AD Chapter 33

Translator: Lynn

Cheng Ke felt helpless every time Jiang Yuduo made a comparison to the three-and-a-half-year-old youngster, but this time he stated it was for fun, so he tolerated it. Nonetheless, he corrected him, saying, “That three-and-a-half-year-old child should have been three years and nine months, or ten months old.”

“So strict,” Jiang Yuduo remarked, “but he’ll be four years old soon. The countdown has begun; his father buys him a gift every week for a month.”

“It’s similar to when I was a child,” Cheng Ke nibbled into a cluster of large peppers, saying, “Every birthday, I start receiving gifts a long time in advance.”

“That’s great.” Jiang Yuduo stated.

“It’s not very good,” stated Cheng Ke. “Everything comes too easily and too quickly, and there is no sense of happiness.” There is no anticipation. You will obtain what you want as well as what you don’t like.”

“I haven’t experienced it before,” Jiang Yuduo lit a cigarette, “so I don’t know how it would feel.”

Cheng Ke remained silent, because Jiang Yuduo’s past experience, let alone a birthday gift when he was a child, it was implied that he might not even be able to celebrate his birthday.

He said, “When is your birthday?”

“June 1st,” Jiang Yuduo said, “That’s what it says on the ID card.”

“…Oh.” Cheng Ke responded.

“Have you never been laughed at on your birthday?” Jiang Yuduo inquired.

“Huh?” Cheng Ke was taken aback.

Jiang Yuduo said, “222¹.”

“How do you know?” Cheng Ke asked.

Jiang Yuduo grumbled, “I have a copy of your ID card. Are you a bit slow in the head?”

Cheng Ke often surprises himself by forgetting even basic things, like someone having a copy of his ID card attached to a rental agreement, let alone asking him to remember someone else’s birthday. He took another skewer of meat, looked at it, and set it down again. He took a skewer of a pig penis by accident.

“Do you think it’s not tasty, or are you eating it?” Jiang Yuduo gnawed on the string of pig whips.

“Not that,” Cheng Ke replied, “It’s just… this is, a pig…”

“You’re too modest, I’m too embarrassed to eat it when you say that,” Jiang Yuduo choked and glanced at him.

Cheng Ke gazed at him, hurriedly repeating himself, “Fuck, I mean this is a pig’s whip, not a bull’s whip…”

“Do you eat them?” Jiang Yuduo inquired right away.

“I…” Cheng Ke had no idea how to explain it. He didn’t eat any of these, but the bull’s penis and the bull’s testicles were probably simpler for him to swallow because they were more commonly found.

Jiang Yuduo lifted his hand and cried out, “Waiter!” before Cheng Ke could think of anything else to say.

“What do you want!” A waiter yelled and inquired as well.

Cheng Ke quickly returned to his wits and yelled angrily at him, “Jiang Yuduo!”

“Sheep’s kidney!” Jiang Yuduo yelled once more.

“Right away!” said the waitress.

Cheng Ke sighed, but when he saw Jiang Yuduo’s smile, he realized: “You did it on purpose.”

“No.” Jiang Yuduo smiled and added, “That’s the intention.”

“What is it?” Cheng Ke posed a query.

“Bull’s whip and bull’s egg!” Jiang Yuduo roared once again.

“I’ll be there right away!” The waitress also responded loudly.

“…fuck you, Lao-san.” Cheng Ke was taken aback by his voice and wondered for a long time if he should turn his head to avoid seeing his surroundings.

“It’s okay,” Jiang Yuduo said as he sipped his wine. “There are a lot of people who eat these, no one will make a fuss, and I didn’t say I wanted to be fucked.”

“Shut up.” Cheng Ke let out a sigh.

Jiang Yuduo didn’t say anything else, just chuckled and ate and drank.

Cheng Ke felt indescribable when the server brought up the roasted lamb kidneys, bull penis, and testicles, and immediately wanted to laugh after being unable to put it in words.

“Actually, if I didn’t tell you what these are, you’d eat them all happily.” Jiang Yuduo put a bundle of lamb kidneys in front of him and said, “You can eat this.”

Cheng Ke took a bite out of the lamb kidneys. Jiang Yuduo was undoubtedly harsh, but Cheng Ke couldn’t help but like him from the beginning. Today’s Jiang Yuduo still allows him to enjoy some unscrupulous pleasure.

He took the last strand of pig penis and said, “Actually, this is really delicious.”

“You can eat it whenever you want, and don’t judge it as you eat it. Just think whether it’s delicious or not,” Jiang Yuduo consumed His voice was a little hazy when he said, “It’s easy to make me misunderstand when you say that.”

“I’m convinced by you.” Cheng Ke let out a sigh.

Cheng Ke ate his midnight snack with ease today. He felt ‘very fragrant and delicious’ while eating for the first time in a month.

However, there were a lot of beef skewers on the table that they didn’t complete.

“Pack it up,” Cheng Ke remarked, adding, “I’ll take it home to eat.”

“I’m treating you, and yet you want to pack it up,” Jiang Yuduo said, “you have such a thick-skinned face.”

“Oh, I forgot,” Cheng Ke apologized, “I’ve been thinking that this is my treat.”

Jiang Yuduo summoned the waiter to pay the bill, saying, “Then you pay?”

Cheng Ke answered, “No.”

“You can’t possibly be… are you out of money?” Jiang Yuduo inquired.

“Huh?” Cheng Ke was puzzled.

“Why are you asking me to buy you dinner all of a sudden? Do you not have any money?” Jiang Yuduo exclaimed. “We haven’t talked for a month, and the first thing you do is call me for a meal.”

“Damn,” Cheng Ke flashed a smile and said, “Okay, I’ll treat you then.”

“No, I said I’d pay this time,” Jiang Yuduo insisted.

Cheng Ke made a clicking sound with his tongue and they left the barbecue restaurant. But once they were outside, Cheng Ke felt a bit disoriented and unsure of which direction to take.

Jiang Yuduo scanned their surroundings.

“You lost your way?” Cheng Ke teased.

Jiang Yuduo chuckled and replied, “No.”

Cheng Ke was well aware that Jiang Yuduo was not lost and simply observing his surroundings, as he often did when entering a new location, turning corners, and taking in the environment.

“What are you checking out?” Cheng Ke asked, also scanning the area.

“I’m seeing if there’s a taxi nearby,” Jiang Yuduo responded.

“We don’t need a taxi,” Cheng Ke suggested, “it’s still nice out.

“Okay.” Jiang Yuduo nodded.

Cheng Ke gave Jiang Yuduo a quick glance, wondering if he was being too sensitive. This was the second time tonight that Jiang Yuduo had avoided mentioning “them” or advising him to be careful. In Cheng Ke’s mind, Jiang Yuduo should have said something like that.

This caused Cheng Ke to have second thoughts about his previous assumptions. If Jiang Yuduo did indeed have some sort of mental issue, how could he purposely avoid discussing related topics?

“I’ll walk you back,” Jiang Yuduo offered when they reached the intersection.

“No need,” Cheng Ke smiled, “I’m not a little girl and need someone to accompany me.”

“I didn’t mean to say you’re as slow as the little girls who grow up in our area,” Jiang Yuduo clarified. “In fact, they’re quicker than you.”

Cheng Ke was surprised. “Why do you say that?”

Jiang Yuduo paused for a beat before sighing. “Let me tell you something. “I was right there with you when you bought that dishwasher the other day.”

Cheng Ke’s look changed to one of surprise. “What? You were there?”

“They could have easily stolen your underwear if I hadn’t stopped the thief. You might have slapped the thief in the face if you were a little girl from this area,” Jiang Yuduo explained.

Cheng Ke was still in shock. “You were really there?”

“What?” Jiang Yuduo inquired, confused.

Cheng Ke’s excitement was palpable. “I knew I saw you!” he exclaimed. “I thought I was seeing things. I even said to myself that the person with someone in their arms was you. Was it really you?”

“Watch your language,” Jiang Yuduo chided him. “I’ll hold whoever I want. If I catch the thief, I’ll strangle him and go downstairs with my arms full!”

Cheng Ke burst out laughing, feeling unexpectedly happy. After chuckling for a while, he playfully patted Jiang Yuduo’s arm. “Thanks, man.”

Jiang Yuduo looked a bit embarrassed. “I just wanted to check on your eye injury that day,” he explained. “But I didn’t want to bother you by calling. I don’t think I’ll be seeing you anymore.”

“Why not?” Cheng Ke asked, puzzled.

“Isn’t it obvious?” Jiang Yuduo said. “I fought with my friend.”

“Did you also stop seeing Chen Qing after your fight?” Cheng Ke asked.

“That’s different,” Jiang Yuduo frowned, “I don’t know how to explain it. Chen Qing and I are not like you and me.”

“What’s the difference?” Cheng Ke persisted.

Jiang Yuduo appeared uncertain. He frowned for a while before glancing at Cheng Ke. “He’s not as talkative as you. You always ask so many questions. Anyway, it’s different. I can’t explain why.”

“Okay, let’s drop it,” Cheng Ke smiled.

They walked back together, and Jiang Yuduo didn’t object to escorting Cheng Ke home. The hot, empty street felt quite comfortable.

“Chen Qing and I grew up together,” Jiang Yuduo said softly, “We know each other well. I know him. He won’t disappear, no matter what. He’ll follow me.”

Cheng Ke turned to him. “I won’t disappear either.”

Jiang Yuduo replied, “It’s difficult to determine. You’re vastly different from us, so much so that if you hadn’t been kicked out, you wouldn’t have even considered mingling with our kind. You weren’t even aware that a group like ours existed.”

“That’s a bit extreme,” Cheng Ke retorted.

Jiang Yuduo nodded in agreement, “Perhaps.”

After a pause, Cheng Ke asked, “How long have you known Chen Qing?”

Jiang Yuduo pondered for a moment before replying, “Around ten years, I think. We’ve known each other since I arrived here.”

Curious, Cheng Ke inquired, “Where did you come from?”

Jiang Yuduo’s memory failed him, “I don’t remember. I was too young back then.”

“I see,” Cheng Ke nodded, “Chen Qing mentioned that he could have drowned if you hadn’t saved him.”

“He was trying to untie the rope himself, but I helped him,” Jiang Yuduo explained. Although he could have finally untied it, if he couldn’t stand the choking, he could have passed out.”

“He really admires you for staying calm and finding a way to save him,” Cheng Ke said.

“I learned it from a TV show,” Jiang Yuduo said.

“TV?” Cheng Ke was taken aback, wondering how Jiang Yuduo could watch TV after being beaten for reading as a child.

“At the mall,” Jiang Yuduo explained, “I saw a life-saving program a few days ago and remembered what they did.”

“Impressive,” Cheng Ke said, smiling, “you put what you learned into practice.”

“En,” Jiang Yuduo agreed with a nod.

Cheng Ke didn’t pursue the topic further, and Jiang Yuduo’s sudden calmness when talking about his childhood left him feeling a bit uneasy. As they descended the stairs, Cheng Ke made a conscious effort to prevent Jiang Yuduo from going up to his apartment.

“I’m leaving,” Jiang Yuduo announced.

“Alright,” Cheng Ke replied. “And by the way, you should be the one collecting the rent instead of Chen Qing.”

“Okay,” Jiang Yuduo agreed.

“Then…good night,” Cheng Ke turned and headed towards the elevator.

Jiang Yuduo took a while to respond. “Good night,” he finally said.

Cheng Ke waved without looking back. Only when he had entered the elevator did he turn his head to find that Jiang Yuduo had already disappeared from the lobby entrance.

Good night.

Cheng Ke had said it before to Jiang Yuduo, but he hadn’t responded. In his mind, this simple and polite phrase was foreign and unfamiliar. He couldn’t think of anyone he could say it to, maybe Chen Qing or Lu Qian?

He would probably feel embarrassed if Chen Qing or Lu Qian said it to him, but when Cheng Ke said it, it sounded natural and effortless. It was surprisingly pleasant to hear, and Jiang Yuduo found himself wanting to reply. Although it was a bit awkward to hear himself say it, the novelty and comfort of the phrase made it worthwhile.

When he walked out of the community, Chen Qing called.

“San-ge, are you done eating?” Chen Qing asked. “I’m still drinking here. Want to join me? To save Er Tu’s face, bring Jijia with you. It’s his own store.”

“He’s heading back,” Jiang Yuduo checked his phone for the time. “I’ll go over.”

“Alright, I’ll have them make more food,” Chen Qing agreed.

“Okay.” Jiang Yuduo hung up and picked up his pace.

As he turned a corner and walked for a while, he glanced behind him and noticed a long shadow projected on the ground from the corner of the wall. Jiang Yuduo kept walking, but he paid attention to the movement behind him.

It was difficult for anyone to do anything on this street. The street lamps were old-fashioned, short, and densely installed. The shadows changed frequently, and once someone approached, it was easy to notice.

After walking for a while, Jiang Yuduo took the opportunity of turning a corner to glance again, but there was no one behind him. He then released the handle of the knife in his pocket.

When he sent Cheng Ke home, he noticed that someone was following him. He had also seen the person when he came out of the barbecue shop. Perhaps Cheng Ke had also noticed, but he was not the type to overthink things.

Jiang Yuduo didn’t tell Cheng Ke. He didn’t want to make him nervous because of his own issues. In other words, he vividly recalls the way Cheng Ke looked at him after the fight that day and hopes to avoid encountering that same expression again. Some experiences must be confronted alone.

When Cheng Ke arrived home, the smell of smoke and alcohol clung to his clothes. It was late, and despite his exhaustion, it took him almost five minutes to undress and take a shower. As the hot water beat down on him, he felt the dizzying effects of alcohol and food mixing together. He leaned against the wall and sighed with relief.

“Ah, this is great!”

“What am I doing?” he wondered, feeling amused.

“I don’t know, but it feels good, and I’m in a good mood.”

He lifted his head, letting the hot water splash his face. A hot bath could have various effects, from alleviating fatigue to inducing hypnosis, relieving the effects of alcohol, and even allowing someone to try sleeping while standing. Suddenly, he jolted awake amidst his drowsiness, standing up tall and puffing out his chest.

After hesitating for a moment, he stepped out of the bathroom, water droplets clinging to his body. He went to the living room and picked up his phone, searching for the photo he had just recorded of Jiang Yuduo. He clicked on it, then placed the phone on the sink.

“I should get another phone holder,” he muttered to himself.

The following morning, Cheng Ke’s peaceful slumber was disrupted by his phone ringing incessantly.

“I hate waking up in the morning after a night of drinking, especially if I had a weird dream. And most importantly, I don’t want to wake up,” he grumbled.

But after Xu Ding’s third call, Cheng Ke couldn’t ignore it anymore and reluctantly picked up the phone.

“Sorry,” he apologized, glancing at the clock which showed that it was almost noon, “I had a few drinks last night.”

“No worries,” Xu Ding replied, “Drinking is a sign that your life is normal.”

Cheng Ke chuckled as he sat up, “Maybe.”

“I’d like to inform you that the shooting date has been moved a few days ahead of schedule, and the location has changed.” Xu Ding explained.

“Okay,” Cheng Ke yawned, “I have some free time. I’m available all day.”

“In addition, the video’s content has been changed, and a model has been added.” Xu Ding elaborated.

“Okay, what kind of model?” Cheng Ke said. Each video was unique in its inventiveness. Sometimes it’s just a sand sketching technique, and other times narratives and scenarios are included. There had previously been models uploaded, however, they are not in the same scene as him. So it makes no difference.

Xu Ding grinned, “The model is a handsome half-foreigner, imagine the untamed wildness of man and nature united.”

Cheng Ke chuckled, “So, is it similar to the previous videos?”

Xu Ding shook his head, “No, this time he will be standing next to you. I wanted to discuss this with you first and see if you’re comfortable with it.”

Cheng Ke pondered for a moment, unable to envision what it would look like. Despite Xu Ding’s videos being sometimes obscure, they always captivated him.

“I’m fine with it,” Cheng Ke replied.

“Would you like to see photos of the model?” Xu Ding asked.

“Am I selecting a blind date partner? No need,” Cheng Ke jested.

Xu Ding chuckled, “Alright, I’ll take care of it for you.”

“Yeah,” Cheng Ke said, smiling.

Today’s weather was pleasant. After finishing his phone call, Cheng Ke walked over to the window and took a look. The sun was shining brightly and the wind wasn’t too strong. He stood by the window for a while and decided to go out for a walk and have lunch. Lately, he hasn’t gone out much and lacked the energy to do so. Additionally, he didn’t know where to go in the cold.

Although he wasn’t sure where to go today, he still wanted to take a stroll. He hasn’t explored much of the neighborhood, but he was familiar with Bar Street and Jiang Yuduo’s area. He hasn’t ventured beyond the supermarket. Today, he decided to head over there and find a place to eat.

He put on his coat and headed out. As he closed the door, he quickly slipped his foot between the door and checked to make sure the key was in his pocket. If he forgot his key again, he would have to call a locksmith and then turn to Jiang Yuduo. Jiang Yuduo would think he had some shady intentions.

Of course, this was not totally correct. Such notions were solely for his own entertainment. Jiang Yuduo, who was initially surprised by homosexuality, couldn’t think of anything else and could only enjoy it in his imagination.

Two streets past the supermarket was a new commercial area that had been built two years ago. He wasn’t aware of the commercial area’s existence until today. Although it seemed lively, there weren’t too many people around.

He entered a coffee shop, but when the waiter asked what he wanted, he changed his mind and left. Suddenly, he craved milk tea with ginger. He still remembered the last time Jiang Yuduo had invited him to drink ginger milk. What was the name of the shop that sold it?

Despite walking for a long time, he didn’t find the shop.

“Sir, would you like to know more about fitness?” Suddenly, a beautiful girl handed him a leaflet.

Cheng Ke took the flyer absentmindedly, glanced at it twice, and continued walking forward.

He hadn’t been to the gym in months and hadn’t made much use of his new gym membership. Besides, his former personal trainer had quit, and he wasn’t particularly motivated to go back. It wasn’t easy to find an attractive personal trainer.

“We’re newly opened,” the girl followed him, “We’re offering a 20% discount for signing up, plus two free personal training sessions. Sir, it seems like you should exercise regularly. Would you like to come and try us out? You can have a free trial before signing up.”

Cheng Ke had always been wary of sales pitches from young girls, especially pretty ones who were earnestly trying to sell him something. It was difficult to say no to them.

“Sir, would you like to take a look at our facility and equipment?” The girl walked around in front of him and walked backward, her eyes a bit squinted from the wind. “Our equipment is the latest model, and we have a lot of it.”

“Where is it located?” Cheng Ke asked, unable to resist her pitch.

“It’s on the second floor,” the girl quickly pointed to the side, “Shall I take you there?”

The gym appeared to be quite impressive, it’s larger than the one Cheng Ke used to frequent. Being a newly opened establishment, there weren’t many people around and the equipment was all unused and new.

As they entered the gym, the little girl pointed out their personal trainer, Xiao Yang. “He’ll show you around,” she said. “If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask him.”

Xiao Yang greeted Cheng Ke with a smile. “My surname is Yang, you can call me Xiao Yang. I’ll be happy to give you a tour.”

Cheng Ke nodded in response. Xiao Yang led him a few steps further into the gym before turning to face him. “Brother Cheng, do you not remember me?” he asked.

“Huh?” Cheng Ke was stunned.

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