Zhang Jing’s intuition told him that: despite hearing his hurtful words, Ji Dongxun wouldn’t act like last time and ghost him for a month. If he were to be honest with himself, Zhang Jing knew that secretly, he was touched by Ji Dongxun’s affection. Even though he couldn’t remember the specifics, he did catch glimpses of Ji Dongxun’s tenderness and patience—he couldn’t help but be infatuated.
However, there was some truth to his vicious phrases; for instance, there was no way one night of intercourse could restore their relationship.
Those thoughts were quickly buried by a rapid succession of deadlines during the following week. More often than not, he would stay at the studio for hours before or after sunset. Time was so precious that allocating seconds to meals felt wasteful. The same applied to the entire studio: Mei stopped his skincare routine, everyone stopped going on dates with their lovers, and many ditched contacts and pulled out their dusty glasses from the ends of the drawers. They were in the stage of “work overtime or die.”
On one of the nights when he arrived home at a decent time, he checked his phone.
9:03 P.M. Three missed calls.
Caller: Ji Dongxun.
Zhang Jing was stunned. He set his phone on the table with shaky hands before he calmed his face and heartbeat with cold running water. To rid his mind of Ji Dongxun, he headed to the shower and pulled off the shirt he wore for two consecutive days.
Unfortunately, his phone still went off. Since he used one phone for both work and personal matters, Zhang Jing walked to the table to check the caller.
His phone still displayed Ji Dongxun. He pursed his lips, took a few deep breaths, and finally picked up.
He asked, “How can I help you?”
He said, “Open the door.”
When he heard Ji Dongxun’s voice, his heart felt twisted and tightened—this was an instinctive reaction. Yet as he comprehended what Ji Dongxun said, instead of pain, he had difficulty breathing due to his heartbeat going 200 beats per minute.
Zhang Jing glanced at his front door, unwilling to register Ji Dongxun’s command. “What door?”
Ji Dongxun appeared to be panting, but his tone was calm as always. “I’m outside your door.”
Still astonished and doubtful, Zhang Jing hesitantly walked to the door and pulled the knob. A breathing Ji Dongxun stood right there. Zhang Jing swiftly blinked a few times; the figure didn’t disappear.
“Why are you here?”
Ji Dongxun ended the call and replied, looking directly into his eyes, “You’re not answering my calls, so I had to come find you.”
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
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“……”
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Ji Dongxun ignored Zhang Jing’s indifferent response and merely pointed towards the insides of his apartment. “Do you mind if I have a cup of tea at your house?”
Zhang Jing had no choice but to move away from the entrance. He noticed that his apartment only had Doggo’s slippers, so he said, “No need to change your shoes.”
However, Ji Dongxun saw a pair of male slippers sitting near the door—his eyes lost most of their warmth. “Give me yours.”
“Huh?”
“Wear the one on the floor. I’ll wear yours.” Ji Dongxun repeated himself grudgingly.
Ji Dongxun had always been a germaphobe, especially for objects that have direct contact with his body. Yet Zhang Jing felt a sense of delight, knowing that he was an exception.
Zhang Jing asked, “Want any drinks?”
On the sofa, Ji Dongxun responded, “No. Come here.”
Zhang Jing didn’t move.
Ji Dongxun surveyed the room. Besides the extra pair of slippers, he noticed many more details supporting the conclusion that Zhang Jing had been living with someone else! He interrogated, “Who are you living with?”
Zhang Jing shrugged his shoulders. “Who else? Obviously, my boyfriend.”
A chortle left Ji Dongxun as he mimicked the drunk Zhang Jing, “I. Don’t. Have. A. Boyfriend!”
Zhang Jing didn’t understand the reference until a few seconds later. Then, he fell silent from embarrassment. To break the silence, Ji Dongxun prompted, “Have you eaten yet?”
Zhang Jing was quite frustrated by the sudden change in Ji Dongxun’s attitude; he still pictured him as a cold, aloof businessman.
Ji Dongxun took off his jacket and placed it on the sofa. Suddenly, he took a stride towards Zhang Jing and pulled on Zhang Jing’s waist. Startled, Zhang Jing scuffled to hide from him, yet Ji Dongxun firmly held onto his waist and leaned forward for a brief kiss.
“I’ll cook something for you.”
Zhang Jing couldn’t think of an appropriate reaction, his entire figure frozen. Ji Dongxun didn’t force him to continue either, and proceeded to release him after imprinting a kiss.
That night, Ji Dongxun made porridge due to the lack of ingredients in the fridge. Doggo mainly boiled noodles with random meats and veggies, so he never thought of buying any fancy ingredients. With whatever he could rummage in the kitchen, Ji Dongxun first stir-fried lean pork chops. Then, he cut up some cucumbers and carrots, both of which were swept into the porridge. Lastly, he sprinkled a few rock sugar cubes for a thicker texture and a sweeter taste.
Zhang Jing loves porridge and sweet things—Ji Dongxun remembered that.
“You don’t have work on Saturday, right? Let’s go to the supermarket tomorrow night.” Ji Dongxun said.
Zhang Jing, who was busy blowing the porridge on his spoon, answered perplexedly. “Supermarket? Who’s going?”
“You and me.”
“What do you mean?”
Ji Dongxun poked at Zhang Jing’s bowl playfully. “Its literal meaning.”
“…… Ji Dongxun, are you in a clear state of mind?”
Ji Dongxun displayed an innocent smile. “If you think I am, then I am.”
Even when he finished eating and washing the dishes, Ji Dongxun showed no signs of leaving. After a long week and a fulfilling meal, all Zhang Jing wanted to do was relax; but with Ji Dongxun here, relaxing was impossible. Even showering would be difficult.
Ji Dongxun returned to the sofa and flipped through a random book he picked from the table. Ideally, Zhang Jing should politely kick him out of the house, but he couldn’t get himself to do so. Especially when Ji Dongxun is near his presence, all his stress feels pacified.
Just like the porridge he ate, sweet and cozy.
“Why are you looking at me?” Ji Dongxun smirked in triumph.
Zhang Jing pointed at Ji Dongxun’s watch awkwardly. “Mr. Ji, take a look at the time. It’s midnight. I want to sleep.”
Ji Dongxun nodded understandingly. “Go ahead and sleep. Oh, find me some spare pajamas.”
“……”
“If you were the only one who slept on those bed sheets, I’m fine with not wearing pajamas, too.”
“……”
Ji Dongxun headed to the bathroom as if nothing happened. Before Zhang Jing could say anything, he already stripped down to his underwear and began showering, door open.
Zhang Jing closed his eyes—Should I follow my desires or rationality? If I can’t get myself to firmly tell him to leave, then maybe I should just… indulge in my desires this one time.
While Ji Dongxun showered, Zhang Jing quickly changed all the bed sheets and concealed any hints of him changing them. When Ji Dongxun stepped out of the shower, Zhang Jing handed him a new towel and switched to his usual frivolous-playboy attitude.
Zhang Jing laid down on the side that Doggo usually uses, leaving the other half open to Ji Dongxun. “Mr. Ji, it’s quite late, so I’ll feel guilty if I kick you out. However, I hope that in the future, we can return to normal and limit non-work related interactions. If you continue pestering me, you’ll degrade from a white moonlight to a vexing hassle. You know?”
Instead of responding, Ji Dongxun immediately hugged his waist and moved them onto the same side of the bed. He blocked Zhang Jing’s mouth, biting on his lower lip as revenge. “Baby, shhh. Let’s sleep.”
Zhang Jing quietly inhaled deep, long breaths, indulging in Ji Dongxun’s cologne smell.
Ji Dongxun lightly patted his back a few times and Zhang Jing stopped talking.
He really didn’t want to ruin the vibe either: those words were merely for his rationality to hear.
Slowly, Zhang Jing entered his first stage of sleep. With Ji Dongxun bear hugging him, he felt a foreign sense of serenity. Through his drowsiness, he heard Ji Dongxun whisper, “Jing, stay healthy, okay?”
Ji Dongxun lightly kissed his lips.
Zhang Jing felt his nose puff up.
So bittersweet 😭 get back together soon you two 😢
ikrrr
I kinda had a shitty day and these two just made it a little better for me. Their interactions are just too wholesome. I hope every souls here get to experience this kind of love, understanding and intimacy in their lifetime. Kinda makes you feel hopeful for the future.
Gratitude for the chapter. I hope you have recovered from Covid? Sending you virtual hugs, Izzy.
Thank youu, I’m feeling much better! I hope the rest of your week goes smoothly… 😭 I wish you the best!