Translator: Lynn
Li Weidu has never been a good sleeper.
Before meeting Ji Kai, he had long been accustomed to insomnia all year round. He would wake up naturally at four or five in the morning and face the semi-dark sky with self-loathing. Sitting on the bed, he would sigh and turn on the computer, tapping away at the day’s work with his long fingers.
Ji Kai has also never been one to stay in bed.
Teacher Ji is strict about self-discipline. He wakes up from 7 to 7:30 every morning. If he feels good, he will go for a morning run in the sunshine.
Therefore, love makes people fall.null
…
After engaging in activities not suitable for children early in the morning, they embraced each other and drifted off into a sweet slumber.
Before lunchtime, they stirred awake, but neither felt inclined to move. So, during that brief spell of lazy leisure, they lounged on the bed with their legs entwined, resting their heads on a large pillow while watching TV.
Outside the window, the gentle rustle of the wind and the chirping of squirrels in the pine forest created a soothing ambiance, while a perplexing Russian version of a talent show played on the screen.
Deciding to change the channel, they switched to a neighboring station airing a renowned European and American movie centered around time travel. Unfortunately, it was dubbed in Russian.
Struggling to follow the unfamiliar syllables, he attempted to recall the original lines and plot. Li Weidu let out a satisfied yawn, nestled against Ji Kai’s shoulder, and closed his eyes, lost in reverie.
Oh, how wonderful it would be if he could truly turn back time.
He reminisced about his past, the solitary struggles, the confusion, the hesitations, the feeling of life stretching endlessly without hope. He envisioned guiding his younger self out of the darkness, imparting wisdom, and encouraging him not to squander time or trouble others in the future.
Then, he imagined embracing his younger self once more, reassuring him that the darkness wouldn’t last forever.
Nothing is as bleak and never-ending as it seems.
In the end, things will improve; it’s just that you may not realize it at the moment.
All you need to do is take yourself and others seriously, grit your teeth, persevere through feelings of being lost and confused, and await your destiny. At the age of twenty-six, you will encounter him.
That day appeared to be just like any other ordinary day.
There was no sudden appearance of a white cat in the house, no koi flags fluttering against the clear sky, no full moon shining brightly, no vibrant rainbow following a rain shower, and no flowers blooming in the corner of the courtyard.
There were no signs indicating that anything extraordinary should happen. You rose from bed feeling as despondent as ever, dressed apathetically, and donned a mismatched hat and mask.
Even as you stepped outside, you compulsively checked multiple times to ensure the door was locked. Simultaneously, you begrudgingly acknowledged your obsessive-compulsive tendencies, then chuckled at the traits of a stalker.
Little did you know that within just a few hours, you would cross paths with your destiny.
…
Li Weidu shifted his arms, sliding his fingertips in between the fingers of the hand beside him. As their fingers intertwined, the person beside him immediately responded by holding him tightly.
Such small moments of happiness, shared between two people in love, seemed to permeate from their fingertips to the depths of their hearts every day, akin to a marshmallow melting with each sip.
In retrospect, if God allows one to endure disappointment and suffering in their early years, it’s perhaps to preserve their luck in life and lead them to meet their soulmate.
In truth, it’s all worthwhile. It’s just a pity that this realization didn’t come sooner.
Li Weidu also wished to impart to his younger self that, if given the chance, he would be more candid when meeting his beloved for the first time.
He’d advise against judging solely based on looks and physique. Why did Zhu Ling harbor such resentment, thinking he could do better than the person before him? Despite trying to maintain a facade of disdain and critiquing the other’s attire and revealing clothing, deep down, he felt uncomfortable with the scanty attire, especially in the summer heat.
Well, it’s better to be prepared. He really didn’t want to attract attention for all the wrong reasons!
…
Retrieving the luggage bag from the bedside, Mr. Li located the new squirrel-themed waterproof cover he had purchased at the tourist attraction earlier and carefully slipped it over Ji Kai’s passport.
“… Most people’s ID photos turn out unflattering,” remarked Li Weidu. His own photo was no exception. On the day he applied for his ID, he suffered from a sudden stomachache, enduring discomfort while waiting in line. The resulting photo portrayed him like a pale, famished zombie ghost.
However, Ji Kai’s ID photo was remarkably handsome, prompting Li Weidu to instinctively snap a picture of it with his phone.
“What are you doing?” inquired Ji Kai.
“I want to save it,” replied Mr. Li earnestly, “to keep it in my wallet.”
Ji Kai felt a flutter in his heart. Being included in someone else’s wallet photo gallery was a significant milestone. Chuckling, he scratched his head and remarked, “It’s all a photo trickery. I just happen to photograph well, but you’ve probably noticed that from our previous photoshoot.”
“You’re handsome,” Li Weidu countered.
“No, no, no, I’m just average. But you, Weidu, you’re the real looker,” Ji Kai quickly corrected himself. “Honestly, the first time I saw you, I was struck by your beauty.”
Their conversation seamlessly transitioned into a mutual exchange of compliments.
Beyond their mutual admiration, their conversations flowed effortlessly. With shared interests in travel, art, history, and even discussions on unsolved mysteries, potted plants, and small animals, they always found plenty to discuss. Ji Kai’s passion for food complemented Li Weidu’s culinary expertise, ensuring their conversations ranged from poetry to life philosophy, never running out of topics.
As a result, Ji Kai felt optimistic and looked forward to the future they might share together.
After engaging in lively conversation and feeling hunger gnawing at their stomachs, it was finally time for lunch.
As they descended the stairs hand in hand, sunlight filtered through the window, casting a radiant glow akin to dancing elves. Outside the cabin, a shallow stream flowed gently, its waters as serene and tranquil as the peaceful days.
At such moments, humans often seek out their own excitement.
Today, their plan was a hundred percent focused on challenging the most traditional Russian cuisine.
“…It’s rather unappealing,” Li Weidu remarked with a cringe.
What in the world was this “red cabbage soup”? Supposedly “borscht,” but judging from its color, it clearly didn’t match the description!
Its deep red hue resembled nothing short of a vampire’s breakfast, with a dollop of cream and mint leaves playfully placed in the center. It was hard to stomach.
Ji Kai countered, “Impossible! I find its redness quite appetizing!”
Silently, Li Weidu reminisced about the delectable pistachio pie from days gone by, a treat that Ji Kai thoroughly enjoyed.
“I’ll give it a try. Hmm, it’s surprisingly delicious!”
Not only was it visually appealing, but its taste was a delightful combination of sour and sweet, reminiscent of radish broth with cream. Absolutely scrumptious!
Li Weidu eyed the dish suspiciously.
“Weidu, give it a try. Trust me, it’s really good. Let me feed you, ah—” Ji Kai’s Western-style silver spoon flicked, delivering a spoonful of the red concoction onto a white enamel plate.
Ji Kai was taken aback.
Li Weidu, with a distressed look, reached out and grasped his hand.
“Why now, of all times…”
Although his hand afflicted with PTSD Parkinson’s disease had largely recovered some time ago, occasional uncontrollable tremors persisted.
Ji Kai, inclined to jest, couldn’t help but lay the blame on Mr. Li. “If you hadn’t been staring at me with those enchanting eyes, I wouldn’t have been so clumsy, would I?”
“When we return, I’ll find you the best rehabilitation specialist to help you recover fully!” Ji Kai reassured.
“Why, do you think I’m disabled?” Ji Kai playfully extended his long legs, nudging an indescribable part under the table. “Who was served by this hand this morning and couldn’t even cry out?”
Li Weidu erupted into laughter, and Ji Kai joined him, relishing the playful banter.
…
The Russian food tasting continued, offering Ji Kai a new insight into Li Weidu.
Despite Ji Kai’s insistence that the red cabbage soup was dreadful, he found himself struggling with the heavily salted smoked grilled fish served alongside baby potatoes. To him, its peculiar and foreign taste seemed like something only a resilient nation could stomach, yet Li Weidu consumed it slowly and effortlessly.
In good spirits, Ji Kai ended up finishing the red cabbage soup for both of them, while Mr. Li neatly packed away the despised smoked fish and potatoes.
Then came the fried chicken.
“Stay still,” Mr. Li kindly assisted.
“Weidu, what are you doing?”
“I’ll help you peel off the skin.”
“…Peeling the skin? What in the world?”
“Do you not eat the fried chicken skin? I always just eat the tender meat inside.” Mr. Li stated seriously, adding, “The meat inside the fried chicken is very succulent.”
Wait a minute! Doesn’t the essence of fried chicken lie in its crispy, golden skin? Who eats fried chicken just for the meat inside?
Wait, Mr. Li, you mean… you don’t eat the skin, so I can have your fried chicken skin, right?
Ji Kai suddenly envisioned a future of indulging in the luxurious life of eating fried chicken skin exclusively. But the feast didn’t end there; ghee scones and slices of toast were served next!
As Li Weidu meticulously dissected his food, Ji Kai watched in amazement.
Forget about the fried chicken; isn’t the essence of a buttery scone the golden, tender crust? And the toasted slices of bread are clearly more delicious on the outside!
Mr. Li, you’re simply…
“Mr. Li, Mr. Li, I will be truly fortunate if I follow you in the future.”
Li Weidu rolled his eyes and reclaimed the fork with the pastry in front of Ji Kai, taking a large bite with an unhappy expression.
“It’s Weidu! It’s Weidu, I misspoke again! I truly couldn’t resist, I didn’t mean it!”
After indulging in plenty of food and wine, they felt content.
However, upon reflection, it seemed that they had consumed all the high-calorie parts. At this rate, they were bound to gain weight!
Ji Kai used to wonder why so many people gain weight after getting married, but now he understands.
When you have someone as caring and skilled in the kitchen as Weidu, who leaves all the delicious food for you to indulge in, it’s inevitable to fall into the trap of the legendary “happy fat”!
“Don’t worry, you’re usually so active that you won’t gain weight.”
But if they continue eating like this, their usual exercise routine won’t suffice!
Ji Kai pondered for a moment. “Oh, by the way, I heard before I left that the heated swimming pool at the gym has been renovated. Swimming is said to be very effective. Would you like to join me when you get back home?”
“…I can’t swim.”
“It’s okay, I’ll teach you! Step by step!”
Teach… Li Weidu pouted slightly, feeling unhappy. It’s not like he hasn’t tried to learn before! Being the eldest son of a wealthy family, he was forced to learn a bit of everything since childhood.
But even the former national swimming team coach couldn’t overcome his innate inability to swim. After nearly drowning several times during rigorous training, he developed a physical aversion to water.
Occasionally accompanying Qi Yang and Wei Xuan to the beach, he could only sit silently on the shore, watching others enjoy themselves in the water.
“You don’t like it? I can go alone from now on.”
“No, I’ll come!”
Did he want to be the lone wet duck in the gym, attracting curious stares from others? Definitely not!
…
Li Weidu often wonders if his baby bear might have been some kind of magical herb in his past life, capable of curing all ailments found in the mountain. It seems to heal his mysophobia, insomnia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, hydrophobia, and every other dissatisfaction he faces.
There was nothing he could do to resist it.
And over the past couple of days, ever since that early morning encounter where they engaged in some shameful and indescribable activities, his shamelessness has only escalated.
Every day, there are various playful pounces and cheeky teases.
After showering, she deliberately leaves herself slightly damp, wrapping herself in a bath towel with the scent of strawberry ice cream shower gel and blowing hot air into his ear.
Every night before bed, they engage in a playful struggle under the covers: “I don’t want to sleep tonight.” They embark on imaginary adventures around the island, taking in all sorts of ice and snow scenery, and often joke: “You’ll only get up when you’re tired from walking with a kiss.”
Li Weidu didn’t used to laugh much before.
He thought his default expression was a case of facial paralysis, but it seems that once he enters contentment mode, he can’t help but smile. Even now, his cheeks ache a little before bedtime every day.
Lately, there have been several consecutive New Year’s Eve celebrations on the island.
Despite the freezing temperatures of over minus 20 degrees Celsius, crowds of tourists gather on the dark ice to watch fireworks light up the sky. Nearby, a Shaman sells local barbecue delights.
Ji Kai is a simple man. Unlike the beautifully packaged New Zealand cream, Himalayan sea salt, and Italian coffee beans in Li Weidu’s fridge, he can’t resist indulging in roadside stalls with their mystery ingredients and seasonings.
“Are you serious? The food at roadside stalls tastes better?”
“No, of course, Weidu’s cooking is the best!”
Being spoiled every day brings constant affirmation. With Ji Kai, Li Weidu feels a sense of security and happiness enveloping their world. Li Weidu reaches out from under his heavy winter coat, gently rubbing his ring finger, about to say something—
Ding dong, Ji Kai’s phone interrupts.
Amidst the silence that followed the New Year’s rush of blessings, their phones have been relatively quiet lately, so receiving a notification at this hour…
Li Weidu peeks over.
It’s not a text, but a notification from an unknown app: “What’s it like meeting a better girlfriend after a breakup?”
“…” “…”
“Hahaha.”
There’s probably no need to take it too seriously. Expanding on that topic feels like it could spawn a 100,000-word doctoral thesis.
Though bundled up in layers, Ji Kai seems relaxed. Li Weidu leans in, trying to sneak a kiss on his cheek through the fluffy collar.
…
Amidst the same dazzling fireworks display, Xiao Yuji, who had come to rendezvous with Lan Bing, found himself once again enduring the brutal sting of Siberian cold, his face tinged with blood.
The Siberian chill seemed particularly biting in the dead of night. Despite everyone present dressing like Eskimos to brave the weather, the CEO and his junior staffers still managed to awkwardly reach out for kisses and hugs across the icy distance.
Forget about filming for today.
It seemed there would be fewer scenes this time around, with more to come in the future.
Watching the sweet exchange between the two, one couldn’t help but yearn for love themselves.
…
…
In some families, joy coexists with sorrow.
As the new year unfolds, Zhu Ling finds himself engulfed in a cloud of melancholy and desolation.
Regarding his family situation —
He no longer has one. The absence of Ji Kai from his original home perplexes him. Despite sending numerous messages, he receives no response. Driven by the urge to converse with Ji Kai, he finds himself standing at the door of his former abode, repeatedly pressing the doorbell. Alas, Ji Kai remains elusive.
From the security logs and the perpetual darkness of Ji Kai’s residence, Zhu Ling deduces that Ji Kai has been absent from home lately. But where has he gone? Who is he with? The neighbors, a painter and a doctor, remain tight-lipped, leaving Zhu Ling in the dark.
As for his professional life —
It remains stagnant, save for the grueling Republic of China drama in which he stars. The prolonged emphasis on the second male lead’s infidelity in over 20 episodes tests Zhu Ling’s mental and physical endurance. Furthermore, Qi Yang’s ludicrous suggestions to the director and screenwriter only add to his exasperation.
Zhu Ling once reveled in S City’s neon-lit nights, but now he loathes them. Once, those vibrant hues illuminated his path home. Now, despite having a place to stay, he feels adrift, unsure of where home truly lies.
Emotions, capricious as they are, ebb and flow.
At times, Zhu Ling feels nothing. At others, waves of sorrow and anguish engulf him, leaving him vulnerable.
His mobile phone was replaced six months ago, erasing many past conversations. Yet, when he opens his chat with Ji Kai, the mundane exchanges about meals and return home remain intact, bittersweet reminders of their bond.
Unexpectedly, while attempting to make a purchase on his phone, Zhu Ling discovers their shared payment history. Messages like “Buy clothes for Brother Kai” and “Buy fish and honey for Baby Bear” tug at his heartstrings, evoking memories of their affectionate exchanges.
Tears well up in Zhu Ling’s eyes as he contemplates Ji Kai’s departure. How could Ji Kai forsake their shared moments of care and kindness?
His fingers come to a halt, the weight of his emotions overwhelming him.
The era of that date feels like a distant memory, a time before his rise to fame, when he struggled with poverty.
“It’s a token of love and support from your brother Kai.”
“The appearance on the show is crucial. Go ahead and buy some clothes to present yourself well.”
“How much do you need? I’ll give you all my savings.”
For a moment, my heart ached, and I felt like crying, but the tears remained stubbornly lodged in my eyes.
Suddenly, a memory resurfaced — a director instructing him during the filming of an art film to cry without shedding tears.
At the time, Zhu Ling questioned the director’s guidance. What did it mean to “cry without tears”? Wasn’t it akin to the legendary “colorful black” demanded by demanding clients?
The director eventually replaced him due to his inability to cry convincingly, leaving Zhu Ling resentful for some time.
It wasn’t until the film won an award and critics praised the newcomer’s “heartbreaking” expression, despite the absence of tears, that Zhu Ling grasped the subtlety of emotional portrayal.
Now, five years have passed.
He finally comprehends the depth of sorrow that renders one incapable of shedding tears.
Yet, amidst his personal anguish, his phone continues to ring cheerfully, inundating him with frivolous entertainment gossip —
Today’s topic: “Breaking News! Our beloved star, Qi Yang, spotted on a romantic date at the amusement park!”
Accompanied by a blurry image, the figure in the photograph sends shivers down Zhu Ling’s spine.
Wiping away his tears, Zhu Ling quickly scans Ji Kai’s messages.
There it is — an early morning update featuring two tickets to the amusement park.
“…Could he really be with Qi Yang?”
Impossible.
It simply cannot be true!
…
When the idea of visiting the amusement park arose, Ji Kai and Qi Yang found themselves embarking on the adventure together.
Upon returning from Russia, Li Weidu had spent about a week on renovations. One day, he caught a glimpse of a post in the social media circle of a colleague mentioning the newly opened amusement park, prompting him to purchase tickets. Ji Kai couldn’t help but secretly express his affection.
However…
“Qi Yang ~ Riding my little sheep” commented on Ji Kai’s status: “Take me with you!”
“Qi Yang ~ Riding my little sheep” commented again: “Take me, take me! You haven’t taken me out to play since you got back!”
The romantic rendezvous between the two was abruptly interrupted by a phone call to Li Weidu, summoning him back to the company to handle a sudden bug issue.
“I don’t want to go!” Ji Kai lamented, reluctant to leave Li Weidu and feeling a pang of regret.
Meanwhile, Qi Yang proved to be an engaging companion, and the two bonded effortlessly. Soon, they were gleefully enjoying the roller coaster together, unbeknownst to Li Weidu.
Unnoticed by the roller coaster queue, a pair of keen eyes behind sunglasses watched them from behind a nearby tree.
“Five times already! How many more rounds do you two intend to do?” muttered the observer, irked by their joy. “Why all the laughter? Riding a roller coaster isn’t that thrilling! Back in my day, I tackled the largest wooden roller coaster in Asia, and it was far more exhilarating. I didn’t see you screaming like that!”
As frustration brewed, a series of urgent calls from the manager bombarded the observer’s phone: “Zhu Ling, did your movie win an award? Is your new song topping the charts?” “Huh? No!” “Exactly! So why are you slacking off while filming? Take some leave if you need to, but don’t disappear without notice. It seems like you’re on permanent vacation!” Ignoring the calls was futile.
In the same drama, if Qi Yang, the male lead, could enjoy a vacation outing, why couldn’t I?
At the 3D movie theater in the new “Dream Kingdom” section of the amusement park, a horror movie was scheduled for 6 o’clock.
As a die-hard horror enthusiast, Qi Yang dragged Ji Kai to buy tickets promptly at 5:30.
The waiting area featured a row of small iron seats. Ji Kai settled on one end, and when Qi Yang returned with tickets and snacks, he occupied the seat beside him, placing popcorn on the vacant seat in between.
Ha, ha, ha, ha…
I knew it! I knew it!
Zhu Ling felt like he had stumbled upon undeniable proof—they were indeed lovers. How could they leave popcorn sitting between them?
What Ji Kai liked was not at all like Qi Yang! Ji Kai preferred fair skin, beauty, and long legs, just like…
A man entered through the door and made a beeline for the two seated individuals.
He was tall, with a great physique. Despite wearing a thick winter coat, his legs remained notably straight and long.
His complexion was fair, and even though his face was partially obscured by black-rimmed glasses and bangs, his absolute beauty still shone through.
But why did he seem so familiar?
“Weidu.”
If Ji Kai hadn’t uttered “Weidu,” Zhu Ling might not have recognized him at all.
It was such a departure from his usual appearance! Where was the slicked-back hair that feigned sexiness? Was there any trace of the distasteful aura? Why today…
Suddenly, the world fell silent.
A foreboding feeling washed over Zhu Ling. He didn’t want to dwell on it. Ji Kai had just been playing with Qi Yang. Why was he now playing with this person? When did he become so friendly with this group?
Li Weidu had just finished dealing with a matter at the company and rushed back. Due to heavy traffic, he opted for the subway instead of driving. Covered in dust, his hair was completely disheveled. Sporting polarized glasses to shield his eyes, today he looked like a typical IT geek.
Zhu Ling watched as Li Weidu, in that state, approached his baby bear.
Qi Yang was not Ji Kai’s type.
He preferred… tall, aloof, enigmatic, and challenging beauties.
Tall, aloof, enigmatic, fair-skinned…
Li Weidu was smiling today.
Zhu Ling had known him since high school, and even in front of Ye Yin, it was rare to see him wear such a gentle smile.
Now, he halted in front of Ji Kai, that same smile adorning his face, and slowly leaned down with his hands behind his back. It was like a very familiar movement, one performed countless times—
Ji Kai didn’t rise or even flinch.
He simply waited for his cheek to draw near, turned his face to the side, and accepted the gentle kiss.
Suddenly, the world was bustling again. Zhu Ling heard the clamor, mingled with the high-pitched laughter of several children running past, piercing his heart.
Please let me know if there are typos/mistakes in the chapter.
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