Chapter 30: Come On

Chapter 30: Here We Go

By the time the Santana pulled up to the hospital, Shen Ci remained somewhat dazed.

Xie Yu walked ahead, and when he turned around, he saw Shen Ci slowly following, as if in a daze. He reached out his hand with a helpless expression: "Teaching Assistant Shen, are you spacing out?"

This was how Xie Yu used to address him five years ago. Shen Ci initially felt it was teasing and humiliating, but gradually got used to it. Every time Xie Yu called him with an affectionate tone, with a radiant smile, Shen Ci felt his ears heat up.

No one had called him that in five years.

His hand was slender and elegant, warm to the touch. Shen Ci slightly lowered his eyes and placed his hand on it.

Their hands clasped together.

The two walked into the hospital, down a long corridor, and stood in front of the glass window of the sterile ward. Only one person could enter at a time, with time restrictions. Xie Yu gave Shen Ci a gentle push and smiled: "You go in."

Shen Ci felt conflicted, unsure what Xie Yu was thinking. He donned the isolation suit, entered the ward, and saw Xie Yu mouthing through the glass: "Remember to introduce me."

Shen Ci’s ears flushed again.

How should he introduce him?

The soundproof ward meant Xie Yu couldn’t hear him. Shen Ci could introduce him however he wanted— even as his boyfriend, lover, or husband.

Grandma Shen’s condition was stable, but she was old, with poor energy and memory, mostly sleeping. She felt her hand being held and woke up, smiling at Shen Ci: "Do you have time today?"

Shen Ci knelt beside her, holding her hand: "Yes, I’m not working today."

They usually had a lot to talk about, but this time Shen Ci didn’t speak. He was figuring out how to introduce Xie Yu. Grandma Shen seemed to have a sudden realization and looked out the window, seeing the person outside.

Through the glass, Xie Yu’s tall, striking figure was evident, like a star or model on TV. Grandma Shen was stunned and took out her reading glasses.

She put them on, and Xie Yu waved and greeted with a smile. Grandma Shen held Shen Ci’s hand and suddenly said: "Who’s that young man at the door? I’ve seen him before."

Shen Ci paused, unable to hide his surprise: "You’ve seen him?"

Since returning to the country, Xie Yu had basically stayed indoors, avoiding his usual social circle and never coming to the hospital. How could Grandma Shen have seen him?

The old woman closed her eyes and thought for a while, then said: "Many years ago, three to five years ago."

It was just that Xie Yu was really outstanding in appearance. If he had an ordinary face, no one would remember him for so long.

Shen Ci paused again, unable to help but turn his head to look at Xie Yu.

Five years ago, that was when he and Xie Yu had just met. Xie Yu was still the wealthy young master of Jiangcheng who had the final say, while he was a poor, unknown student at A University.

The special care ward was in a corner of the hospital, separated from other wards by a long corridor. Unless one deliberately detoured, one wouldn’t come here.

But why would Xie Yu deliberately detour? To visit an old woman he didn’t even know?

Xie Yu had no idea he had been recognized and was still smiling through the glass, mouthing: "Did you introduce me?"

Shen Ci turned his head in panic, his eyes slightly warm.

Grandma Shen patted him and asked again: "Who’s that young man at the door?"

Shen Ci concealed his somewhat embarrassed expression, held his grandmother’s hand, and after a slight hesitation, said: "He is... someone I like. His name is Xie Yu."

The name Xie Yu lingered on his tongue, tender and intimate.

Grandma Shen was open-minded. After a brief moment of reflection, she pieced most of it together—the unexpectedly secured medical treatment opportunity, Shen Ci's initial nervousness and unease, which later evolved into a sense of calm and more frequent smiles... and the person standing outside the glass window five years ago and today.

She patted Shen Ci, visibly relaxed, as if a burden had been lifted: "Grandma trusts your ability to judge people."

Shen Ci focused intently on peeling an apple, only humming in acknowledgment, without adding anything.

Though he trusted his judgment of people, even after all this time, he still couldn't fully grasp Xie Yu. He could only feel his way in the dark, learning bit by bit, growing fonder of him with each new insight. Contrary to the rumors of arrogance and cruelty, Xie Yu was actually gentle and had a fondness for smiling. Though he endured much hardship in his childhood, he never turned to violence later. Though he was a young master raised in opulence, he remained indifferent to fame and wealth even months after returning to the country. Xie Yu carried an air of detachment, as if he were otherworldly, as if he were merely a transient in this world, bound to depart when the time came.

Fifteen minutes flew by in an instant, and the alarm sounded. Shen Ci placed the peeled apple on the bedside table, encouraging the elderly woman to rest comfortably. She looked at Xie Yu outside the door, then turned her gaze to her grandson before her, and reached out her wrinkled, age-spotted hand to softly pat the back of his hand.

Everything was communicated without the need for words.

As the two conversed in the ward, Xie Yu stood casually outside the door. When he saw Shen Ci push the door open and step out, he smiled and remarked, "So, how did you introduce me..."

Midway through his jest, he noticed Shen Ci's eyes were slightly red, and he stopped, pointing to his own eyes: "Do you always end up like this when you visit the hospital?"

The cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death is beyond human control. Although the elderly woman's condition was stable, she still couldn't leave the ward, and they had little time together. Xie Yu, though he had never cared for a sick relative, knew it was tough, so he reached out to hold Shen Ci's hand, comforting him: "Alright, we're using the best medicine. Just come often if you're feeling down."

He took Shen Ci's hand and led him out, but the one being led slightly resisted, as if trying to break free. Xie Yu was puzzled and asked kindly, "Do you want to be alone for a while?"

There are times like this, when one doesn't want to be seen by anyone while grieving, just wanting to be alone.

Xie Yu thought so and let go, but the next second, his wrist was grabbed. Shen Ci's fingers interlaced with his, and then suddenly, the whole person hugged him.

Both were wearing long down jackets, making the hug soft and comfortable.

Xie Yu held him, rubbing the top of the person in his arms' head, feeling quite surprised, thinking, "Wow, daring to hug? That's progress."

Perhaps due to his upbringing, Shen Ci had a bit of a complex personality. On one hand, he had achievements in the academic field and was quite self-respecting, but on the other hand, he was overly cautious with emotions. Xie Yu guessed that the sudden departure five years ago had left him with psychological scars, fearing that all cards would be laid out, with no way back, nowhere to hide.

Xie Yu found this little complexity quite endearing and didn't point it out, somewhat enjoying watching from the sidelines, with a bit of mischief, wanting to see what Shen Ci was struggling with. Now, being hugged unexpectedly, he couldn't help but laugh: "Alright, alright, this is the hospital corridor."

There were still doctors and nurses coming and going.

Only then did Shen Ci let go.

They drove home, passing by a market on the way, so they got out and walked hand in hand to buy groceries. Xie Yu was a pro at picking meat, while Shen Ci, having had a tough childhood, had eaten a lot of vegetables and could tell the quality at a glance. They walked around the market and came out with three or four plastic bags.

Neither Xie Yu nor Shen Ci were good at bargaining, so they followed behind some uncles and aunts, waiting for them to finish bargaining before stepping in: "We'll take the same."

One was the former young master of the Xie family, even if now down on his luck, his stocks were still worth a fortune; the other was the newly risen top elite of Jiangcheng, even Xie Yuanhai had to give him some face. Yet, saving a dollar or two here and there, carrying a few cents' worth of plastic bags, they actually found some joy in it.

They went home, sorted the groceries into the fridge, and Xie Yu, looking at the newly bought beef, remembered his freeloading classmate and said, "My classmate from studying abroad has returned to the country. There might be a gathering in a couple of days, will you come?"

Shen Ci was organizing the fridge, paused at the words, then continued: "I'll come."

People often say the first step in a relationship is entering each other's social circles. Today Xie Yu went to the hospital with him, tomorrow he would meet Xie Yu's classmates, it really was like ordinary people dating.

Days in Happiness Community flowed by like water. Xie Yu initially thought Shen Ci wouldn't get used to living here, but unexpectedly, Shen Ci was even more at ease than him. Every day they went out shopping for groceries, Shen Ci went to work, Xie Yu wandered around, and at night they slept embracing each other. Xie Yu gained a large human pillow, and Shen Ci's dark circles gradually faded. Even though they were still under a contractual relationship, they were living like an old married couple.

One early morning, Xie Yu was awakened by a rapid ringtone.

He glanced at the time, feeling a bit of a headache, but still answered: "Hello?"

A barrage of words came through, "Yu Ge, we've arrived in Jiangcheng! We've already dropped our luggage at the hotel you booked, when are we starting the party?"

Xie Yu rubbed his forehead: "Bro, it's only seven o'clock."

At least wait until noon for freeloading.

Despite this, Xie Yu resignedly got up to face his long-unseen friends.

About a dozen people came, some bringing their significant others. The house in Happiness Community was cramped, and the small table wasn’t enough, so they temporarily rented a party venue outside. By the time Xie Yu and Shen Ci drove over, a group of people were already eagerly waiting at the door, eyes filled with anticipation.

Like a bunch of hamsters waiting to be fed.

Xie Yu: "..."

He felt a slight headache and pushed through the crowd: "Make way, I’ll open the door."

Xie Yu went in first, and the remaining gazes focused on Shen Ci.

Both of them were good-looking, but with slightly different styles. Xie Yu was carefree and unrestrained, while Shen Ci was elegant and refined. Many people curiously looked at him: "What’s your relationship with Yu?"

Shen Ci paused, wanting to say "boyfriend," but felt a bit shy in front of everyone. Xie Yu opened the door, turned back, and grabbed his wrist, pulling him along, saying, "He’s my family, don’t bully him."

Family?

This term was even more intimate than "boyfriend."

Shen Ci blinked, and the next second, he was pulled into the house. Xie Yu pulled him smoothly, as if he had anticipated this.

The group first fell silent, then erupted with a loud "Yo~".

They came from all over the country, and it was rare for them to gather. Although several people brought their significant others, most of them knew each other to some extent, except for Xie Yu, who had kept his relationship tightly under wraps.

Someone joked, "Bro Xie, I thought you were so ascetic during your studies, with so many people liking you, but you didn’t fancy anyone. Turns out it wasn’t asceticism, but chastity, huh?"

Xie Yu sighed, "Can we eat more and talk less?"

Several bottles of wine were opened at the table, and as everyone drank, the atmosphere heated up. All sorts of phrases flew around, like "keeping a beauty in a golden house" and "an old monk in meditation." Someone even tried to get Shen Ci drunk, thumping their chest and declaring, "Since you’re Xie’s man, you’ve got to accept us as brothers!"

Xie Yu’s face darkened, and he directly intercepted the glass, saying helplessly, "Get lost, I haven’t even let him drink much."

Shen Ci’s fingers twitched.

He thought back to five years ago, that night of debauchery on the cruise ship, when Xie Yu had also intercepted his drink, not letting anyone get him drunk, and switched it to milk.

"Xie Yu," Shen Ci tugged at his sleeve, "I can drink."

Xie Yu glanced at him, skeptical, "You can drink?"

In the novel, Shen Ci’s alcohol tolerance wasn’t great, and the original protagonist loved getting him drunk, then playing with him, which had a certain flavor.

Shen Ci insisted, "I can drink."

Everyone was drinking; it wouldn’t do to abstain completely.

Xie Yu raised an eyebrow, took a small cup, poured a couple of sips, and pushed it over, with a hint of indulgent helplessness, "Alright, try it."

The crowd cheered, "Yo~"

They were all classmates, and it had been a long time since they last met. They kept going on and on, from stories about studying abroad to plans after returning home. In the middle, they mentioned that Xie Yu had chosen a double degree, with some particularly difficult courses, and he had even managed to get A+ in all of them, graduating first among everyone.

Shen Ci was quite surprised, turning to look at Xie Yu, who seemed a bit tipsy and not thinking straight, his gaze filled with admiration and respect.

This group, wanting to give Xie Yu face in front of his family, dared to say anything, exaggerating to the extreme—top of the class, the professor’s favorite student, a genius, and so on—until Xie Yu started to feel a headache.

He felt a bit embarrassed showing off in front of Shen Ci, the academic prodigy, and could only sigh, "Let’s eat, let’s eat."

After the party, everyone was thoroughly drunk. Although Shen Ci had a few sips of alcohol, he didn't drink much. They mainly focused on getting Xie Yu drunk, with the group cheering and the atmosphere reaching a perfect level of excitement. Despite sighing repeatedly, Xie Yu, knowing it was a rare occasion, didn't want to dampen the mood. Unconsciously, he ended up drinking quite a bit.

By the time the music stopped and people dispersed, his head was already feeling a bit dizzy.

Shen Ci was slightly worried and called for a designated driver to take them home. After they finally tidied up and lay down, Xie Yu pulled Shen Ci into his arms, resting his head on the pillow, and fell asleep.

The next morning, as soon as Xie Yu woke up, he felt unwell.

Xie Yu always got a headache after a hangover, an old problem of his. The last time he drank too much at the cemetery, he suffered from a headache for a long time.

However, it wasn't a big deal; a headache would go away on its own in a few hours. Xie Yu, experienced with hangovers, had anticipated being heavily encouraged to drink and had bought painkillers. He got out of bed, intending to find the medicine in the living room cabinet and then go back to sleep after taking it.

Just waking up from a drunken stupor, he inevitably felt dizzy and disoriented. Xie Yu accidentally bumped his head on the cabinet and stubbed his toe on the door frame, cursing under his breath. His steps were slightly unsteady, and by the time he reached the living room, his stomach felt queasy, and he felt like vomiting.

Xie Yu thought to himself that he would never drink with these unlucky classmates again; it was simply life-shortening. Kneeling half-way in front of the cabinet, just about to pull open the drawer, he suddenly heard a muffled sound behind him.

Shen Ci stood at the doorway, having just returned from buying groceries, holding colorful plastic bags. As he let go, the bags thumped to the ground, with green onions rolling out and potatoes sliding to the edge of the living room.

Xie Yu pressed his slightly aching forehead, wanting to ask, "Why did you get up so early?" "Did you go shopping alone? Why didn't you wait for me?" But his voice was hoarse, and after coughing twice, he couldn't speak.

Shen Ci's face was pale with fear.

He stared at Xie Yu, his beautiful eyes shimmering with moisture. Just as Xie Yu was about to speak, Shen Ci strode over and pulled Xie Yu onto the sofa.

Xie Yu had never felt such strength from Shen Ci before. Though his limbs were weak, his body still had weight, yet Shen Ci forcefully dragged him to the sofa and stuffed a cushion into his arms.

Xie Yu blinked.

When Shen Ci pulled him, his fingers were clearly trembling.

As the newly risen top elite of Jiangcheng, Shen Ci had long been adept at concealing his emotions, but now he was shaking uncontrollably, his fingertips tingling as if electrified, the hem of his clothes quivering slightly, his face pale and grim, as if something unacceptable had happened.

Xie Yu: "...?"

He wondered in confusion, "He just went grocery shopping, what happened? Did Xie Corp collapse? Or did Luo Corp collapse?"

Before he could even figure out which company was supposed to collapse at this moment, Shen Ci suddenly stood up, went to the bathroom, and wrung out a warm towel. He leaned down to wipe the sweat off Xie Yu's forehead, whispering softly, "Has it started again? Are you feeling unwell?"

He was shaking uncontrollably, but his voice was incredibly gentle, his movements careful and precise. The sensation of the warm towel against his skin was also very soothing. Xie Yu squinted his eyes, completely baffled, wanting to ask, "What has started again?"

But he couldn't speak, and Shen Ci didn't wait for Xie Yu's response. He managed a faint smile. He rarely smiled, and when his eyebrows lifted, it gave him an otherworldly and alluring look, paired with his noble and elegant face, it was particularly enticing, making one want to both hold and adore him, and also to dominate and degrade him.

Shen Ci whispered, "In the second drawer on your right, I've prepared something."

Xie Yu: "...?"

Prepared what?

Shen Ci took his hand and gently placed it on the drawer handle, then guided him to pull it open. Shen Ci's fingertips were still trembling, but he firmly held onto Xie Yu's hand, his movements resolute and unwavering.

Xie Yu hesitated for a moment, then reached in, immediately feeling a long, rectangular box at the bottom of the drawer. It was made of leather, with sharp edges and delicate openwork carvings on the surface, with a raised logo in the center. Xie Yu didn't recognize it, but based on the packaging alone, he could guess it was anything but cheap.

This drawer wasn't used often, and he had never known there was something inside.

Xie Yu was completely baffled, not understanding why Shen Ci would hide something here. He wanted to tease a little, asking if it was a Valentine's Day gift or a token of affection, but then he saw Shen Ci suddenly turn his back to him and start unbuttoning his trench coat.

He was still trembling, but his hands were steady, undoing the buttons from top to bottom.

Then, with a gentle flick, the coat fell, followed by the vest, and then the tie, several pieces of clothing crumpling to the floor. But Shen Ci didn't stop. He looked down and began to unbutton his shirt.

Then he slowly unbuttoned his shirt, one by one, sliding out of it.

The shirt fell to the ground.

Xie Yu was met with a smooth, bare back, his skin delicate as cold-glazed porcelain. The shoulder blades on either side resembled butterfly wings, and the lines of his shoulders and back tapered inward at the waist, disappearing into his pants. There were even two shallow dimples at the small of his back, a curve so captivating it stirred compassion.

Xie Yu was momentarily stunned, and even his headache seemed to lessen.

Without the sleeves in the way, Xie Yu could clearly see Shen Ci's hand clenching into a fist, his nails digging into his palm with such force that it seemed he might draw blood.

Shen Ci turned his head to look at him, giving a faint smile. His expression was hard to decipher—whether it was relief or tension—but in the end, he simply brushed his hair aside, revealing a graceful stretch of neck.

Shen Ci whispered, "Come on."