Chapter 31

Chapter 31

Shen Yan didn't agree with the old man and was about to speak up when the old man interrupted, "She has a sharp business sense and would make a great CEO."

Shen Yan: "Uh, could you avoid those long pauses next time? They can be a bit confusing."

Old man: "Since you're the son of an old friend, I won't take advantage of you. I'll sell it to you at the market rate."

Shen Yan's gaze lingered. The alexandrite cat's eye in the old man's hand was a rare variant, making its collector's value far higher than the market price.

Paying the market price would already feel like taking advantage of him.

Shen Yan, although once in Shu Qianfei's shoes and knowing this was the best deal possible, still felt uneasy about taking advantage of the old man.

"Mr. Tang, are you sure you don't want to consider trading it for a Dragon Stone?"

The old man gave him a sharp look. "Do you understand the true value of jade?"

"Jade is only valuable when used in the right way; otherwise, it's just a plain old rock."

"But the necklace you designed..." Shen Yan remembered the design sketch and could tell at a glance that the designer had poured their heart into it.

The old man waved a dismissive hand. "I designed that three years ago for my late wife. There's no point in completing it now that she's gone."

Shen Yan's eyes widened in surprise, not expecting such a touching story behind the design.

Old man: "By the way, where's the young man who was with you yesterday? Thanks to him, I'm still standing here today.

"I don't do much else, but I excel at making jewelry. I'd like to make him a custom piece. What does he like?"

Shen Yan's eyes lit up. "He's just outside. I'll bring him in."

Shen Yan hadn't been there when the old man spoke with Hu Chengyu, so he had no idea what they discussed.

He only knew that when the old man emerged, he immediately asked, "Young man, can I see your design?"

Although Shen Yan was puzzled at first, he quickly realized the old man was referring to the competition design.

The drawing was in Shen Yan's shoulder bag, and he passed it to the old man.

The old man initially gave it a quick glance, then rummaged through the counter for his reading glasses, put them on, and examined the design closely.

He mumbled something under his breath, but Shen Yan couldn't quite catch what he was saying.

After what felt like an eternity, just as Shen Yan's legs were starting to go numb, the old man finally spoke. "Can I take over from here?"

Shen Yan's eyes widened in surprise. Could this be an unexpected opportunity?

"Absolutely!"

For the next two days, Shen Yan stayed close by the old man's side.

The old man had the confidence to give blunt, honest feedback to Shu Qianfei because his understanding of jewelry design was truly unique.

After careful thought, Shen Yan realized that if he had to describe the old man's approach in one word, it would be: unrestricted.

This was likely why the old man believed that "jade is only valuable when used in the right place."

Shen Yan thought that with the old man’s design philosophy and craftsmanship, he could easily match the top masters in the field.

Over the past two days, the old man had said more to Shen Yan than he had in the entire previous year.

When they left the old man’s house, Shen Yan was already feeling lightheaded, clutching a manuscript of notes the old man had given him.

Hu Chengyu stayed by his side the whole time. Even though he didn’t fully understand what Shen Yan and the old man were doing, he watched closely.

Especially when he saw Shen Yan’s intense focus, he couldn’t look away.

Shen Yan: “I think the innkeeper and the others were wrong.”

Hu Chengyu: “Hmm? What was wrong?”

“The nickname ‘Tang the Mute’ really doesn’t fit Master Tang.” Shen Yan rubbed his ear as he spoke.

Over the past two days, the old man had practically been talking right into Shen Yan’s ear.

Hu Chengyu’s lips curved into a faint smile. Whenever Shen Yan was doing something he loved, he would get so absorbed that it was like he was in his own world.

A few times, the old man spoke to him, but Shen Yan didn’t respond, so the old man ended up pulling his ear.

Hu Chengyu looked at Shen Yan’s ear while listening to his chatter. Shen Yan’s voice was bright like a young man’s, but with a soft, gentle tone at the end.

On impulse, Hu Chengyu reached out and pinched Shen Yan’s ear. It was indeed very soft.

Not only was it soft, but the skin beneath his fingertips quickly grew warm.

Startled, Shen Yan froze, stammering, “W-what are you doing?”

After Hu Chengyu touched his ear, Shen Yan’s already foggy mind became even more scattered.

He couldn’t remember how Hu Chengyu had explained it at the time or how he had responded.

*

On the last day, they finally had time to explore the nearby sights and picked up a bunch of local treats.

However, Shen Yan wanted to try everything, but his tiny stomach couldn’t handle that much food.

When Hu Chengyu took the leftover cotton candy from his hand, Shen Yan stared in surprise, asking, “What are you doing?”

Hu Chengyu’s expression remained calm, and he said simply, “Can’t let it go to waste.”

Even though it was something intimate, the way Hu Chengyu said it made it seem like a normal, everyday thing.

In contrast, Shen Yan’s exaggerated reaction seemed a bit odd.

Shen Yan tried to shake off the strange feeling in his heart. Was he overreacting?

He decided not to buy things on impulse anymore.

But the next second, he froze again when he saw a beautiful sugar painting.

He was torn. He really liked the phoenix, but he knew he wouldn’t be able to finish it.

Hu Chengyu: “Boss, can we get a phoenix?”

Shen Yan looked up at him, his clear eyes wide with surprise. “You like this?”

Hu Chengyu glanced at him but didn’t say anything.

The vendor was a pro, and in no time, he had painted a beautiful phoenix.

Shen Yan’s eyes widened in awe.

Before Shen Yan could react, Hu Chengyu shoved the sugar painting into his hand.

Shen Yan: … (What is this?)

Next to them, a young couple stood by. The girl, her voice soft and sweet, cooed, "Thanks, honey."

The guy handed the sugar painting to her, "As long as my baby loves it."

She took a bite, then smiled, "It’s so sweet! You should try it, honey."

He leaned in and nibbled, "Just as sweet as my baby..."

They kept chatting as they strolled off.

Shen Yan glanced at Hu Chengyu, feeling awkward. Did Hu Chengyu see that too?

Hu Chengyu furrowed his brow. "Why are you staring at me? Do I have something on my face?"

"Don’t you think this looks a little weird?" Shen Yan asked, nodding toward the couple who had just left.

Hu Chengyu looked puzzled. "What’s weird about it?"

"Only couples do stuff like giving each other sugar paintings or sharing the same treat..."

Before Shen Yan could finish, a dad nearby was being tugged on by his four- or five-year-old kid. "Daddy, I want to draw a big tiger!"

Hu Chengyu gave him a teasing look. "Not every guy who buys you candy is your boyfriend. It could be your dad, too."

Shen Yan: "But what about… eating my leftovers?"

What he really wanted to say was "eating my leftovers," but he couldn’t bring himself to say it.

Hu Chengyu: "This isn’t the first time. Haven’t I eaten your leftovers before?"

Shen Yan remembered—it really wasn’t the first time.

It happened during the second year they knew each other. Shen Yan had been dealing with his condition and could only eat nutritional meals.

He’d been craving something sweet and had secretly stashed a strawberry hard candy.

At the time, Shu Qianfei was always by his side, so he never got a chance to sneak a bite.

He waited three days until Hu Chengyu came back from school to visit him.

That’s when he finally got the chance to sneak a bite. Even then, he only dared to take a tiny nibble.

The round pink candy—just a small bite had been taken from it.

He couldn’t bear to throw the rest away and ended up looking at Hu Chengyu with pleading eyes.

Shen Yan could still picture the look on Hu Chengyu’s face—as if he were facing something dangerous, not just a piece of candy.

Hu Chengyu shot him a sideways glance. "You used to be more generous when you were younger."

Shen Yan: … Is this really about being generous?

He felt emotionally drained.

Then he smiled wistfully. Could this mean that Hu Chengyu really didn't like him, which is why he could be so at ease?

Maybe in Hu Chengyu's eyes, he was still the little brother who could be pacified with a piece of candy.

Since they were leaving the next day, the innkeeper had the cook prepare a special feast for them.

Not only were Shen Yan and Hu Chengyu leaving, but the elderly couple who stayed in Room One were also departing the next day.

Shen Yan watched the elderly couple with a hint of envy, wondering if, when he grew old, someone would still be by his side to explore the world with him.

The atmosphere at the dinner table was heavy with melancholy, which Shen Yan initially attributed to the upcoming farewell.

Until the old man said, "Cloud City is the last stop on our journey. We met here, and over the years, we've always wanted to come back, but life has kept us busy."

Shen Yan had a hunch that the old man's words carried deeper meaning. Recalling the couple's interactions over the past two days, he felt something wasn't quite right.

In his memory, the old lady seemed to have trouble remembering things, often forgetting what she had just done.

The innkeeper sighed softly and took a sip of wine.

Noticing Shen Yan's confused expression, Hu Chengyu whispered, "The old lady has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's."

Shen Yan's gaze lingered for a moment, then he looked at the elderly couple sitting across from them.

Two young girls, who likely knew about the old lady's condition, had tears welling up in their eyes.

The little girl from the family of three had quietly walked over to the old lady, holding a small bouquet of flowers. "Grandma, don't be sad."

The old lady wiped her eyes and reached out to hug the little girl. "Grandma's not sad, I just can't let go."

She couldn't let go of the love of her life.

The little girl's father, a naturally humorous man, quickly lightened the mood with a few words.

At some point, the quiet man with a small ponytail began strumming a guitar.

Shen Yan couldn't identify the tune, but it sounded like a traditional ethnic melody.

At some point, the old lady began humming along to the music.

Her voice was unique, blending with the guitar's melody, creating a comforting warmth.

Shen Yan couldn't remember when he had drifted off to sleep, and the next morning, Hu Chengyu woke him up.

The return trip was by plane, and due to the tight schedule, they didn't have time for a proper farewell.

Just as when they had arrived, the innkeeper was playing with a bird in the lobby, as if nothing had changed, yet everything felt different.

*

After getting off the plane, Shen Yan felt like he was returning from a peaceful town to a bustling city as he looked at the crowded airport.

"Bro! Over here!"

Amid the crowd, Shen Yan heard Shen Lin's voice.

Following the sound, Shen Yan saw Shen Lin standing next to Lu Zhao.

Seeing Shen Yan, Lu Zhao looked a bit guilty and was about to help with the suitcase, but Shen Lin quickly grabbed it. "This is my brother's suitcase."

Lu Zhao smiled easygoing and said to Hu Chengyu, "Hey, bro, I’ll grab it for you."

Hu Chengyu glanced at him coolly. "No need."

Lu Zhao: ...

Lu Zhao felt a twinge of frustration. Wasn’t he doing this for them?

If Yan Yan and his brother could patch things up, it would be a win-win for everyone. But Shen Lin, that kid, didn’t get what he was trying to do.

But seeing his brother’s icy expression, had he screwed up again?

Author’s Note:

Hey, remember what I promised yesterday? I didn’t hit the 6k word count I aimed for.

I’ll send out some red envelopes in the comments to make it up to everyone!