Chapter 38.2 – Ex-boyfriend
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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Song Jin went to the library to borrow a few books. He still wasn’t used to reading on electronic devices and always felt that holding a physical book in his hands was more comfortable, allowing him to read more attentively.
As he stood in front of the bookshelf flipping through a book, there was a sudden sound of a downpour outside. Caught off guard, Song Jin looked out the window to see a blur of white as rain poured down.
After reading for another half an hour, there was still no sign of the rain letting up. It was already past lunchtime. So Song Jin decided to find a nearby place to eat and then think about how to get back home.
He put the borrowed books into a paper bag and stood at the library entrance. The rain was so heavy. Without an umbrella, it seemed almost impossible to step outside.
“Song Jin?”
A familiar but long-unheard voice came. Song Jin turned his head and was taken aback when he saw who it was.
Han Zhuo was holding a black umbrella, the tip dripping water. He walked up to Song Jin with a faint smile on his face, as if this wasn’t a long-awaited reunion but rather a casual encounter after class in the same school building.
“Long time no see.” Han Zhuo moved the umbrella slightly to avoid getting water on Song Jin’s shoes and asked, “You came to borrow books?”
“Yes.” Song Jin lifted the paper bag a bit, “Borrowed a few books to read.”
“You’re still the same,” Han Zhuo said. “Back in college, you loved spending time in the library.”
Song Jin smiled. “The library is quiet.”
The sound of the rain was loud, seemingly washing away any unnecessary awkwardness. Song Jin asked, “What are you doing here?”
“Taking my sister to study. She’s taking the college entrance exams this year. I just picked her up from her tutoring session and brought her to the library.”
Han Zhuo glanced at Song Jin. “You didn’t bring an umbrella?”
“Right… I didn’t expect it to rain so heavily.”
“Where are you heading? I’ll give you a ride,” Han Zhuo offered.
“No need. I’ll wait until the rain lessens, grab something to eat, and then take a taxi home.”
Han Zhuo paused for a moment and then smiled. “I haven’t eaten either.”
Before Song Jin could respond, Han Zhuo opened his umbrella and said, “I just came from the company to pick up my sister and didn’t have time to eat as well. Let’s go together.”
At this point, it would be too awkward to refuse. So Song Jin nodded and stood under the umbrella with him, walking out together.
They found a quiet restaurant. Halfway through the meal, Song Jin excused himself to the restroom and settled the bill. Han Zhuo glanced at the receipt and smiled faintly. “I knew it.”
“You treated me to a meal. So let me treat you to an art exhibit,” Han Zhuo said. “There’s a private art gallery nearby that recently opened. I’ve been meaning to go but haven’t had the time. Just consider it accompanying me.”
Song Jin sat down and took a sip of lemon water. “I’m not very good at appreciating art.”
“It’s just a casual visit. No one’s asking you to write a review,” Han Zhuo said, pushing the fruit platter towards Song Jin. “The rain is still pouring outside. It’s inconvenient to go back now. Let’s use this time to take a look.”
Song Jin nodded.
Outside, there was a torrential rain. So the art gallery was almost empty. Song Jin and Han Zhuo walked slowly, examining each painting one by one. Song Jin wasn’t lying. He really didn’t understand art. However, he did enjoy the quiet. So he felt surprisingly comfortable as they proceeded, taking it all in as if receiving a dose of artistic influence.
The heavy rain continued until evening without a sign of stopping. Song Jin stood in the lobby, looking out through the floor-to-ceiling windows at the rain. His eyebrows were slightly furrowed. Han Zhuo brought him a cup of hot water, saying, “The rain is too heavy. We might not be able to go back today.”
Song Jin didn’t say anything. He knew Tang Min was busy these days recording in a studio out of town. He Hao’s new house was still under renovation. So he had been staying at his girlfriend’s place. Song Jin couldn’t possibly disturb them.
“You definitely wouldn’t agree to stay overnight at my place,” Han Zhuo chuckled. “Let’s stay at a hotel for the night. I just booked a room for you.”
Song Jin was momentarily speechless. But given the current situation, he couldn’t think of any other options and had to agree.
Han Zhuo seemed familiar with this hotel. The receptionist addressed him as ‘Mr. Han’ and didn’t even ask for identification. A waiter escorted them straight to the elevator.
Once the door opened, they entered a suite. Song Jin took a step inside but couldn’t move further. “What are you doing…”
“It’s my own hotel,” Han Zhuo closed the door and said frankly, “It’s on the house. Don’t look at me like that.”
He took off his coat and hung it aside, saying, “We had lunch late. You’re probably not hungry yet?”
Song Jin nodded. “I’m not hungry.”
“Then I’ll ask them to delay dinner.” Han Zhuo sat down on the sofa. “I’ll eat with you. Then I’ll head home. If I’m not busy tomorrow, I’ll take you back. If I am, I’ll arrange a driver for you.”
“You really don’t have to.” Song Jin said, “If the rain is lighter tomorrow, I’ll call a taxi myself. You focus on your own business.”
“You’re always like this, thinking you’re such a bother.” Han Zhuo leaned back on the sofa and smiled at him. “But these are really just small things. You don’t need to worry so much.”
Song Jin didn’t feel like explaining anything. He pursed his lips and said, “I’m used to being like this.”
The two watched TV, occasionally exchanging a few words. Their demeanour wasn’t like that of former lovers. Rather, they seemed more like old friends. Song Jin was deeply grateful for Han Zhuo’s openness and generosity. It was rare not to feel awkward or uncomfortable when meeting again, but instead to sit together calmly and peacefully.
Over an hour later, the waiter brought up dinner. While eating, Song Jin kept glancing out the window and noticed that the rain had diminished significantly.
“I think I’ll head back in a bit,” he said. “I have a cat at home. I’m afraid he might get hungry tonight. Besides, the rain has lightened up now.”
Han Zhuo glanced up at the window, knowing that Song Jin wouldn’t feel at ease staying away from home. He nodded, “Alright. After dinner, I’ll drive you back.”
“Thank you,” Song Jin replied.
Worried that the rain might pick up again, after finishing their meal, Song Jin and Han Zhuo left the hotel. Early spring brought a chilly atmosphere. Song Jin huddled in the passenger seat, watching raindrops on the car window, silently praying for the rain to ease further.
“The rain probably won’t get heavier,” Han Zhuo said. “It’s been pouring for half a day. It should stop by tonight.”
“Yeah,” Song Jin nodded. “If it doesn’t rain, it’ll be safer for you to drive back later.”
Han Zhuo smiled, “Thanks for caring for me.”
As night fell and the road became slippery, Han Zhuo focused on driving and didn’t say much. After leaving the city, he glanced in the rearview mirror and said, “That car behind us seems to have been following us.”
Song Jin was momentarily stunned. He turned to look in the rearview mirror. Indeed, there was a car behind them, but he couldn’t make out the model or the licence plate.
“Maybe they’re heading the same way,” Song Jin said.
“Not likely,” Han Zhuo glanced again at the rearview mirror. “It’s been following us since we left the hotel. If it was just heading the same way, there’s no need for it to stay behind us all the time. It could easily overtake us.”
Song Jin turned back in confusion, peering through the rain-speckled window and lights. But he couldn’t see anything clearly.
“Lamborghini Urus,” Han Zhuo suddenly chuckled. “It’s such a nice car. The people inside couldn’t possibly be here to rob us halfway. Don’t be nervous.”
As he finished speaking, the Lamborghini behind suddenly accelerated, passing under a streetlight. The bright light illuminated the windshield. In the shifting shadows, it also revealed the driver’s seat.
Song Jin’s eyes widened in shock. His heart seemed to lurch out of his chest for a moment, then shatter upon impact.
Song Xinglan sat expressionlessly in the car, glancing slightly in Song Jin’s direction.
Song Jin wasn’t sure if Song Xinglan could see him. But that was no longer important. Song Xinglan knew he was in this car. He knew he and Han Zhuo had left the hotel. Just the realisation of this sent shivers through Song Jin, unable to anticipate what would come next.
“Han Zhuo… you…” Song Jin turned back, his voice trembling with fear. “Please stop the car and let me out on the roadside.”
“What?” Han Zhuo glanced at him in surprise. “What are you planning to do? There’s hardly any traffic on this road. Don’t tell me you want to hail a taxi halfway.”
“I don’t know…” Song Jin stammered in panic. His mouth opened in disbelief. “I…”
Before he could finish his shattered sentence, a dark shadow flashed past the car window. Immediately, Han Zhuo gripped the steering wheel tightly and slammed on the brakes. Song Jin lurched forward, instinctively reaching out to brace himself. The sudden force was so strong it felt like he might fall apart. His heart raced as if it were about to leap out of his throat any second.
With a ringing in his ears, Song Jin gradually regained his senses. He lifted his head and saw the Lamborghini parked diagonally in front of Han Zhuo’s car. In the drizzling night rain, it loomed silently like a monstrous beast, illuminated by the cold light of the streetlamp.
Han Zhuo remained silent, staring ahead.
The driver’s door of the Lamborghini opened. With a graceful step, Song Xinglan emerged.
Every raindrop carried a shimmering light. Song Xinglan stood in the rain, his gaze fixed on Song Jin in the passenger seat through the rain and the car window. The headlights illuminated him vividly. Yet failed to capture the intensity in his eyes. Behind him, darkness loomed vast and impenetrable. It was oppressive and cold like a soaring black bird.
Song Jin trembled uncontrollably, his teeth chattering. He sat in the car, gasping for breath, staring at that cold, pale, piercing face. He felt something within him teetering on the edge of collapse. It was as if his entire being might crumble apart at any moment.
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*Translator’s Note: Allow me to reiterate. These chapters were divided by the author herself. I’m just following her arrangements. -K
Next update: -Daily-
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