Translator: Lynn
Ji Kai constantly senses the swift passage of time these days, particularly when he opens the closet door. A few lightweight shirts from the summer still hang on the hangers, neglected and not yet stored away.
However, looking out the window reveals the swaying dead leaves of December, bringing a biting cold that prompts even him to shiver.
As the weather turns colder, Li Weidu finally alters his wardrobe choices. The monotonous dark suits and leather shoes give way to British plaid sweaters, stylish vests, and elegant long windbreakers.
Ji Kai particularly admires this new style, finding it much more fitting for Li Weidu than somber suits. The softness of the sweater adds a touch of warmth to Li Weidu’s naturally cold demeanor, especially when he holds a book in his slender hands, reading by the floor-to-ceiling glass bathed in afternoon sunshine. The aristocratic gloominess truly only lacks a blazing fireplace.
“If you like it, we can install a fireplace, and we can do it right away,” Li Weidu suggests.
Ji Kai almost blurts out, “Then let’s install it!” After all, what could be cozier and more sentimental than a small fireplace in winter, compared to floor heating or air conditioning?
Imagining Li Weidu sitting by the fireplace in a woolen blanket, engrossed in a book, bathed in the flickering firelight, Ji Kai envisions a scene reminiscent of Tchaikovsky’s piano piece “Four Seasons by the Fireplace” — a dreamy and beautiful image.
“So, Mr. Li is handsome, cooks delicious food, and treats you gently, yet you chose to pretend to move back to your home?!”
A week ago, Ji Kai, having had his plaster removed and regained some self-sufficiency, reluctantly returned home. Although he didn’t want to leave, he felt it was unfair to continue relying on Li Weidu’s care after two months of free room and roof. Additionally, Li Weidu’s company had taken on a new significant project, and he was dealing with a backlog of work that had been put on hold during Ji Kai’s recovery.
Wandering around an empty house during daylight hours felt odd to Ji Kai.
He also considered the bear’s den, which had been ransacked by relatives. Could he just leave it in disarray without cleaning up?
…
Graffiti on the walls couldn’t be repaired with paint, but luckily, it could be concealed with various posters belonging to Zhu Yan. The rest of the mess was efficiently handled by a housekeeping team throughout the afternoon, giving the place a new, professional, and inexpensive look.
After the relatives of Zhu Ling’s family were fined and escorted away by the police, whether due to timidity or the dedicated security in the community, calm settled in for a long while.
This brought a sense of peace to Ji Kai’s life, free from interruptions and the need to work for the time being. He enjoyed each day with a carefree attitude, eating and waiting to die, experiencing a god-like tranquility.
However, the serenity was artificial, masking various restlessness and confusion beneath the surface.
…
Ji Kai hadn’t anticipated that after just a few days of separation, an overwhelming sense of “missing” would start to plague him.
When alone at home, the tenderness and thoughtfulness associated with Li Weidu would sneak into his heart and memories annoyingly. Almost every hour, images of Li Weidu would appear in front of his eyes several times.
The beautiful hands with distinct bones, the joyful smile, the endearing confusion and satisfaction upon waking up in the morning, the skill and gentleness while cooking—these moments replayed persistently in Ji Kai’s mind.
A few days ago, as he watched Li Weidu drive away, a feeling of pity and sadness engulfed him, as if he had been abandoned.
Ji Kai felt helpless and conflicted. The situation was so perplexing that he wanted to both laugh and cry. Li Weidu also seemed genuinely sad.
However, just because Ji Kai moved back home didn’t mean they wouldn’t see each other anymore. In fact, they still spent time together every day.
Why was Li Weidu acting like a landlord, taking advantage of the situation and then abruptly leaving?
In the past, Ji Kai used to fall asleep as soon as his head touched the pillow. Now, his conscience troubled him—could Mr. Li sleep well and soundly without him by his side?
…Maybe it’s best to just kill him and forget about it.
“I’m here to live here.” With this statement, one could assert dominance and become the king. Li Weidu shouldn’t be unwelcoming.
Several months had passed, filled with sweetness, tenderness, and ambiguity. But was Ji Kai wrong from beginning to end?
“Is it true that you said you like fireplaces?” Qi Yang’s video call played, showing Li Weidu’s house with workers making noise and causing a ruckus in the background.
“I’m just wondering why he suddenly wanted to repair the fireplace on a whim. He was gesticulating and looking at it, and his face was covered in gray. He had been a mysophobe for more than 20 years, but I think that after meeting you, Brother Kai, his problems have disappeared!”
Ji Kai let out a thoughtful “Hmm,” and the corners of his lips involuntarily turned up.
“Let me ask you secretly, why are you two… not officially together yet? Why do you still bother to go home? I’m really impressed! You are such an old man, and you are still pretending to be in love like a primary school student. Do you have a secret crush on him? Let’s talk about it as soon as possible!”
Despite Qi Yang’s jesting, Ji Kai knew this wasn’t a waste of time. The current stage of their relationship was the pinnacle of ambiguity before the last window was broken—the point where “everyone thinks you two are having an affair. You both know that sooner or later there will be an affair, but you don’t know what day it will be.”
Every day, every minute, and every second, there were butterflies fluttering in their stomachs.
Life had slowed down, stretched out like a movie endlessly replayed, flashing back various heart-pounding moments. Ji Kai suppressed his restlessness and waited for the day when someone couldn’t resist reaching out to touch, plunder, and declare sovereignty. Or perhaps in a throbbing rainstorm, they would mutually surrender to each other. Fierce, rough, intertwined, and out of control.
As Ji Kai awaited that day, he compared it to the plump persimmons outside the window—crystal moist, sweet, and growing sweeter day by day. It could be picked now and was already sweet, but with a little patience, the plump fruit would soon overflow with softness and sweetness. Eating it at that moment would be so sweet, it would make your skin and bones tremble.
…
Although he moved back home, they still went on dates and saw each other every day. Like today at noon, they had made plans to have dinner together.
The reason was noble and legitimate—the day after tomorrow, December 3rd, was Qi Yang’s birthday.
What better way to celebrate than meeting up with friends, going shopping after dinner, and picking out a birthday gift for Qi Yang?
Even if no one else celebrated his birthday, Li Weidu always found reasons to meet. Watching a drama today, a carnival tomorrow—there was always a pretext. “I bought XX ingredients and made OO feast. Are you coming? You should come over!”
Ji Kai responded with various “Go, go, go.”
“Come on, come on!”
After an evening of eating and drinking, laziness set in, it got dark, and the road home seemed long. Naturally, spending the night at one party’s house was the logical course of action.
However, as always, they shared the same bed but treated each other as if they were guests—
Ji Kai refrained from taking the initiative, as the doctor advised against thinking that everything would be fine with just a little walking. “It takes a hundred days to recover broken muscles and bones.”
Even though bones were mending, long-term recovery was needed. Therefore, for the next three months, all other “vigorous exercise” was prohibited, except for the prescribed rehabilitation training!
However, Mr. Li didn’t take the initiative either, leaving Ji Kai somewhat puzzled.
Sometimes, he would lower his head and assess his chest—how deflated were they, as Qi Yang claimed?
They had grown back quite a bit after rehabilitation training. Every time he emerged from the shower, the way a few streaks of undried water flowed in front of the mirror was worth seeing.
Could he really resist the urge to stretch out his claws?
Was Li Weidu genuinely as cold as the rumors suggested?
What if he was truly abstinent?
Could Ji Kai manage his self-esteem and suppress his desire for intimacy?
Well… Ji Kai was filled with despair about his future life.
…
In the morning, with some free time before an appointment, Ji Kai was busy organizing his bookshelves at home.
Among the items, he noticed a Monet painting album he had purchased earlier, and to his surprise, Li Weidu’s family also owned an identical copy. Even more coincidentally, right next to the album was a wood carving appreciation book titled “Forest and the Universe,” placed in the exact same manner.
When Ji Kai browsed through Li Weidu’s book collection earlier, he was genuinely amazed to find this niche and rare, out-of-print book. After all, it was an uncommon find, and he hadn’t expected anyone else to share his collection.
On that day, as Li Weidu finished putting away the breakfast dishes, he took off his apron and approached Ji Kai: “Do you like this?”
Ji Kai nodded and pointed to a naive little tiger in the wood carving forest: “I used to be able to carve something like this. I learned carpentry from an old master for several years and almost became a carpenter back then.”
If it weren’t for my excellent grades, I could have easily been admitted to university and received a full scholarship…
Li Weidu remarked, “Carpentry is also a skill.”
“…”
“Do you want to learn? I can introduce you to a renowned master craftsman. You can learn from there, alright?”
Anticipating an ominous turn, Ji Kai raised his hand with a smile: “Mr. Li, are you joking? How can I become a carpenter now? I’m already disabled, right?”
“What nonsense are you talking about? You know how to adapt. That’s not the issue here!” Li Weidu glared at him, then sat down beside him, letting out a soft sigh.
“Of course, I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with living a comfortable life like yours. However, everyone should have their own ideals. I’ve noticed your interest in flipping through these engraving albums lately. If you genuinely like it, it’s not too late to learn now.”
…
Since Ji Kai’s hospitalization, Mr. Li had shown deep concern for him, a “migrant worker,” being injured and losing his job.
Some time ago, he had even asked Zuo Yan secretly, “I heard there’s something called ‘social security’?”
Ji Kai overheard and couldn’t help but sarcastically remark, “He ‘heard’ about social security. It’s annoying to have wealthy people like him who don’t have to worry about social security.”
“Tell me, if someone like him can’t work now, what should he do about social security? How about I pay for it for him? Can I pay it all at once for his whole life?”
Zuo Yan was at a loss for words, and Ji Kai felt quite dejected.
Perhaps it was time to stop teasing Li Weidu by pretending to be a bricklayer. In the two months under the same roof, Ji Kai had spared no effort to expose any flaws.
From discussing world politics and international affairs to conversing about piano music and concerts with Mr. Li, he explored Monet’s painting albums and delved into in-depth research on the techniques and the painter’s life story.
Towards the end, he coughed and remarked, “By the way, Mr. Li, you have a wall-wide collection of cups, one of which is printed with Monet’s ‘Woman with a Parasol,’ right?”
Li Weidu confirmed, saying, “That’s my cup. I bought it as a souvenir at the National Gallery of Art in Washington two years ago.”
“Why didn’t the French keep such a precious painting for themselves, but it was collected by the Americans?” Ji Kai questioned.
“It’s normal for art to be resold to other countries, right?” Li Weidu responded.
Yes, it’s normal. But it’s very abnormal for a young migrant worker to engage in these discussions with you all day long, right?!
Ji Kai was convinced that Mr. Li, usually slender and sensitive, could sometimes exhibit an unexpectedly thick skin.
In the next month, he, as a faux migrant worker, had fully embraced the opportunity. Every night before bed, he and Li Wei would gaze at the moon and engage in discussions ranging from poetry to the philosophy of life.
Don’t talk about Monet; now, they were passionately debating Rousseau’s influence on Kant! Mr. Li, do you genuinely not see any issue with this situation?!
…
Li Weidu didn’t perceive any issue at all.
Back when he was with Ye Yin, it seemed that the two of them could never hold engaging conversations. Over time, the air between them often became stagnant and lifeless.
He had once thought it was due to their long acquaintance or perhaps his own dullness.
Qi Yang chimed in, “No! It’s just that, Weidu, you haven’t encountered the right person who can open up your conversational box! Once you find that destined partner, you’ll have endless things to talk about. You won’t be able to stop, even if you want to!”
Now, after meeting Ji Kai, Li Weidu finally realized that what Qi Yang said was true. It turned out that even he, who had always considered himself dull, could have lively conversations. The topics were limitless, and he found himself smiling unconsciously while chatting.
…It’s really enjoyable having him by my side. Every day feels so relaxing and fulfilling. But why does he suddenly want to move out?
“I’ve been pondering it for many days, but I can’t figure out where I may have offended him. Qi Yang, can you help me inquire and find out?”
Qi Yang was on the verge of tears: “Weidu, you really… have you considered confessing your love directly?”
“…”
“I’m about 80%, no, 90% sure he likes you too—just confess your love directly, ask him to be your friend, live together, and everyone will be happy. You’ll most likely succeed!”
Li Weidu blushed, but the change in his expression was almost the opposite. One moment he was a lovelorn young man, and the next, he became cold and abrupt: “But what if I make a mistake? What if he sees me only as a friend? Will you take responsibility? What will you be responsible for?”
Qi Yang thought, Damn, I’m terrified.
“Besides, I think it would be insincere to confess directly without pursuing anything. I don’t want that.”
Qi Yang: “…”
I really wish blood would be splashed on the spot. You two are really something. Are you sure you’re living in the modern era? Just let me die.
“I’m serious.” Li Weidu’s expression was indeed very serious. “I want to start pursuing him formally. Qi Yang, what do you think?”
What do I think?! So, the care, pampering, and love you received in the past two months were almost like newlywed life. In your eyes, this isn’t considered “pursuit,” right?
He swallowed my cranberry juice and lamented that his sketch was ruined—
Oh, how could I almost forget it? Mr. Li has always been like this, with their god-like “ritualistic” thinking and logic.
First, develop an interest, then pursue it, confess, and finally be together!
It must follow each step meticulously, without missing one.
Ha ha ha ha ha. Devil horns loomed on Qi Yang’s head—wait until I turn around to instigate Brother Kai.
Let’s see if he can convince him. If he can’t stand your grinding, he’ll tie you to the bed first, step on you and sit on you hard, and mess you up in minutes, squeezing you dry.
Let you “pursue”! Let your progress slow down like a vestige of feudalism!
I’ll do it to you directly. I admire your face of despair and collapse after your obsessive-compulsive disorder has been physically cured.
Hahaha, it must be very interesting. I really want to see it.
The devil’s wings beat behind his back, but the glorious part of human nature is that Qi Yang devised a “Baby Bear Trapping Plan” overnight after serious discussions with Wei Xuan.
Li Weidu received the plan and was so impressed by the hand-drawn bear on the cover that he covered his face.
Although it sounded like a lofty plan, the content was straightforward—similar to any simple pursuit routine, starting from three aspects: “accompany him, eat with him, buy gifts for him, and you get the help of baby bear’s son.”
Li Weidu didn’t strictly adhere to all of it but scheduled dates every day, concocted delicious temptations, and prepared thoughtful gifts.
Even the baby bear’s son aspect wasn’t taken lightly. Various online game equipment and limited edition Legos were sent to Ji Kai’s home.
Qi Yang reminded, “He’s still a high school student after all. Don’t get too carried away with playing and let his grades slip. In the end, Brother Kai will blame you. Just give him a few sets of ‘Yellow Vehicle’ to ease his dissatisfaction.”
I feel like I will be blocked immediately.
…
Ties, wallets, shirts, watches, lapel pins.
An array of items suitable for birthday gifts.
Within the well-lit glass counter, a dazzling display of various men’s accessories caught Ji Kai’s attention. He secretly grumbled about Li Weidu’s sudden shift in taste today—how could he deviate so much from Zhu Ling?
Diamond-studded ties and cufflinks, everything sparkled. Ji Kai wondered aloud if Li Weidu ever wore such glittering attire in his daily life.
“Qi Yang particularly likes diamond-adorned items, but unfortunately, one time…”
Regrettably, there was an occasion when Zhu Ling coincidentally wore a diamond suit at an awards ceremony, clashing with Qi Yang’s outfit. From that point on, they reluctantly went their separate ways. In Qi Yang’s own words, “It’s all because of that bastard Zhu Ling who tarnished the reputation of diamonds.”
Fortunately, with Zhu Ling out of the country, Star Qi returned to his radiant self.
…
These are all so expensive…
Although Ji Kai isn’t financially struggling, he had never mustered the confidence to enter such a high-end store before. However, with Qi Yang by his side and a wealthy friend to guide him, he felt emboldened to explore. After visiting several stores, he found numerous items that looked appealing on him, but deciding if they were suitable for Qi Yang proved challenging.
“LU’s house has two floors. It’s quite spacious and easy to navigate. The lower floor features jewelry, while the upper floor showcases clothing. Take your time here; I’ll step out and be back shortly, okay?” Li Weidu went back and forth between a few stores, scanning the goods and making purchases.
They adhered to the principle of “buy, buy, buy,” but Ji Kai would feel burdened if the purchases were for him directly. So, they bought them first and planned to give them away later. In short, the items Ji Kai had tried were deemed suitable for Qi Yang!
Alone and at ease, Ji Kai gestured with a watch in front of the mirror. The high-profile and flashy options seemed fitting for Qi Yang. However, the LU family? Why did it give off a faintly… familiar vibe?
Out of the corner of his eye, a men’s ring in a window display caught his attention in the mirror—
Holy cow! He remembered! The diamond ring Zhu Ling gave to the little fairy seemed to be from this family?
At this moment, Zhu Ling’s name resurfaced in his thoughts. The next second, he heard someone asking, “Hey, Zhu Ling will be back next Wednesday, right? There’s an early morning flight; shall we pick him up?”
Then, the soft voice of the little goblin sent shivers down Ji Kai’s spine: “Of course, I want to go!”
…
They met on a narrow path.
Although Ji Kai was still semi-disabled, he displayed no weakness.
He turned his face and bared his teeth.
The little goblin was startled, but fortunately, he recovered quickly. He still looked as fresh and vibrant as ever. But wait, weren’t you just talking about Zhu Ling? Why is there a beautiful young man with a mixed-race face next to you?
“A new love? You are so blessed.”
Regrettably, his beauty paled in comparison to Li Weidu’s temperament. Unlike Li Weidu, with his single-eyelid and fair skin, who appeared unassuming at first glance but grew more handsome and appealing upon closer inspection, many of these types, stunning at first glance, didn’t withstand closer scrutiny.
Shen Qian received compliments on his appearance and felt elated.
Mainly… the one praising him! Broad shoulders, narrow waist, tall and handsome, incredibly sexy!
Handsome guy, who are you? My mother-in-law’s heaven-sent gift! It’s over, it’s over.
A cold chill emanated around him, and Ye Yin cast an evil glare at the man, almost as if… he were looking at an enemy?
No way! Shen Qian scrutinized the figure before him.
Uh, ex-ex-husband?
Please let me know if there are typos/mistakes in the chapter.
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