Chapter 39
Jiang Chaochao felt both like he had been appeased by Xiang Ye and like he had appeased himself.
He felt that he, who had successfully coaxed Xiang Ye into calling him “baby,” was simply amazing.
To use Xu Hengzhi’s words, Jiang Chaochao, you’ve made something of yourself.
Jiang Chaochao had made so much of himself that his legs were now propped up against the back of the sofa. If conditions allowed, he might even float to the ceiling.
And his reply to Xiang Ye was, “I heard you, I understand, okay, gege.”
Xiang Ye asked, “Do you like me calling you ‘baby’?”
Jiang Chaochao blushed, still traumatized by Xiang Ye’s bluntness: “Guess.”
Xiang Ye smiled. He didn’t guess yes, nor did he guess no. He simply called his name, “Jiang Chaochao.”
Then he said, “You’re hard to figure out.”
Jiang Chaochao hummed softly, “Of course, what’s the point if you can see through me at a glance?”
Xiang Ye: “Then what do you want me to do?”
“Want you to…” Jiang Chaochao patted the pillow, “Study me, analyze me, think about me, be obsessed with me.”
Xiang Ye: “Isn’t that what I’m doing, baby?”
A sudden “baby” attack again. Jiang Chaochao couldn’t think, only smile foolishly.
“You are, oh,” Jiang Chaochao remembered what he wanted to say, “Then continue getting to know me.”
Xiang Ye: “I will, I’m working on it.”
Jiang Chaochao had heard people talk about ambiguity before, saying it was intoxicating, very emotionally charged, easy to get lost in, unable to extricate oneself.
Jiang Chaochao didn’t understand at the time. Even when people gave him examples, he would just roll his eyes.
What’s the big deal? Just this?
Now, Jiang Chaochao, what was this?
The corners of his lips seemed to be pulled by Xiang Ye, smiling like a flower with the slightest tug.
Then he said coquettishly, “Get to know me well, I’m unfathomable.”
“Unfathomable,” Xiang Ye repeated, then asked, “How unfathomable?”
Jiang Chaochao knew that wasn’t what Xiang Ye meant.
But Jiang Chaochao blushed.
“Uh,” Jiang Chaochao stammered, “I don’t know, you’ll have to explore.”
Jiang Chaochao’s words were meant to be a proper response, but after saying them, it seemed a bit suggestive.
And damn it, Xiang Ye on the other end was silent for a moment.
“Jiang Chaochao.” Xiang Ye’s voice carried a helpless chuckle.
Jiang Chaochao instantly felt incredibly hot, “Huh?”
“You…” Xiang Ye, for once, seemed to be at a loss for words. He simply said, “I’m a bit dizzy.”
Jiang Chaochao pursed his lips, “Wh-what’s wrong?”
Xiang Ye: “Nothing, have you showered yet?”
Jiang Chaochao: “Not yet.”
Xiang Ye: “Go shower, it’s getting late, you have to get up early tomorrow.”
Jiang Chaochao first said “oh,” then “Okay,” then asked, “What about you?”
The sound of typing came from the other end.
“I’ll finish reading the proposal,” Xiang Ye said.
Someone obediently went to take a shower.
And someone…
Xiang Ye scrolled the mouse, his eyes seemingly reading the next page, but he blinked and scrolled back up.
The computer screen was filled with Chinese characters, but somehow, he couldn’t understand them.
Jiang Chaochao and Zhang Xinping’s flight was in the afternoon the next day.
Although Jiang Chaochao felt he didn’t do much these past few days, Zhang Xinping said that Jiang Chaochao had been a great help, doubling his efficiency and shortening the work by several days, even praising him as a genius.
Since it was true that they finished the work in four days, Jiang Chaochao naturally accepted the compliment and told Zhang Xinping to treat him to dinner when they got back, and he would bring Xiang Ye.
Being able to have dinner with two handsome guys, Zhang Xinping was naturally very willing, plus, he had been drinking what Xiang Ye ordered every day these past few days, either milk tea or coffee, he felt quite embarrassed.
“I ended up treating the whole class,” Zhang Xinping commented.
Jiang Chaochao shook his head, “Not the same.”
Zhang Xinping: “How is it different, Jiang laoshi?”
Jiang Chaochao: “It’s called ‘Love me, love my dog.’”
Zhang Xinping laughed, “Jiang Chaochao, I didn’t expect to be shown up by you one day.”
Jiang Chaochao patted Zhang Xinping on the shoulder, “There’s still a long way to go, you’re showing off too early.”
Zhang Xinping laughed, “I really admire you now.”
Zhang Xinping then asked: “How does it feel to be in love with a handsome guy?”
Jiang Chaochao corrected him, “We’re not, not yet.”
“Okay, okay, then,” Zhang Xinping also corrected himself, “How does it feel to be flirting with a handsome guy?”
Jiang Chaochao smiled smugly, “Amazing,” but in the next second, he started complaining, “So handsome, and so skilled, it’s hard to handle.”
Zhang Xinping was curious: “Skilled how? What stage are you at?”
Jiang Chaochao was about to share something, but immediately realized something wasn’t right, “What are you thinking?”
Zhang Xinping burst out laughing, asking Jiang Chaochao in return, “What are you thinking? I wasn’t thinking anything!”
Jiang Chaochao choked, “I wasn’t thinking anything either.”
Zhang Xinping laughed even harder, “Really? You don’t look like you weren’t thinking anything.” He continued, “Not into pure love anymore?”
Jiang Chaochao retorted, “Who’s into pure love? Who?”
As soon as he said this, last night’s suggestive words like “unfathomable” and “explore” flashed through Jiang Chaochao’s mind.
Not to mention, Zhang Xinping added, “Indeed, two handsome guys, very exciting.”
Zhang Xinping’s words were vague, the meaning depended on your interpretation.
The scary thing was that Jiang Chaochao’s thoughts were very suggestive now, very, very suggestive.
At 4 PM on Tuesday, they landed in A City on time. Half an hour later, they saw Xiang Ye, who had come to pick them up despite his busy schedule.
Even though they had only been apart for a few days, Jiang Chaochao felt like Xiang Ye’s hair had grown much longer.
Xiang Ye’s hair was dark brown, and ever since Jiang Chaochao met him, it had been left to grow freely without any styling.
When choosing wine at Xiang Ye’s place, Jiang Chaochao had his first, and so far only, close encounter with Xiang Ye’s hair.
It was a bit coarser than his own. Under the cabinet lights, it reflected different shades of light, looking very smooth and touchable.
Perhaps part of the reason Jiang Chaochao felt lightheaded at the time was because a few strands of Xiang Ye’s hair brushed against his cheek, a soft, feathery touch.
Today, this slightly longer hair covered Xiang Ye’s eyebrows, which were rather sharp. Covered like this, the man standing among the crowd in a grey trench coat with a faint smile, at first glance, seemed much gentler.
So Jiang Chaochao, who appeared indifferent on the surface, was actually screaming inwardly…
Ah, I like him so much, so much!
Gege, gege!
“Hello.”
Walking up to Xiang Ye, this was Jiang Chaochao’s first sentence.
Xiang Ye played along and extended his right hand: “Hello.”
Jiang Chaochao also extended his right hand, but he only patted Xiang Ye’s palm lightly before withdrawing his hand.
Under Xiang Ye’s puzzled gaze, Jiang Chaochao looked at his hair and said, “Let me touch it.”
Xiang Ye was clearly surprised by this.
But he still lowered his head.
The inherent restraint in Jiang Chaochao completely vanished the moment he touched Xiang Ye’s hair, a genuine smile spreading across his face.
Jiang Chaochao had never touched anyone’s hair before, but Xiang Ye had touched his several times, so he simply imitated Xiang Ye, gently ruffling his hair, then patting it.
It was a quick action, perhaps less than two seconds.
Jiang Chaochao withdrew his hand, but still feeling unsatisfied, he thought for a moment and said, “Let me touch it again.”
Xiang Ye indulged Jiang Chaochao completely. So, the hand that had stopped mid-air, and the head that had straightened up then lowered again, met once more.
After the second touch, Jiang Chaochao commented, “Feels good.”
Xiang Ye smiled helplessly, “Thank you.”
Jiang Chaochao withdrew his hand, “You’re welcome.”
Zhang Xinping, standing beside them, waited quietly, also glancing curiously, then glancing again.
It was such a simple action, but why did Zhang Xinping find it so sweet? He even had a sudden urge to be in love.
Xiang Ye naturally took Jiang Chaochao’s luggage, he also reached for Zhang Xinping’s, but was rebuffed with a series of “No need, I can do it myself, thank you.”
For some reason, Zhang Xinping felt awkward around Xiang Ye, although he didn’t know why.
Xiang Ye’s car was parked outside. Autumn days were gradually getting shorter, and the almost five o’clock sun cast long shadows of the three of them.
After putting the luggage in the trunk, the three got into the car.
After Jiang Chaochao fastened his seatbelt, he noticed a message from three minutes ago on his phone.
From the person currently starting the car beside him, only three words.
XY: “Jiang Chaochao.”
Jiang Chaochao had somewhat figured out Xiang Ye’s habits, so under what circumstances would this person call him by his full name?
Three minutes ago, someone’s hair was ruffled.
Jiang Chaochao tapped the screen and quickly replied.
Jiang Chaochao: “What’s up, gege?”
After sending the message, Jiang Chaochao put away his phone and looked ahead. In his peripheral vision, he saw Xiang Ye take out his phone and tap the screen.
He also saw Xiang Ye lower his head slightly, suppressing a smile.
In the next second, both of them suddenly turned their heads at the same time. The moment their eyes met, they immediately looked away.
Jiang Chaochao stopped looking ahead, resting his hand on the window and looking outside.
Hee hee.
Hee hee.
Xiang Ye dropped them off at the studio and left.
They spent quite some time at the studio, so it was more than three hours later when they met again. Tonight, Zhang Xinping fulfilled his promise and treated them to hot pot.
The meal was relatively quiet because Zhang Xinping was the only talkative one among them. Even throughout the meal, the main conversation was between Zhang Xinping and Xiang Ye.
They didn’t even have any alcohol, a very peaceful, very friendly meal.
After dinner, Xiang Ye thoughtfully drove Zhang Xinping home, and then…
Only the two of them remained!
It was getting late. Leaving Zhang Xinping’s street, it was 11:05 PM.
An awkward time, not early, but not too late either.
The car drove aimlessly, not in the direction of Jiang Chaochao’s place.
The first red light.
The second red light.
Ten minutes passed.
As one song ended on the car stereo and the next one just started, Jiang Chaochao pursed his lips and secretly glanced at Xiang Ye.
Unexpectedly, at this moment, Xiang Ye sighed softly.
Jiang Chaochao immediately looked away and heard Xiang Ye say, “What excuse should I use?”
Jiang Chaochao was still feeling awkward, so he couldn’t hide his emotions. After understanding what Xiang Ye meant, he burst out laughing.
Hearing Jiang Chaochao’s laughter, Xiang Ye also laughed.
While laughing, he said, “Just laugh at me.”
Jiang Chaochao composed himself a bit, “Isn’t someone very good at this?”
Xiang Ye: “I wanted to say that the alcohol is already at my place, but it seems a bit too obvious.”
Jiang Chaochao naturally asked, “What’s Mr. Xiang’s motive?”
Xiang Ye: “Nothing more than wanting to spend more time with someone.”
Jiang Chaochao: “Then someone will, consider it.”
He said he would consider it, but how could Jiang Chaochao not see it? Xiang Ye’s car was already heading towards a certain road in his memory.
Then, coincidentally, as if time was rewinding, the car’s route continued from where they had made the U-turn that night.
Ten minutes later, the car stopped in the basement parking of a complex.
At the same time, Xiang Ye asked, “Made up your mind?”
Jiang Chaochao smiled slightly, “Asking only now?”
Xiang Ye: “Asking only now.”
Jiang Chaochao didn’t answer whether he had made up his mind or not, he just got out of the car.
Xiang Ye didn’t ask further, he also got out of the car.
Jiang Chaochao didn’t know the direction, so he waited by the car for Xiang Ye to come over.
The quiet atmosphere of the basement parking was heavy. Jiang Chaochao watched Xiang Ye walk towards him from the other side of the car. The moment the car beeped, locking itself, Xiang Ye reached out and took Jiang Chaochao’s hand.
Very sudden, but also very natural.
By the time Jiang Chaochao realized what had just happened, Xiang Ye had already led him several steps away.
Soon, Xiang Ye led Jiang Chaochao to the nearest elevator. The elevator happened to be on B1, and they both entered.
So quiet.
Xiang Ye’s hand was warmer than Jiang Chaochao’s, and also larger.
While walking outside earlier, perhaps because his body was constantly moving, Jiang Chaochao didn’t feel much. Now, standing still, he felt a strange sensation coursing through his body.
Swaying left, swaying right.
The most important thing now was to control his expression.
He seemed calm in front of Xiang Ye, if he smiled first, he would be doomed!
Xiang Ye would laugh at him!
Arriving at Xiang Ye’s apartment, the door opened to a modern style interior with brown and white as the main tones. A very comfortable style, also looking very new, presumably not lived in often.
There were many bags by the entrance, it seemed like he had only come to drop them off.
Xiang Ye got Jiang Chaochao a pair of slippers, told him to make himself comfortable, and then carried the bags inside.
As soon as Xiang Ye was out of sight, Jiang Chaochao got busy.
He had ordered a cake yesterday, and the lenticular card he designed also arrived today, very considerately.
He had planned that Xiang Ye would invite him here tonight.
Of course, if it didn’t happen, then it didn’t happen.
See, here he was.
Jiang Chaochao contacted Jiang Zhiyan, who was already prepared, and at the same time opened the delivery app, entered the address he had secretly memorized, and told Jiang Zhiyan to pack the cake and package and give them to the courier later.
A minute later…
Jiang Zhiyan: [Picture]
Jiang Zhiyan: “Gege, Auntie said you have two packages today, which one should I take?”
Jiang Zhiyan: “They’re the same size, and they’re both from the same store.”
Jiang Chaochao looked at the picture and thought that perhaps the store had sent duplicates, “Bring both.”
Jiang Zhiyan: “Okay.”
Jiang Chaochao: “Thanks.”
Jiang Zhiyan: “You’re welcome!”
It only took five minutes to arrange everything. Jiang Chaochao happily put away his phone and went to the kitchen with light steps.
Xiang Ye was heading towards the living room. Jiang Chaochao continued following him with light steps.
“To the balcony,” Xiang Ye said.
Jiang Chaochao replied, “Okay.”
So Jiang Chaochao followed Xiang Ye outside.
It was already 11:53 PM. Unfortunately, Jiang Chaochao’s delivery was still on its way, estimated to arrive in 15 minutes.
The balcony was spacious, with a great view. Looking out, he could see the A City river and two buildings with changing lights.
Xiang Ye turned on the balcony lights, a string of lights around the floor and a few on the ceiling. The warm yellow light instantly expanded the view.
There was a long table by the transparent railing, with a stand on it, displaying two oddly shaped black and white art pieces.
“Drinking here?” Jiang Chaochao asked.
Xiang Ye: “Mm-hmm.”
Jiang Chaochao nodded in agreement, “Such a comfortable place.”
Xiang Ye: “You can come often if you like.”
Jiang Chaochao tilted his head and looked at Xiang Ye.
After surveying the area, Xiang Ye was about to go inside.
Jiang Chaochao naturally wouldn’t let him. He grabbed Xiang Ye’s sleeve.
Xiang Ye’s pace wasn’t fast, and Jiang Chaochao’s small action was enough to stop him, but he still wasn’t satisfied and held Xiang Ye’s hand.
Xiang Ye, stopping, first looked down at Jiang Chaochao’s hand, then looked up, meeting his eyes.
“What’s wrong?” Xiang Ye asked.
Jiang Chaochao chuckled at Xiang Ye.
Although he appeared calm, he was super nervous.
So nervous that he could feel his heart beating in his fingertips.
“Hmm?” Xiang Ye, perhaps finding it a bit strange, smiled and asked again.
Jiang Chaochao pursed his lips and asked Xiang Ye, “What time is it?”
The hand Jiang Chaochao was holding happened to be the one with Xiang Ye’s watch on, so he naturally raised his hand.
And Jiang Chaochao’s hand was also raised along with it.
“Almost twelve,” Xiang Ye gave a rough estimate.
Jiang Chaochao shook his head, “No, I want the exact time.”
The exact time.
Xiang Ye looked at his watch again and gave Jiang Chaochao the exact time, “Twelve seconds to twelve, is that what you want?”
Jiang Chaochao nodded this time.
After nodding, Jiang Chaochao pulled Xiang Ye’s hand closer, watching the second hand count down.
“Ten, nine, eight, seven…”
Oh my god, his heart was about to jump out of his chest.
Jiang Chaochao took a slow, deep breath and looked up.
Meeting Xiang Ye’s eyes, he said, “Three, two, one…”
“You,” Jiang Chaochao’s eyes crinkled with a smile, “Happy birthday.”
After saying this, Jiang Chaochao, in one go, took a small step forward, looked up, tilted his head, avoiding their noses from touching, and kissed him.
