Translator: Lynn
Sponsored chapter (3/8)
Three days after the meeting, Cheng Ke gazed at him with a sense of admiration. Jiang Yuduo felt that even after three days, Cheng Ke, the scholar, remained a rascal with no improvement whatsoever. Well, it’s not that he hadn’t improved; in the realm of being a hooligan, he had made significant progress.
However, Jiang Yuduo had also evolved. In the past, if Cheng Ke had used those words, it might have been uncomfortable or unexpected. But now, when Cheng Ke uttered those two words, they merely seemed like a recap of the old days, neither unsettling nor unfamiliar. Maybe it’s because what he truly desires right now is to kiss Cheng Ke.
However, the environment didn’t permit it. There was a neighboring ward, a doctor’s office, and all the windows faced the courtyard.
“Doctor Li mentioned that after some observation, you can be discharged from the hospital,” Cheng Ke informed him.
“I can be discharged right now,” Jiang Yuduo responded, looking at Cheng Ke.
“We should still cooperate,” Cheng Ke insisted, then hesitated and asked in a soft voice, “Can you… see them now?”
“Very rarely,” Jiang Yuduo replied, “if I see or hear something occasionally while taking my medication, I’m fine. If I don’t see or hear anything, I won’t pay attention.”
“Yeah,” Cheng Ke sat down beside him.
“Doctor Li mentioned that my symptoms are milder than many other patients, but…” Jiang Yuduo bit his lip and turned to look at Cheng Ke. “Stable control and reconciliation are two different things.”
“I know,” Cheng Ke said with a smile.
“I may never fully recover in this lifetime, and I might have relapses,” Jiang Yuduo continued. “I’ll still need to take medication.”
“I understand,” Cheng Ke turned to him and said, “You don’t need to worry about this. If I really wanted to leave, I would’ve done so when we first started quarreling.”
“Doctor Li said I still have many cognitive issues, so it will take time,” Jiang Yuduo commented as he picked up Meow and placed Meow’s soft belly on his own face. Meow’s tummy was delightfully fluffy and covered with a thick layer of soft fur. It was comfortable to have it on his face. Plus, it had just been bathed, so Meow had the faint scent of freshly steamed dumplings.
When he removed Meow, some of its own hair clung to him.
“It’s shedding season again,” Cheng Ke offered Jiang Yuduo a wet tissue. “But it seems like it sheds all year round. Why does it always shed hair?”
“You don’t care about shedding seasons,” Jiang Yuduo said as he wiped his face. “It’s just that your hair isn’t as thick as his… You’ve been struggling with this issue for over half a year.”
“I’ve been struggling with it?” Cheng Ke asked, surprised.
“You’ve been so tormented that you’ve talked about it in your sleep…” Jiang Yuduo smiled.
“…Is that so?” Cheng Ke paused for a moment, then chuckled after giving it some thought. “So you’ve overheard me talking in my sleep.”
“I had the opportunity to record it for you,” Jiang Yuduo remarked.
“You…” Cheng Ke suddenly remembered, “Do you use your phone now? Did you change your number? How did you contact Sister Luo?”
“Sister Luo came to see me in person, or she’d call Dr. Li’s office,” Jiang Yuduo replied, rubbing his nose. “I left my phone at home. Didn’t you notice?”
“I left it at home?” Cheng Ke was taken aback. “Where did I put it?”
“You haven’t even looked for it, have you?” Jiang Yuduo appeared dissatisfied. “Take your time to find it. If you can’t, just buy a new one for me.”
“I have to buy you one if you hid it and I can’t find it?” Cheng Ke questioned him.
“I didn’t hide it! It’s easy to find!” Jiang Yuduo stared at him.
“I never thought you’d hide things.”
“No hiding,” Jiang Yuduo stared at him for a moment before asking, “When will you… go back?”
Cheng Ke quickly understood Jiang Yuduo’s question, “I’ve taken a week off. If you want me to come and see you, I’ll be here every day. If you…”
“Okay,” Jiang Yuduo interrupted before Cheng Ke could finish his sentence.
Hospital visiting hours were limited. Cheng Ke spent some time with Jiang Yuduo in the small courtyard before he had to leave, arranging to return the following day.
“Bring me some snacks to eat,” Jiang Yuduo requested, “like snacks or milk tea.”
“…Aren’t you supposed to avoid these?” Cheng Ke questioned, looking at him. “Are you asking me to secretly sneak them in?”
“No, it’s not a weight loss program here. I’ve always wanted to eat those, but I was too embarrassed to ask Sister Luo to bring them,” Jiang Yuduo explained. “Now that you’re here, why shouldn’t I indulge myself? I’m a patient.”
Cheng Ke laughed, “I can see that you’re doing much better now.”
“Better than before,” Jiang Yuduo sighed after some thought. “But I don’t know how long it will last.”
“Don’t look too far ahead. Right now, you’re stable, and there’s nothing we can’t handle,” Cheng Ke reassured him.
“Yeah,” Jiang Yuduo replied and chuckled after a while. “You really came to see me.”
“Nonsense. I’m not just here to see you; I’m also here to challenge you,” Cheng Ke clicked his tongue playfully. “It’s just that this environment isn’t conducive to a good fight.”
“You know you can’t beat me,” Jiang Yuduo said.
“Come on, you can try,” Cheng Ke said after a moment of thought, then changed the subject. “What do you think about Chen Qing?”
Jiang Yuduo glanced at him, appearing hesitant.
Cheng Ke understood that he probably wanted to inquire about Chen Qing’s situation. They had talked for a while today, but Jiang Yuduo never asked about Chen Qing or his other friends, especially Chen Qing. Perhaps it was because he didn’t dare to, given that, no matter how peculiar Jiang Yuduo’s definition of friendship was, Chen Qing was his most significant friend. He likely couldn’t bear to think about what might have happened to Chen Qing during his absence.
“Can I tell Chen Qing that I have news about you, like you’re traveling or something?” Cheng Ke suggested. “He was so worried that he cried himself to sleep every night. After collecting rent, he’d go to Lu Qiang and cry for a while. Lu Qiang won’t let him in.”
“Nonsense,” Jiang Yuduo smiled.
“It’s true,” Cheng Ke insisted. “He had suddenly matured. If I hadn’t known better, I’d think he was in love with her.”
“What about Lu Qiang…” Jiang Yuduo pondered for a moment. “Lu Qiang should be fine. She cares deeply about him.”
“Yeah, she’s fine. She’s the one who told you to come back,” Cheng Ke said. “She even allowed me to stay in your place.”
“And…” Jiang Yuduo hesitated for a moment, then continued, “Tell Chen Qing that I’m going back to my hometown. I have some things to take care of there. I should be able to return in no more than half a month.”
Hometown.
Past.
Cheng Ke was somewhat surprised that these two aspects were coming from Jiang Yuduo’s mouth. These were parts of his life that he had been avoiding and desperately trying to forget.
But it shouldn’t be surprising; Jiang Yuduo’s quest to get to the “better” side would require him to face his past first.
“Sure,” Cheng Ke nodded.
“Where is he? Damn it! Where’s his hometown?” Chen Qing cried and shouted over the phone. “How the hell should I know where his hometown is? He never told me, and he doesn’t have an accent…”
“Anywhere is fine, and he didn’t want you to come right away. He’ll be back soon,” Cheng Ke reassured him.
“Oh,” Chen Qing was taken aback.
“Qing’er, I used to think you were useless when it came to fighting, not deserving of the title ‘chief protector’,” Cheng Ke remarked. “But look at you now, crying over your chief, Jiang Yuduo, aren’t you?”
“Don’t think I don’t know why you’re crying behind my back!” Chen Qing retorted.
“Why would I be crying?” Cheng Ke asked.
“You ask why you’re crying! Where do I go!” Chen Qing shouted.
“…Alright,” Cheng Ke sighed. “I’m currently on a business trip, and I have other matters to attend to, so I won’t keep you any longer.”
“You’re on a business trip,” Chen Qing said sarcastically. “You think I’m stupid? You two are together! Business trip! You’re traveling together!”
Cheng Ke couldn’t hold back his laughter and hung up the phone, then lay on the bed and laughed for a long time.
He didn’t cry much, but on the day Jiang Yuduo left, tears flowed freely. After that, he found it difficult to shed more tears, like a sealed bottle of water left to evaporate slowly in the sun.
His tears were scarce, but laughter returned to his life, more joyful and freeing than he had felt in a long time. It wasn’t a complete relief, but his heart had opened up considerably, allowing him to see the sun rising on the horizon.
Meow remained in the hospital with special permission from Dr. Li. The next day, when Cheng Ke visited, he not only brought the snacks and milk tea Jiang Yuduo had requested but also carried a cat carrier containing cat food and a few cans of cat food.
“I tried giving it steamed buns yesterday, and the nurse even brought some meat sauce, but it seemed a bit picky,” Jiang Yuduo crouched down, observing the canned cat food. “Are you picky, little one?”
“Picky?” Cheng Ke questioned.
“More than picky, it’s quite discerning,” Jiang Yuduo replied.
“I’m not poor,” Cheng Ke reminded him.
“Oh, by the way, Mr. Rich,” Jiang Yuduo stood up, “How’s your shop?”
“Everything’s running smoothly, following the plan,” Cheng Ke said. “When you’re back on your feet, would you like to visit it someday?”
“Well,” Jiang Yuduo nodded, “I’ll think about what’s next.”
“What’s next?” Cheng Ke inquired.
“Let’s leave that for later,” Jiang Yuduo waved it off after pondering for a moment. “I’m only 22 years old.”
Cheng Ke smiled and remained silent.
“Did you prepare a birthday gift for me?” Jiang Yuduo suddenly remembered. “You didn’t forget my birthday, did you?”
“It’s hard to forget your birthday,” Cheng Ke assured him.
“Then have you prepared something?” Jiang Yuduo pressed on.
“It’s ready,” Cheng Ke nodded.
“What is it?” Jiang Yuduo persisted.
“… If I tell you now, won’t it ruin the surprise?” Cheng Ke sighed.
“I don’t need surprises,” Jiang Yuduo said. “Those hypocritical young masters only like surprises.”
“In that case, I won’t tell you now,” Cheng Ke replied. “Your hypocritical young master have to wait until it’s time to give the gift. It’s all about the anticipation.”
“Hey—” Jiang Yuduo crouched down again, watching the cat eat. After a few seconds, he suddenly raised his head. “Cheng Ke!”
“Huh?” Cheng Ke was startled by him. “What is it?”
“You’ve already given me a birthday surprise!” Jiang Yuduo lowered his voice. “Could it be…?”
“What?” Cheng Ke looked puzzled.
“Are you going to bed?” Jiang Yuduo continued, “Tie a bow around yourself…”
“Shush!” Cheng Ke interrupted, alarmed that doctors and nurses might think he was harassing patients.
“It’s not uncommon in novels…” Jiang Yuduo tried to explain but was cut off by Cheng Ke.
Cheng Ke stared at him, “Jiang Lao San, tell me, how much adult content have you been reading?”
“This kind of thing isn’t exclusive to adult content; it’s also found in regular novels,” Jiang Yuduo defended himself.
Seeing Jiang Yuduo’s stern and focused expression, Cheng Ke couldn’t continue and sighed, “I hadn’t planned to surprise you until your birthday.”
“Surprise?” Jiang Yuduo squinted his eyes. “Go back, you can’t beat me.”
“That’s not necessarily true,” Cheng Ke said, lighting a cigarette. “Some things can give me a lot of strength.”
Cheng Ke extended his one-week stay by two days without mentioning it to Xu Ding and only notifying the store through Huihui.
At the end of the observation period, Dr. Li conducted some final checks and tests and approved Jiang Yuduo’s release from the hospital.
Cheng Ke contemplated whether to take a bus back with Jiang Yuduo, but after recalling the discomfort he felt on the bus journey to the hospital, he decided to postpone the experiential trip for now.
The long bus ride was not only physically demanding for some, but it also tested the patience of others.
Visiting Jiang Yuduo at the hospital daily for just an hour or two wasn’t fulfilling. He had been closely monitoring Jiang Yuduo’s condition, but most of the time his thoughts weren’t filled with joy.
Ultimately, he booked a flight ticket, treated Sister Luo to a meal on the day of Jiang Yuduo’s discharge, and then took a taxi directly to the airport.
“Did you inform Chen Qing that I’m returning today?” Jiang Yuduo asked.
“No,” Cheng Ke replied. “Once I land and take a taxi home, I’ll let Chen Qing know. Once he finds out, he won’t leave for at least a week, except for sleep.”
Jiang Yuduo chuckled and reached out to hold Cheng Ke’s hand. “When did they remove the plaster cast?”
“It was removed a while ago; I hardly even remember it,” Cheng Ke reflected. “It was a bit lonely going to the hospital alone. Depressing.”
“Let Chen Qing keep you company,” Jiang Yuduo suggested.
“Don’t talk nonsense,” Cheng Ke replied. “You know what I mean.”
“I’m sorry, Cheng Ke,” Jiang Yuduo whispered into his ear, “I won’t behave like this in the future.”
“No need to apologize, I don’t blame you,” Cheng Ke reassured him. Although he hadn’t blamed Jiang Yuduo, these past few months had been truly trying for him, and he genuinely appreciated Jiang Yuduo’s apology.
“I’ll treat you to dinner when I get back,” Jiang Yuduo offered.
“No,” Cheng Ke declined. “Take some time to rest when you get home. Don’t rush for a meal. I haven’t lost any weight. Skip a meal and try to shed some pounds.”
“You didn’t lose weight when I was away, but you lost weight after I came back,” Jiang Yuduo pointed out. “What’s going on with you?”
Indeed, what was going on? There was nothing wrong, really. Cheng Ke had increased his physical activity since Jiang Yuduo’s return, which explained his lack of weight loss.
Cheng Ke pinched the bridge of his nose and restrained his wandering thoughts. He was still on the plane with another half hour to land. The journey from the airport to Jiang Yu’s house by taxi would take at least an hour. Considering the time needed to disembark, pick up the cat, and find a car, it would be almost three hours before he reached home.
If he continued like this for three hours, he might mentally collapse before even arriving home.
Cheng Ke glanced at Jiang Yuduo, who was smiling at him with his head tilted, and this smile was innocent and filled with the joy of reunion, devoid of any lewd intentions. This made Cheng Ke feel guilty for harboring such thoughts.
After being apart for so long, they had finally reunited and were heading home together, but Cheng Ke’s mind was consumed by unhealthy desires.
Maybe fate wasn’t entirely healthy either. In any case, Cheng Ke thought they were rather fortunate. They managed to make it home in just two and a half hours.
Throughout the ride, Jiang Yuduo held his hand, and he didn’t let go until they entered the house.
“You’re all sweaty,” Jiang Yuduo remarked, shaking his hand. He released the cat from its carrier and began tidying up the water and cat food.
“Jiang Yuduo, I need to tell you something,” Cheng Ke stood in the living room, and as Jiang Yuduo came closer, he began speaking rapidly, “From the very moment you left until today, I’ve been contemplating how to handle you. Every single day, I’ve thought about it, and I’ve lost count of how many days it’s been.”
Jiang Yuduo turned to look at him.
Cheng Ke pushed him away, used one hand to remove his shirt, and with the other, seized Jiang Yuduo’s collar, dragging him into the bedroom. “I’ve had more than ninety-nine thousand, eight hundred and ten thoughts.” He pointed at the bed, bewildered for a moment, “Ninety-nine, eight, ten.”
“Take off your clothes,” Cheng Ke instructed, kicking off his own pants and gesturing at Jiang Yuduo. “I don’t have time to count to three with you. Hurry up.”
“What are you doing?” Jiang Yuduo was taken aback, but it was clear from his eyes and expression that he didn’t need an answer.
“Handling you,” Cheng Ke declared, leaping onto the bed, stepping over him, and yelling, “Strip!”
“Fuck,” Jiang Yuduo complied, taking off his clothes in surprise. “Are you insane? Are you already…?”
“Yes!” Cheng Ke continued shouting. “Your pants!”
Jiang Yuduo hastily removed his pants, tossing them onto the floor beside him, and exclaimed, “Cheng Ke, you’ve gone mad! Seriously arrogant!”
Cheng Ke didn’t say a word. Instead, he lunged at him and kissed him passionately.
After the kiss, he grabbed Jiang Yuduo’s arm, flipped him over abruptly, pushed his face into the mattress, and whispered into his ear, “Who are you calling arrogant? I’m the one who’s arrogant. Are you up for it?”
Jiang Yuduo gasped and remained silent, but he turned his head.
“I’ll teach you now,” Cheng Ke announced, biting down firmly on his shoulder.
Please let me know if there are typos/mistakes in the chapter.
Support me on ko-fi for faster releases ^^
