other or at worst, someone you can talk to. It’d be good for you.”

Jiang Hua glanced at YiHan’s bright smile and mumbled, “Why do you sound like you know him well? I don’t remember telling you about him before.”

“We don’t really know each other,” YiHan said. “I just met him once. Ah, right. I forgot to tell you. Two weeks ago, when you got drunk at the bar, there were a few men who wished to whisk you off as you were unconscious. The bartender, Zhu Xun, called me about it but it’d take us some time to even get there. Thankfully, Lu FengYu was there too. He and Zhu Xun risked their lives protecting you. They stalled things out long enough for JingYuan and me to arrive. By the time we rushed in, Lu FengYu’s clothes were torn and tugged into rags. He still insisted on protecting you. People started throwing punches soon after. During the fight, the man was very brave. Don’t be mistaken by his slender frame. He’s quite a force when he puts his mind to it. His eyes were red with rage then. Later on, he told me you were friends.

I just knew it. There’s no way a normal person would risk their lives just to be a hero. Since you’re both friends, you can take care of each other in ChangCheng. Judging by how he acted during the night at the bar, I could tell he truly cares for you. With someone like him going with you, I can relax a little.”

“Huh?” Jiang Hua was shocked. “Something like that happened!”

YiHan shot him a side-eye. “What do you think? That’s why I said you were in danger. When I answered the phone call, I was nearly keeled over from fright. JingYuan and I flew right over. I didn’t tell you the morning after because I was afraid of scaring you. Let’s see if you dare go get drunk at a bar all alone now, especially in a bar like The Dusky Alley. Do you know how lawless it can be in there? I’m afraid of telling you and scaring away your pure little soul.”

“And you still dare mention it,” JingYuan harrumphed. “You know how chaotic it can be and yet you just charged straight in!”

“Yes,” Jiang Hua chimed in. “How do you know so much about the place?”

YiHan had only thought to seize this rare chance to lecture Jiang Hua. Why was the fire directed at him now? YiHan timidly scratched his cheek and cleared his throat.

“That’s something from before,” YiHan said. “I haven’t been there for a long while now.”

“Feng Qun took you there, didn’t he?” JingYuan coldly barked out. “I’ve always told you he’s not a good man but you’d protect him all the time! You nearly decided to give up on our relationship once just for him!”

YiHan didn’t think JingYuan would bring out old issues. He was in the wrong for everything that had happened so all he could do was smile apologetically and tug sweetly at JingYuan’s sleeve.

“I was lost in life back then,” YiHan begged. “I promise I won’t go to The Dusky Alley anymore. There’s actually nothing fun to do in there. It’s not as interesting as watching you work in your office.”

“Is watching me as I work that hard?” JingYuan emotionlessly asked. “You’re using it in a negative light.”

YiHan glared at the man. “I didn’t mean that, JingYuan. How was it negative? There’s no deeper meaning to my words.”

JingYuan sighed, “I know. I’m always keeping a leash on you. I won’t let you go play by yourself. It makes you feel very bored. However, the hidden mastermind has yet to be caught. ‘They’ are in the shadows while you’re in the light. There’s no measure too protective against the unknown. If you head out of the house alone, my heart will always be racing in worry. Be patient just a little longer. We’ve got a lead now. Once that bastard’s been found and you’re safe, you can do anything you want.”

YiHan shook his head and waved a hand in refusal. “No, JingYuan. I don’t feel restricted at all. You don’t have to rush. I think what we have now is fine. I was speaking the truth. It’s very interesting to watch you work. I love it.”

JingYuan kept silent at that as his ears were tinted pink.

Jiang Hua watched as the two lovers shot back and forth at each other. He couldn’t tell just who was wrapped around whose pinkie now. He couldn’t help but let out a chuckle at the sight before him.

“YiHan,” Jiang Hua said, “what’s so interesting about watching someone else work?”

“One,” YiHan replied with a straight face, “he looks so handsome when he’s working.” JingYuan took a sip of water as his eyes bored holes into the window, his ears bright red.

“Two,” YiHan continued, “to play and have fun while someone is working beside me somehow makes me feel happy and content. (*≧ω≦*)”

JingYuan turned back around. “Why do you still act like a child?” He didn’t know if he should laugh or cry at YiHan’s admission.

“With someone willing to spoil one so, who wouldn’t want to be a kid forever?” Jiang Hua laughed.

Indeed. Those who appear strong and resilient always have a past no one would be willing to relive. No one was born strong. One’s maturity required time and, more importantly, suffering. Someone who had never experienced the tough whirlwinds of life would maintain a childish heart until the day they die.

Jiang Hua, for example, was a warm-hearted and mature man. He was extremely detail-oriented in his life. Everything he did was thoroughly considered and analysed first. This was because he was abandoned at birth. He grew up without anyone to rely on. He never knew a family. From the moment he could think, he was alone. He was the only one he could depend on in everything. That’s why he could be so mature and dependable at such a young age. He’d even begun preparing a “retirement fund” for himself.

Mu JingYuan, as another example, was a man with a powerful presence. In the world of business, there were many sly foxes, old and young.  He could run rings around them all and make his strategies come true all because his parents passed away when he was still a young child. His extended family schemed and fought each other for the family fortunes. While he had the Bai family to help him, they weren’t truly part of the Mu family. There were many things he had to do himself. While he got used to the pain of losing both of his parents at once, he still had to focus on protecting the company his parents poured their blood and sweat into. Years ago, people called him “the smiling tiger” as he’d always be smiling. His smile would never reach his eyes though. However, in the past two years, his place as the head of the Mu Group was solidified and stable. That fake smile had since vanished from his face. Now, whenever anyone spots a smile on his face, they’d be shivering in fear while their toes went numb. JingYuan was born with a stern face, thin lips and straight brows. When he wasn’t smiling, that chilling aura multiplied. A bored glance could make the target of the glace feel as though there were daggers prickling against their skin. It was only this year after he’d confirmed his romantic relationship with YiHan did that thorny man relax. His figure softened. Like a sword being sheathed, his thorns retracted. Still, it only made him more mysterious and harder to judge.

Even YiHan himself wasn’t the foolish and naive Little Master Bai he once was. He had been forced to face too much of the darkness in life to remain the same. His soul had been tainted. It was only before his beloved family could he relax to the point of speaking and acting without thinking twice.

They were not born with their strengths. Behind those strong backs were countless anguish and tears.

JingYuan raised a hand and stroked YiHan’s hair. “You can a child your whole life then,” he gently said.

YiHan’s hand shot up to smack the hand away. “A man’s head is like a tiger’s butt,” he grumbled. “They can’t be touched! You’ve got to change this bad habit of yours!”

JingYuan held up his hands, palms out to express his refusal to obey.

Jiang Hua chuckled harder. His mood relaxing with the air.

***

That evening, after XueQing and the Bai parents had wandered up to bed, YiHan seized the moment Yan was still sitting with them and asked his lover, JingYuan, what time is Jiang-ge’s flight tomorrow?”

Yan’s fingers, frozen against on the arm of couch he was on, twitched.

JingYuan glanced at Yan before dotingly sighed and replied, “Ten o’clock in the morning. Didn’t you say you’d be sending him off? Don’t oversleep.”

“Of course I wouldn’t. You’d be going with me tomorrow, right?” YiHan shot back.

“Of course. I’ll be your driver.”

“You can just wake me up then. Oh.” YiHan paused. “Jiang-ge said he’d be leaving for ChangCheng for good. He won’t be back anymore.”

Yan’s fingers twitched again.

“It’s easy to book a flight over. If you miss him, you can fly over and stay with him for a few days,” JingYuan said.

YiHan snuck peek at the Yan’s blank face before replying, “True. I’ve helped Jiang-ge sold off his apartment already. I’ve transferred the money over. Once he lands in ChangCheng, he can buy a new place and settle in straight away. He told me he’d decorate a room just for me. I can stay over anytime I want.”

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133. Flirt

In his heart, Bai Yan shot back at the woman, “You’re right that he should eat more but there’s no such thing as a perfect body, okay? He’s as thin as a rake. How is that pretty?” Yan then craned his neck around to look at Jiang Hua’s place. The man hasn’t even touched most of what was on his plate. Was he a cat? Let’s see what Jiang Hua says!

“My stomach’s feeling unwell lately. I can’t eat too much. I’ll recover soon,” Jiang Hua replied to the woman with a  smile.

Yan frowned. Stomach unwell? Then why did the man get so drunk last night? Did he have a death wish? He’d be lucky if Yan didn’t have to visit him in ICU today!

The pretty lady gasped in shock and worriedly asked Jiang Hua, “An upset stomach is so annoying. I’ve got some tea that’s very good for upset bellies. I’ll get you some later.”

Yan poked hard at the rice on his plate. This woman was so ugly yet she kept trying to get close to Jiang Hua. Yan had never seen her put in so much effort into her own work! If Jiang Hua wanted tea for his upset stomach, he’d buy it himself! Her efforts weren’t needed! Jiang Hua wouldn’t accept her tea!

As Yan predicted, Jiang Hua refused her, “Thank but there’s no need. My younger brother has given me something akin to that. It’s enough for me. Any more and it’d be a waste.”

Yan tilted his chin up in pride. Hmph!

“I see,” the lady said. “Alright. Jiang-ge, remember to drink more hot water.”

Yan roared with rage, in his mind. He doesn’t need you teaching him that! Go away already!

“Okay,” Jiang Hua replied. “Thank you.”

Still, the woman stood there and continued asking the man about this and that. She didn’t show a single sign of wanting to leave.

Yan pushed his plate aside and stomped off. He didn’t want to eat anymore. Back to work!

When he left, Jiang Hua turned to look at where Yan was sitting. He let out a bitter chuckle. Did Yan hate him so much that he can’t eat if Jiang Hua was in sight? Forget it. He was leaving in 2 weeks anyway.

Minutes later, Jiang Hua returned to his desk. He didn’t notice the door to Yan’s office was opened a crack. Bai Yan, whose heart wasn’t in his work at all, peeped through it at the office outside. Upon seeing Jiang Hua sit down at his desk, he fumed. Hmph. This man came back so long after Yan left the cafeteria. What was there to talk about with that hideous woman?

Just then, Jiang Hua’s phone rang. Looking down at the name of the caller, a smile spread on Jiang Hua’s face.

“YiHan?” the man greeted, answering the call. “Is there something you want?”

Bai–Special Agent–Yan: Lil Brother? Why was he so close to Jiang Hua? The two just met yesterday. Now, YiHan’s calling Jiang Hua!

“My stomach feels much better now,” Jiang Hua said into the phone. “It doesn’t hurt anymore. Don’t worry.”

Yan couldn’t hear what YiHan said but it made Jiang Hua’s smile grow bigger as he replied, “Stomach tea? I received it this morning. Really. You gave me such a big bag. Just how long do I have to keep drinking it?”

“Haha, okay. I promise you. Even if  I can’t finish it, I’ll take it with me when I go. Okay?”

“Mn. I’ve been handing over my work today. Mn. Hehe. I had been quite busy but I’ll only be handing over my work for these two weeks. It’s much more relaxing now.”

“Lunch? I’ve eaten. Mn. Everything’s fine. Relax.”

“Mn. And you? What did you have for lunch?”

“Haha. Over at Mr Mu’s place too? You eat so much yet I don’t see you getting fat at all. Don’t just have junk food. Eat more fruits. If you keep snacking on junk food, you’d get heaty. Yes, drink more fruit tea. Mn. Drink more water. Mn, mn. Don’t worry about me. Nothing’s going on here. Right, I’ll leave selling the apartment to you. Make sure to find a good owner for it. Mn. Alright, I’ll be hanging up now. Someone’s asking for me.”

Jiang Hua’s going to sell his place? True. The man’s leaving soon. The place would be left empty. Why not just sell it off? It was such a shame though. The man liked the place so much he personally kept up with the renovations and he just moved in a few days ago!

As Yan was still busy digesting the news of Jiang Hua selling his apartment off, Jiang Hua hung up and turned to the female colleague who’d stopped before his desk.

Yan watched as Jiang Hua gave the lady a polite smile and asked, “Lin Wei, is there something you need?”

“Jiang-ge, are you really going to be transferred away?” she pouted.

“I’ll be leaving in two weeks,” Hua replied with a nod.

Lin Wei’s face fell. “I heard winters in ChangCheng are much colder. Will you be okay over there? We wouldn’t want you getting sick.”

That made Yan’s heart clench as he continued eavesdropping.

“I’ll be fine,” replied Hua. “I’ll get used to it after a while. Look at all the people over there. They’re all doing fine, aren’t they?”

“They were born and bred there,” LinWei said, stomping her foot. “They’ve long grown used to the cold. How can you compare yourself to them?”

“It’s fine,” said Hua. “I’ll have to get used to it anyway. Thank you for your concern.”

Lin Wei held out a bag she’d been hiding this whole time. “Here. I knitted this scarf for my boyfriend but I knit him quite a few every year. He has enough now. This is for you. It’s cold in ChangCheng. Everyone’s hoping you can bring some warmth with you. Don’t forget about us. I just finished this scarf a few days ago. It’s much warmer than what you can get in the shops. Please ignore the imperfections.”

He stood up and accepted the bag. “Thank you.”

“I don’t know how to knit patterns,” Lin Wei sniffed. “This scarf is pure black. It suits you.”

Hua peeked into the bag and replied, “Thank you. I love it.”

“That’s good.” Her eyes were red by now. “I’ll be heading back to work.”

Hua nodded in farewell.

Yan, who was hiding behind the gap between his doors: Jiang Hua, oh Jiang Hua. So you’re the kind of flirt who seduces everyone around you!

However, what would occur in the following days would have Yan rendered speechless except for the words “hehe”.

That scarf was only the beginning. In the next two weeks, Jiang Hua would be receiving presents after presents. Every day, he’d require assistance in bringing all of his gifts home!

That wasn’t all. Under Yan’s intense observation of Jiang Hua, he’d realise there was one person who’d be sending gifts to Jiang Hua every single day. Sometimes they were flowers. Sometimes they were food. Sometimes they were practical objects. That person didn’t work in the same office building though. The gifts were all delivered via courier. While Jiang Hua never accepted any of the person’s gifts, they would insist on sending them and none of them would ever be repeated!

Hmph. Jiang Hua would be leaving soon. You wouldn’t be able to send him gifts then!

***

The day after the incident with the soup, Qi MingYang personally escorted Zhao Hao over to the Bai family home. The Bai family had yet to hear of what happened.  Qi MingYang explained the incident to them and repeatedly emphasised that it was all just a misunderstanding. Zhao Hao had nearly injured Bai YiHan only out of arrogance. Qi MingYang apologised to YiHan and expressed that Zhao Hao would be left in the Bai family’s hands for punishment. YiHan himself didn’t think much of it. He’d wanted to just let it all be but his family and JingYuan weren’t satisfied with that wish. According to JingYuan, if Qi MingYang and his men came a day later, JingYuan would’ve gone and kicked up a fuss at the Qi family home himself. Jiang Hua’s drunken escapade had delayed JingYuan which had allowed MingYang to finish the job before they could say anything. They couldn’t keep going on at the Qi family now. They were only left with Zhao Hao. That was more than enough to make them all fume.

Qi MingYang left with a smile while Zhao Hao was left behind, looking as pale as a corpse. YiHan had no interest in punishing the man, so he washed his hands of the matter. JingYuan had the man moved to an enclosed room where he gave the captive a thorough and agonising beating. In his fear, Zhao Hao, now with missing teeth, babbled something out that had JingYuan involve the other Bai family members in a deep discussion that lasted through midnight.  Then, they had Captain Chen Jing and Officer Fang Yi arrive and sneak Zhao Hao away to the police station before dawn broke. As for Zhao Hao, he was now under Captain Chen Jing’s custody with someone keeping an eye on him twenty-four seven. If the man even dared to glance at a Bai family member, he’d be taken in for another beating.

***

The day after Jiang Hua was taken home dead drunk, YiHan had the man’s two protectors investigated. Lu FengYu, of course, was no surprise. He was the young head of the Feng Yuan company and Jiang Hua’s suitor. The man would send all sorts of gifts to Jiang Hua. However, even now, he had yet to succeed once. Jiang Hua had told the man multiple times that it was impossible between the two and to not send any more gifts. Still, the man was stubborn. He wouldn’t back down no matter what. The moment he received the returned gift, he’d eagerly hop onto selecting the next gift.

Zhu Xun, the bartender, was new to The Dusky Alley. He was a university student living in a single-parent household. He’d been working as soon as he could to alleviate the financial pressure on his mother. However, as he had yet to graduate, he was limited on what jobs he could apply for. The Dusky Alley might be a shady place but servers were paid very well. He’d just grit his teeth and applied for work. That night was his second night on the job.

YiHan was initially curious. He’d frequented The Dusky Alley a lot in his last life, yet he’d never seen someone so kind-hearted working there before. If the young man had been unlucky that night, Zhu Xun would’ve been met with a bad end. On that thought, the man’s personality didn’t fit in with The Dusky Alley at all. What did happen to the young man in YiHan’s past life? However, the young man had saved Jiang Hua in this life. There was no way YiHan would let the man suffer.

YiHan called Yan up and, acting as Zhu Xun’s guarantor, arranged for Zhu Xun to join the Bai Group as an intern. Once the boy graduates, he’d formally be accepted into the company.

This was no joke and YiHan would never use his company as a way to pay back favours. He did so only because Zhu Xun was actually a top student. He had great reflexes and a great memory. He was also very professional at his job. If it hadn’t been for his family, he wouldn’t be working in a bar. YiHan’s arrangements guaranteed both a future for Zhu Xun and a talented employee for the Bai Group. Two birds, one stone.

As for Jiang Hua’s home, YiHan couldn’t bear to sell it off. So he decided to pay for it with his own money and shifted it under his name. Technically, he had sold the place.

Despite YiHan’s reluctance to part with Jiang Hua, time ticked on. The day they’d be separated for good closed in. When Jiang Hua was about done with the handover, the man had nothing else to do but wait for his day of departure. YiHan’s unwillingness to part with the man forever had the young man meeting up with Jiang Hua more and more often. YiHan had even stayed over at Hua’s place for a few nights. Of course, YiHan could never be rid of his forever companion, Mu JingYuan.

Strangely enough, the closer it got to Jiang Hua’s departure, the more agitated Yan was. A trivial matter could have him bursting and ranting. It was so bad that morale at the office was at a low. Jiang Hua thought it was because Yan was eager for the man to just get out of his sight right then and there, that Yan couldn’t even wait a day longer. All Hua could do was sigh and avoid the man as best as he could, hoping that he’d be out of Yan’s mind if he was out of sight.

The night before Jiang Hua’s flight, YiHan invited Hua out to dinner. It was the same restaurant with they’d eat Buddha Jumps Over the Wall at before. The dish was tasted as delicious as its name suggested. The scent filled the air, inviting all to praise it. Unfortunately, the mood at the table was so heavy that no one could focus on the food.

Translator’s Notes:

Hot water: Someone once asked me why Asians, particularly Asian women, liked to drink hot water and not just drink from the tap. This is partially why. The warmth is said to be good for the organs. Another reason is a bit more personal and dependant on age/individual. Some people say drinking tap water makes them “cough” (aka lots of phlegm or itchy throat). Filtered tap water doesn’t work for them either. The water must be boiled and cooled down for them to drink without “coughing”.

Heaty: Traditional Chinese Medicine concept. When one is “heaty”, the body is essentially running hot. When one is “cooling”, the body would feel colder than usual. Symptoms of imbalance are usually sore throats, upset stomachs, diarrhea, running nose and sometimes more serious conditions like worse menstrual cramps. Most high-calorie foods (fried, creamy or spicy food usually) are considered “heaty” while raw and refreshing food (like watermelons and green tea) are considered “cooling”.

Apartment: The Chinese text uses 房子, a word that can be used for both houses and apartments depending on the local slang. However, Jiang Hua’s house is a one-storey place. The likelihood of it being a house instead of an apartment or townhouse is unlikely. If the author ever specifies what kind of place it is, this will be changed.

Few days ago: I regret to inform you that the Chinese “a few days ago” can be anything from 2 days ago to 3 weeks, as evident by what I overhear from my relatives –_–.

Please ignore the imperfections: Literal translation, “please don’t dislike it”. It’s a self-deprecating/humble phrase usually said after giving a present or cooking a meal and usually by the creator/chef.

Flirt who seduces everyone around you: Literal translation, “attracting bees and butterflies” aka “attractive”.

Lu FengYu: While the man in this story is fine, please be aware of people around you who show the same persistence as this man. Particularly when it comes to wooing the people they like. There’s a fine line between rom-com and something that would have someone jailed, raped or dead. This behaviour can be considered harassment at best and stalkerish at worst. Do not be afraid to have someone talk the person down if it’s making you or someone you know uncomfortable. Most people who are this persistent just don’t understand how creepy their behaviour can be.

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132. Were Everyone’s Tastes This Bad?

YiHan ruffled his hair in frustration at Jiang Hua’s news and said, “How could it be? The only ones who know about your feelings are the three of us. How could my brother know?”

“If Mr Mu could see it, it’s not strange for Mr Bai to realise it either,” Jiang Hua calmly said.

YiHan looked up at the tranquil face of Jiang Hua and remembered what the man once said, “I had only wanted to stand as close to him as I can. It’s good enough that I can see him frequently” and “I’d be close to him as long as I stay in this city”. The thought of what Jiang Hua’s past words made YiHan’s heart clench. He didn’t know what to say to comfort Jiang Hua.

Jiang Hua looked around his apartment and said, “YiHan, I need to ask a favour from you. Please help me find a good buyer for this house. If I sell it off, I can properly settle down in ChangCheng.”

YiHan looked around. This apartment was filled to the brim with warmth. Jiang Hua had also just moved in. Every inch of this place exudes homeliness. It was clear to see Jiang Hua had placed a lot of effort into decorating it. YiHan had only visited this place once and he already couldn’t bear to part with it. Just how upset must Jiang Hua, the person who decorated it himself, be for him to say that?

“You can just keep it for now,” JingYuan interjected. “Why sell it off?”

“Sell it,” Jiang Hua said, shaking his head. “With it around, I’d always think I have a home here. Without it, I’ll properly give up. Only then can I start a new life in ChangCheng.”

YiHan couldn’t speak. His mind was filled with thoughts of how badly he wanted to drag his big brother over for a beating. However, just as Jiang Hua said, he can only start afresh after giving up completely. The man was still young. Who knew what would happen in the future? Jiang Hua was a good man. Perhaps he’ll welcome springtime, like Lu FengYu who was deadest on protecting him tonight.

YiHan’s voice quivered as he said, “Okay. I’ll help you sell it off. You head to ChangCheng and have a proper new beginning. Don’t think about this city anymore. Only, don’t forget about me too. No matter where you go, I will always be your little brother.”

Jiang Hua’s hands tightened around the warm glass. His eyes were red as he smiled and said, “Of course. Right. Have you seen the guest room? When the renovations were done, I kept thinking that you might perhaps stay the night one day. So I tweaked the decor in there so that you might like it. Sleep in it tonight. At least make it so it has some worth. Don’t waste my efforts.”

Sour sorrow whirled inside YiHan. “Okay,” he agreed. “Do you feel better now? Get some sleep. It’s nearly dawn.”

Jiang Hua nodded. He placed the glass of water on the coffee table before them and said, “You two sleep too. You must’ve been exhausted from last night.”

YiHan hummed in assent.

Jiang Hua pushed himself up and, waving away YiHan’s help, he stumbled into the bedroom.

YiHan cleaned up the living room and headed into the guest bedroom with JingYuan. The moment he stepped through the door, tears welled up in his eyes. The guest bedroom seemed to have been decorated with him solely in mind. It wasn’t just a guest bedroom with a few tweaks. It looked like his own bedroom. The colour of the wallpaper, the little rug beside his bed, the trinkets on the desk, those were everything he liked. There was even a curio shelf built into the wall. There were all sorts of models and figurines he’d like before. The bed sheets were made of pure cotton and in his favourite light green shade. There were two cute-looking pillows on the bed, similarly coloured to the bed. The room looked wide and spacious. YiHan loved anything and everything that was light green. However, he’d always thought it wasn’t fitting for a boy to own anything of the colour. So he never dared use anything light green. Not even his bedroom had this shade of bedsheet. Now, looking at this bed, he had the urge to fling himself onto the bed.

YiHan had merely said he could be Jiang Hua’s little brother and the man would go to such great lengths just for him. Jiang Hua didn’t know if YiHan could ever stay a night at his new apartment, yet he had a room made up completely of things YiHan liked. Jiang Hua would’ve needed to be very observant or put in a lot of effort to know of YiHan’s favourite home decor style, his favourite colour, his favourite decoration items, his favourite room layout. Furthermore, these models and figurines were new. Most of them needed to be pieced together by the buyer. Jiang Hua was a busy man he’d been kept so much busier by Bai Yan recently that he probably didn’t have enough time to sleep. Even so, Jiang Hua made time to complete those models for YiHan. It was clear as day just how important YiHan was to the man. One could also tell just how much the man craved for a family, for warmth, for something most people could easily obtain. He yearned so much for it yet it was so hard. In this city, he could at least watch the man he liked from afar. He at least had a little brother and a home he decorated himself. All of that was shattered by a single piece of paper. In two more weeks, Jiang Hua will be going to an unfamiliar place all by himself. He’ll be faced with strangers all the time. Just how lonely and broken would he feel when he had to put on a smile as his armour?

YiHan slowly walked over to the bed and sat down, letting loose a heavy sigh.

JingYuan sat down beside him and leaned against his shoulder. “Don’t be upset. There’s nothing that can be done about it. The one thing that can’t be demanded to change in this world is love.”

“I understand that,” YiHan whispered back. “But even if Brother doesn’t like him, Yan can just ignore him. Is there a need to chase him out of the city?” YiHan sighed again. “I only hope Jiang-ge can properly put away the past after he arrives at ChangCheng. I hope he can start anew and find a future that belongs to him.”

“He will,” JingYuan said.

YiHan bitterly smiled. “There’s actually not much hope. He’s a very stubborn man. How could he easily forget about it? I’m only saying this to comfort myself.” YiHan then pulled one of the pillows into his arms. As expected, it was soft and squishy. Unwittingly, he let out another sigh and continued, “Jiang-ge is a great man. He’s so detailed-oriented and he’s the best at taking care of other people. Why are the gods so unfair? He just had to fall in love with a log head like my brother?”

JingYuan was stuck between laughing and crying. “If Yan hears that, he’d be really sad. This matter can’t be blamed on him either. After all, love can’t be forced. Ripping off the band-aid might be better for Jiang Huan.”

YiHan thought about it. Eventually, he let out a hum in agreement and wrapped his arms around JingYuan’s waist. He then placed his face against JingYuan’s stomach.

“When I look at Jiang-ge,” YiHan says, “I feel so lucky. I fell in love with you and you just so happen to also fall in love with me. There’s nothing luckier than this.”

JingYuan stroked YiHan’s hair and softly said, “Me too. The luckiest thing in my life is falling in love with you.”

***

The morning after a brief night of acting out and letting loose, Jiang Hua returned to the original warm and capable Jiang Hua. He still looked rather pale but he also had a gentle smile on his lips. He cooked breakfast for YiHan and JingYuan with that smile on his face. After breakfast, the three left Jiang Hua’s apartment. He waved farewell to the two and return to the office with the same smile.

Last night, when Yan heard something had happened to Jiang Hua, his legs subconsciously followed behind the lovers out of the Bai family home. When he saw Chen Feng and his men charge into the bar, he stopped and stood outside until he spotted the doors swing open with the two lovers helping Jiang Hua out. He hurriedly ducked around the corner, even if he didn’t know what he was hiding from or why.

He watched from his hiding spot as YiHan and JingYuan carried the unconscious Jiang Hua into the car. To him, Jiang Hua had always been good at holding his drink. When they attended business dinners, Jiang Hua would always drink on his behalf. He had never seen Jiang Hua drunk. Now that he’s looking at Jiang Hua dead-drunk, he didn’t know what to think or feel.

As the car with Jiang Hua in it began to leave, Yan’s body began to follow suit and drive along behind it. He thought YiHan would be bringing Jiang Hua back to the Bai family home. He was wondering if he should head back early and pretend he’d never left the house when he saw the car turn into an unfamiliar street. This should be Jiang Hua’s new apartment.

Yan didn’t drive into the residential area. Instead, he stopped outside of the area and smoked by his car for a few hours. His mind was lost in a whirlwind but he didn’t know what he was frustrated over. When Jiang Hua kept appearing before his eyes, he’d find his thoughts twisted into a mess. So he thought to transfer the man far away from him. Out of sight, out of mind. Also, he thought Jiang Hua being a manager in ChangCheng would give the man’s talents a better stage. It was all for the man’s sake. However, the thought of Jiang Hua leaving in two weeks and would rarely return made his heart pound in panic.

Bai Yan, oh, Bai Yan. When did you become so pampered? Perhaps his younger brother was right. He’d constantly bully Jiang Hua just because the man was good-tempered. The man was just doing his job. He didn’t offend anyone or cause drama. His work was also perfect. One can say no one else can do any better than Jiang Hua. Yet, for his own reasons, Yan would torment him. He could still remember the smile Jiang Hua had when he bought the apartment. It came from the bottom of his heart. It was not long ago since the renovations were complete and Jiang Hua moved in. Now, he had to leave. It’s such a pity. Argh, this was so annoying.

Yan stood there for the whole night. He only left just as the sun was about to rise. At work, his eyes would unwittingly drift over to look at Jiang Hua. The man looked the same as usual. He had a smile on as handed over his work to the newly promoted staff or something. He acted so normal that it seemed like what happened last night was just a hallucination.

Yan’s feet stopped at the door to his office. He stood there for a long time as he stared back at Jiang Hua. Finally, he turned and entered his office. Still, he could feel his mind wavering and unfocused. His wandering thoughts would constantly turn to Jiang Hua. During lunch break, he put down his work and followed Jiang Hua into the company cafeteria. An occurrence rare beyond belief.

During lunch, a beautiful female employee walked over to Jiang Hua and talked to him. Jiang Hua smiled at her politely and kept the conversation going. Yan stared at the lady’s red lips open and close. He didn’t realise it before but this woman was hideous, despite being one of the women publicly acknowledged as the most beautiful in the building. Just who recruited her? She’s ruining the company’s image! Were everyone’s tastes this bad?

Then, he heard that ugly woman say in a sickly sweet voice, “Ah, Jiang-ge. Why are you eating so little? Are you trying to go on a diet like us women? Your body is already perfect. Eat some more.”

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