T1983 Chapter 15

T.N: A big thank you to Beverly for her double donation!! It’s the first donation I’ve ever received and I couldn’t be happier! (⁀ᗢ⁀) So today I’ll update two extra chapters, in addition to the regularly scheduled one. Also, this couple of chapters are quite sweet and funny, so I hope you’ll enjoy them as well! Happy reading! (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧

…………

Xu Shen’s house has always been lively, the perfect spot for everyone to gather together. But tonight, the house was quiet, with only three people having dinner.

“Where are your brothers?” Shu Ran felt uncomfortable.

“Back at Chen Sen’s house.” Xu Shen answered.

The Chen brothers were living with their mother, a very fierce and respectable old lady. In the past few days after the wedding, people were sensible enough to not run to Xu Shen’s house, and no elder came to visit him. He smiled and said: “I’ll take you to meet her later.”

Shu Ran also thought about his wedding and those who were present that day. He continued picking up vegetables with his chopsticks as if the subject had nothing to do with him.

“By the way, Brother Shen.” Zhou Hui remembered to ask. “When will Dingzi go to work?” Now that her marriage was no longer a problem, she started worrying about her younger brother’s future.

“Let’s not hurry.” Xu Shen heard Shu Ran mention this matter, so he continued: “We’ll see after you get married.” At this point, he was a bit startled. Did Shu Ran really intend to work for him? He looked at his wife, and the other party raised his eyebrows, silently asking: “How are you going to deal with this?!”

If Zhou Hui marries Zhang Yunsheng, she’ll probably live in the unit’s dormitory. It was close to them and, in the future, the two families will have frequent contact with each other. Xu Shen couldn’t hide how he was earning his money forever.

“?” Shu Ran was curious to see what kind of job he could come up with.

Xu Shen shook his head and glanced at Zhou Hui, expressing that it was not convenient to talk in front of her. Forget it… I don’t understand… This type of silent communication using only their eyes was tiring, so Shu Ran gave up.

“Alright.” Zhou Hui served food to her brother, scolding him: “Eat more!”

“You too.” Shu Ran paused and said: “Brother Shen, you should eat more as well…”

Xu Shen lowered his head and smiled. It was not the time to talk now. He also wanted to tell Zhou Hui about him marrying her brother, but he couldn’t force the conversation without his wife’s approval. As for the matter of finding Shu Ran a job, Xu Shen decided to ask him tonight.

After dinner, the two entered their bedroom one after the other. Xu Shen sat on the bed and asked bluntly: “Wife, when are we going to talk with your sister?”

“Talk to her about what?” Shu Ran sat on the leather folding chair in front of the desk, picked up his novel, and continued reading from where he left it before.

“About us.” Xu Shen looked at him.

“…” Shu Ran fell into thinking.

Planning to go take a shower, Xu Shen took off his wristwatch and casually threw it on the nightstand. Then, he turned on the radio next to him, unhurriedly listening to the news.

“Let’s wait until she gets married. We live together. It will be awkward if she finds out now.” He didn’t want his sister to feel embarrassed. Xu Shen’s friends had a high level of acceptance towards homosexuality, but it didn’t mean everyone had. Zhou Hui might overreact and get into a conflict with Xu Shen. “It’s better to have this conversation after she’s happily married…” Shu Ran thought.

“Sure.” Xu Shen was happy with this answer. As long as his wife intended to come out and not hide him for the rest of his life, Xu Shen was willing to wait any length of time.

“What are you reading?” It was too early to go now, so Xu Shen leaned against the head of the bed, resting.

“Why are you still here?!” Shu Ran thought while rolling his eyes. He turned the book over, glancing at its cover: “Some martial arts novel, where swords act as… matchmakers.”

He had read all the classics, but clearly missed this one!

“…What about this?” Xu Shen thought for a moment but couldn’t remember that particular plot, which meant the writing was average. “It looks better.”

“Which one?” Shu Ran blurted out, “One of Huang Yi’s?” The “I squeeze your small hand” for a while, then “touch your small waist” later kind of novel¹Huang Yi 黃易 (15 March 1952 – 5 April 2017) is the pen name of Wong Cho-Keung, a wuxia writer from Hong Kong. He is famous for his sci-fi martial arts novels, such as The Legend of the Twin Dragons of the Great Tang Dynasty. His earlier works include a heavy emphasis on erotic descriptions. Some of them have been edited out in revised versions, but examples remain in the majority of his novels?

The room was silent for a second, and then both of them started laughing, with the tacit understanding of adults. After all, Huang Yi was very passionate about writing…

“No.” Xu Shen looked at him. “Jin Yong’s²Jin Yong 查良鏞 (6 February 1924 – 30 October 2018) is the pen name of Louis Cha Leung-Yung, a Chinese novelist with the reputation of one of the greatest and most popular wuxia writers ever. Fun fact: He has an asteroid named after him – 10930 Jinyong (1998 CR2).”

Then he remembered his pile of blush-inducing, shady novels. It was normal for Shu Ran to turn over his bookcase, but it was nothing to be embarrassed about.

“Oh.” Shu Ran pretended to be serious and continued: “I’ll check it out later.”

But, after reading two lines, he still couldn’t resist asking: “Did you buy all those novels on purpose?”

“Those?” Xu Shen understood what he was referring to. “Just look at them occasionally to pass the time.”

“… As a gay man, what kind of BG³BG- Boy/Girl, straight romance novels waste are you even interested in…” Shu Ran thought. But then he felt he was the sick one. Why even discuss this type of subject with a homosexual?

But he really couldn’t stop his mouth from asking: “It’s full of men and women. Do you find it interesting? Can you just read it without picturing things?” Shu Ran was dead curious. What was in Xu Shen’s mind when he read those types of novels? Did he imagine the heroine was a man?!

Xu Shen was stunned. He never expected Shu Ran to want to discuss this subject with him. He laughed, a little surprised.

“Is it inconvenient to say? It’s okay, I respect your privacy.” Shu Ran said. “I was just asking…”

“No.” Xu Shen coughed lightly and answered his question truthfully: “It used to be interesting, but not anymore. Haven’t read them in a while.”

Shu Ran: “?”

He raised his eyes from his book and looked at Xu Shen: “What do you mean?”

“Are you curious?” Xu Shen also looked at him.

“Why do you think I asked?!” Shu Ran looked away without intention. “Let’s talk…”

After a moment of silence in the room, Xu Shen admitted: “I wasn’t sure I liked men before.”

You weren’t sure before, but you are now?! Shu Ran was smart. He immediately thought of the cause and effect, his expression a little distressed…No way, right?!

Did he bent him?! Such a great sin?!

Shu Ran calmed down, but Xu Shen became even more energetic: “Why don’t you ask, how come I’m sure now?”

Shu Ran thought to himself: “Ask, ask your ass… I already know. You took one glance at me and committed a lifelong mistake…” He was not surprised that someone took a fancy to him, but he still had some self-awareness.

“Didn’t you want to go and take a shower?” Shu Ran casually changed the subject.

“Are you urging me to go to bed earlier?” Xu Shen raised an eyebrow and smiled. “Then I’m really going to wash right now.”

Shu Ran: “…” 

He gently whispered in his heart: “Shit…”

Before he could take back his words, and say that wasn’t his intention at all, Xu Shen was already gone. The weather was hot, so washing only took a little time. Soon enough, Xu Shen was back, urging Shu Ran: “Let’s go to bed early and wake up early. Go, I’ve prepared the hot water for you. You can mix it with cold yourself.”

Shu Ran scratched his ears and said: “I’ll read for a while…” It was too early, only seven o’clock.

Xu Shen looked at him and said: “The water will get cold.”

“Why are you pressing so hard? There’s no rush.” Shu Ran still didn’t look up from his book.

It was easy to guess Xu Shen’s thoughts, and Shu Ran was thinking about that kind of thing as well… But he didn’t want to. The night was long, and it was so early. If they started now… How scary would that be?!

Xu Shen said: “If you are too lazy to move, should I carry you?” He was very happy. If Shu Ran was willing, he even wanted to help him take a bath.

“That’s not necessary!” How could Shu Ran agree? He delayed it until eight o’clock and then went to take his shower.

The water was still hot, mixed with some fresh cold water to achieve the perfect temperature. It felt really comfortable when he poured it on his body. Thinking that it was prepared by Xu Shen for him, Shu Ran felt a little awkward. After all, he was really kind to him… Shu Ran didn’t hate this kind of relationship, otherwise, he could make up 100 reasons to avoid Xu Shen’s closeness. For example, feeling unwell was the simplest and most effective excuse. But the fact that he chose not to lie in the end showed that his acceptance of Xu Shen was much higher than he thought.

While Shu Ran was taking a shower in the bathroom, Xu Shen was waiting in the room, a little uneasy. He couldn’t explain why, but every time Shu Ran was not under his eyes, he would panic inexplicably. He now felt that the bedroom and bathroom were thousands of miles apart, completely unreachable. It wasn’t until Shu Ran was back in his arms that his restless heart could feel at ease.

A little unpromising… No, very unpromising.

Shu Ran returned to the bedroom with freshly washed hair. Seeing this, Xu Shen naturally came over with a towel and diligently helped wipe his hair. He wanted to help, and Shu Ran didn’t refuse. He just sat on the chair, lowered his eyes, and let him do it. This kind of atmosphere felt strange and new to both of them, but had the reality of being husband and wife. It made Shu Ran uncomfortably pinch his fingers.

“Okay. Let’s go to bed?” Xu Shen asked.

“Okay…”

Shu Ran didn’t hate Xu Shen’s intimate behavior. Occasionally, he would even find him intoxicating. He coveted the other’s tenderness and sincerity and enjoyed the sense of control he had over the man. It was so easy to make him excited with just a little smile… Shu Ran despised himself and thought he was really scheming. Maybe Xu Shen didn’t regard this marriage as a business deal and instead considered him his beloved wife, someone to protect in the palms of his hands. As long as he pretends, Xu Shen would carefully treat him as a treasure.

Feeling that his wife didn’t hate or reject him, Xu Shen’s stomach felt full of numbing, saccharine words. But he only chose the most simple ones to say: “Shu Ran, I like you so much.”

Shu Ran looked away embarrassedly and said: “Uh-huh.”

…………

Zhang Yunsheng really liked Zhou Hui. He got up in the morning, tidied himself up, and went to the store to buy some handy items. He then followed the address to Xu Shen’s house.

Listening to the movements downstairs, Shu Ran patted the man sleeping beside him: “Someone’s here. Get up quickly.”

It was normal for people to come visit, but the one who came today was not an ordinary person. Xu Shen got up unhappily and put on his clothes, complaining: “Why did he come so early? Afraid his wife would run away?!”

Shu Ran also got up and started dressing, also complaining in his heart: “You’re the one to talk… completely making a fool out of yourself…”

They both needed to use the bathroom, so they squeezed in together, doing their own things. Xu Shen was 22 years old, already growing a beard that needed to be shaved every morning. He used to be lazy and only shaved occasionally, but since getting a wife, everything was different. If he didn’t shave for a day, he was afraid his stubble might prick his wife’s tender face.

Xu Shen was shaving in front of the mirror, while secretly peeking at Shu Ran. The boy was washing his face in the washbasin. Even the actions of picking up and hanging the towel were delicate. Xu Shen smiled, forgetting about his own face for a moment. He quickly shaved, washed, and went to Shu Ran to ask for a quick kiss.

“Is it still prickly?”

“Prickly.” Shu Ran pushed him and then touched his own chin. It was still smooth, and he hoped he’d also have to shave when he’s Xu Shen’s age.

When Xu Shen saw this, he reached out and touched his wife’s smooth and white skin. “You haven’t grown a beard yet?”

Shu Ran: “Yeah…” This body was born with less body hair.

Xu Shen sighed: “Cherish it now. Shaving every day is troublesome.” His face was smooth and comfortable, did Shu Ran not like it?

The next second, Xu Shen had to hurriedly leave the room because Zhou Hui suddenly went upstairs. The two of them were having fun in the bathroom, and his wife didn’t want to get caught.

Not long after, Zhou Hui led Xu Shen downstairs to meet Zhang Yunsheng.

“Brother Yunsheng, this is Xu Shen. I told you about him yesterday.”

Zhang Yunsheng stood up and looked at Xu Shen. This was Xu Shen? The Xu Shen who almost married Zhou Hui? He was really outstanding… Why didn’t Zhou Hui like him?!

“Brother Shen, this is Zhang Yunsheng.” Zhou Hui introduced him.

“Hello, Brother Xu Shen.” When Zhang Yunsheng listened to the girl’s story yesterday, he thought Xu Shen might be some ordinary man. Now, at first sight, he felt he might be the ordinary one…

“Hello, Brother Yunsheng.” Xu Shen followed Zhou Hui and came to shake hands with Zhang Yunsheng. “Sit down, have you had tea?”

“Yes, Miss Zhou Hui poured it for me.” Zhang Yunsheng smiled.

“Sure enough, a handsome man with talent.” Xu Shen looked at him. No wonder Shu Ran rated him a 7.5, he was indeed good-looking.

“You’re joking…” Zhang Yunsheng thought to himself, you are the one with talent… Then he looked at Zhou Hui. Did she compliment his appearance?

Zhou Hui was embarrassed and said with a smile: “You talk, I’ll go cook some dumplings.” She didn’t tell anyone that Zhang Yunsheng was a handsome, talented man. It was her brother who said it…

The two sat down and talked. First, they greeted each other, discussing Zhang Yunsheng’s family. In fact, Zhou Hui already said what needed to be said. Next, Xu Shen did not beat around the bush and asked directly: “Do you know about his sister’s situation?”

Zhang Yunsheng reacted and understood that Xu Shen was talking about Zhou Hui. Obviously, he had a close relationship with Zhou Hui’s younger brother and was talking on his behalf.

“I know.”Speaking of this, Zhang Yunsheng was quite embarrassed. After all, the man in front of him was Zhou Hui’s husband in name. Although he didn’t want to be, the village still recognized him.

“And you don’t mind?” Xu Shen said. “If you really want to marry his sister, you have to endure this grievance, and won’t be able to clear up your name for the time being. Of course, sooner or later you’ll have to go back to her house and make it clear.”

Zhang Yunsheng thought about it for a while, then said: “I really don’t mind. If I minded, I wouldn’t have come.”

Xu Shen took a look at the kitchen and continued to interrogate the man: “Do you really like his sister, or just want to marry a wife?” There was a big difference between the two…

Zhang Yunsheng answered immediately: “I really like Xiao Hui. She is different…” He was afraid Xu Shen would not believe him and wanted to explain, but Xu Shen nodded: “I see. I support you.”

“Thank you.” Zhang Yunsheng was relieved, but now it was his turn to inquire: “You must have also wanted to get married in the beginning. Don’t you have any complaints in your heart?”

“No.” Xu Shen didn’t hesitate.

Zhang Yunsheng couldn’t help but look at him admiringly, thinking: “No complaints at all… A real man!”

“That’s good.” Zhang Yunsheng didn’t want to nitpick. “The Zhou family accepted your betrothal money. I will return it to you.”

“No need.” Xu Shen interrupted him immediately. “You don’t have to worry about the bride price. Just marry your wife.”

Zhang Yunsheng was stunned: “This…” What did he mean?

But with Xu Shen’s attitude, forget it. It would be the same if Zhou Hui handed it over when the time came.

• 1
  Huang Yi 黃易 (15 March 1952 – 5 April 2017) is the pen name of Wong Cho-Keung, a wuxia writer from Hong Kong. He is famous for his sci-fi martial arts novels, such as The Legend of the Twin Dragons of the Great Tang Dynasty. His earlier works include a heavy emphasis on erotic descriptions. Some of them have been edited out in revised versions, but examples remain in the majority of his novels
• 2
  Jin Yong 查良鏞 (6 February 1924 – 30 October 2018) is the pen name of Louis Cha Leung-Yung, a Chinese novelist with the reputation of one of the greatest and most popular wuxia writers ever. Fun fact: He has an asteroid named after him – 10930 Jinyong (1998 CR2)
• 3
  BG- Boy/Girl, straight romance novels