Translator: Lynn
Sponsored chapter (5/8)
During Jiang Yuduo’s “absence” for several months, Cheng Ke occasionally met up with Chen Qing, Da Bin, and the others for meals, late-night snacks, and sometimes even wandered the streets, counting the number of trash cans.
After all, he was standing in as San-ge. He wanted his “little brothers” to feel comfortable, and he wanted everyone to know that even though San-ge wasn’t physically present, this was still his territory, and he had no intention of giving it up.
However, Cheng Ke could discern from the excitement in Chen Qing and Da Bin’s eyes when they saw Jiang Yuduo that no one could replace San-ge in their hearts.
Jiang Yuduo was truly exceptional. Even in the world of street gangsters, he excelled in a way that made everyone acknowledge him as the boss.
Cheng Ke couldn’t help but feel a tinge of regret. If Jiang Yuduo had grown up in a normal family with a conventional education, where would he be now? Well, perhaps not much different.
Jiang Yuduo’s charisma, his unique approach to handling people and situations, and the sense of security he instilled in his followers, all of these qualities stemmed from his unconventional life experiences.
But Cheng Ke remained hopeful. He knew that Jiang Yuduo also held hope. He was just an ordinary, unremarkable individual in the midst of the crowd, passing by like any other passerby.
There was no deep-seated anguish, no lifelong darkness that couldn’t be shaken off, and no constant panic. Just simple, ordinary joys and contentment that blended into the bustling crowd.
Cheng Ke turned his gaze towards Jiang Yuduo. Perhaps he would never be “normal,” and perhaps that was perfectly fine. What mattered was that from now on, this marked the beginning of his gradual journey towards a more fulfilling life.
When Jiang Yuduo had briefly seen someone earlier, Cheng Ke refrained from asking further questions. Returning to his previous environment might entail some repetition, but as long as things remained stable, it wouldn’t have a significant impact.
However, when Jiang Yuduo used the word “maybe” regarding the sighting, it left Cheng Ke somewhat concerned.
Both Dr. Li and Sister Luo believed that Jiang Yuduo could distinguish between “them” and ordinary strangers. Even if he hadn’t known it before, when encountering “them,” he would instinctively avoid situations where he could be surrounded by people.
Cheng Ke could sense this as well, so Jiang Yuduo’s uncertainty about whether it was an illusion or reality this time surprised him. He wondered if it was a sign of the healing process.
With a car full of people, he couldn’t ask now.
And it seemed like there might not be another opportunity to ask.
The Sour Soup Fish Store was situated over 200 meters away from the parking area, requiring a bit of a walk after parking the car. Cheng Ke couldn’t help but notice the various gazes fixed on him as he made his way to the store, which was located within the territory of San-ge.
In the days spent with Jiang Yuduo, Cheng Ke had started to grasp the intricacies of the world that existed just beneath the surface of society. He had learned to distinguish between the different types of people he encountered, identifying who were likely involved in illicit activities, who were simply trying to fit into this world, and who were locals versus outsiders looking to settle down.
It was amusing, considering that he would have never been able to make these distinctions before, and his family might have found such knowledge meaningless or tedious. However, Cheng Ke found it quite valuable. He didn’t want Jiang Yuduo to remain in this world indefinitely, but he didn’t mind slowly uncovering and understanding his life step by step.
Jiang Yuduo had many brothers, and some of them might not have even had a conversation with San-ge. Yet, Jiang Yuduo’s comings and goings still had an impact on them. As for the people waiting at the entrance of the Sour Soup Fish Shop for San-ge, the atmosphere grew tense, with passersby casting curious glances their way.
Cheng Ke couldn’t help but feel that if they were five minutes late, someone might have called the police, as this gathering seemed to consist of unidentified individuals from the social underworld.
Even the waiter stationed at the door appeared perplexed and nervous and finally voiced his frustration, “Why is this happening? Haven’t we distanced ourselves from the underworld for a long time?”
Chen Qing seemed equally baffled, “I’ll have them come in first.”
Da Bin chimed in from behind, “When they arrive, they should wait by the door… The main issue is that there are so many people today. It’s fine for a few to stand outside, but today, this guy decided to stand out…”
Er Tu added, “There must be at least thirty of them. Damn, it seems like not everyone is here yet. We’re waiting for everyone to gather…”
Jiang Yuduo suggested, “Once they’re all here, we can all go in together, with a police escort.”
Chen Qing swiftly walked to the front and ushered the group of people who were about to shout “Hello, San-ge” inside the store.
Inside, Cheng Ke noticed that there were four large tables with additional seats arranged for the gathering, and they were nearly all occupied. As soon as Cheng Ke entered, he was greeted with a chorus of “Hello, San-ge,” “Hello, brother Ke,” and “Hello, Qing-ge.”
It felt like his mind was bombarded, and his rear end was already sore. He stole a glance at Jiang Yuduo, who appeared remarkably composed while sitting down, and his acting skills were on point.
But if Cheng Ke were to be honest, Jiang Yuduo’s act wasn’t all that convincing. Cheng Ke simply wanted to save face for him, so he praised him, although the only pleasure he derived from this situation was the mental kind.
This situation can only be attributed to his own actions. If one was taught to respond swiftly to a challenge, then it becomes second nature to react swiftly to such challenges.
As Cheng Ke sat beside Jiang Yuduo, Jiang Yuduo turned his head and gave him a quick glance.
“What are you looking at?” Cheng Ke inquired.
“I’m admiring the handsome guy,” Jiang Yuduo replied.
“Indeed. It’s been a while since we’ve seen each other. Let’s take a good look. It’s a rare sight,” Cheng Ke remarked.
Jiang Yuduo lit a cigarette and leaned in to whisper softly in Cheng Ke’s ear, “Are you… feeling comfortable?”
“No,” Cheng Ke quickly responded, not wanting to hurt Jiang Yuduo’s self-esteem.
“Oh,” Jiang Yuduo looked at him, “So, your skills aren’t up to par with mine?”
“What…” Cheng Ke was taken aback. “Skills?”
“I’m feeling a bit uncomfortable right now,” Jiang Yuduo’s voice was barely audible, “Just sitting here… not so…”
“Shut it,” Cheng Ke was surprised. He couldn’t believe Jiang Yuduo was discussing their intimacy in front of a room full of people.
Jiang Yuduo lowered his head and chuckled softly.
Cheng Ke glanced around, relieved to see that whenever this group gathered, they would engage in loud boasting after greeting San-ge. No one was paying attention to them, and no one noticed their usually arrogant and dominant behavior. Surprisingly, San-ge was now giggling about his own performance.
However, when Cheng Ke looked up, he realized he had missed one of the most important observers: Chief Protector Chen Qing, who was regarding Jiang Yuduo with a mix of disgust and sorrow.
“Qing’er,” Cheng Ke hastily picked up a glass of wine poured by someone in front of him, “Let’s have a drink.”
Chen Qing sighed and reluctantly clinked glasses with him. “You two are really… affectionate.”
“If you disagree, go find someone else,” Jiang Yuduo said.
“San-ge! I’m not into…” Chen Qing whispered nervously, “Men! I’ll find someone!”
“I’ll help you,” Jiang Yuduo looked at him and said slowly, “Look for one. But not a girlfriend.”
“Oh!” Chen Qing blushed in embarrassment, “Oh!”
“Drink your wine, damn it,” Jiang Yuduo said.
Chen Qing raised his glass, took a sip, clicked his tongue, and sighed again, “Well, finding a girlfriend is not easy…”
Seeing him like that, Cheng Ke almost wanted to suggest that he could introduce someone to him.
But when he saw Jiang Yuduo’s smile, his attention was diverted again.
“Are you in a good mood today?” Cheng Ke asked.
“It’s alright,” Jiang Yuduo smiled with a mischievous glint in his eyes, squinting at Cheng Ke. “Master Cheng, your thirty-year-old skills are only…”
Cheng Ke quickly clinked his empty glass against Jiang Yuduo’s: “San-ge, let’s have another drink.”
“One glass for two people,” Jiang Yuduo said with a hint of annoyance. “If someone else did this with me, I’d definitely throw the glass.”
“That’s because I’m not just anyone,” Cheng Ke retorted.
“Alright,” Jiang Yuduo lifted the glass and downed it in one gulp. “Where’s your boyfriend?”
Cheng Ke suddenly felt nervous again. He knew that Jiang Yuduo must be in a good mood today, having been discharged from the hospital, and they had spent time together. His mind raced with thoughts of their recent intimate encounters, and he wasn’t sure how to respond.
While he had never been concerned about his own sexual orientation being known, Jiang Yuduo was a different case altogether. The environment he navigated, the people he interacted with, and his mental state couldn’t afford to take such a risk.
“San-ge,” Cheng Ke discreetly held Jiang Yuduo’s hand beneath the table, “I implore you.”
“Speak,” Jiang Yuduo looked at him.
“Eat and drink to your heart’s content,” Cheng Ke urged, “You’re just a step away from reaching your goal.”
Jiang Yuduo chuckled and playfully pinched Cheng Ke’s hand with his own, “Alright, I understand. I’m just… excited.”
Cheng Ke gazed at him, a hint of concern in his eyes.
“I’m genuinely happy,” Jiang Yuduo confessed, “I can’t pinpoint exactly why, but I am.”
“Indeed,” Cheng Ke nodded.
“But Dr. Li mentioned,” Jiang Yuduo lowered his voice, “I still need to manage my emotions carefully and avoid excessive fluctuations.”
“Then you must follow that advice,” Cheng Ke advised.
Jiang Yuduo nodded vigorously, determination in his eyes. “Don’t worry.”
In truth, Jiang Yuduo’s self-control was quite remarkable. In the past, when he had no access to treatment, he relied on self-discipline to conceal his peculiarities, preventing them from being detected by others. Whenever he felt his emotions spiraling out of control, he would swiftly distance himself from the crowd.
Thanks to Cheng Ke’s reminder, he swiftly regained composure and resumed his role as San-ge.
It wasn’t until after the meal, when he bid farewell to his loyal companions one by one, patting their shoulders, that he transformed back into Jiang Yuduo. However, this wasn’t the usual Jiang Yuduo; it was a Jiang Yuduo who, for the first time, felt quite confident in his skills in bed.
“Really!” Jiang Yuduo exclaimed, looking at Cheng Ke.
“What is it?” Cheng Ke inquired.
“My skills are superior to yours,” Jiang Yuduo asserted.
“Come on,” Cheng Ke sighed and held his head in his hands in mock despair, “San-ge, do you never quit? How did you come to this conclusion?”
“Because I’m satisfied, and you’re not,” Jiang Yuduo stated.
“I…” Cheng Ke sighed again, “Alright, you have the best technique in the universe.”
Jiang Yuduo beamed with satisfaction but then suddenly stopped and grabbed Cheng Ke’s arm. “Cheng Ke.”
“Hmm?” Cheng Ke was taken aback.
“Are you just trying to comfort me?” Jiang Yuduo inquired, “It’s actually quite uncomfortable, isn’t it?”
“…No,” Cheng Ke denied.
“You hesitated,” Jiang Yuduo pointed out, “You hesitated.”
“Let’s change the subject, okay?” Cheng Ke suggested. He found it rather unusual for Jiang Yuduo to suddenly become so generous, analyzing their comfort and skill levels back and forth after just two encounters.
“It’s alright,” Jiang Yuduo waved it off, “I’ll be more mindful next time.”
“Next time?” Cheng Ke looked at him with surprise.
“If we take turns, I’ll make sure to reciprocate next time,” Jiang Yuduo promised.
“Let’s head back,” Cheng Ke pulled his arm and started walking, “Shut up and walk.”
Jiang Yuduo eventually ceased discussing the matter, informing Cheng Ke that the younger fellows hadn’t changed a bit. They decided not to join them for dinner that evening and planned to make it up another time.
Cheng Ke could sense Jiang Yuduo’s good mood, a feeling that life was still comfortable. His friends, acquaintances, and familiar surroundings were all patiently waiting for him.
Cheng Ke smiled and absentmindedly touched his face.
Jiang Yuduo, with a smile on his face, turned his head but suddenly turned back before speaking.
“What’s wrong?” Cheng Ke was momentarily stunned and swiftly turned to look behind them.
Behind them lay the intersection they had previously turned at. When Cheng Ke turned around, all he saw was a passing car and two elderly men engaged in conversation by the roadside. Those old men had been there when they arrived.
“Did you see it?” Jiang Yuduo inquired.
When Cheng Ke heard those words, a chill ran down his spine, and he was instantly transported back to the worry he had experienced several months ago. Yet, he couldn’t believe that Jiang Yuduo’s symptoms could have worsened to such an extent.
He knew Jiang Yuduo diligently took his medication, so he reassured him, saying, “Let’s go check it out, where did you see them?”
“Right,” Jiang Yuduo followed Cheng Ke, taking a couple of steps before halting. “Cheng Ke.”
“What?” Cheng Ke asked, looking at him.
“Never mind,” Jiang Yuduo furrowed his brow. “I might be mistaken, or it could be… an illusion.”
“You can tell if it’s an illusion or not,” Cheng Ke said. “You know the difference.”
“Well,” Jiang Yuduo continued to frown, “But… It’s been so long since I’ve seen them, it’s possible… even if it’s not an illusion, they could have moved away by now.”
“Wait here for me,” Cheng Ke said. “I’ll ask someone.”
Before Jiang Yuduo could respond, Cheng Ke turned and hurried toward the two elderly men at the intersection.
“Excuse me,” Cheng Ke smiled at the two seniors. “I wanted to ask, did you happen to see anyone passing by here while you were chatting?”
“Did we?” The overweight man looked at his thin companion.
“It’s a bit hazy…” The thin elderly man’s recollection stretched out, filling his entire thought process before he finally frowned. “Yes, someone did pass by here. Not that they didn’t come here, but it’s more like they wandered here briefly and then walked away as if they had taken the wrong path.”
“I think I vaguely recall such a person when you mention it,” the overweight man patted his belly twice. “Was he on the thin side?”
“Not exactly skinny, but rather tall. I can’t recall their face; it was just a fleeting glimpse,” the thin man added.
“Thank you, sirs,” Cheng Ke bent slightly in gratitude, then walked a few steps back to the intersection. Just as Jiang Yuduo had suggested, if there were indeed people, they must have made a quick exit to the right and then encountered two intersections.
Upon turning to head back, Cheng Ke noticed that Jiang Yuduo had silently appeared behind him.
“Did you inquire?” Jiang Yuduo asked anxiously.
Cheng Ke gazed at him and replied, “Yes, I asked. They weren’t entirely sure, but it seems they might have seen someone…”
“Emerging from there and then retreating, right?” Jiang Yuduo hurriedly inquired, as if eager to confirm that what he had witnessed wasn’t an illusion.
With this question, Cheng Ke let out a sigh of relief. “Yes,” he confirmed, “it appears as though they took the wrong path.”
Jiang Yuduo remained silent, though the creases on his forehead didn’t ease. His facial expression, however, suddenly relaxed, and after a pause, he spoke softly, “Cheng Ke, tonight, without you, I might have trouble sleeping again.”
“How can that be?” Cheng Ke reassured him with a gentle pat on the face. “Just ask.”
“I wouldn’t dare ask,” Jiang Yuduo still whispered, “I wouldn’t dare ask…”
“I would,” Cheng Ke asserted. “I’ll ask for you.”
Jiang Yuduo gazed at him for a while, then broke into a smile. He opened his arms and embraced Cheng Ke. “Thank you.”
Back at home, their cat, Meow, appeared quite disgruntled. They had fed it half a can of food upon returning, but they had forgotten to prepare its dinner before leaving. Meow was clearly upset with an empty bowl.
“Xiaocun,” Cheng Ke placed cat food in the bowl, “Your unreasonable demands are unfounded.”
“What are you calling it?” Jiang Yuduo raised an eyebrow suddenly.
“It’s Dacun’s younger sibling, Xiaocun,” Cheng Ke explained.
“Is it larger?” Jiang Yuduo quipped.
“…Are you delirious?” Cheng Ke couldn’t help but chuckle.
Jiang Yuduo took a sip of his drink, leaned back on the sofa, and laughed heartily, but after the laughter subsided, his expression grew serious once more.
“What’s bothering you?” Cheng Ke inquired.
“That man definitely didn’t take the wrong path,” Jiang Yuduo declared. “I saw him twice today. I couldn’t see his face clearly, but his attire was identical.”
Please let me know if there are typos/mistakes in the chapter.
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