Chapter 31: A Token of Thanks

Chapter 31: A Token of Thanks

Long Jiwei strode through the corridor with Old Long trailing behind, swaying its scaly body. It attempted several times to nuzzle against his thigh, only to be unceremoniously kicked away.

After being rejected a few times, Old Long's pride was wounded. Filled with embarrassment, anger, and frustration, it let out an earsplitting squeal and rammed its horned head at Long Jiwei's feet. However, before it could make contact, Long Jiwei suddenly turned and sternly rebuked it in Miao. Startled, Old Long recoiled, curling its over two-meter-long body into a tight ball.

Old Yu happened to emerge from the door of the archives, gasping in astonishment. "How did this thing grow so big again?!"

With a cold demeanor, Long Jiwei replied, "It ate something impure."

As if it understood Long Jiwei's words, Old Long let out a shame-filled howl.

Startled, Old Yu asked, "Did you feed it blood? It must have consumed an entire living person to grow this size, right?"

"Not a living person, not whole, and not by my hand," Long Jiwei dismissed Old Yu's wide-eyed expression, then sharply addressed Old Long. "Don't come near me until you're finished digesting!"

With a dejected whine, Old Long slowly slithered to a corner, coiling up and remaining still.

Unmoved by the creature's pitiful gaze, Long Jiwei left without looking back.

On that day, the trusted aide was waiting on the staircase. Upon seeing Long Jiwei, he immediately stepped forward and whispered, "Director Long, that woman has been taken care of and is under watch. What should we do with her? If the Han family finds out..."

"Causing harm to a pregnant woman is bad karma. Keep her for now."

The subordinate nodded. "Understood. Also, Commander Han has already left Taijiang for Beijing and should arrive in the next two days. Do you have any further plans?"

Long Jiwei walked past him without stopping, humming a dismissive laugh over his shoulder. "The matter with the Hans is temporarily put aside. I have more important affairs to attend to..."

Not long after Commander Han arrived in Beijing, he personally called Chu Ci to invite him to dine at the Han residence. He even emphasized that Chu Ci needed to bring nothing, as the housekeeper had already prepared an abundance of dishes.

Chu Ci couldn't refuse the old man's invitation directly, so after a moment of silence, he reluctantly agreed. Despite the obvious reluctance in his tone, the elderly Commander pretended not to notice.

By then, Han Yue had regained his mobility. Upon hearing that Chu Ci would be dining at their home, he panicked and rushed out to buy Chu Ci a new outfit and select gifts for the entire family. From presents for the old Commander to the Commander's wife, the eldest son, the eldest daughter-in-law... It was as if he were a new bride visiting her in-laws for the first time, making a grand show of it.

In recent days, Chu Ci appeared listless, as if he were unwell, but he refused to specify his ailment. Each day, he sat on the sofa, staring blankly out the window. The sight tugged at Han Yue's heartstrings. Han Yue had wanted to take this opportunity to bring Chu Ci out for some leisure activities, hoping to lift his spirits and vent his own frustrations. However, Chu Ci was too lethargic to go anywhere, agreeing to everything but lacking enthusiasm. When asked, he simply nodded absently.

Han Yue grew anxious. "Hey, Chu Ci, this visit is different from the last one! Last time, I brought you along, but this time, the old Commander personally invited you. He might even consider you family if he takes a liking to you! Can you just muster a bit more energy?"

Sitting on a high stool in front of the jewelry counter, Chu Ci massaged his temples heavily. "Next time, Han Yue. I really don't feel like moving much today. Let's talk about it next time."

A surge of frustration flared within Han Yue, but he quickly recited a few calming phrases to himself before barely managing to suppress his anger. He forced a smile and said, "If you're not feeling well, shall we reschedule for tomorrow?"

"I'm just too lazy to deal with all this," Chu Ci sighed, his voice low and raspy from lack of sleep. "Let's talk about it next time at your place. There will definitely be other opportunities, right?"

Han Yue had initially been annoyed by Chu Ci's dismissive attitude, but then he chuckled. "Later? You know there's a later? If you'd behaved like this earlier, I wouldn't have been so anxious all along..."

Chu Ci gave a bitter smile and remained silent.

Han Yue, however, suddenly felt reassured, as if he had taken a calming pill. He didn0t insist on taking Chu Ci shopping or forcing him to buy gifts. On the weekend, Chu Ci only brought two tins of tobacco as presents, which Han Yue had dug out from his family's storage – items people had given him as gifts during past New Years.

Fortunately, General Han hadn't expected Chu Ci to attach much importance to this casual meal; as long as he showed up, it would be a good sign.

The elderly man, who had weathered many storms in his long life, hurried forward in three strides when he saw Han Yue, embracing his son tightly. Overwhelmed with emotion, he was momentarily speechless. Han Yue seldom witnessed such affectionate behavior from his family members, and he stood there stunned, stammering a greeting to his father before hastily calling for the guards to assist the general.

General Han patted his son's shoulder firmly and instructed, "Roll up your pants and let me see how your leg is doing."

Han Yue smiled and patted his calf, saying, "There's no sign of it now. The skin and flesh have long healed. Ren Jiayuan said that I can't bear too much weight for a while, but the bone is growing well. In another one or two months, it'll be back to normal."

General Han nodded repeatedly, his voice hoarse as he said, "That's good, that's good..." After repeating this several times unconsciously, he remembered to inquire about the details of Han Yue's day.

In fact, everyone who needed to know was already well aware of the situation. The old marshal merely wanted to hear it again from his son's mouth. The main focus was on the latter part when Han Yue hid in Chu Ci's home to recover from his injuries. Those days were the most beautiful, happiest, and most perfect moments in Han Yue's life, without exception. As he reminisced, his emotions overflowed, even making Chu Ci's daily routine of boiling milk sound incredibly touching. The old marshal was left stunned by the narrative.

Seeing that everyone was busy setting up the meal and no one paid attention to them, Han Yue sighed softly and said, "Thinking back, I used to be so temperamental with Chu Ci, never holding back my anger. Sometimes, my words were really foul, and I wonder if he still hates me for it? In the valley, I thought I was done for, that he would abandon me. But to my surprise, he returned to save me, dragging me for two hours, covering a dozen miles. Ren Jiayuan said he passed out from exhaustion for an entire day and night! While recuperating at his place, I kept thinking, how could I have treated him so poorly, wanting to chain him to me? Yet, when I was at my lowest and most helpless, there was no one else I could rely on but him. He was the only one who took care of me, stayed by my side, and gave me a place to heal. In doing so, he fell gravely ill himself. The thought of him enduring his discomfort to do all those things for me makes me feel terrible..."

The old marshal's expression turned solemn. Nodding, he said, "You should treat him well from now on. Even if you never marry, you can't take his kindness for granted!'

Han Yue smiled. "I know. He's actually a good person, just a bit introverted and often in a bad mood. After this is over, I plan to take him abroad for a trip. Experiencing more will broaden his horizons and lift his spirits. Recently, he's been sluggish at work, maybe due to stress or burnout. If it comes to that, I'll support him quitting his job and doing whatever he wants. As long as he's happy!"

Chuckling, the old marshal patted Han Yue's head. "Rascal, if you had fallen for a woman, we wouldn't be in this mess!... Oh well, once your brother returns to Beijing, we'll have another family gathering at the end of the year, officially accepting him into our family. Then, I'll finally give up on finding you a partner."

As Han Yue listened, he suddenly remembered something and asked, "Hey, why did Big Brother bring his mistress away at this time? Wasn't she supposed to be pregnant with a son? Why would they go to Jiuzhaigou in such cold weather?"

"How would I know! That boy is out of line! Your mother panicked when she heard. She tried calling him, but his phone was always unavailable. No signal, no idea what he's up to!" The old marshal suppressed his frustration before sighing. "It's all my fault for not paying attention to family matters. Your mother spoiled him, making him lose touch with reality year after year..."

A cloud of doubt suddenly overshadowed Han Yue. Something felt off, though he couldn't pinpoint exactly what. As he hesitated, the nanny called out, "Reporting to the marshal, dinner is ready! Madam says come and eat!"

With Han Qiang absent, the dining table was only accompanied by the marshal couple and Han Qiang's wife. Despite that, a feast fit for ten people was laid out.

In high spirits, the old marshal uncorked a bottle of 1984 Moutai. Chu Ci, who usually abstained from alcohol, also poured himself a small cup out of politeness, placing it by his side.

The Han father and son, having honed their alcohol tolerance in the military, were accustomed to using large teacups as makeshift wine glasses during their usual drinking sessions. In no time, they had each downed several bowls, yet both remained bright-eyed and brimming with vitality, not the slightest hint of intoxication upon them. In the midst of their merriment, Han Yue insisted on clinking glasses with Chu Ci. Unable to resist his persistence, Chu Ci reluctantly acquiesced, gently tapping their cups together before taking a small sip.

The elderly General Han gazed at him with a beaming smile, exchanging his wine glass for another and raising it in toast. "Little Chu," he said, "even an old man like myself must offer you a drink in gratitude. Had it not been for your help, Han Yue might not have made it through this ordeal, leaving his mother and me to endure the unbearable sorrow of burying our own child. I'm aware that you may not genuinely see me as an elder, but I treat you as one of my own kin. If you'd grant this old man a modicum of face, then this glass of wine is one you simply must imbibe!"

Silent as ever, Chu Ci raised his cup to clink against Commander Han's, draining the remaining wine in one gulp.

Han Yue glanced at Chu Ci and then at his father, his face beaming with joy.

General Han finished his glass of wine in one go and personally picked a piece of fish for Chu Ci, saying, "I've spent decades in the military, always bearing grudges and repaying kindnesses. I'm truly grateful for you saving Han Yue this time. I must find a way to express my thanks..."

His words were interrupted by Chu Ci: "You're too kind."

Unlike Mr. Han, Chu Ci spoke in a soft and detached tone, revealing no signs of great enthusiasm or intimacy.

If Han Yue had been more sober, he would have noticed that Chu Ci wasn't fully immersed in the Han family's atmosphere. Despite sitting among them, he seemed to be separated by an invisible barrier, isolating him in a cold and distant world.

Chu Ci's aloofness was quite evident, but Han Yue was drunk with joy and didn't perceive it. His affection for Chu Ci only grew as he gazed at him, oblivious to any abnormalities.

"I'm not being polite, this is my sincere sentiment. I've said the same to those two youngsters. One should repay kindness with gratitude and resentment with revenge – that's how one should conduct themselves in life!" The old Commander set his glass down on the table, smiling warmly at Chu Ci, his eyes filled with joy and affection: "I'm not sure what you like or need. If there's anything you desire, feel free to tell me. I'll do my best to fulfill your wishes within my power. What do you think?"

Chu Ci's fingers holding the chopsticks trembled for an instant. It was a fleeting moment, but he quickly composed himself, placing the chopsticks down steadily. His expression remained as calm as ever, and his voice was composed as he spoke, "Can I make any request?"

Commander Han sternly replied, "As long as it's within the capabilities of the Han family!"

Chu Ci gazed intently at Commander Han, seemingly weighing his words carefully. After a moment, his gaze shifted to Han Yue, fixing him with a steady stare for several seconds.

There was nothing unusual in his gaze, except that during this period, he had been lethargic and uninterested. Yet, when he looked at Han Yue now, he appeared unusually clear-minded and composed.

His eyes held no trace of emotion, as if he were simply observing a passerby. This detached look sent a chilling premonition through Han Yue.

Before Han Yue could react, Chu Ci turned back to Commander Han. His voice was clear and measured, ensuring every word was heard by all, "—Commander Han, I have lived with Han Yue for two years. During this time, my health and spirit have been ruined. I am deeply weary and no longer wish to continue…."

He paused, enunciating each word deliberately, "—Han Yue, let's break up."