Chapter 19 Nothing to Say to Your Bro

Chapter 19: Nothing to Say to Your Big Brother?

But if every day felt like a year, enduring fifteen difficult days would still be worth it.

Shi Zai averted his gaze and gently pinched Yang Yun’s cheek:

“Because you all like me, love me, and want to strive with me. I can’t let any of you stand by and merely watch. Making others feel needed is also a way of showing you care. Yun Bao, do you understand?”

“…Sort of.”

“Think about it—why did your second uncle sneak out to carry those stone slabs before?”

“…I get it now.”

“Actually, that’s not the most crucial reason.”

He paused, then Shi Zai lowered his head to meet a pair of curious, round eyes, smiling:

“I know your second uncle’s past desire to become a monk was born out of desperation. Since there’s a chance to start over, I want him to retrace his past, replacing unhappiness with joy, and coloring those memories with new hues—hues that include my presence.”

“…Ge…”

“Back then, his practice was an escape, just going through the motions. I want him now to be full of anticipation, looking forward to seeing me again as soon as possible each day. After fifteen days, that old relic will be exclusively mine, heh heh.”

“Hahaha, he’s already all yours.”

“I want him to be mine in the past, present, and future. The dynasty you lived in before was called… the Great Tang Dynasty? It no longer exists, so I’ll use new stories to write a new history for you. But—”

“What?”

“I can’t exactly recreate the Eastern Palace lifestyle for you all, hahaha.”

They both laughed, their voices echoing through the valley. The ginkgo branches still swayed, but seemed much livelier.

They encountered the same bird from their ascent, swooping low behind them playfully. Shi Zai playfully shook Yang Yun’s head:

“What about you, little bird?”

“What do you mean?”

“If there were any unhappy times in your past, Little Brother will make it up to you too.”

“…I don’t have any. I spent my days without a care, having fun—very, very happy.”

“Really?”

“…Mm-hmm.”

Nodding, Yang Yun lowered his head, pretending to examine the unique green wildflowers by the steps.

Just like Xiao Zai, who grew up neglected and unloved yet carried a heart full of love. Despite his own voids, he wanted to make up for the past for his second uncle and for him. Shi Zai was the best person he’d met in three lifetimes, aside from his second uncle.

No, even better than his second uncle—his second uncle never talked heart-to-heart with him.

Seeing Yang Yun like this, Shi Zai didn’t press further. He knew that even the seemingly cheerful, carefree little bird had a past he didn’t want to revisit—evident from his occasional unexpected obedience and caution.

Like the night before last, when Yang Yun nearly dropped a bowl. It wasn’t a big deal, but he repeatedly said, “I’ll never be careless again,” making Shi Zai remember it till now. He even secretly asked Shu Yangkuo if he’d been harsh on him in the past, causing this behavior. Shu Yangkuo looked down with puppy-dog eyes, saying, “I told you I never scolded him,” which instantly softened Shi Zai’s heart. He left Yang Yun for later to comfort this man of few words who’d taken the blame for many things. Many small things piled up, making Shi Zai increasingly determined to gradually make up for their past.

The past can’t be retrieved, but the present can fill in the gaps and make them even more beautiful.

If Yang Yun didn’t want to talk about it, there was no rush—they had plenty of time to live in the present and plan for the future.

After getting Yang Yun registered at the Pottery Training Center, it was already noon. The two bought materials, had noodles nearby, and Shi Zai reminded him while eating to wait at the bus stop after class. The recording studio Shi Zai was heading to was only three stops away from the Pottery Training Center, so they could go home together. He also gave Yang Yun fifty yuan, telling him to buy whatever he needed and not hesitate to spend it.

After he'd finished explaining, Shi Zai hurried to the recording studio at "Jingfeng Media." The novel had been recording for several days, and only this afternoon did the role of the third male lead come up. Shi Zai had long memorized his lines thoroughly, even remembering the dialogues of the characters he interacted with.

Over the past half month, Shi Zai had made Shu Yangkuo and Yang Yun almost every night to practice lines with him—one reciting sutras monotonously, the other speaking in a pinched voice, keeping him laughing all night. To him, his brother and little brother were also helping make up for his past. The feeling of being cherished and loved was incredibly good.

The gaps of the past were slowly filled with new memories and happiness. Sometimes, Shi Zai realized with a start—these were his brothers, his family.

After recording, it was still early. If he went to the Pottery Studio now, he’d have to wait a long time at the bus stop, so Shi Zai stayed in the outer area of the studio, watching others record with great interest. Initially, he’d only wanted to make quick money, but after flawlessly completing his recording and receiving praise from the staff, he suddenly felt he had a talent for this. He’d done all sorts of odd jobs before, and the phrase "play it by ear" wasn’t just for his brother and little brother—it had always been his life motto. Now, he felt he could take a big step forward.

Actually, ever since helping Jiang Ziqing practice lines, Shi Zai knew he was pretty good at this—no matter the lines, he could deliver them accurately. That was why Jiang Ziqing had Tan Xun persuade him to record audiobooks.

While watching, Tan Xun walked in from outside. Shi Zai stood up to greet him:

"Brother Xun, what brings you here?"

"Just seeing how it's going. How do you feel?"

"Pretty good."

"Want to collaborate long-term? What a shame you don’t take photos. How about switching to another collaboration with me? If it takes off, it’d be a huge help."

Hearing this, Shi Zai smiled and shook his head:

"I can’t be that much help."

"Don’t underestimate yourself. If you’d entered the entertainment industry with Jiang Ziqing back then, the bosses who scouted him would’ve been thrilled. That’s helping each other succeed. Xiao Zai, you’re good-looking, have a great voice, and are a good person—whoever has you is blessed. A cash cow, hahaha."

"Brother Xun, you’re joking."

"It’s the truth. So, what do you think? Consider it? If you agree to long-term collaboration, I’m planning to start my own company later, letting you record whatever you want. As friends, we help each other and achieve mutual success."

Though Tan Xun said this, Shi Zai was no longer the same person he was before. In just over half a month, he’d grown rapidly in every aspect—whether in self-awareness, love, or understanding of friendship. He was no longer clueless.

Hearing Tan Xun mention "mutual success" for the second time, Shi Zai paused and said:

"Brother Xun, will we still be friends in the future?"

"Why suddenly ask that... Are those two different from Jiang Ziqing?"

"Yes, different. They’re my brother and little brother."

"Have you decided?"

A few sentences in, Tan Xun touched his pants pocket, touching his cigarettes before letting go. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw that Xiao Zai was no longer a sixteen-year-old boy—he had truly grown up, at last.

After a moment of silence, not letting Shi Zai’s words go unanswered, Tan Xun smiled:

"Don’t talk nonsense, Xiao Zai. With every friend, you’re the one who gives your all. I’m much older but haven’t really helped you much. As for the money you earn, it’s what you deserve. I’d even want to earn more through you, but you won’t have it. Between us, only I disturb you—there’s no reason for you to disturb me. Don’t overthink it, Xiao Zai."

"Okay, then—"

"As long as you’re willing."

"No, only if you're willing, Brother Xun."

After speaking, Shi Zai crinkled his eyes and let out a sigh of relief. He didn’t have many friends—just Tan Xun and Jiang Ziqing. As long as they were willing to keep him as a friend, Shi Zai would always welcome them into his home.

Oh, now it was his, his brother’s, and his younger brother’s home. Heh.

Just as they were talking, the crew member who had earlier praised Shi Zai as "amazing" came over, wanting to ask for Shi Zai’s phone number.

Tan Xun chuckled, glanced at the dopey Shi Zai fumbling for his phone, and said, "Xiao Bai, don’t hit on people—he’s spoken for." Only then did Shi Zai pull out his phone. Hearing this, he froze for a moment, then suddenly blushed, feeling rather embarrassed—spoken for. He had someone!

The one called Xiao Bai, no more than two years older than Shi Zai, laughed loudly upon hearing this:

"Can’t you make friends even if you’re spoken for? Shi Di’s performance earlier was just too good. Who knows, he might branch out on his own someday—I’m just laying groundwork early."

"This place not good enough for you now?"

"Hahaha, Mr. Tan, don’t be jealous! Once I recruit Shi Di, I’ll send him right to your team!"

Shi Zai found their conversation more and more absurd and quickly cut in:

"If you need anything, ask Xun Ge for my number. I’ve got to hurry and pick up my younger brother!"

With that, Shi Zai waved at them and rushed out. He hadn’t realized it was almost knock-off time—he needed to get the timing right, or else Yang Yun would be waiting for him at the bus stop for too long.

On the way, he indeed received a call from "Xiao Bai," whose full name was Bai Jixiang. There was no particular reason—just wanted to get acquainted, since they were in the same industry. Shi Zai saved his number under the number 5. In the past, Shi Zai wouldn’t have been willing to make more friends. But now, his mindset had changed greatly. Indeed, more friends meant more opportunities, and he was living with much more positivity and optimism these days.

After picking up Yang Yun, the two went home, grabbed some things, and headed straight for Chaolin Temple.

That morning, no one had expected Shu Yangkuo to stay at the temple for half a month without bringing anything, so they were now bringing up toiletries, changes of clothes, and other necessities up the mountain. Fortunately, the mountain wasn’t high, and they reached Chaolin Temple in less than half an hour. Shu Yangkuo was already waiting for them outside the temple.

Though he’d said fifteen days was nothing, after just half a day apart, Shi Zai rushed into his arms like a bird to its nest. Wrapped in that fresh, familiar scent, he felt instantly at peace. Burying his head, he nuzzled closer, hearing the same longing whispered in his ear:

"Fourteen days left."

"Brother, don’t miss me too much tomorrow. Aren’t temples supposed to be free of worldly attachments? Focus on your practice here—save all the love and desire for me once you come down the mountain."

"…"

"Did you hear me? You wicked monk!"

Shu Yangkuo smiled and nodded. Thankfully, they hadn’t done anything last night—otherwise, this puppy might've caused a flood once the gates opened.

As night settled, the moon grew brighter. The mountain temple was quiet, with only the rustling of wind through leaves. This moment in his embrace could probably sustain him through the long nights ahead. After burying his face long enough, before even lifting his head, Shi Zai caught sight of Yang Yun drawing a circle around their feet. This kid…

He smiled, handed over the bag they’d placed on the ground to Shu Yangkuo, and pulled Yang Yun up:

"Brother, you should head inside now. We’re going home."

"…Leaving so soon?"

Shi Zai said, "Yeah," covering Yang Yun’s ears with both hands, and sighed deliberately:

"I can’t hold you or touch you—just looking at you makes my heart ache. Brother, don’t tempt me."

"…"

"Hurry inside. Don’t stay up too late."

"…Nothing else to say to me?"

Shi Zai nearly burst out laughing but held it back, blinking:

"Then give me a kiss, Brother."

"…"

Yang Yun’s eyes were covered too.

With one arm around the person in his embrace, Shu Yangkuo leaned down and planted a light kiss, then insisted they take the extra spare meal from his room down the mountain.

Fifteen days was still far too long.

Author's Note: