Translator: Lynn
Ji Kai never expected it.
That evening, he found himself in an unexpected situation: sharing a private room with Li Weidu, their skin almost touching, and preparing for an all-nighter in the luxurious confines of a hospital suite.
Playfully, Ji Kai remarked, “Mr. Li, you truly have a knack for this! I’ve known you for less than a month, and you’ve managed to end up in the hospital three times, right under my nose. Are you made of paper?”
Li Weidu, wearing a slightly dissatisfied expression, retorted, “I’ve only been hospitalized three times this year!”
Ji Kai couldn’t help but react, “Only three times in total? How many more hospital visits do you have planned? Some people can only dream of being admitted to a hospital three times in their entire lives. Why do you act like you own the place?”
Li Weidu, with a hint of humor, suggested, “Perhaps your Feng Shui needs some reconsideration.”
Mr. Li, are you being unreasonable? Can you recall a time when you were hospitalized and didn’t receive my selfless assistance? After enjoying the warmth like a spring breeze, you turn around and blame me?
…
Following dinner that evening, a group of friends had originally planned to head to the karaoke bar for a night of singing and merriment. However, things took an unexpected turn as Mr. Li suddenly swayed and collapsed.
Thankfully, Ji Kai’s sharp eyes and quick reflexes prevented the wealthy CEO from hitting the ground. Mr. Li was promptly rushed to the hospital, his face as pale as a sheet. To avoid any serious complications, Li Mingxin sought the expertise of a well-known doctor who, upon examination, peered over his glasses with an air of disdain and remarked, “Young man, you seem to have a haphazard approach to your diet.”
Ying Jian, the owner of the mutton skewer stall, grew anxious, exclaiming, “You can’t pin this on me! My mutton skewers are of top quality, sourced through legitimate channels and fresh. Everyone else who’s indulged in them is just fine. It’s certainly not a food issue!”
The elderly doctor proceeded to review Mr. Li’s medical records on his computer one by one.
He pointed out, “Nervous gastritis, gastric ulcer… haven’t you learned to be cautious in such situations? You should avoid spicy and highly irritating foods, and consume them in moderation.”
Yet, that very night, the menu featured an abundance of spicy dishes, cumin seasoning, and plenty of wine.
Ying Jian couldn’t help but recall the satisfaction he had felt while skewering various delicacies, coating them with layers of spicy chicken hearts, chili noodles, and liberally sprinkling cumin powder. He had provided them free of charge.
However, the choice to partake in these dishes was Mr. Li’s to make or decline. Ying Jian silently pondered why Mr. Li hadn’t informed him beforehand about his dietary restrictions. Their eatery operated with integrity and on a tight budget, and any potential repercussions from such a feast would be burdensome to bear.
…
Ji Kai contemplated his sleeping options for the night. He considered crashing on the second floor of Ying Jian’s mutton restaurant, spending the night in Zuo Yan’s peculiar living room, or checking into a nearby hotel. However, an unforeseen and more excruciating choice presented itself – the inability to sleep at all.
He grappled with the dilemma of whether it was humane to leave a sick CEO alone in the hospital. Meanwhile, his circle of friends and family had been tirelessly supporting Mr. Li through his divorce proceedings. They had their own responsibilities—work, businesses, and livelihoods to maintain. Requesting them to stay up late to accompany Mr. Li on their initial meeting day felt equally inhumane.
Thus, Ji Kai reluctantly accepted the rhythm of the night, resigned to the fact that if he didn’t assist, who else would? It turned out to be an exhausting and disheveled night, quite unlike any he had experienced before.
Suddenly, a complaint emerged from Mr. Li. “It’s cold.”
Ji Kai countered, “How could it be cold? You must be kidding me.” He believed Mr. Li was intentionally seeking a fault. The warmth of his palm was unmistakable, contrasting with the frigid sensation of Mr. Li’s stomach beneath the covers. Yet, now Mr. Li was claiming that Ji Kai was the chilly one.
Mr. Li persisted, “The ring is cold.”
Ji Kai was left speechless, and he obliged by removing the ring. As it slipped off, a faint, pale mark appeared on his ring finger, a testament to the absence of sunlight it had received for a prolonged period. Ji Kai was silently stunned by this unexpected development.
“It hurts, hurry up,” Mr. Li urged.
Ji Kai sighed inwardly, regretting his earlier display of special abilities. He couldn’t help but feel as though Mr. Li perceived him as a human-shaped heating pad.
With his hand back in place, Mr. Li reclined half-lidded, seemingly at ease, taking full advantage of the situation. About half a minute later, he casually remarked, “Your other hand is free anyway, just use two hands.”
“!!” @#￥%*!
The president’s countenance had now regained its composure, a far cry from the brink of death he appeared to be moments ago. The hospital had provided him with four generously sized, plush white pillows. With three beneath his head and one supporting his waist, he lay there in comfort and contentment. Did he truly deserve to be confined by the bedside, arms outstretched in an uncomfortable position?
The ring that Ji Kai had removed lay on the bedside table nearby. The night nurse, while refilling the hot water, advised, “Sir, please secure your valuables to prevent misplacing them.”
Ji Kai wished to stow them away, yet he was uncertain of where to place them. The sole actual pocket on his suit was positioned over the left side of his chest, right above his heart.
Three years ago, he had kept his marriage to Zhu Ling a well-guarded secret, opting for a small, intimate wedding ceremony with only a handful of attendees. Nonetheless, it had been a profoundly significant occasion for him. Before they exchanged rings, Ji Kai’s nervousness had led to perspiration, and the petite platinum symbol had rested snugly in his heart pocket.
Its weight had warmed his entire heart.
Now, they were separated. Ji Kai had no intention of revisiting, let alone profaning, the sensation of embracing someone or something so dear to his heart.
…
Ji Kai’s realization came only after a friendly reminder that the ring Zhu Ling had given to Ye Yin, along with the staggering invoice total, was, in fact, just a down payment. As for the actual cost, the precise figure remained a mystery to him.
The harsh reality struck him like a bolt of lightning. He felt an overwhelming urge to vent his frustration. Had Zhu Ling ever considered the sacrifices he made, scrimping and saving every day for him? The mere thought of indulgent, costly restaurants made him yearn for a return visit, while he hesitated to take a taxi for slightly longer trips.
Then, a question emerged in the conversation: “By the way, Mr. Li, did you also purchase a ring for Ye Yin?”
Mr. Li responded affirmatively, and Ji Kai couldn’t help but inquire further, “How much did it cost?” He was convinced it had to surpass Zhu Ling’s expense by a substantial margin.
However, the response was unexpected: “…I didn’t give it to him.”
Ji Kai was bewildered, prompting him to ask, “Why not?”
“He stated that he wouldn’t consider marriage for the next few years.”
Frustration coursed through Ji Kai. An engagement ring? Did Mr. Li genuinely intend to pursue this with him? He couldn’t help but express his bewilderment, “Do you genuinely plan to go along with his wishes, Mr. Li…? If he were willing, haven’t you… No! You’re just like a little imp, completely… Are you mad or a masochist?”
In response, Li Weidu cast his gaze downward, revealing a deeply personal and sincere sentiment, “I made a vow that I would care for Ye Yun for the rest of my life. I never intend to break that promise.” Ji Kai was taken aback, and he heard the gentle voice of Li Weidu’s mother echoing in his mind.
[“When Weidu was a child, he told me that he didn’t want to be like his father. He said he wanted to love one person with all his heart for the rest of his life, until death.”]
In the dimly lit hospital room, the pale fluorescent light accentuated Li Weidu’s profile, imbued with a sense of loneliness. Ji Kai, too, was touched by the poignant sincerity of the moment.
He had been a serious and single-minded individual since childhood, growing into a determined young man. However, Ji Kai couldn’t fulfill his childhood promise of loving only one person for a lifetime. It evoked a sense of pity for him within Ji Kai.
With tenderness in his heart, Ji Kai extended a hand from the quilt and gently touched Li Weidu’s head. “Mr. Li,” he began, “for most people, there’s no need to ‘love only one person for a lifetime.’ Loving one person ‘at a time’ is a significant accomplishment, truly.” He emphasized that there was merit in loving one person at a time.
However, Li Weidu questioned, “What’s the point of loving only one person at a time? Isn’t that how it should be?”
Ji Kai acknowledged the sentiment but pointed out that many people struggled to even do that.
As their conversation continued, Li Weidu, in a slightly cold tone, requested that Ji Kai not touch his hands and to return them to the quilt. Despite the cold tone, there was a hint of confusion and an endearing quality in Li Weidu’s expression. Ji Kai couldn’t resist a playful urge, so he ruffled Li Weidu’s hair as if it were a pile of grass.
The remainder of the night passed in silence, and Li Weidu eventually succumbed to sleep. Ji Kai found the way he looked while sleeping to be far more endearing than his waking self. Ji Kai felt somewhat bored and decided to take out his phone, aiming the camera at Li Weidu, capturing the peaceful image of the photogenic slumbering beauty.
…
The following morning, Ji Kai was on the verge of a nervous breakdown, his eyes bloodshot, while Mr. Li had fully recovered and felt rejuvenated.
Zuo Yan and Ying Jian paid a visit, bringing breakfast fruits and assisting with the discharge procedures. When Ji Kai saw them, he recalled that Mr. Li had given out red envelopes.
He couldn’t help but wonder, “I really want to please them because I want to be friends with them.” The idea left him anxious. Did the wealthy Mr. Li truly need friends? He hoped it wasn’t a sign of pursuing him romantically. No, it couldn’t be that.
However, a thought crossed his mind. Could it be that Mr. Li didn’t have any friends? Given his character, it seemed plausible that he might lack friends even with his wealth.
Mr. Li responded, “I do have friends!”
Ji Kai was taken aback and asked, “What’s that look in your eyes? You really have friends?”
Mr. Li was adamant, “I do! I not only have one friend, but two more!”
Ji Kai clapped his hands in amusement and commented, “Oh, that’s interesting! Where are these two friends of yours? It’s quite impressive.”
This response seemed to agitate Mr. Li, and his cheeks turned red. “Two friends are already quite a lot!” he retorted.
Ji Kai couldn’t help but ponder what context would make “two” seem like “a lot.” Two houses, even in this era, couldn’t be claimed as “a lot” without feeling embarrassed. After contemplating for a while, he came up with a peculiar scenario – perhaps having two… well, you know what. That could indeed be seen as having “a lot.”
Curiosity got the best of him, and Ji Kai inquired, “Mr. Li, I’m curious. What do you like about my family and friends?”
Mr. Li replied, “They… don’t like Zhu Ling.”
“…”
“There are very few people like this. Zhu Ling is skilled at winning people over and being charming. Throughout high school and even in the entertainment industry, aside from Qi Yang, I’ve never heard of anyone who couldn’t get along with him.”
“So, you became friends with that Qi Yang?”
Ji Kai recalled Li Weidu’s mother praising Qi Yang for his looks. When talking about it, he had mentioned something like, “I originally thought that Qi Yang and so-and-so couldn’t surpass them.”
Qi Yang is a well-known actor, and Ji Kai still had a strong reaction to this name.
Li Weidu admitted with determination, “Anyone who doesn’t like Zhu Ling becomes my potential friend.”
It was indeed a peculiar reason. Ji Kai couldn’t help but find it amusing. Wasn’t that a bit childish?
“By the way, Ji Kai, are you available tomorrow?”
“What for?”
“My two friends, would you like to meet them?”
Ji Kai was taken aback. Why did he want to meet them?
“You’ve already introduced your friends to me. To be fair, shouldn’t I introduce my friends to you? Besides, Qi Yang and the others said they were curious to see what you’re like in person.”
Ji Kai was bewildered. “Why would they want to see me? What did you tell them about me?”
His hair stood on end. Firstly, he hadn’t introduced his friends; Li Weidu had insisted on disclosing their information himself. Secondly, this situation felt odd. It seemed like they were heading into the realm of meeting each other’s friends and family, and they weren’t that close. What was Mr. Li’s logic?
“Are you available tomorrow?”
“Sorry, Mr. Li, I have to work tomorrow, September 1st.”
Mr. Li’s eyes narrowed with interest. “You found a job? Where is it?”
“What? What do you mean? Our Ji Kai has always had a job.” Zuo Yan returned from queuing for the formalities and walked in just in time to hear this.
“It’s always been like this?”
“You didn’t tell him? Weren’t you at X University…”
Shhhhhhhh—Ji Kai desperately winked at Zuo Yan, signaling him not to reveal the truth. He wanted to see how long he could maintain his facade in the wealthy CEO’s eyes.
Zuo Yan caught the signal but was quite puzzled. Fortunately, the next sentence coincided perfectly with their act: “By the way, I was just about to ask. My nephew will be starting school on September 8th. How’s the renovation of the dormitory building at your new campus coming along? Is everything going smoothly?”
“It’s almost complete, almost complete. We’re working hard to get it ready every day.”
Li Weidu commented, “You’re quite efficient. How did you manage to secure a construction project from a public institution?”
Zuo Yan was now getting the gist of the situation. But why? Why did this misunderstanding occur?
Glancing at Ji Kai, who was still keeping up the act, Zuo Yan chuckled, “Haha, that’s right. Working on campus is much more reliable than working off campus. At least, you’ll never have unpaid wages!”
…
…
In the subsequent days, Ji Kai woke up on Zuo Yan’s sofa.
Zuo Yan had a fondness for collecting antique Western clocks, and his entire living room resembled an antique store, adorned with various curiosities like music boxes and animated dolls. Each morning, when Ji Kai awoke in this setting, he often felt disoriented, as if he had stepped into another world.
Oddly, this environment served as a helpful distraction, especially for someone recently emerging from an intimate relationship, facilitating the process of self-reconstruction.
Autumn arrived unusually early that year.
Typically in September, during student registrations, people dressed in summer attire while the trees remained lush and green. However, in the first week of September, the entire campus was already blanketed in golden leaves. Many students donned scarves, and their breaths materialized in the chilly air.
Ji Kai’s phone chimed with a text message alert. He checked it and discovered that another 50,000 yuan had been transferred to his bank account.
For the past few days, Ji Kai had been receiving daily transfers of 50,000 yuan, and it seemed the maximum daily transfer limit for regular individuals wasn’t 50,000 yuan, but even more.
All of these transfers were initiated by Zhu Ling. He had previously claimed he would “give him all the money,” but he was true to his word, insisting on providing a daily monetary gift.
A few days earlier, Ji Kai had made an adamant call to Zhu Ling.
Yet, after the start of the school year and the increasing demands of work, he had unintentionally forgotten about it for several days, resulting in him accepting 150,000 yuan inadvertently. This situation left him deeply unsettled, and he found himself in a state of indecision, desiring nothing more than a cigarette.
The X University campus strictly enforced a no-smoking policy.
However, the Baihua Road leading to the campus’s rear entrance was considered a family area and was exempt from this rule. On that particularly cold day, with the autumn wind rustling through fallen leaves and an eerie emptiness surrounding, Ji Kai decided to indulge in a quick smoke. As he lit up and took just a couple of puffs, his gaze flicked to a figure in his peripheral vision.
If there was one action Ji Kai wished he could undo, it was that moment.
Zhu Ling had forbidden him from smoking, and this prohibition had become deeply ingrained in the core of his being. As soon as he spotted the familiar figure, his reflexes kicked in, and he acted like a high school delinquent caught by the dean, hastily hiding the cigarette behind his back.
When both of them realized the situation, they stood frozen, their eyes slowly welling up with tears.
Pause!
Ji Kai’s heart felt like it was witnessing a 3D apocalyptic disaster unfolding on a cinema screen, and he deeply regretted his cowardly behavior. It seemed like facing a massive flood or witnessing the collapse of thousands of buildings would be easier than dealing with the aftermath of his action.
With clenched teeth, suppressing a wry smile, he calmly stepped forward and inquired, “What’s going on? You mentioned that we haven’t seen each other recently.”
“Brother Kai, I’m here to bid farewell.”
“Farewell?”
“Yes, I’ve just received a rare opportunity to work with a renowned international director, but the filming is scheduled to take place in South America. It’s a lengthy project, spanning about three months, and I’m departing next week. Please don’t worry about Xiaoyan, I’ve made arrangements for him to stay on campus for the first semester. Li Mingxin and Lei Nanyu will assist in looking after him, and my mother will also be here to provide support. In short, we haven’t disclosed our relationship to Xiaoyan yet. Should we tell him or how should we approach it… Kai Brother, you decide, and I’ll respect your choice.”
Ji Kai had questions about Ye Yin’s whereabouts and the dynamics of his relationship with Zhu Ling. Were they not going to accompany him to South America? Weren’t they just reconciled in a fair manner? Were they embarking on a challenging long-distance relationship?
However, he refrained from asking. Zhu Ling and Ye Yin’s relationship was not his concern.
“Please take care of your safety in South America.”
“I will.”
“…”
“…”
There was a brief silence between them, and then Zhu Ling, with a flushed face, seemed to muster the courage to speak: “Kai, Brother Kai, when I return, it’ll be your winter break.”
“…”
“How about we plan to take Xiaoyan on a road trip together when I’m back?” he suggested.
Ji Kai was taken aback by these words.
Without getting a response, Zhu Ling blushed and chuckled nervously, “I guess it’s not the right time to bring this up now. No worries, we can discuss it in three months. Brother Kai, when you see me again, I promise I’ll be completely different from how I am now. I’ll… I’ll have so much to say.”
It seemed like he wanted to express a lot but was holding back.
“Brother Kai, in any case, I’ll be back in three months. We’ll catch up then!”
Please let me know if there are typos/mistakes in the chapter.
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