Chapter 57 – Sunset Orange (Extra 4)
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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I’ve noticed that things have been a bit tense between Song Jin and Song Xinglan lately.
A few days ago, when they came home, Song Xinglan’s face and attitude were absolutely foul. After dinner, he went straight upstairs without even washing the dishes. Song Jin saw me looking up at the stairs and comforted me, saying, “He’s busy today. He’ll play with you tomorrow.”
Ha! Who wants to play with him? That little brat with a bad temper.
…
I lay sprawled in my cat bed, staring at the toy hanging nearby, feeling a bit lonely.
Song Xinglan always mocks me but he’s lured me many times with that cat toy, making me pounce into a box full of squeaky chickens. When I’d get scared and run around the house like crazy, he’d just sit comfortably on the sofa, watching and recording me with his phone—he’s shameless, despicable, and insane!
But now that he’s stopped playing with me, I kind of feel a little lonely.
I saw Song Jin carrying a bunch of snacks to his room. Seriously, a grown man still needs to use snacks to pacify someone?
The next morning, I was scratching at the door. Surprisingly, I managed to push it open. I peeked inside and there was Song Xinglan, getting dressed with that usual cold expression on his face. But somehow, there was a strange, smug air about him. It was like he was secretly pleased with himself.
Once he was fully dressed, he saw me sitting at the door and said, “What are you looking at? Go do the laundry.”
My paws went stiff.
I still remember that morning when Song Xinglan dragged me to the laundry room, holding my paws and dipping them into the sink. As I stared at him in confusion, he patted my head and said, “Focus. My brother’s been raising you for so long, and you still can’t even do laundry.”
Song Jin stood nearby, saying, “He doesn’t like water. Stop teasing him.”
“I’m not teasing him,” Song Xinglan said, “I’m just teaching him to do chores.”
Making a cat do chores—Song Xinglan, are you even human? I yanked my paws out and flicked water all over his face, then agilely leapt out of the sink. I slipped on the floor, knocked over a floor lamp, and even tipped over the trash can on my way back to my bed.
I thought I had won a small victory. But as I sat in front of my cat bed and watched Song Jin wiping the water off Song Xinglan’s face with his sleeve, I realised that when someone really wants to torment you, they have a thousand ways to do it.
Hurting a cat’s pride is even worse than hurting its body.
Today, it seems like Song Xinglan isn’t going to work, and Song Jin hasn’t left the house either. They’re both sitting on the sofa—one looking at a computer, the other reading a book—while I lay by the window, waiting for my meeting with Feifei.
Feifei is the beautiful cat next door. Last time Song Jin took me for a walk, we had love at first sight. We promised that even if we couldn’t go outside, we’d both stand by the window and gaze at the same sky.
I stared out for a long time until Song Xinglan said, “Little Eunuch, come here.”
This was the 278th time Song Xinglan had called me ‘Little Eunuch’.
Song Jin let out a soft snort and said, “Can you stop doing that?”
“I wasn’t the one who took him to get neutered,” Song Xinglan replied calmly.
It hurts. I’m not sure where exactly, maybe in my heart or maybe in that empty place below.
I felt a bit itchy and scratched at myself. Something seemed to be missing. But I couldn’t remember what was there before, which made me anxious.
Forget it. I’ll go fight with Song Xinglan.
I turned around. Huh?
Why are they at it again on the sofa? This isn’t the first time! What’s wrong with these people? I’m already over a year old. I’m a grown cat now. I understand everything. Can’t they take my feelings into consideration? Why don’t they include me in their little tickle fights?
Speaking of which, I’m reminded of my last birthday. So unfair! Not only did I not get any of the cake. But the gift in Song Xinglan’s hand wasn’t even for me. Fine, I can accept that. But why did he have to smear cream on Song Jin’s neck?
If Song Jin hadn’t grabbed him and told him to stop, I bet Song Xinglan would’ve destroyed the entire cake right in front of me.
Later, they went upstairs and they took the cake with them. I’m not sure if they sneaked off to eat it in their room. But this is seriously bullying me, a poor cat.
I sat there calmly, feeling that Song Xinglan was being so mean. Every time he looks at Song Jin, he’s so fierce with him staring down at him like that. Song Jin looks like he’s trying to escape but can’t—he looks so pitiful.
“Meow!”
I called out. Yes, I was brave enough to speak up! I could see Song Jin’s eyes turning red. He must’ve been feeling so hurt, helpless, and lost—maybe even close to tears. But I’m just a small cat, weighing barely a few pounds. I can’t fight against Song Xinglan. So all I can do is issue a warning.
Of course, my warnings never work on Song Xinglan. But they do seem to have an effect on poor Song Jin, the victim.
After hearing me, Song Jin turned his head and gave me a grateful look. Then he said to Song Xinglan, “Don’t you have work to do for the company?”
Song Xinglan, looking completely serious, replied, “I’ve finished them.”
What nonsense! Have you even counted how many notifications are popping up on your computer screen?
I darted over and squeezed into Song Xinglan’s arms, stretching out a paw to rest on his chest. But I was also a bit scared he’d retaliate. So I widened my big, innocent eyes, looking at him as if to say: “Sir, please stop treating Song Jin like this. Let’s talk things through, alright?”
Song Xinglan’s gaze sent a shiver down my spine. But fortunately, Song Jin rescued me in time. He grabbed me and huddled in the corner of the sofa, asking, “What do you want for lunch?”
He paused for a moment, then said, “I was thinking of going to the library this afternoon.”
Poor Song Jin, he doesn’t even want to stay home anymore.
Song Xinglan leaned back on the sofa, set his computer in front of him, and while typing, asked, “Didn’t you say Han Zhuo’s sister stopped going to the library already?”
“Why are you bringing this up again?” Song Jin frowned slightly as he stroked my head. “I explained everything to you a few days ago.”
“You’re reacting quite a bit,” Song Xinglan remarked, glancing at Song Jin.
Oh no, here we go again. Another argument? Please, I beg you both—just give me a peaceful childhood. I only want a home, it doesn’t have to be big, as long as my dad and uncle don’t fight all the time.
However, the truth is, they’ve never really had serious arguments. Most of the time, it’s just bickering over small things. Song Jin has a good temper and Song Xinglan knows how to smooth things over. So any minor tensions between them usually dissipate pretty quickly.
I still remember clearly that on my birthday, Song Jin asked Song Xinglan whether he would treat him well. Song Xinglan said he would.
Ugh, Song Xinglan’s sweet-talking is nothing but lies! I don’t believe a word of it!
If he were even half as good at talking and being affectionate as that fool used to be, Song Jin wouldn’t be so distant from him.
But from what I’ve seen, maybe keeping some distance is just their way of interacting. After all, Song Xinglan is the way he is, and Song Jin is someone who doesn’t open up easily. So this dynamic seems to suit them.
For example, when Song Xinglan occasionally comes home late, Song Jin will go downstairs to cook him some noodles. Usually, I’ll get a noodle to snack on as well. They don’t say much during these times. Song Jin just sits there, resting his chin in his hand, watching Song Xinglan eat.
Sometimes, Song Jin gets sleepy and dozes off at the table while watching TV. Then, Song Xinglan will wash the dishes, dry his hands, and gently pick him up.
Song Jin isn’t completely unconscious when he gets sleepy. But during those moments, he becomes a bit like a child, slightly more clingy. He’ll drowsily drape his hand over Song Xinglan’s shoulder, displaying a rare sense of dependence.
And in those moments, Song Xinglan becomes a bit softer, too. He’ll chuckle quietly and help Song Jin upstairs with a certain tenderness.
I have to admit, sometimes Song Xinglan can be pretty decent.
“If you keep this up…” Song Jin bit his lip. But I knew he wouldn’t be able to say anything harsh. Sure enough, he said, “If you keep this up, just don’t talk to me anymore.”
Jin, listen to me—if you want to deal with someone like Song Xinglan, you need to stand your ground! Be brave! If things get tough, we can just move back to the countryside. Who does Song Xinglan think he is? Don’t give him any chance!
“What do you mean by that?” Song Xinglan tapped a key on his laptop, then turned around and picked me up by the scruff of my neck. He set me on the floor. He looked at Song Jin and asked, “What did I do?”
Song Jin glared at him and said, “You know exactly what you did.”
“Are you mad?” Song Xinglan asked.
Wow, so now you’re trying to play the peacemaker after sulking for days and making Song Jin unhappy? Feeling satisfied now?
I was ready to see some drama.
Song Jin turned his head slightly away and said, “No, I’m just annoyed.”
“What’s bothering you?” Song Xinglan took a step forward, moving closer to him.
This doesn’t seem to be going in the direction I wanted. There’s no drama to enjoy here. Song Jin is just too soft, all his resistance fading under Song Xinglan’s gaze.
“Move.” As expected, Song Jin gave in. “I’ll go make dinner.”
Song Xinglan said, “I haven’t told you what I want to eat yet.”
Song Jin looked at him, both annoyed and helpless. “What do you want to eat, then?”
But instead of answering, Song Xinglan just stared at Song Jin without saying a word. I realised that when it comes to teasing Song Jin, Song Xinglan has mastered the art. He’s got real skill. I should learn from him, improve my game, and try to get closer to Feifei so I can eventually move in with her. That way, I won’t have to put up with all this at home.
This time, Song Jin finally showed some backbone. He ignored Song Xinglan and went straight to the kitchen without a word. Then, Song Xinglan followed him in.
I’m not sure what happened in the kitchen. But by the time they were eating dinner, the atmosphere seemed pretty harmonious. After the meal, they both went upstairs to do their own thing.
I sneaked over to the sofa and stared at Song Xinglan’s computer for a while, then I extended my paw and wildly pressed the keys. I don’t know what I typed, but I ended it with a press of the Enter key.
Song Xinglan, you taught me this.
Actually, sometimes I kind of miss the days when Song Xinglan was a bit foolish. Back then, we were probably on the same level—of course, not to say that I’m also foolish. But I think we had a lot more in common. Unlike now, when I hear him call me ‘Little Eunuch’, I feel a surge of anger rising inside me.
I can’t read or look up words in the dictionary. So I don’t know exactly what ‘Little Eunuch’ means. But when it comes out of Song Xinglan’s mouth, it’s definitely not a compliment—he must be mocking me!
I woke up from my nap, unsure how much time had passed. I stretched, took a sip of water, and then slowly climbed the stairs.
Ugh, I’m so tired. Should I start losing weight? Last time, Feifei subtly hinted that I seemed a bit… large, even though I’m younger than her.
But aren’t boys supposed to be bigger and more imposing? Isn’t that impressive?
I looked at the fat jiggling on my body and decided it was better to just be myself.
I’m so handsome! My fat just amplifies my handsomeness. So I’m even more handsome now.
The door was open. Lately, Song Jin often leaves the door open. Back in the countryside, he always made sure to close the door whenever he went in or out.
It seems like this place makes him feel very secure. He really treats this house as his home. After all, the only ones here are Song Xinglan and me—both of us are people he deeply trusts! Thinking about that, I suddenly felt a surge of pride!
I tiptoed into the room. But the bed was empty.
Song Jin was leaning against the cushion by the window, reading a book. Song Xinglan, apparently still not fully awake, had his head resting on Song Jin’s lap, eyes closed, taking a nap.
The room was cool and quiet with the air conditioning on. The curtains gently fluttered in the breeze, keeping all the sunlight outside.
They were talking.
Song Jin flipped through his book and asked, “Shall we go to the supermarket tonight?”
Song Xinglan, eyes still closed, replied, “Mm.”
Song Jin hesitated for a moment before saying, “I want to buy…”
Song Xinglan opened his eyes and asked, “What?”
Song Jin quietly replied, “Fatty beef slices, fatty lamb slices, shrimp balls, fish balls, beef balls, squid tentacles, baby cuttlefish, rice cakes, egg dumplings, basa fish fillets, duck intestines, beef tripe, shrimp paste, and yellow throat.”
Hearing the long list of ingredients, Song Xinglan raised an eyebrow and looked at him. “Why do you want to buy so much food?”
Song Jin kept his eyes firmly on his book and said, “I just suddenly feel like eating. We can make some hotpot. It’s going to be really delicious.”
Song Xinglan chuckled and said, “Then let’s have that.”
Song Jin glanced at him quickly before turning back to his book. “Don’t you like hotpot?”
Song Xinglan sat up and said, “Not really. I just think it’s a bit of a hassle.”
Song Jin flipped another page and said, “But don’t you think having a hotpot is such a cosy thing to do? Sitting together with family members, surrounded by steam…”
Song Xinglan seemed touched by the mention of ‘family’ and nodded. “Yeah, I think so.”
Song Jin, slightly speechless, replied, “That’s not what you were saying just a moment ago…”
Song Xinglan calmly said, “You misheard me.”
…
Me: Song Xinglan, could you be any more shameless?
I jumped onto the window seat, squeezing myself between the two of them. I sat on Song Jin’s lap and rested my head on Song Xinglan’s leg.
Song Xinglan reached out and pushed my head away.
I leaned back against him.
He pushed me away again.
I leaned back again.
Pushed away again.
I was furious and turned to glare at Song Xinglan, growling fiercely.
“What’s wrong with letting him lean against you?” Song Jin asked him.
“He’s fat,” Song Xinglan replied, “I think he’s heavy.”
I was going to explode! Just my head—how heavy could it be? Song Jin didn’t think I was heavy. Who does he think he is, just some little dried fish?
We agreed on being a tidy family of three, and yet he thinks I’m heavy. A man who used to have good stamina complains about the head of a small kitten being too heavy!
Brothers, come on, let’s put “Song Xinglan is totally useless” on the public screen!
I dared not show my anger and could only go to Song Jin, pretending to be wronged, softly whining as I leaned into his arms.
“Little Eunuch,” Song Xinglan pinched my face and said coldly, “What are you pretending to be pitiful for?”
He actually saw through me. I was so embarrassed.
Song Jin gently nudged him with his elbow, saying, “Don’t call him ‘Little Eunuch’.”
I tilted my head proudly and shot a glance at Song Xinglan. Humans should never compete for affection with a little kitten.
I’m here with your brother, taking what’s yours—what can you do about it?
“I’m just speaking the truth. Since he’s already been neutered,” Song Xinglan’s voice lowered. “Isn’t that right?”
The air fell silent for a few seconds.
A sharp pain—it was real pain—
I felt dazed, looking down at my body, finally remembering what I had lost.
In the three days after losing it, I kept wondering when it would grow back. By the fourth day, I had forgotten it was gone and I started to lose track of what exactly was missing from me.
But now I remembered again. I didn’t know when I could forget this eternal sorrow.
Song Xinglan.
Tears blurred my vision as I slowly raised my head. Through my hazy sight, I saw him absentmindedly rubbing Song Jin’s head.
This was the final, fatal blow.
I felt all my strength drain away and slowly slid down from Song Jin’s lap, lying on the floor with my back against his legs, staring vacantly at the curtains.
Vibrant vitality,
And love,
Will they come again?
———A Cat’s Haiku
-Written by the great poet Cat Grapefruit on a summer day in a certain year.
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*Translator’s Note: Grapefruit is a cute fat cat! Well, in the translated version, it’s not much of a haiku anymore. Teehee. This time, it’s not merely a ‘tickling game’, if you get what I mean. -K
Next update: 2024.09.30
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