Translator: Lynn
“Ughh~ Brother Kai, I can’t take it anymore! You’re too intense, I can’t handle it!”
“Brother Kai, brother Kai, please release me, I truly, truly can’t do this anymore! Ah~~~Help!!”
Ji Kai: “Damn it, Qi Yang, what the hell are you saying?”
“But, I’m genuinely going to collapse!”
In the spacious gym, the vibrant lights cast a brilliant reflection on the floor.
Fortunately, this time is when most people are having dinner, and there are only a few individuals in the exercise area. Otherwise, by parading around with this guy, Ji Kai’s dignity would be in jeopardy.
…I just added a few more kilograms to your bench press, didn’t I?!
This guy is crying and screaming as if he’s being violated by me!
People truly differ in nature; despite their similar celebrity status, Qi Yang, leveraging resources from the reality show’s popularity, has recently surpassed Zhu Ling several times. He has become a top-tier celebrity.
Normally, he should have a bit of self-awareness as a big star.
However, the reality is that this person doesn’t carry the fake idol persona that Zhu Ling does. Although they agreed to work out together, he showed up dressed extremely casually, a towel draped over his face, looking as if he had just stepped out of a bathhouse.
You really aren’t concerned about people staring at you and sneakily snapping unflattering photos from every angle.
Ji Kai was unaware, but in the gaming area not far away, someone quietly took a picture with their phone—Oh my god, Qi Yang’s outfit today is a crime; he’s practically asking to be arrested. How dare he be so carefree? he’s truly a warrior.
Before capturing these less-than-flattering photos, Ning Zhen had just finished a phone call.
Before hanging up, he smiled and said, “Okay, okay, no problem.” But after hanging up, his expression turned cold for a moment.
The call was from Ye Yin’s manager, Shen Qian.
Shen Qian vividly recounted a rather dramatic tale, leaving Ning Zhen torn between reporting “the affairs of the ex-husband and the CEO” to Brother Ling or detailing the amusing scene before him.
[The ex is like WIFI, as long as no one changes the password, you can connect to it.]
During the farewell banquet before Zhu Ling departed, he kept rambling in this manner while inebriated.
Observing this handsome ex-husband meticulously guiding Qi Yang in exercising his thigh muscles, Ning Zhen truly felt that Zhu Ling might have utterly underestimated the harshness of reality.
WIFI is genuinely crucial in this era. Many people can’t survive without WiFi.
You must understand that individuals planning to change your password and use your WiFi are like crucian carp crossing the river, coming one after another.
…
Ning Zhen occupies a corner with a specific mission.
His recent daily routine involves timely visits to this gym, where he covertly monitors every action of his “Baby Bear” on behalf of the absent Zhu Ling.
As an actor struggling to break through to the A-list, Ning Zhen finds himself with plenty of free time.
Despite his own qualifications suggesting he shouldn’t be below the 18th line—he’s quite handsome, has a good physique, possesses reasonable acting skills, a pleasant singing voice, and is articulate without obvious weaknesses—he remains somewhat obscure. Despite praise from the company, a few years into his career, he’s yet to achieve significant popularity. He uses the label “Zhu Ling’s relatives and friends” to occasionally appear on variety shows and earn some extra income.
But what does “relatives and friends” really mean?
Using that label feels wrong, as it implies hurting real friends. Ning Zhen doesn’t genuinely like Zhu Ling, but he has no choice. Zhu Ling is the only guiding light in his struggling career, and he must cling to it, even if it means using Zhu Ling’s remaining resources to survive on the fringes of the entertainment industry.
Fortunately, his acting skills are passable, and over the years, he’s successfully played the role of a friend.
Before leaving, Zhu Ling trusted him with a specific task: to take care of his “baby bear” within three months. The most crucial responsibility is to keep an eye on a person named “Jiang Xiaobai” and promptly report any issues.
After all, who is this “Jiang Xiaobai”?
Brother Ling, Brother Ling, your nemesis Qi Yang has entered the scene!
The real world is filled with unforeseen challenges—while you’re adding millet and rifles, digging trenches, and stockpiling food for a prolonged war, nuclear weapons of mass destruction are right at your doorstep.
Ning Zhen isn’t in a rush to report such a scandalous plot.
With a mindset of enjoying a good show, he wants to wait and see if Qi Yang truly has the ability to captivate people.
If he succeeds, Ning Zhen wonders about Zhu Ling’s expression upon returning.
I kind of want to see it. After all, I’m tired of witnessing that mediocre guy who unexpectedly gained fame when a singer performed his song at a concert, ventured into TV series and variety shows, and faced criticism for various reasons. It’s about time he learns a lesson in humility, following the principle of character conservation.
…
If you’re thirsty, head to the freezer at the entrance for water. I noticed a tall man with a model-like presence at the front desk: “… His name is Ji Kai, he’s quite distinctive. Is he available?”
Ning Zhen slowed down and observed him closely.
The speaker was a handsome guy with single eyelids, making him easily recognizable. Even his awkward expression stood out. Ning Zhen had always felt shortchanged for having a handsome face that was hard to forget, silently harboring envy and jealousy.
“Yes! Yes!” The account manager hurriedly approached and reminded the still-dizzy girl at the front desk, “Isn’t that him? The one with the treadmill sign during dusk!”
“Yeah, yeah,” the girl’s eyes lit up, “that handsome guy, he’s here from five to seven every day! Sir, do you want to apply for a card? Our store is currently offering significant discounts on annual passes…”
“Oh. If he were at your place, I wouldn’t come.”
?!” The front desk girl and the account manager exchanged glances. Previously, others had shown interest in that handsome guy and applied for a card. Unfortunately, the handsome guy was married. It was the first time they heard someone not wanting to come because the handsome guy was present.
“I think the facilities here seem quite new.”
“…”
“There’s a large green space in the back. Is it a golf course? I haven’t heard of golf anywhere else in S City. If that’s the case…”
Account manager: “I’m sorry, sir, the green space belongs to the hotel next door. Golf, haha, our store really doesn’t have it.”
Ning Zhen nearly burst into laughter, as he witnessed the handsome man with single eyelids stifling a chuckle: “Never mind, it’s okay, it doesn’t matter if you don’t have it. The overall condition of your store… is pretty decent. It’s not expensive anyway, so getting a card isn’t a big deal.”
…Who said you couldn’t earlier?
Not only does he look awkward, but he’s also socially awkward!
…
The account manager respectfully handed over the card application form and the handsome man with single eyelids filled in a few words. Gradually, his expression stiffened, his demeanor became tense, and his eyes took on a ferocious look.
Ning Zhen followed his gaze and peered inside. Ji Kai was guiding Qi Yang’s movements, employing various handrails, engaging in ambiguous touches on legs, and patting waists. Completely oblivious to the enraged presence, the air was saturated with the scent of jealousy and sourness.
Hm.
The prominent star Qi Yang, the “president’s financial backer” mentioned by Shen Qian just now, the sly fox-like civil servant with red earrings, the lone lawyer, and other admirers, including an unidentified handsome man with single eyelids.
Zhu Ling’s ex-husband’s life might be more absurd than the one he saw in the mirror before. The Mary Sue heroine wore four small oil bottles in her hair for three marriages and was adored by all. The TV series being fought over is even more dramatic!
…It seems like they all come from real life.
Those on the 18th line eagerly awaited to see how the drama would unfold.
However, something peculiar happened in the following days. Ji Kai never visited the gym at the usual time.
Qi Yang was also absent, and the handsome man with single eyelids never reappeared.
Not only that, but even Jiang Xiaobai and his group vanished. No one knew what had transpired, and the front desk staff couldn’t provide any information.
After more than half a month of silence, one day, he finally caught up with Jiang Xiaobai and said, “Hey, how have you been? Haven’t seen you in a while!”
Unaware of who he was, Jiang Xiaobai reluctantly smiled and remarked, “Yeah, I’ve been a bit busy.”
“Speaking of which, I used to see your friend a lot, but why hasn’t he come recently? The handsome one, Ji Kai, right? I still wanted to ask him for advice on how to exercise abdominal muscles…”
“Brother Kai… he’s had some issues.”
“Ah?”
Jiang Xiaobai’s expression turned a bit serious. “But it’s okay; he’s much better now and should be back in a while.”
…
On the internet, there’s a common saying that if someone is trapped in a miserable relationship with no way out, it’s either because not enough time has passed or the new love isn’t good enough.
Ji Kai, drawing from his hard-earned life experience, added another option to this saying: or he wasn’t hit by a car.
In reality, if he had truly been hit, the intense pain of shattering bones would instantly clear away any mental distress or dissatisfaction.
…
Upon waking up, Ji Kai found himself lying half-dead in the hospital. At best, he felt like Iron Man, and at worst, he resembled a big rice dumpling. For several days, he was dizzy and weak, subject to blood draws, infusions, and a zombie-like existence.
Fortunately, he could still speak clearly. Despite multiple broken bones, the doctor assured him that they could be healed without any lasting damage.
Even so, he lived through a period where he couldn’t care for himself. Due to the nature of his injuries, he couldn’t get out of bed at all. Above the hospital bed hung something like gymnastics rings, and while he could finally move, he had to use them to get out of bed.
“Is this to motivate me to train harder and aim for the Olympics?”
The cause of the car accident was Qi Yang’s insistence on visiting a recently opened hot spring water park in C City, dragging Ji Kai and Li Weidu along for a supposed two-day relaxation trip.
As a result, Ji Kai felt truly “relaxed.”
The doctor predicted a month of bedridden recovery and at least three more months after discharge. Ji Kai did the math; with the semester almost over and winter vacation around the corner, he could continue recuperating at home.
Ah, a life lying still like a salted fish.
While lying down was indeed relaxing, the first few days after waking up were tough. Ji Kai was thankful for timely treatment but endured pain, waking him up in the middle of the night.
He could continue taking painkillers, but fearing potential side effects and desiring an active life, he endured the pain for a while.
Fortunately, someone stayed up every night to distract him from the pain.
“It’s okay; I can’t sleep anyway. I just want to talk to you.”
Li Weidu’s mother had mentioned his neurasthenia and dependence on sleeping pills. Despite advice to get some rest, Mr. Li insisted on staying by Ji Kai’s side, claiming gratitude for the rescue.
Though Ji Kai didn’t remember sacrificing himself during the accident, everyone else insisted he did.
“Weren’t you two in the back seat at that time? When the car hit us, you yelled and hugged us all! Oh my god, you don’t know how decisive you were back then.” Qi Yang reenacted the scene almost daily, with Li Weidu and Wei Xuan averting their eyes.
Four people were in the car during the accident, but only Ji Kai suffered significant injuries.
It seemed Qi Yang and Wei Xuan in the front row were only scratched, and Li Weidu, supposedly well-protected by Ji Kai, emerged unharmed.
Qi Yang insisted Ji Kai was crucial in saving them, leading to daily theatrics in the hospital room.
Ji Kai: “…”
Li Weidu: “The most I can promise you is food!”
Ji Kai: “Hey, that’s good. It turns out it’s okay. Only looking at the advantages and not the shortcomings?”
The heartbroken expression on Mr. Li’s face was enough to make Ji Kai want to laugh, but the pain in his bones hindered it.
Whenever Ji Kai felt pain at night, Li Weidu would sit by his bed, holding his hand.
“I wish I… had your special ability to relieve pain.”
In the deep night, with only stars shining through the window, Ji Kai could see Li Weidu’s slightly bitter smile and misty eyes when he lowered them.
The man rubbed Ji Kai’s forehead and said, “You are so kind. What did God think? How could God be willing to let you suffer such pain?”
In these days, Ji Kai had come to appreciate that Li Weidu was quite reliable and very, very gentle.
The hospital prioritizes life-threatening injuries. Li Weidu meticulously wiped the small wounds on Ji Kai’s face and the broken lips with a cotton swab.
Reflecting on the events after the car accident, many details seemed blurry to Ji Kai. All he could recall was lying motionless on the rain-soaked ground, the sound of Qi Yang’s desperate voice ringing in his ears.
” Weidu, I can’t stop the bleeding at all, what should I do?” Qi Yang cried out.
“Hold it hard, calm down, and stop yelling!”
“But this damn highway is blocked! How long will it take for us to wait for the ambulance here? Brother Kai will be dead by then…” The line between reality and nightmare blurred. The rain fell, mixing with hot blood, and an emptiness settled in Ji Kai’s heart.
“Qi Yang, seriously, just shut up and get to work! I just called for an air emergency, and it will arrive in thirty minutes at most. It’s okay.” In Ji Kai’s awareness, Li Weidu’s hand was warm, the first warmth he felt.
Li Weidu bent down, not daring to hug Ji Kai or move his injured body, but he held his hand tightly. The tip of Li Weidu’s hair brushed against Ji Kai’s ear, and he spoke softly but firmly, “Don’t be afraid; I will make sure you’re fine. Believe me.”
Ji Kai was dazed and thought Mr. Li was genuinely handsome—calm and handsome. Additionally, he seemed nice, kind, warm, and reassuring, like an angel.
It took a long time for Ji Kai to realize the distress the man felt when, covered in blood, dirt, and broken glass, he still managed to giggle to himself.
Soon after, when a helicopter appeared in the bloody sky, circling and preparing to land, Ji Kai was startled, silently wondering if this was the end.
Are we all hallucinating? Is this a flashback before death?
Damn it, I don’t want to die yet.
The materials promised to Professor Wang were sorted on the phone and computer but not sent. The bank card password hadn’t been handed over, the will hadn’t been made, and the property belonged to his son Xiaoyan. And… on the phone…
Cell phone.
Even now, the phone screen featured the “L” from Zhu Ling’s name as the pattern. If Zhu Ling considered it a relic, Ji Kai’s reputation would be completely tarnished. Maybe Zhu Ling would mock him, and he wouldn’t forget him even in death.
He couldn’t die.
If he died like this, what would become of his life?
Right, Zhu Ling, if I die like this, what will my life be like?
If there were no divorce, Zhu Ling would still need to buy a grave for him, haha.
Without a divorce, even if he lost an arm or a leg, Zhu Ling still had the obligation to care for him for the rest of his life.
Zhu Ling.
I swear. Even if I die, I won’t let you go, even if I become a ghost.
…
Poverty imposes constraints on human imagination.
In Ji Kai’s perspective, no matter how affluent an average person might be, calling a helicopter is not within their reach—what he doesn’t realize is that this aerial service is akin to a flying version of “120,” and the rescue cost is a hefty 70,000 per hour; anyone willing to pay can avail themselves of this service.
Upon receiving a takeoff order, it can be prepared and airborne within two minutes, efficiently circumventing issues of traffic jams and time constraints. It can reach the entirety of S City, along with its subordinate counties, in just 20 minutes. The aircraft can land on a site 1.5 times the size of its fuselage and hover to pick up the injured in times of emergency.
The full name is the “Air Ambulance Hospital Alliance,” commonly referred to as the “Air Ambulance.” For wealthy individuals like Li Weidu, the existence of such a service might be common knowledge, but Ji Kai had never heard of such a capability before.
So, in a reflective tone, he thought, “I really don’t want to die yet,” and yet he was saved so swiftly and effectively.
God favored him and saved his life. It felt like a rebirth, with the sky so blue and the world so beautiful. Ji Kai promptly changed the password on his mobile phone, incredulous that, at the brink of death, he was contemplating Zhu Ling!
For the initial days post-recovery, he wasn’t allowed to eat anything.
With a nutrient solution hanging, receiving regular visits from comrades, and seeing fruit baskets piled up on the windowsill, he found himself craving food. After a few more days, his yearning for food reached a peak, resulting in a daily routine of pleading with Qi Yang during the day to let him smell it through the packaging bag. Nights were even more pitiful.
Dying did not come with a revolving door. Now, lying in the dark every day, he was surrounded by various food fantasies.
The more he ruminated on it, the more he felt aggrieved. Though usually a tough guy, those days of sleepless nights due to hunger, greed, and pain led him to hide in bed, shedding tears of despair. Li Weidu would hold his hand and attempt to sing to him.
Mr. Li’s singing was out of tune, almost reaching the ends of the earth. After a while, you wouldn’t feel like eating anymore, making it the perfect solution to hunger.
After a week, he could finally eat but was instructed on what to avoid. Fortunately, Chef Li displayed exceptional culinary skills, turning even white porridge into a delectable dish. Ji Kai could finish a pot on his own, licking the bottom of the bowl until it gleamed.
With the freedom to eat well, his life in the hospital suddenly became full of daily anticipations.
Food brought happiness, and Mr. Li’s culinary prowess elevated this joy to new heights.
When Li Weidu’s mother, Aunt Bai, visited, the quality of the food soared, and Ji Kai’s happiness peaked each day.
A documentary titled “The Ward on the Tip of the Tongue” could aptly capture this culinary journey.
Please let me know if there are typos/mistakes in the chapter.
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