T/N: Thank you M&M’s and LabWitch for the ko-fis and supporting another release doused with some vinegar!
-komorebi
Back at Shuixieju, Wen Yuan found that Dr. Chen was also here.
Chen Zhiming came to do a routine check on Qi Jinran. Wen Yuan was also worried about Qi Jinran’s body, so he snuck behind the door to listen to their conversation.
“Have you experienced phantom limb pain recently?”
“It’s okay, it’s much better than before.”
“Then I’ll reduce the dose of the drug by half.” Chen Zhiming lowered his head to record something on the medical chart, and suddenly looked at the door behind him for a moment.
“Actually, a good mood is also very important to your body’s recovery. I see you’ve been in a good mood recently.”
“You, a surgeon, are still a psychiatrist?”
Chen Zhiming chuckled and closed the medical record.
“I am treat internal and external injuries, and understand everything. By the way, I will give you one last piece of advice. A proper sex life is very helpful for relieving phantom limb pain.”
Blinking, before Qi Jinran could reply, he slipped out of the bedroom and bumped into Wen Yuan, whose cheeks were flushed.
After returning to his room, thinking that he had been caught spying by Dr. Chen, Wen Yuan was so embarrassed that he wanted to find a crack to burrow in.
That look from Dr. Chen, as if he knew he was eavesdropping outside…
Wen Yuan took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down.
Don’t know if Dr. Chen’s last sentence is true or not.
As he was lost in his thoughts, a sudden knock sounded on the door.
“Are you there?” It was Qi Jinran’s voice.
Wen Yuan quickly got up from the chair and went to open the door.
“What’s the matter?”
He looked uncomfortable, not daring to meet Qi Jinran’s gaze.
“The wedding invitations are ready. Three styles, see which one you like.”
Wen Yuan followed him to the living room and found that the table was full of albums and designs. Three dazzling, gilded invitations were placed on the table.
“I think they all look pretty good.” Wen Yuan picked up one invitation and touched it fondly, then picked up another.
“Are you inviting a lot of people?”
“Not too many. Some families with a good relationship with grandpa, and then some relatives on your parents’ side.”
“Can I invite my classmates?”
“Yes, just include their names in the list.”
“That’s great! I’ll go tell Ji Hong right away!”
Taking the invitations, Wen Yuan excitedly went to the bedroom to get his cell phone, but was stopped by Qi Jinran.
“Don’t stay so late at school in the future.”
“Huh?” Wen Yuan was puzzled.
Qi Jinran closed the wedding-themed album in his hands with deep eyes.
“There are many things we need to prepare and confirm for the wedding. If you go home too late, it may delay the progress.”
“Oh, I see. I’ll be back tomorrow after school.”
Qi Jinran looked annoyed as he watched Wen Yuan enter the bedroom.
He obviously didn’t want Wen Yuan to be so tired and wanted to show some care, but why does the taste change1as in the meaning feels or sounds different each time it comes out of his mouth?
—–
A few days later.
Across the ocean, in a gallery on the Champs-Élysées in Paris.
Countless flashes and media surrounded the handsome young man on the red carpet, accompanied by questions from reporters mixed in English and French.
“Mr. Ning, I heard that you want to donate all the proceeds from the auction of this art exhibition to the Disabled Persons Fund Association, is it true?”
“Yes, it is.”
“Is there any reason behind your act of kindness?”
“I heard that you once had a Chinese boyfriend, and he seems to be disabled, so-”
“I’m sorry, it’s not time for questions.”
Seeing the handsome young man’s unhappy face, the agent hurriedly stood in front to stop the reporters asking anymore questions.
“Please go to the main hall and enjoy the paintings. Thank you for your cooperation.”
After dismissing the difficult reporters, the smile on Ning Shu’s face faded. Holding a glass of red wine, he took a few gulps.
“Drink less, it’s not good if you are drunk and photographed by the media.” His agent advised.
“It’s boring, they can shoot if they want.” Ning Shu’s face was full of irritability.
“Is it that they mentioned…. so you’re upset?”
Ning Shu didn’t speak. Holding the wine glass with his fingers, he looked down at the shaking red wine, lost in thought.
The agent wanted to say a few more comforting words, when a cheerful, laughing voice suddenly came from behind him.
“Xiao Shu, I found you. I just finished the meeting, I’m a little late, sorry.”
The speaker was a tall man in his early thirties. He was wearing a decent three-piece suit with a complicated Windsor knot around the neck. Looking handsome and upright, he strode towards Ning Shu, took out a velvet satin box from his pocket, and handed it to him.
“A present for you, to celebrate your new paintings.”
Ning Shu handed the wine glass to his agent, opened the box, and expressionlessly looked at the shining ruby cufflinks inside.
“I can’t keep all those gifts you sent in my cloakroom, so don’t give anymore in the future.”
Luo Haoxin stared at his face with admiration in his eyes.
“Xiao Shu, you deserve the best things in the world. Don’t reject me, okay?”
The corners of Ning Shu’s twitched as he thanked him, and reluctantly accepted the box.
After sending Luo Haoxin to the front hall to look at the paintings, Ning Shu took the wine glass and went to the terrace.
The agent chased after him and asked with puzzlement: “Xiao Shu, isn’t Mr. Luo very good? After chasing you for 2 years, he made a lot of money and is always on call. What are you dissatisfied with?”
Staring at the church steeple on the opposite side, Ning Shu snorted softly.
“Just a nouveau riche, let alone his looks. He obviously doesn’t understand art at all, and has to pretend he’s a Monet fan. Really laughing to death.”
His agent sighed. “Xiao Shu, do you think every man can be as good as Qi Jinran?”
Hearing that name, Ning Shu’s body froze. The red wine flowing down his throat turned to ice, stabbing straight into his heart.
Knowing his tongue had slipped, his agent lowered his head, and did not dare to speak again.
“Yeah, you’re right, no one can be like Qi Jinran…”
Ning Shu looked at the sky in the distance, his eyes depressed and melancholic. Suddenly, the mobile phone in his pocket vibrated, and he took it out to see that it was a message from a small company in China.
—Qi Jinran is getting married. The wedding will be held next month, do you know?
Seeing the message, Ning Shu almost dropped the wine glass in his hand.
Qi Jinran is getting married? How can this be! Obviously there hasn’t been anyone around him in the past few years, why is he suddenly getting married?
Eyes red, Ning Shu stared at the line of words on the screen.
“Xiao Shu, are you alright? What’s wrong?” The manager noticed that he was in a wrong mood and asked with concern.
“Book a plane ticket for me. I want to go home.” Ning Shu’s voice was hoarse.
With shaking hands, he wrote a small reply: Tell me, who is his marriage partner?
—-
“Xiao Wen, I have a package for you!”
“Coming, Sister Xue.”
Wen Yuan’s footsteps thudded down from the third floor to pickup the cardboard box from Xue Rong. Inside are various baking ingredients, like butter, cheese, and whipped cream, he bought. These are all raw materials with a short shelf life, and have to be purchased every once in a while. Ever since he entered Le Cordon Bleu, the regular deliveries have not stopped.
Wen Yuan was about to go upstairs holding the cardboard box when Xue Rong patted his arm.
“Xiao Wen, Mr. Qi has come back.”
“Ah? So early?”
Today was a school holiday, so Wen Yuan spent the whole day at home studying new desserts. He thought that Qi Jinran would not come back so early in the company.
“Well, Mr. Qi came home early during this time, probably because you’re here.” Xue Rong smiled.
Back on the third floor, Wen Yuan’s face was red. Did Qi Jinran come back earlier because of him? Could it be because of the wedding preparations…
Wen Yuan’s mind was in a mess, and his heart was sweet and uneasy, unsure how to react. He didn’t react until he heard the ding of the oven, and hurriedly put on heat-insulating gloves to pickup the soufflé inside.
As soon as he put the steaming soufflé on the cooling rack, he turned around and saw a tall figure.
Qi Jinran had been standing at the door for an unknown period of time. Seeing Wen Yuan notice him, he looked a little unnatural.
“Dinner is ready, come down to eat.”
He turned and left.
Wen Yuan looked at Qi Jinran’s back, and the corners of his mouth twitched unconsciously. Did this arrogant guy come to the third floor specifically to ask him to go down for dinner? Does this mean that he has a little weight in Qi Jinran’s heart?
After dinner, it rained.
The rainy weather lasted for almost a week. Wen Yuan was worried about Qi Jinran’s legs. Thinking about what Dr. Chen said last time, he couldn’t help knocking on the bedroom door beside his.
“What’s wrong?” Qi Jinran was wearing a thick nightgown, his expression pale.
“That…” Wen Yuan hesitated for a moment and decided to tell the truth.
“When Dr. Chen came to check on you that day, I heard your conversation. I’m sorry, because I was worried about your body, I couldn’t help listening to the corner…”
Qi Jinran’s long eyelashes were lowered, making it hard to read his expression. “So what?”
“So…” Wen Yuan’s chest heaved a few times. Eyes wide open, bright and transparent black eyes looked at him. “Jinran, should we try and share a bedroom?”
Qi Jinran’s pupils shrank suddenly.
“Besides, we have all obtained the certificate. Living separately, it isn’t good if the word spreads…” Wen Yuan said all in one breath. After speaking, he lowered his head and waited anxiously for Qi Jinran’s answer.
Qi Jinran looked at his drooping eyelashes and black hair. Because he was too nervous, Wen Yuan kept licking his pale, cracked lips. Qi Jinran’s eyes fell on his lips, and there was a raging, uncontrollable fire burning in his chest.
“Okay. You can move in tonight.”
Wen Yuan looked up at him in disbelief.
“Move tonight…?” He didn’t expect it to be so soon.
“It’s fine if you don’t want to.”
Qi Jinran turned to close the door. Wen Yuan hurriedly reached out to hold the edge of the door, for fear that Qi Jinran would lock him out.
“Give me ten minutes, I’ll be over soon!”
He hurried back to his room, bringing his pajamas, water glass, and toothbrush. Anyway, there is no need to rush to pack up his clothes. Their bedrooms are close to each other. It will be the same for him to go over and change after he wakes up tomorrow.
“I’m ready!”
Putting his blue planet water cup with Qi Jinran’s, Wen Yuan looked at the two cups side by side with joy in his heart.
Qi Jinran leaned against the bedside, reading a book. When he heard Wen Yuan’s words, he had no expression, but a warm light floated in his black eyes.
After showering, drying his hair, changing into pajamas, Wen Yuan climbed onto the bed.
The overhead lights in the room have been turned off, leaving only a small night light. Seeing Qi Jinran lying with his back to him, Wen Yuan couldn’t help poking his shoulder.
“Jinran, are you asleep?”
“Even if I was asleep, I’d be woken up by you.” Qi Jinran said helplessly.
“Sorry, I’ll pay attention next time.”
Wen Yuan lay down lightly and turned off the night light. Their breaths intertwined in the darkness, and the cold air seemed to heat up.
Wen Yuan looked at the outline of Qi Jinran’s slender back and couldn’t help leaning over. As soon as he touched Qi Jinran’s shoulder, the man turned over and grabbed his arm.
“I… I didn’t mean to… I’m sorry.” Wen Yuan thought that Qi Jinran didn’t like to touch him casually.
Qi Jinran didn’t speak, but moved his hand down and landed on his waist.
Wen Yuan’s throat tightened.
He didn’t light that scented candle either, how could Jinran suddenly be interested…
“Are there many classes tomorrow?”
He heard Qi Jinran’s low voice.
“No, there is only one afternoon session.”
“Good.”
After speaking, Qi Jinran’s body pressed down. His deep black eyes were as dark as the sky outside the window as he stared at Wen Yuan’s face. Unable to wait any longer, he suddenly reached out and touched Wen Yuan’s cheek, then down and into the collar of his pajamas.
Wen Yuan cried out in pain. “Lighter… lighter…”
Qi Jinran also realized his gaffe, retracted his hand, and said apologetically, “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay.”
Wen Yuan unbuttoned his pajamas and took the initiative to stick to his arms, with a pair of abnormally bright eyes.
“Come on.”
He said softly.
The most important side characters have debuted. Yay!
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