Chapter 45
Time passed slowly when filled with anticipation. Because he was about to go on a trip with Xiang Ye, these days of waiting were imbued with meaning, each day tethered to the upcoming joy.
And Mr. Xiang, who had jokingly said “fire me then,” was working frantically these days, all for those few days of vacation.
Leaving work at ten had become the norm, but even so, they still made sure to see each other every day.
Sometimes they had supper together, sometimes they strolled along the autumn streets lined with fallen leaves, sometimes they didn’t do anything, just saw each other briefly, what Xiang Ye called “passing by.”
The day before their trip to Yunnan, Xiang Ye, surprisingly, left work at five.
Jiang Chaochao, who was teaching a student at the time, almost didn’t process the message when he saw it.
Half an hour later, Jiang Chaochao’s lesson also ended. He waited for the parent to pick up the child and then messaged Xiang Ye.
Ten minutes later, Jiang Chaochao was also picked up.
“You’re early today,” Jiang Chaochao said in the car.
Xiang Ye: “Going on a trip tomorrow, who has the mood to work?”
Jiang Chaochao smiled, “I agree.”
After so many days, they still hadn’t decided how long they would stay in Yunnan.
And what was the only planning they had done so far? They each posted on Weibo, “What’s good to eat in Yunnan? Planning a trip.”
Their followers, besides Shici, mostly didn’t overlap, so they decided to choose restaurants based on the number of likes and recommendations on both posts.
Jiang Chaochao had never traveled like this before. His friends who he usually traveled with would always have at least one person planning the itinerary.
This was fine too, a new experience, especially with Xiang Ye. He could already imagine them doing whatever they wanted, resting when tired, going out when they felt like it.
This casualness made Jiang Chaochao even more excited.
After dinner, Xiang Ye asked Jiang Chaochao, “Packed your things yet?”
Jiang Chaochao: “Not yet.”
Xiang Ye: “Our flight is at nine tomorrow morning. I’ll pick you up at your place at six-thirty, then we’ll go to the airport together.”
Jiang Chaochao mentally mapped out the route: “Your place is closer to the airport, it’s too much trouble for you to come all the way here, I’ll go to your place tomorrow morning.”
“If you’re talking about trouble,” Xiang Ye seemed to think for a moment, “That would also waste some time.”
Hearing this, Jiang Chaochao immediately had the best solution.
But he was a bit embarrassed, so he just secretly glanced at Xiang Ye.
“How about this,” Xiang Ye said, “Pack your things tonight and stay at my place, then we’ll leave together tomorrow.”
Jiang Chaochao pursed his lips and smiled secretly.
Yes, that’s what he wanted too.
“Okay,” Jiang Chaochao said.
So the car took Jiang Chaochao back home.
No one was home at the moment. Jiang Chaochao found a pair of slippers for Xiang Ye from the shoe cabinet, and casually said, “You’re the first friend to come to my house.”
Xiang Ye was surprised, “Really?”
Jiang Chaochao wasn’t yet adept at saying these kinds of things, so being questioned, he became a bit annoyed, “Forget it if you don’t believe me.”
Xiang Ye chuckled: “I believe you,” he subconsciously wanted to put his arm around Jiang Chaochao, but quickly realized where they were and withdrew his hand, “I’m so honored, xuechang.”
Jiang Chaochao smiled: “You have many ways of addressing me.”
Jiang Chaochao led Xiang Ye through the living room and up to the second floor, to his small domain.
The decoration style was clearly different. Xiang Ye looked around and said, “I smell Jiang Chaochao.”
Jiang Chaochao opened his bedroom door, “You noticed.”
Jiang Chaochao let Xiang Ye sit on the sofa and pulled his suitcase out of the closet.
It was good that Xiang Ye was here, they could discuss what to bring and avoid bringing duplicates.
Xiang Ye said he would bring the daily necessities and toiletries, so Jiang Chaochao just packed some clothes.
Finally, he looked around the room and placed the ugly duck figurine on the shelf into his suitcase.
Jiang Chaochao didn’t look at Xiang Ye and simply said: “I’ll be bringing him with me from now on.”
Xiang Ye: “Jiang Chaochao.”
Jiang Chaochao: “What?”
Xiang Ye: “Nothing.”
Finally, Jiang Chaochao put his ID card in his small bag, zipped up his suitcase, and left with Xiang Ye.
On the way, he sent a message in his family group chat, saying he was going to Yunnan tomorrow, not sure for how many days.
Jiang Zhiyan immediately jumped out: “Going for fun or for work, gege?”
Jiang Chaochao: “For fun.”
Jiang Zhiyan: “Yay!”
Jiang Zhiyan: “I heard the mushrooms in Yunnan are very delicious, but make sure they’re cooked! Be careful of food poisoning.”
Jiang Chaochao: “Okay.”
He thought for a moment, then said, “I’ll bring you back some souvenirs.”
Jiang Zhiyan: “Okay, okay!”
Jiang Zhiyan: “Thanks, gege!”
Jiang Chaochao: “You’re welcome.”
Putting away his phone, Xiang Ye had already started playing music.
Going on a trip was different, the music was much more upbeat.
Jiang Chaochao, going on a trip, was also different. He hummed along to the music all the way.
The atmosphere was high. After getting out of the car and the music stopped, Jiang Chaochao continued humming, happily holding Xiang Ye’s hand as they walked home.
It was getting late after all the packing. Xiang Ye told Jiang Chaochao to take a shower while he packed his own luggage.
The two of them worked efficiently.
In the shower, as the water cascaded down, Jiang Chaochao suddenly smiled.
He was happy thinking about sleeping in the same bed with Xiang Ye for the next few days.
Actually, he had been thinking about sleeping with Xiang Ye again these past few days.
But it never seemed like the right time, he couldn’t find an excuse.
He didn’t have any experience with sleeping over at someone’s place, so he could only let his heart itch.
He always showered quickly. When he came out of the bathroom, Xiang Ye was still packing.
“Need any help?” Jiang Chaochao asked as he passed by.
“No,” Xiang Ye said, pointing outside, “I ordered milk tea.”
Jiang Chaochao replied with an “okay” and went out.
Only one cup of milk tea was ordered. It was clear that someone wanted to share with him.
Jiang Chaochao took a big sip, then went inside and held the milk tea to Xiang Ye’s lips.
Xiang Ye also took a big sip and handed his ID card to Jiang Chaochao.
“Tsk,” Jiang Chaochao looked at the picture on the ID card and couldn’t help but click his tongue, “Even your ID photo is so handsome, I can’t stand it.”
Xiang Ye laughed and turned to kiss Jiang Chaochao.
Xiang Ye: “I’m going to shower.”
Jiang Chaochao: “Go ahead.”
After saying this, Jiang Chaochao handed the milk tea back to Xiang Ye, letting him take another big sip.
It was still early, so Jiang Chaochao went to the living room and turned on the TV.
It had been a while since he last had milk tea. This sudden indulgence was incredibly satisfying, and soon, the milk tea was almost finished.
Just then, Xiang Ye came out.
A handsome man with slightly damp hair, the ends looking a bit messy.
Jiang Chaochao, inexplicably, because this handsome man was his boyfriend, smiled secretly to himself.
“Watching something?” Xiang Ye walked over.
Jiang Chaochao: “A variety show.”
Xiang Ye clearly hadn’t seen this variety show before and didn’t know who the people in it were. He sat down next to Jiang Chaochao, “Finished?”
Jiang Chaochao picked up the milk tea from the coffee table: “One sip left.”
He held the straw to Xiang Ye’s lips, and it was at this moment that Jiang Chaochao had an idea.
Just as Xiang Ye was about to take a sip, Jiang Chaochao suddenly pulled the cup away and took a sip himself.
“What’s the meaning of this?” Xiang Ye asked.
Jiang Chaochao puffed up his cheeks, his eyes darting left and right.
A soft chuckle came from Xiang Ye, and in the next second, Xiang Ye grabbed Jiang Chaochao’s chin and kissed him.
Jiang Chaochao’s mouth was filled with the taste of peach, and beyond the peach flavor, Xiang Ye’s soft lips.
After licking Jiang Chaochao’s lips, Xiang Ye deepened the kiss.
He placed one hand on the sofa behind Jiang Chaochao, and then stood up.
But not completely standing, one leg on the floor, the other knee on the sofa.
Jiang Chaochao was forced to tilt his head back. Xiang Ye’s kiss was intense; he was taking the lead.
Jiang Chaochao was also wearing Xiang Ye’s clothes today, a loose-fitting set. Because of Xiang Ye’s movement, his collar slipped down slightly, revealing his shoulder.
After the kiss ended, Jiang Chaochao’s breathing was a bit uneven. He leaned against the sofa, blinking slowly, his eyes looking up at Xiang Ye.
Xiang Ye’s hand was still on the sofa. He also blinked slowly, caressing Jiang Chaochao’s cheek, his gaze locked with his.
“Very good at teasing,” Xiang Ye said.
Jiang Chaochao smiled smugly, “It’s nothing.”
Xiang Ye: “Do you enjoy teasing me?”
Jiang Chaochao tilted his head, unable to suppress his smile, “Hmph.”
“Tease me more if you enjoy it,” Xiang Ye said. “I like it when you tease me.”
