Chapter 13 – No ‘What Ifs’
Novel Title: 我们已经分手了 (We Have Broken Up)
Author：御小凡 (Yu Xiaofan)
Translator: K (@kin0monogatari)
Protagonists: 刘帆 (Liu Fan -MC), 陈谦 (Chen Qian -ML)
*Please read at Novels Space.space, the original site of translation. TQ*
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In the end, Liu Fan had to ask Chen Qian to stay and sleep at his place. This was because General Manager Chen had clearly developed a habit of tidying up. After finishing with the computer, he didn’t stop and started tidying up the room.
At first, as the host, Liu Fan conscientiously asked if there was anything he could help with, to which Chen Qian replied, “You’re in the way. Lift your leg, it’s blocking the broom.”
So, Liu Fan stayed on the sofa, maintaining a saintly repose. It was done to ensure he didn’t get in the way.
After this hustle and bustle, it was inevitably too late. Liu Fan and Chen Qian couldn’t pretend to be unfamiliar with each other any longer. Liu Fan straightforwardly invited him to stay over if he was willing.
“You only have one bed here.” Chen Qian casually re-tied his tie, looking down at him, “How do we sleep?”
“Don’t worry. You can sleep on the bed, I’ll take the sofa,” Liu Fan said, gesturing to the sofa. When the stern-faced Chen Qian leaned over to see what new mischief this was, Liu Fan took the opportunity to help adjust his tie.
Chen Qian bent over, waiting for him to finish before straightening up. He twisted his neck as if he was feeling hot, “I’m heading back.”
Liu Fan was surprised, “You’re not staying over?”
“No.” Chen Qian looked at Liu Fan, “Stop fussing and go to bed early. I’ll help you inside.”
“I can do it myself. The doctor said I’m fine, what’s there to worry about.” Liu Fan twisted his body to sit up, “Alright then, you should leave now. It’s really late.”
Chen Qian, as usual, didn’t waste any more words. He half-lifted Liu Fan, taking on most of his weight.
Liu Fan clutched to his chest and said, “Do you know? I feel like I didn’t just twist my ankle, but I got shot instead.”
“Shut up.” Chen Qian got him into the bathroom, urging him to quickly wash up, then went back to Liu Fan’s bedroom to turn on the air conditioning.
After quickly washing up, Liu Fan was half-carried back to bed by Chen Qian. Lying on the bed, he smiled and asked, “Do you want to tell me a bedtime story before you go?”
“Then I might as well bring the computer in here and play some GV for you,” Chen Qian mocked. His phone rang and he quickly answered, “Li Yu? Aren’t you home by now?”
Liu Fan blinked. At this hour, not home yet? Do you think he lives in the suburbs?
“Yeah, I’m not home yet.” Chen Qian turned to the side, seemingly puzzled why the other person would ask him that. “I’ll be going home soon. Is there something you need? I didn’t notice, I’ll check for you later. If it’s in the car, I’ll bring it to the office tomorrow.”
After he finished the call, Liu Fan asked, “I can’t take the contract tomorrow. Do you want it mailed or have someone else pick it up from your office?”
“We’ll see.” Chen Qian put away his phone, looking down at Liu Fan, “Call if you need anything.”
After a moment of silence, he reluctantly continued, “Since you said we’re still friends… Anyway, I’m used to it.”
“Alright.” Liu Fan smiled generously from under the covers, “I know. Be careful on the road. Send me a text when you get home.”
“Take care of yourself,” Chen Qian said as he walked towards the door/ He turned off the light and gently reminded in the soft darkness, “Go to bed early.”
With a soft sound, the door closed.
Liu Fan perked up his ears. But he couldn’t tell when Chen Qian left. He held his phone, glanced at the time. It was just past midnight.
Forty minutes later, Chen Qian’s message finally arrived. It was just a brief few words: I’m home.
Liu Fan replied with ‘Good night’ and then closed his eyes peacefully to sleep.
***
The next morning.
Liu Fan shifted in bed, feeling an uncomfortable cool and slippery sensation between his legs. Staring blankly at the ceiling for a moment, he wiped his face and climbed out of bed. With considerable effort, he threw the sheets and underwear into the washing machine for a wash.
He couldn’t help but think that without a steady partner and not engaging in casual hookups, his life was becoming a bit too bland…
It was one of those rare moments when he deeply felt the sting of being single. Leaning against the washing machine, Liu Fan looked sadly at his reflection in the mirror.
Why is it so difficult to find someone I like?
Ding! His phone’s message alert sounded. Liu Fan picked it up and saw it was from the number he saved just last night.
Zhang Zhou: Are you free tonight? A colleague recommended a really good Japanese restaurant. How about we go and try it?
It seems he hasn’t given up yet. Liu Fan always found such situations somewhat irritating. If he rejected it, the other person hadn’t been direct with his approach. But if he didn’t, it could lead to a prolonged entanglement. Fortunately, this time he didn’t need to find an excuse. He could just tell the truth.
Liu Fan: Thanks for the invite. But I twisted my ankle last night and can’t go anywhere.
Zhang Zhou: Is it serious? What happened?
Liu Fan: It’s not that bad. The doctor advised me to rest. I just slipped on the stairs, nothing too serious.
Zhang Zhou: Take good care and rest up. Let’s go together another time. Don’t bother with cooking today; just order some delivery.
Liu Fan replied with an ‘okay’. There was no further response from the other side. Presumably, someone as efficient as Zhang Zhou wouldn’t spend much time on idle chatter. Liu Fan felt relieved for this.
There were still some biscuits and milk in the fridge. It was just enough for breakfast. While eating, Liu Fan opened his computer, downloaded the materials that Tuan Tuan had sent the day before, and after carefully reading through them, he revised the outline.
Around noon, Li Yu called.
“Hello, Mr. Chen showed me the contract and there are no issues,” Li Yu’s voice was calm and light. “I heard from Mr. Chen last night that you hurt your leg. Are you okay?”
Liu Fan didn’t expect Li Yu to bring this up. The implication was that it was not mentioned during work today. But after Chen Qian returned last night.
He switched the receiver to the other ear. “It’s nothing, just a slight twist.”
“Good to hear. You take care and rest well. Feel free to contact me anytime for anything over here,” Li Yu said. “Mr. Chen is busy and might not be able to spare time for you.”
His words were tactful. But the meaning was clear. Liu Fan couldn’t help but smile a little but kept it out of his voice. “Sure, there’s not much that needs contacting. I already discussed most of it with General Manager Chen yesterday. I’ll send you the draft once it’s ready.”
“Alright then, I won’t disturb you any longer,” Li Yu replied.
After hanging up, Liu Fan stood there for a moment, reflecting. He then shook his head with a smile. This apparent interest from Li Yu had been lingering around Chen Qian for a while. Since Chen Qian had initially told Liu Fan he was still single, it was unlikely he was lying. It seemed that Li Yu hadn’t been explicit with his interest. And Chen Qian, being a bit oblivious, hadn’t noticed.
Liu Fan wondered how much Li Yu knew about his relationship with Chen Qian. Was Li Yu wary of him because of his past with Chen Qian? Or was it a general defence against any potential rival?
If this were a romance novel starring Li Yu and Chen Qian, Liu Fan would be the classic second lead, the innocent first love returning just as the main characters’ relationship was heating up, creating yet another challenge for their love. One would leave in sorrow, the other would realise their mistake and chase after them, leaving the catalyst alone and disliked…
When thinking about it this way, it felt quite bittersweet.
The doorbell rang, interrupting Liu Fan’s wild imagination. He hobbled to the door with his injured leg. Standing there was a delivery guy holding a large plastic bag. “This is your order.”
“Delivery?” Liu Fan was puzzled. He recognized the packaging from a restaurant they had eaten at during a class reunion, Xuanhe Ju. “I didn’t order this…”
The delivery guy asked, “Are you Liu Fan?”
Liu Fan nodded. The delivery guy handed him the items, “Kung Pao Chicken, cold eggplant salad, banana dessert, white rice. Please check.”
The receipt indeed had Liu Fan’s address. He took the plastic bag, “How much?”
“It’s already paid for. Enjoy your meal,” the delivery guy said.
Closing the door, Liu Fan carried the food to the table. For one person, this was quite a luxurious meal, with even dessert included. It looked like it would last him the whole day. A few names crossed Liu Fan’s mind.
Liu Fan wondered if it could be Zhang Zhou. But Zhang Zhou didn’t know his address. The only person who knew both Xuanhe Ju and banana dessert was Chen Qian.
Liu Fan picked up his phone and called Chen Qian.
The call was answered. But it wasn’t Chen Qian’s voice.
“Hello, how can I help you?”
It was the second time today that Liu Fan heard Li Yu’s voice. He said, “Is General Manager Chen there?”
“He’s not available to take the call right now,” Li Yu replied politely. “Can I take a message for you?”
“It’s nothing much. Just tell him thank you,” Liu Fan said. Having nothing more to discuss with Li Yu, they ended the call.
Even though Liu Fan knew that Chen Qian and Li Yu didn’t have anything going on, he felt a bit uncomfortable after learning about Li Yu’s feelings.
Maybe he was overthinking it. Chen Qian’s care for him was so familiar to both of them that neither thought to avoid suspicion.
But they couldn’t continue like this forever. Even though Chen Qian currently only had one pursuer. Eventually, he would find another partner.
What if they hadn’t separated due to inexplicable arguments? What if they hadn’t ignored each other because of youthful sensitivity and pride? What would things be like now?
Liu Fan sat silently in the living room, staring at the table full of dishes. He suddenly lost his appetite.
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*Author’s Note: Yesterday’s events cannot be undone ╭(╯v╰)╮ -Yu Xiaofan
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*Translator’s Note: I think CQ didn’t want to sleep over because he was afraid he might lose control hahaha! And LF was so clueless *sigh*. And sorry, Li Yu, you’ll be rejected for sure. -K
Next update: 2024.09.18
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