Chapter 15 – Fighting Back
Novel Title: 一屋暗灯 (Ephemeral Light)
Author：麦香鸡呢 (McChicken)
Translator: K (@kin0monogatari)
Protagonists: 宋谨 (Song Jin -MC), 宋星阑 (Song Xinglan -ML)
*Please read at Novels Space.space, the original site of translation. TQ*
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On Wednesday night, Song Xiangping arranged for a driver to pick Song Jin up and take him to the restaurant. The guests present were still Song Xiangping’s close friends and relatives, including Song Xinglan. Song Jin handed a gift box to Song Xiangping.
Others praised Song Xiangping for his good fortune. Song Xiangping laughed heartily, patted Song Jin on the shoulder, and asked him to sit at the table next to Song Xinglan’s.
After greeting the guests, Song Jin sat down next to Song Xinglan.
Yuan Ya’s belly still showed no signs of pregnancy, probably because she had just become pregnant and it was not yet obvious. She came over and exchanged a few words with Song Jin, asking the two brothers to enjoy their meal slowly.
Song Jin stared at his plate, avoiding any glances at Song Xinglan. Despite the lively atmosphere at the table, he just wanted to finish eating and leave.
It felt like someone had bumped into his calf. So Song Jin thought someone had accidentally bumped into him. He recoiled his leg. But then he felt another bump. It was more like a rub than a bump.
Song Jin stopped eating, trying not to make any noise. He could only turn his head slightly to look at Song Xinglan, who was eating without any expression on his face.
“Don’t be crazy,” Song Jin whispered.
When he glanced over, there was a hint of anger on his face. But because there was no hint of malice, it made him look somewhat inexplicably attractive. Song Xinglan glanced at him while drinking. There was an ambiguous meaning in his expression.
These days, Song Jin has been living in fear. He was afraid that Song Xinglan would do something crazy to Tang Min or Han Zhuo. Even now, looking at Yuan Ya’s belly, he couldn’t help but feel anxious for her.
As for himself, Song Jin couldn’t imagine anything worse happening. And if there were, it could only be death.
The birthday banquet was particularly lively. Song Xinglan didn’t cause any trouble. After setting down his chopsticks, he leaned back in his chair, expressionless, watching Song Xiangping embrace Yuan Ya and chat with others, like a bystander.
Song Jin had planned to leave after finishing his meal. But now he couldn’t bring himself to dampen Song Xiangping’s mood. So he just sat there and ate some fruit.
“That’s a family of three,” Song Xinglan suddenly said.
Song Jin looked at the drink in his cup. He paused for a moment, but didn’t say anything.
After the banquet dispersed, Song Jin was about to leave. But Song Xiangping stopped him. “Xiao Jin, let’s go home together. Yuan Ayi said she’ll bake some small cakes. You can take them to school to share with your friends.”
Yuan Ya smiled gently at Song Jin. There were a few other guests around. The flattering and envious comments like “Lao Song, you’re really living the good life” or “Your family is so lively” made Song Xiangping smile from ear to ear. He was proud and satisfied. Song Jin felt that if he refused at this moment, he would be no different from the old Song Xinglan. But if Song Xinglan was naturally like this, Song Xiangping would only feel annoyed. Whereas if he did such a thing, Song Xiangping would probably be disappointed in him.
Song Jin felt pathetic. He knew he had no weight or status in this family. Yet he couldn’t help but try to save some dignity for Song Xiangping.
Song Xinglan stood aside, watching him indifferently. Song Jin looked at Song Xiangping’s proud and happy face. He nodded and said, “Okay. Thank you, Ayi.”
Back home, Yuan Ya went to the kitchen to bake the cake. Song Xiangping sat on the sofa with Song Jin and Song Xinglan, asking about Song Jin’s situation, how he was doing at school, and what his plans were for the internship. It was as if he truly cared about every detail. But Song Jin felt it was all hollow.
Immigrating might take some time. So it’s normal that Song Xiangping hasn’t mentioned it. However, the fact that Yuan Ya is pregnant has never been mentioned by Song Xiangping. All the guests at the banquet knew about Yuan Ya’s pregnancy. But Song Jin, as Song Xiangping’s son, was never informed by his own father. It seems that in Song Xiangping’s eyes, this was something Song Jin should have realised on his own, something he should have heard about, so there was no need for Song Xiangping to mention it.
Song Xinglan sat on another sofa. He was silent the whole time. Song Xiangping was feeling a bit tired after drinking. Coincidentally, the small cakes were ready. Yuan Ya packed a box for Song Jin and then brought a plate for them to taste.
After taking a bite, Song Jin smiled at Yuan Ya and said, “Thank you, Ayi. It’s delicious.”
“I packed a box for you to take back to school. If you want more in the future, just let me know. I’ll make some for you,” Yuan Ya said with a smile.
“Okay,” Song Jin nodded.
The driver arrived. Song Xiangping and Yuan Ya stood up to leave. Song Xiangping said, “It’s late now. Just stay home and sleep here tonight, Xiao Jin.”
Song Jin changed the subject directly, “Take care on your way out. Mind the door.”
Song Xiangping and Yuan Ya got into the car. Yuan Ya sat in the back seat and said, “Xiao Jin, don’t forget the cake. It’s in the kitchen. In the blue box.”
“Okay. Take care,” Song Jin said.
When he returned to the house, Song Xinglan was still sitting on the sofa. Song Jin hurried to the kitchen. But Song Xinglan suddenly spoke, “Wait.”
Song Jin stopped in his tracks.
Song Xinglan stood up and approached him. He slightly lowered his head to meet Song Jin’s eyes. He asked, “Ge, could you please come upstairs with me?”
Song Jin looked at him but didn’t say a word.
“Either come upstairs or stay on the sofa. There are three cameras in the living room. Or if you think you can overpower me, you can try to force your way out,” Song Xinglan’s gaze was like that of a predator eyeing its trapped prey, with a curious appraisal.
Song Jin still didn’t say anything and headed upstairs.
Song Xinglan followed behind him slowly. When Song Jin entered the room and wanted to close the door quickly, Song Xinglan reached out and pushed the door open again. He then stepped in.
The room was dim. Before Song Jin could take a few steps back, Song Xinglan grabbed his arm and brought him back to him. Song Xinglan held his neck and lowered his head to kiss him.
Song Jin did not respond or resist. He was pushed by Song Xinglan and fell on the bed, allowing Song Xinglan to hook his tongue. His hand then reached under his brother’s shirt and touched his waist.
Song Jin suddenly reached out and held on to Song Xinglan’s neck. He raised his legs and clamped them around his waist. Song Xinglan seemed to be stunned for a second. But then something seemed to be ignited. He kissed Song Jin more deeply as he reached out and unbuttoned Song Jin’s shirt one by one. He touched and kneaded his nipples.
The ambiguous intertwined sounds and rapid breathing were clearly audible in the darkness. Song Jin held on to Song Xinglan and turned over slightly, pressing down on him. Song Xinglan’s heavy breathing occupied Song Jin’s hearing. His hand slid down along Song Jin’s spine. He pulled open the waistband of Song Jin’s pants and let his hand wander deeper into the crack of Song Jin’s buttocks. When his fingertips were about to touch the asshole, Song Jin suddenly raised his head. There was a ‘click’ sound and something flashed in the darkness. Then the fiery desire in the air was gradually swallowed up by the smell of blood. The world turned quiet. It was so quiet that even the trembling in his breathing could be clearly heard.
After being stunned for a few seconds, Song Jin fell off the bed as he trembled all over. He felt the wall for a long time and finally found the light switch. The light was turned on. Song Xinglan was lying on the bed. The chest area on his shirt was brightly reflected by the colour of blood.
Song Jin knew that Song Xinglan was alive and well. He had just been lying on Song Xinglan and could still feel his breath. But Song Xinglan had not made a sound since he was stabbed until now. He had not resisted at all. Song Jin felt that he seemed to be really dead in a trance. He turned on the light in a panic, wanting to make sure that Song Xinglan was not dead. But he knew that Song Xinglan would not die that easily.
The folding knife in Song Jin’s hand fell to the ground with a thud. Its blade was stained with blood. He saw Song Xinglan slowly sit up. Blood was flowing from the wound as he moved, leaving a bloody trail on his shirt.
Song Xinglan looked at Song Jin. His face was expressionless. It was as if he felt no pain or anger. He seemed unfamiliar to Song Jin. It was Song Jin who felt more panicked than ever.
“Why do you have to force me…” Song Jin leaned against the wall and trembled. His voice was hoarse. “Song Xinglan, why can’t you just let me go… Are you only satisfied if I kill someone or if I go crazy?”
He cried uncontrollably. His voice was choked with tears. “You’re torturing me to death, Song Xinglan. Can’t you just let me go…”
Song Xinglan raised his hand to press on his wound. He looked at the blood on his fingertips. He then stood up and walked towards Song Jin.
“Get away from me!” Song Jin cried. Tears were streaming down his face. “Don’t disgust me anymore!”
He cried as he sat against the wall. His fingers were deeply entangled in his hair. “Isn’t my life miserable enough? I have no family left, Song Xinglan. Please spare me…” He had suppressed too much for too long. He didn’t really want to harm Song Xinglan with the knife. But he couldn’t continue living like this.
Song Xinglan squatted in front of him, extending his clean, blood-free hand to wipe away the tears at the corner of Song Jin’s eyes. He then buttoned up the two buttons on Song Jin’s shirt.
“You don’t have to do this,” Song Xinglan said calmly. “I knew what you were going to do from the moment you agreed to come upstairs with me. Your acting is not very good.”
Song Jin, with bloodshot eyes, looked up at him. He stared at him fiercely. His brother was always so terrifying. He calmly observed and risked everything to become a true lunatic.
“Song Jin, whether you believe it or not,” Song Xinglan leaned closer, whispering, “in the future, I will be the only family you have.”
Song Jin clenched his trembling teeth and widened his bloodshot eyes. He said word by word slowly, “I don’t want that.”
Song Xinglan, however, smiled indifferently and said, “Ge, I’m going abroad next month.”
Then, he leaned over and kissed Song Jin’s tear-stained cheek before standing up. With the wound his brother had inflicted and the bloodied shirt, he walked out the door.
The room fell silent. Song Jin choked up, leaning forward until his forehead touched the floor. Tears streamed down his face. He felt a sense of relief. Yet also as if he had fallen into a deeper prison.
Now, he is also a lunatic.
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*GLOSSARY:
In Chinese culture, “老” (lǎo) is another prefix that is commonly used before names. It generally means “old” and can also carry several connotations:
- Respect: Using “lǎo” before a name can indicate respect for someone who is older or more experienced. It is a way of acknowledging their seniority or expertise. For example, “Lao Li” (老李) could be used to show respect to someone named Li who is older or holds a senior position.
- Affection and Familiarity: Similar to “xiǎo,” “lǎo” can also be used affectionately among peers or within a family. It can convey a sense of closeness or long-standing familiarity.
- Longtime Acquaintance: It can be used to refer to someone with whom one has had a long relationship or friendship, implying that the person is an old friend or a long-time colleague.
- Nickname: It can serve as a nickname, often for someone who is considered a veteran in their field or has been around for a long time.
For example, “Lao Wang” (老王) might be used to refer to an elder or a long-time colleague named Wang. It’s a term of respect and familiarity, acknowledging both their age and experience.
Next update: -Daily-
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