Translator: Lynn
If it’s “Just searching for it,” according to Zhu Ling’s sense of aesthetics and preference, he really shouldn’t be seeking Ji Kai’s type.
Thus, this further attests – it’s definitely not just a casual search!
…
Ever since Ye Yin’s sudden switch to Li Weidu after his confession, Zhu Ling had developed a negative habit that turned him excessively picky.
From then on, anyone who confessed to him, expressing their affection, would face extremely stringent “tests” set by Zhu Ling.
But what exactly is meant by a “test”?
It means striving hard, putting in maximum effort, and going all out.
As soon as others couldn’t withstand his sometimes overwhelming nature and ended up backing off, he’d casually remark, “No one is sincere,” and continue to hold his guitar, feigning the role of a cynical, solitary nobleman.
This cycle of behavior continued for years, seemingly impossible to stop.
…It was Ji Kai who ultimately broke this cycle.
After graduating, Zhu Ling resolved to commit himself to music, yet he struggled financially out of habit. Money was tight, and he was on the brink of living off the bare minimum. As a result, he begrudgingly took on odd jobs at a fast-food joint situated on a street adorned with sycamore trees.
Coincidentally, this eatery was located just beneath Ji Kai’s apartment.
Upon their initial encounter, their eyes kindled with interest.
Both found each other remarkably attractive, leading to the natural emergence of ambiguous and flirtatious interactions across the cash register.
Following a few casual meals and rendezvous, on a sweltering summer afternoon resonating with the symphony of cicadas, Ji Kai casually inquired with a popsicle half-buried in his mouth and a half-teasing expression: “I heard someone say recently that you’re basically living on the edge, barely scraping enough to pay the rent.”
Zhu Ling couldn’t help but feel a tinge of annoyance.
“In that case, why not just move in with me? My place is in great shape, and there’s plenty of food stocked in the fridge. Give it some thought?”
Zhu Ling grew even more disheartened in silence. He had always been someone of rather strong character.
Despite facing financial difficulties, his self-respect and dignity stood much higher than the average person’s.
If this had been anyone else—anyone who wasn’t Ji Kai, daring to utter such words in his ear with such an unabashed demeanor and tone, simultaneously trying to lure him back home while targeting his earning capability, honestly, they would be overstepping their boundaries by leaps and bounds!
They wouldn’t even warrant a shot at being “tested” or enduring his acting as a friend once they stepped into the substitute role.
Zhu Ling inwardly criticized, he truly failed to comprehend this man’s brutal and direct approach.
And putting on that facade of “inviting you graciously”! No hand-holding, no kisses or hugs, just the proposal to move in? If he genuinely cared, he could have at least taken the time to sincerely say, “I like you.” At the very least, gaze into my eyes with a hint of tenderness, right? At the very least, share a breakfast together! At the very least…
“Have you given it some thought? Will you come or not?” Ji Kai concluded his popsicle, tossing the stick into the trash with a soft “swoosh.”
…The drone of cicadas ceased suddenly.
Amidst the dappled shade of the trees, Zhu Ling begrudgingly nodded, a look of both irritation and reluctance on his face.
…
Someone who had always been confident, self-assured, and resistant to conformity was, for the first time, silently assenting.
Zhu Ling painfully realized that he didn’t dare to resist this time.
He couldn’t muster the courage to obstruct Ji Kai with a “test.” He feared that Ji Kai might find it bothersome and subsequently back away, leaving without a word. He was even more afraid that if he declined this invitation to move in now, he might never encounter such a favorable opportunity again in the future.
Isn’t it strange? He finds it astonishing too—especially considering my preference used to lean towards individuals like the old Ye Yin. Fragile, delicate, the type one feels compelled to protect.
Even though Ji Kai is undeniably handsome, the sort who’s taller and stronger, surpassing me in masculinity, and not one to be docile prior to our acquaintance.
But he can’t explain it.
From the very first moment they crossed paths, he was inexplicably struck by a flurry of emotions.
As they started dating, he unveiled a series of virtues such as candidness, authenticity, an easygoing nature, tranquility, and an irresistible allure…
…
So the two cohabited, immersed in all sorts of endearments. And after two years, a proposal emerged—Ji Kai proposed to him. At that time, his popularity had yet to peak. Due to his profession in the entertainment sphere, the two kept their marriage concealed. Nevertheless, their relationship flourished.
Each day, amidst all kinds of quirks, he’d anticipate the serene refuge of a home after a day’s work. He’d even dream of his own baby bear being the best to cuddle and the best to hold close.
Although the world of video shoots and filming is often filled with beautiful faces, and admirers swarm like bees and butterflies, he has remained steadfast in his resolve, safeguarding his heart like a precious jewel.
Had it not been for the serendipitous reunion with his first love, Ye Yin, he might have spent his life as a devoted guardian of his partner.
However, destiny and its capricious tricks can contrive to reunite you with old acquaintances in the most unexpected of places.
Confronting the immense regrets that seized my formative years, he finally yielded to his pettiness and succumbed to actions he shouldn’t have taken.
—
Ji Kai had gone out to buy condiments, returning home with an armful of fresh vegetables and spices from the supermarket. As he walked along the park’s cobblestone path in the middle of the street:
“Snap— ” Just as he took a step, the strap of my flip-flop snapped.
Oh no, this is bad, it’s about to slip—Lao Tzu’s1an arrogant way to address oneself bottled soy sauce…
…was caught by someone from behind.
Letting out a sigh of relief, just on the verge of expressing my heartfelt gratitude, he turned his head—and there he was, that handsome guy with the single eyelid! The stalker strikes again?
This time, Ji Kai opted for directness: “Listen up, my friend, I’m genuinely married!”
What in the world do I want to achieve here?
As the breeze rustled the leaves, distant laughter from children filled the air. The world felt tranquil.
“… Are you leading a content life?” Out of the blue, the man looked at me and inquired.
Heh, what a strange question. Is CCTV sending you out for street interviews?
“It’s alright.”
I began to turn away, but he gripped my wrist: “If your ‘contentment’ is a mere facade, do you wish to wake up soon or remain deceived forever?”
Seriously, buddy, have you been watching too much of The Matrix?
“Choose one!” The man’s demeanor was earnest, and his narrow and tranquil eyes fixed on me from beneath the single eyelid.
“I choose death. Let go.”
“Choose one, you must!”
Choose your grandma’s bear! Don’t think that your madness will prevent me from giving you a piece of my mind!
…
…
Sunlight filtered through the colorful cafe glass, casting mottled patterns on the table. Ji Kai courteously accepted the business card from Mr. Stalker with both hands.
“Apologies, I haven’t gotten around to printing these. However, my name isn’t difficult to remember: Ji Kai. Ji as in memorial, Kai adjacent to the golden letter.”
“It’s not important.”
“…What?”
“Sorry, did I say that out loud?” The other party furrowed their brows slightly, and their apology appeared genuine and timely. “I had trouble sleeping last night, so my thoughts are a bit jumbled. I apologize.”
Oh, are you sure your mind is just a little muddled?
Li Weidu. The titles he holds are quite numerous—Chairman, President, and Technical Director of Prosperity Network Technology Co., Ltd.—as indicated on his business card.
So many titles.
Speaking of Prosperity Network Technology… Isn’t there a trending immersive VR online game called “Prosperity” these days? Rumor has it that the president of that company is raking in a fortune. He’s not only handsome and youthful but also among the top ten most eligible bachelors?
But that’s beside the point. Out of habit, Ji Kai reached for his cigarette, only to suddenly remember that the coffee shop had a no-smoking policy. He looked up at the sky for a moment.
“Mr. Li, earlier in the park, you mentioned being Ye Yin’s boyfriend?”
“Yes.”
“And you also mentioned… that my Zhu Ling is a shameless person who constantly harasses and seduces yours. You want me to address this with him?”
“Yes.”
In situations where you’re not sure what expression to wear, they say to “just smile.”
So, Ji Kai maintained his fake smile, concealing the gust of cold wind swirling within him. A few days ago, when Ye Yin himself appeared at his doorstep, he grudgingly believed in Zhu Ling’s fabrications. And now, the man swapped for Ye Yin was back at his door.
At this point, he couldn’t even place trust in the nonsense anymore.
What’s even more infuriating—Ji Kai found himself yearning for sympathy, pity, and understanding from the man sitting across from him. This man, who was now “Ye Yin’s boyfriend,” had splendidly painted him as “Zhu Ling’s unpopular and unrecognizable honorable savior,” an image that he couldn’t stand being stamped with.
A soldier can die, but not in disgrace!
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