Translator: Lynn
Sponsored chapter (2/3)
It marked the initial instance that Cheng Ke grappled with insomnia so relentlessly, spending the entire night in a state of restless wakefulness, merely lying on the bed.
During this time, Jiang Yuduo remained in the bedroom as well, yet slumber eluded him too.
He sat by the window, gazing outward.
Cheng Ke couldn’t discern what exactly captured his attention. The living room window overlooked the street, while the bedroom window opened up to the backyard. The courtyard wall stood tall and without any railing.
All that was visible was the illumination.
Jiang Yuduo wasn’t lost in thought; when he was, he was unfamiliar with smoking. Yet, that night he smoked incessantly.
Even though he opened the window with great caution, exhaling through the narrow gap, and extended the cigarette out as much as possible, the scent of smoke still permeated the room.
Under normal circumstances, Cheng Ke would certainly have risen to reprimand him, insisting he cease smoking or step outside.
But not a word escaped him that night.
At the break of dawn, Jiang Yuduo got up and quietly exited the bedroom, presumably to freshen up.
As Cheng Ke unlocked the door and entered once more, he overheard Jiang Yuduo muttering under his breath, “I’m suffocating.”
Cheng Ke remained still, capturing the sound of Jiang Yuduo grabbing a piece of fabric and commencing to fan the room, seemingly attempting to dispel the smoke.
It was futile, and a sense of amusement tugged at Cheng Ke.
“Cheng Ke!” Jiang Yuduo called out.
“Hmm?” Cheng Ke responded.
“Quit pretending to be asleep,” Jiang Yuduo said, “Get up and step outside. Weren’t you feeling choked all night?”
“…No.” Cheng Ke sat up, presuming that Jiang Yuduo hadn’t noticed he hadn’t slept.
“Chen Qing will bring breakfast over later,” Jiang Yuduo conveyed, “Let’s eat before we rest.”
“Chen Qing?” Cheng Ke was taken aback.
“His mother made dumplings and asked him to deliver them,” Jiang Yuduo explained.
“Oh, that’s great.” Cheng Ke got out of bed to freshen up.
As Cheng Ke freshened up, Jiang Yuduo adhered to his routine, leaning against the door and observing.
However, this time, he seemed more considerate than on previous occasions. The toothpaste was already applied onto the toothbrush. After Cheng Ke washed his face, Jiang Yuduo helped twist the towel and gave it a gentle pat.
“Goodness,” Cheng Ke felt as if his facial features had been rearranged due to the softness of the towel, “Are you trying to exfoliate my skin?”
“Is it too rough?” Jiang Yuduo pulled the towel back.
“It’s not time for a shower yet. This is my face, not my back,” Cheng Ke sighed.
Jiang Yuduo smiled, patted the towel dry, and hung it up.
Chen Qing arrived quite swiftly, carrying still-steaming dumplings. After placing them down, he hastily devoured two and mumbled, “I won’t dine with you. The boss is strict today. Can’t be tardy.”
“Let’s go,” Jiang Yuduo waved him off.
Once Chen Qing had left, they sat at the table, consuming dumplings in silence.
After work, even if it was just a modest routine, the mind gravitated toward what lay ahead. When the events of the previous day resurfaced, conversation suddenly seemed difficult to initiate.
Cheng Ke glanced at Jiang Yuduo, who had stayed awake the entire night. However, there was no trace of weariness or fatigue on his face, almost as if everything was usual.
But the quiet consumption of dumplings, one by one, suggested a subtle departure from the norm.
Ordinarily, Jiang Yuduo savored his food passionately, as though he had emerged after a three-thousand-year famine, and he would never settle for a mere few dumplings. He would pile them high on his plate. Yet today, he ate with a measured tidiness, picking up another only after he had finished the one before.
Food consumption hadn’t dwindled; in fact, it had increased. If Cheng Ke hadn’t loaded more than a dozen dumplings onto his bowl at once, he might have been left hungry early on.
After they finished eating, Jiang Yuduo stared at Cheng Ke for a prolonged moment, as if mustering his resolve. Finally, he leaned on the table and said, “You inquired about the psychiatrist earlier. You weren’t feeling jealous, were you?”
Cheng Ke was taken aback, swiftly clenching the hand inside his pocket to ensure his phone remained there. He had already purged his call history, and since Jiang Yuduo hadn’t slept all night, he hadn’t had the opportunity to unlock it with his fingerprints and glimpse the chat records between him and Xu Ding.
Those records were about to be erased as well.
He remained silent, uncertain of Jiang Yuduo’s intent with this question.
Jiang Yuduo didn’t appear to be waiting for his response. He retrieved a piece of cigarette paper from beneath the table and, using a pen, wrote on it: “Sister Luo is my therapist, but she can’t reach out to me. She can only wait for my call.”
“Can’t reach you?” Cheng Ke queried.
“She never has my number to call me,” Jiang Yuduo said, picking up a flake of paint from the table and effortlessly removing a sizable chip. “I probably should get a tablecloth.” Cheng Ke comprehended why the number wasn’t found in other sections of the call log.
Profoundly vexed.
Beneath Jiang Yuduo’s carefree, arrogant exterior lay an inconceivable wariness, far beyond what ordinary people exhibit.
Once the words were transcribed onto the cigarette paper, Jiang Yuduo didn’t budge. He maintained his grip on the pen, his gaze fixed on the paper. After a brief pause, he set down the pen, lifted his eyes to Cheng Ke, and cautiously slid the cigarette paper toward him.
“This is… Sister Luo’s,” Jiang Yuduo’s speech was deliberate, unhurried, “phone number.”
Cheng Ke regarded him in astonishment. Jiang Yuduo needed an alternate phone to make contact, a covert way to ensure no one would find out. And now, the psychiatrist’s number lay right in front of him.
It wasn’t solely about trust; it was a signal.
“Help me,” Jiang Yuduo implored, “I don’t know what to do.”
Help me.
The words Jiang Yuduo uttered the previous night resounded vividly in his mind. Perhaps because he was distanced from the turmoil temporarily, or perhaps because “they” had departed. This time, Jiang Yuduo chose a more subtle phrasing.
Help.
In Cheng Ke’s perception, both phrases were equivalent, and it only intensified his discomfort as Jiang Yuduo once again held back and concealed the plea “Help me.”
This was Jiang Yuduo’s protracted struggle in the darkness, finally mustering the courage to extend his hand, though with great caution. He didn’t dare to wave it around; he merely groped gingerly.
Cheng Ke accepted the cigarette paper from Jiang Yuduo. After the prolonged effort Jiang Yuduo had put into writing, the paper held only Sister Luo’s name, a city name, and a mobile phone number—nothing more.
He had encountered Jiang Yuduo’s self-crafted “business card” on several occasions, but this was the first time he could actually feel the handwriting on the paper’s surface.
Nonetheless, Cheng Ke’s earlier assumption wasn’t off the mark. This indeed referred to a southern city where the Lunar New Year did not bring snow.
“Can you call her?” Jiang Yuduo inquired.
Cheng Ke gently explored the surface of the cigarette paper with his fingertips, deliberating for a brief moment. “Can I meet her?” Jiang Yuduo’s surprise was evident: “Really?”
Cheng Ke nodded. “If she’s available to meet me, I’ll make the trip.”
“Okay,” Jiang Yuduo murmured, resting his head on his arm.
“In case she agrees to meet me,” Cheng Ke continued, “would you accompany me, or should I go alone?” Jiang Yuduo replied, “I’ll come along… She might not agree to see you if you’re alone.”
“Fine,” Cheng Ke reached out, gently pressing his hand against the bandage on his head.
After all, Jiang Yuduo’s ordeal wasn’t an ordinary injury, and a therapist wouldn’t casually discuss their patient’s personal matters with a stranger.
“Do you have time?” Jiang Yuduo raised his head. “Didn’t Xu Ding mention you’re preparing to open the shop?” Cheng Ke responded, “I don’t need to be at the store every day leading up to the opening. I’ll manage if I can’t spare the time. This is crucial.”
“Then…” Jiang Yuduo hesitated, “Should I reach out to Sister Luo?”
“Either way works. If you’d rather not, I can make the call,” Cheng Ke reassured him.
Jiang Yuduo seized his phone, stood after a pause, and headed to the yard with the device in hand. “I’ll make the call.”
Cheng Ke observed his departure into the yard, herded the following cat back indoors, and then shut the door.
Making the decision to contact the therapist must have been arduous for Jiang Yuduo. Consequently, he didn’t want anyone to overhear the conversation, not even Meow.
However, when Cheng Ke posed the question, he aimed to grant Jiang Yuduo the autonomy to make the call on his own. This way, it would be simpler to communicate the matter clearly and take a certain level of initiative.
He rose to fetch a glass of water and squeezed out two pieces of cat food for Meow, who held his hand, munching on both the cat food and his fingers with contentment.
A soft sigh escaped Cheng Ke’s lips. He pondered whether Miao’s daily companionship with Jiang Yuduo contributed to the feline’s eating habits, as they seemed to resemble Jiang Yuduo’s own behavior. Cheng Ke even half-jokingly believed that placing a piece of cat food on Miao’s tail might result in the kitty consuming its own tail.
Such an unwavering commitment to three square meals a day, regardless of appetite, was unsettling to Cheng Ke. How had this habit formed? The thought left him slightly uneasy.
Jiang Yuduo’s call concluded promptly, and he reentered the house, his phone in hand.
“How did it go?” Cheng Ke inquired.
“I told her I’m bringing a friend to meet her,” Jiang Yuduo explained. “Sister Luo agreed.”
“Did you ask about my identity or job?” Cheng Ke probed further.
“I mentioned you’re a garbage collector,” Jiang Yuduo responded.
“…Did you actually say that?” Cheng Ke eyed him incredulously.
“No,” Jiang Yuduo chuckled. His tone carried the mirth that arose from a difficult phone call, “I told her you’re a very important friend of mine.”
“Yeah,” Cheng Ke smiled in response.
“But… I didn’t bring up the fact that you’re my boyfriend,” Jiang Yuduo continued, “Is that alright?”
“Why would it matter?” Cheng Ke dismissed the concern. “I haven’t revealed our relationship to anyone; it’s just between us.”
“My sister said she can set up… an appointment… for the day after tomorrow.”
“No problem,” Cheng Ke retrieved his phone. “We can book a flight ticket for tomorrow.”
“What ticket?” Jiang Yuduo raised his head quickly, puzzled.
“An airplane ticket,” Cheng Ke clarified.
Jiang Yuduo remained silent, yet his shifting expression didn’t escape Cheng Ke’s notice.
“You don’t want to fly?” Cheng Ke inquired.
“Can we… take a bus?” Jiang Yuduo proposed, “Taking a bus doesn’t require an ID card.”
“You…” Cheng Ke stared at him. “Is your ID card fake?”
“It’s not fake,” Jiang Yuduo rushed to assure him before Cheng Ke could react, “Let’s just take the plane.”
With that, he dashed into the bedroom, rummaged around for a while, and emerged holding his ID card, which he handed to Cheng Ke. “Look, it’s genuine.”
Cheng Ke accepted it, gazing at the youthful visage of Jiang Yuduo for a moment. He slowly comprehended that Jiang Yuduo’s phone calls were always approached with utmost caution. An ID card, an item that inevitably leaves a trace when used, naturally remains unused when avoidable.
“It’s alright,” Cheng Ke reassured him. “If you’re uncomfortable with flying, we can take the bus.”
Jiang Yuduo shook his head. “No, I feel… uneasy about it because of my condition… I’m sick.”
Cheng Ke felt a pang in his heart. He knelt down and embraced Jiang Yuduo tightly, saying nothing, just offering his presence.
In that moment, Cheng Ke found himself at a loss for words. What should he say? Yes, you’re facing challenges due to your condition, but it’s alright. No, you’re not really sick… Every response seemed inadequate.
Ultimately, Cheng Ke went ahead and purchased the airplane ticket. Jiang Yuduo’s ID card saw its first legitimate use, except for when Cheng Ke helped Lucy with her rental paperwork.
“Does this mean the ticket is booked?” Jiang Yuduo inquired after glancing at Cheng Ke’s phone displaying a successful ticket issuance message.
“Yes,” Cheng Ke confirmed with a nod. “You just need to go to the airport and retrieve the ticket.”
“I’ve never been on an airplane before,” Jiang Yuduo admitted.
Cheng Ke noticed a hint of unexpected excitement on Jiang Yuduo’s face and playfully tapped his finger against Jiang Yuduo’s cheek. “Well, this time you’ll experience it. We can even opt for the first-class cabin on the way back.”
Jiang Yuduo smiled but didn’t speak.
Cheng Ke couldn’t decipher Jiang Yuduo’s current thoughts. Perhaps he confessed to being “sick” because he was able to see “them,” invisible to everyone else. Yet he still harbored concerns about potential danger.
These internal contradictions caused Jiang Yuduo’s demeanor to fluctuate during the two days leading up to their departure. He would stand tensely by the window for a while and then excitedly seek reassurance from Cheng Ke shortly after.
“Cheng Ke,” Jiang Yuduo pulled out a suitcase, “How big can a suitcase be for a flight? Is this alright?”
“Sure,” Cheng Ke affirmed. “We’re only going for two days, right? Just pack a small travel bag with your clothes and a few essentials.”
“I want to take a suitcase,” Jiang Yuduo insisted, “it feels more like a proper trip.”
“Then take it. My clothes can fit in there as well,” Cheng Ke suggested. “The two outfits I left at your place can be included. We can wash them there.”
“Alright,” Jiang Yuduo complied, placing the clothes in the suitcase.
“What about Meow?” Cheng Ke inquired.
“For two days, it’s fine. We can use the automatic feeder. If… if there’s a delay, we can ask Chen Qing to feed him,” Jiang Yuduo replied.
Cheng Ke was unsure of what exactly Jiang Yuduo was worried about being delayed, but his emotions seemed to surge repeatedly. This continued until the taxi they had taken to the airport came to a stop at the corridor entrance. As they stepped out with their suitcases, Jiang Yuduo finally confessed, “I’m afraid.”
“Don’t be afraid,” Cheng Ke reassured him, “I’m right here with you.”
“You’re not much help,” Jiang Yuduo retorted, his nervousness probably making him less considerate. “And I only have one good arm.”
“Then, first, let’s check if they are here,” Cheng Ke suggested.
Jiang Yuduo gave him a quick glance and then scanned the corridor’s surroundings. “They’re not here.”
“In that case, let’s proceed,” Cheng Ke said as he tugged the suitcase and started walking.
Jiang Yuduo quickly followed suit.
Upon reaching the airport, Jiang Yuduo remained glued to Cheng Ke’s side. Cheng Ke discreetly held his hand and realized it felt chilly.
“Are you scared?” Cheng Ke whispered softly, “I’ll pick up the tickets now. Afterward, we’ll find a quiet spot.”
“Yeah,” Jiang Yuduo agreed, “Go ahead and I’ll have a smoke.”
“Alright,” Cheng Ke nodded, lighting up the ticket dispenser. “Can you hold on for a bit longer?”
“Yes,” Jiang Yuduo murmured, “Is the stick going to end soon? I have a box of lighters over there.”
“Sure, let’s go smoke,” Cheng Ke said, taking the ticket and guiding Jiang Yuduo outside.
“I want to check the ticket,” Jiang Yuduo mentioned.
Cheng Ke handed over the ticket, and as Jiang Yuduo took it, he glanced at it with a mix of curiosity and excitement, quickly scanning the surroundings afterward.
The combination of excitement, curiosity, nervousness, and anxiety made Cheng Ke want to embrace Jiang Yuduo tightly and provide him with reassurance.
As they walked out the door and reached the open area outside, Cheng Ke led Jiang Yuduo to a quiet corner near a trash can. Just as Cheng Ke was about to touch Jiang Yuduo’s face comfortingly, Jiang Yuduo lit a cigarette and asked, “Do you think the airport sells lighters?”
“Huh?” Cheng Ke was taken aback.
“There are so many people here,” Jiang Yuduo continued, “and some are even high-end ones. Do you think they sell them?”
“I honestly don’t know,” Cheng Ke chuckled after his initial surprise. “I never thought about it.”
“Yeah, the million-dollar card was given to Chen Qing,” Jiang Yuduo clicked his tongue, “How many lighters can I buy with that…”
“You won’t be able to spend it all,” Cheng Ke replied with a chuckle.
“It’s fine,” Jiang Yuduo said confidently, “I’ll make more money in the future.”
“Yeah,” Cheng Ke agreed.
“Just wait for me… to finish this,” Jiang Yuduo said, biting his lip.
As the plane approached, Jiang Yuduo’s mixture of excitement and fear gradually subsided, and he eventually dozed off, leaning against the back of the chair.
Cheng Ke maintained his grip on Jiang Yuduo’s hand beneath the blanket. Only now did he sense his hand gradually returning to its usual warmth, growing comfortably warm.
As the plane began its descent, Jiang Yuduo suddenly sat upright and opened his eyes.
“We’re landing,” Cheng Ke informed him, “We’ll arrive soon.”
Jiang Yuduo didn’t say anything, he just continued to hold Cheng Ke’s hand.
Throughout the process of disembarking and making their way to the exit, he remained silent.
“Is Sister Luo waiting for us at the exit?” Cheng Ke inquired, “Would you like me to call her?”
Jiang Yuduo shook his head and gestured toward the exit with a nod.
Cheng Ke turned his gaze in that direction and immediately spotted a woman standing alone by the exit wall, smiling and waving toward them.
“Is that the one in the blue dress?” Cheng Ke inquired.
“Yes,” Jiang Yuduo confirmed.
Cheng Ke returned the smile and walked with Jiang Yuduo toward her.
“Are you Cheng Ke?” Sister Luo stepped forward, extending her hand with a smile.
“Yes,” Cheng Ke shook her hand, “Hello, Ms. Luo, thank you for coming to the airport.”
“Of course,” Sister Luo smiled warmly, then turned her attention to Jiang Yuduo. “This is my first time meeting one of Xiao Jiang’s friends.”
“Let’s go,” Jiang Yuduo’s tone was a bit curt as he took the suitcase from Cheng Ke’s hand and strode forward. He halted after a few steps, casting a glance back at Cheng Ke.
“Are you coming?” Cheng Ke asked Sister Luo.
“Yes,” Sister Luo nodded.
Jiang Yuduo instantly turned and headed in the direction Sister Luo had indicated.
Cheng Ke felt a mixture of amusement and concern, witnessing Jiang Yuduo’s demeanor.
“I didn’t actually anticipate that you would recognize me,” Cheng Ke softly admitted to Sister Luo.
“Xiao Jiang proposed, and I would naturally agree,” Sister Luo replied. “I also wanted to meet you. Among the friends he’s mentioned over the years, you are the only one whose name he’s ever brought up.”
“What do you mean?” Cheng Ke was a bit taken aback.
“I believe,” Sister Luo gazed at Jiang Yuduo’s figure, “whether it’s for better or for worse, your impact on him has been quite significant.”
Please let me know if there are typos/mistakes in the chapter.
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