Chapter 46

Chapter 46

The elevator descended to the first floor. It was afternoon work hours, and the lobby was bustling with people coming and going.

Xu Xing paid no attention to the seemingly discreet glances from those around him, walking calmly toward the main entrance with a composed expression. Only when Jiang Zhuochen lagged slightly behind would he subtly slow his pace, waiting for him to catch up.

The car was already waiting at the entrance, and the driver respectfully opened the door. Xu Xing motioned for Jiang Zhuochen to get in first, then followed and took his seat.

The interior of the car was spacious, the faint scent of leather overwhelmed by the aroma of coffee from the paper bag. Jiang Zhuochen handed the coffee over and took a sip of his own warm milk, comfortably narrowing his eyes.

Xu Xing accepted the coffee. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the other quietly eating his cake, keeping his movements as minimal as possible to avoid disturbing his work.

His heart felt as if it had been soaked in the warm milk from the other's hands, radiating warmth. He took a sip of his Americano to cool down and began focusing on processing emails.

By the time the cake was slowly finished, they had arrived at the Art Innovation Center located on the other side of the city. It was a building with a strong modern aesthetic, housing numerous new media art studios and exhibition spaces.

As soon as they stepped out of the car, the project manager and several administrators from the innovation center, who had been waiting at the entrance, approached to greet Xu Xing warmly, shaking his hand. Their gazes inevitably fell on Jiang Zhuochen, filled with curiosity and inquiry.

Xu Xing didn't offer any introduction, merely tilting his head slightly toward the person beside him before leading the way inside. Jiang Zhuochen nodded and followed closely behind. The project manager immediately understood, asking no further questions, but his attitude toward Jiang Zhuochen became noticeably more courteous.

Jiang Zhuochen had little interest in this kind of business inspection. He simply followed Xu Xing blindly, listening to the unfamiliar terminology and reports, his attention quickly captured by the eye-catching and cutting-edge art installations and exhibition posters lining the corridor walls.

The inspection process was somewhat drawn-out. Xu Xing needed to check the progress of several collaborative studios, watch demonstrations, and discuss modifications with technical staff afterward. Jiang Zhuochen tried to keep up at first, but eventually found it too boring, his steps slowing until he gradually fell to the back of the group.

He came to a stop and yawned, nearly detaching from the group entirely. Blinking back sleep, he debated whether to continue following or turn down a side passage leading to an exhibition.

Xu Xing walked at the front, listening to the manager's report, occasionally asking a question or two, then casually paused. Seeing his apparent interest in the equipment in the projection hall ahead, the manager hurriedly called someone over to explain.

To achieve the best effect, the staff turned off all the lights. In the next moment, holographic projections lit up, a dazzling, ever-shifting spectacle of light and shadow flowing and shimmering in the center of the hall. The immersive, realistic experience drew exclamations of awe from many.

Xu Xing was discussing technical details with an engineer. His gaze swept over to Jiang Zhuochen, and without interrupting his conversation, he very naturally beckoned him over. Picking up a pair of noise-canceling headphones used for the VR demo from a nearby table, he waited for Jiang Zhuochen to approach and placed them on his head. The entire process was seamless, without a single pause.

Everyone present held their breath. Jiang Zhuochen was momentarily stunned. Once the headphones were on, the world became much quieter. The hum of discussion and machinery around him, as the demonstration ended, became muffled and indistinct, as if filtered through a layer of gauze.

He looked at Xu Xing, who had already turned back to continue speaking with the engineer, as if that thoughtful gesture had been an illusion.

Jiang Zhuochen's covered ears tingled as if ants were crawling over them, itching in waves. He worried his lower lip, his heartbeat inexplicably quickening, feeling bewildered that this person could notice his small actions even while focused on work.

As the inspection neared its end, the group needed to pass through a large exhibition hall that was still being set up and was somewhat chaotic to reach another area.

Only some of the lights were on in the hall, making it relatively dim. Cables and data wires crisscrossed the floor, with some uninstalled components scattered about.

Xu Xing walked at the front of the group, his steps still unhurried, but he slightly turned his body, his gaze going past the project manager beside him to land precisely on the young man at the back of the line. Then, he extended his hand toward him.

"Watch your step, don't trip." His voice was ringing clear in the echoing exhibition hall, its faint echo reverberating in everyone's ears.

Jiang Zhuochen looked at that hand with its distinct knuckles, which still appeared strong and capable even in the dim light. The silence in the air seemed to silently urge him to act. After a moment of hesitation, he reached out, somewhat uncertainly, and grasped Xu Xing's palm.

Xu Xing's hand was warm and dry. He closed his fingers with a firm yet not overpowering grip, holding Jiang Zhuochen's hand securely and pulling him slightly closer to his side. He led him skillfully around the cables and obstacles on the floor. The action was so natural, as if done countless times before.

His gaze remained ahead, occasionally exchanging a word or two with the manager, showing no trace of hesitation or awkwardness.

The project staff following behind were all shrewd individuals. At this moment, they all tacitly slowed their pace, creating a slight distance from the two, pretending to be intently studying the unfinished works nearby or whispering among themselves about the exhibition details. In reality, their minds were reeling.

This was no longer simple courtesy; this was coddling someone as if they were a fragile treasure, fretting over every little bump!

Jiang Zhuochen, held firmly by Xu Xing, felt somewhat uncomfortable noticing the others' behavior. He was just unfamiliar with the place, not injured or disabled to the point of stumbling while walking. So, he tried to pull his hand back.

"It's fine, I can walk myself." His voice was light and low, as if afraid of being seen.

Xu Xing applied a bit more force. "Don't move around."

Jiang Zhuochen lowered his head, rubbed his nose, and obediently let himself be led out.

Only after leaving the dim exhibition hall and entering the bright, well-lit hallway did Xu Xing slowly release his hand. He then took out his phone to check messages, seamlessly transitioning back into business professional mode as he continued discussing the next steps with the project manager.

Jiang Zhuochen flexed the fingers that had just been held. They seemed to still retain the warmth from the other's palm. His heart felt a bit warm and fuzzy, yet also stirred a vague, indescribable feeling.

On the return journey in the car, Jiang Zhuochen leaned against the window, his gaze wandering listlessly outside. Perhaps because there was no one else in the car and he felt relaxed, his head began to nod with the vehicle's movement, and he soon drifted into a light sleep.

The car interior fell so quiet that only the faint whisper of the air conditioning remained.

Xu Xing put down his tablet, rubbed the space between his eyebrows, and turned his head to look at Jiang Zhuochen's completely unguarded sleeping face. The other's breathing was shallow and even, his long eyelashes casting small shadows like butterfly wings under his eyes. Stripped of the liveliness and intensity he showed when awake, he now presented another heart-meltingly well-behaved appearance.

He watched quietly for a while. He had never felt the day after day of tedious work to be so exhausting before. Now, his mind held only one thought: to openly hold this person in his arms.

He slowly raised his hand, moving with utmost gentleness to guide the other's head over, letting it rest steadily against his shoulder.

Jiang Zhuochen, in his sleep, unconsciously nuzzled against him, automatically seeking a more comfortable position.

Xu Xing adjusted his own posture slightly to let him rest more steadily and comfortably. Then, he gestured to the driver in the front seat, signaling him to turn up the heat a little.

After doing all this, he picked up his tablet again to continue dealing with the never-ending stream of work emails. However, his hands tapping the screen and swiping pages unconsciously became much lighter and slower.

The lingering glow of the setting sun filtered through the dark-tinted windows, casting a warm and tranquil golden-yellow light over the interior. The car drove smoothly on the road back to the company. In the undisturbed space, Jiang Zhuochen slept even more deeply amidst the almost overflowing warm hues.

When he woke up, it was already dark. Still in a daze, Jiang Zhuochen caught a faint whiff of cedar. Before even opening his eyes, he gave the person beside him a big hug, letting out a couple of sleepy mumbles before slowly opening his eyes. He was then startled enough to press his back against the car window.

Xu Xing, pleased by the hug, curved the corner of his mouth to tease him. "What's that expression? Still sleep-dazed?"

"Ah..." Jiang Zhuochen was at a loss for words. "I fell asleep? Slept until now?"

"Mm."

"And you didn't wake me." Jiang Zhuochen pressed the button to lower the window. Outside, streetlights were already lit on both sides of the road, illuminating the bustling crowds below. "Why did we stop at the main entrance?"

"Just coming to pick up a document, then heading home. No need to go to the parking lot." The warmth from the embrace was dissipated by the cool air. Xu Xing felt a twinge of regret but maintained a calm expression as he explained, "No rush, so I didn't wake you."

Considering he had caused this delay, Jiang Zhuochen thought for a moment and said, "I'll go up with you to get it?"

"Okay." Xu Xing naturally agreed.

When they returned home, Jiang Zhuochen casually picked at a couple of bites of dinner before planning to head upstairs. Perhaps because his spiritual power hadn't fully recovered, as soon as he was idle, he thought about sleeping.

But Xu Xing didn't approve of this approach, making him go for a half-hour walk before letting him go rest.

He wasn't happy about it. The next day, he absolutely refused to go out with Xu Xing. When he was dug out from under the quilt, Jiang Zhuochen, in a fit of pique, bit him. Unexpectedly, the other remained completely still, letting him bite. Finally, a familiar scent filled his nostrils, dousing his anger completely.

He lifted his head from the other's embrace. That person's face wore an expression of patient indulgence. He couldn't make sense of it, finding himself bundled into the 'bandit car' and living a good-for-nothing life similar to the previous day.

By the third day, when Jiang Zhuochen was determined not to go out, he was once again picked up from the bed by the other. He clicked his tongue in annoyance, was about to fly into a rage, when Xu Xing reached out and rubbed the back of his head.

"Time to get up. Didn't you want to see the art exhibition?"

He blinked twice. The anger rising to his head slipped away from the soles of his feet, and he replied woodenly, "Oh, okay..."

Xu Xing was amused by his dumbfounded look. "We don't have to go. If you're tired, sleep a bit more."

"Let's go!" Jiang Zhuochen bounced up from the bed and took two or three steps toward the bathroom. "Why wouldn't I see an exhibition I won tickets to fair and square?"

After much dawdling, they were finally ready to head out. Xu Xing stood at the entrance and handed over the untouched sweet milk still on the table. As the other reached out to take it, he smoothly opened the door for him.

Jiang Zhuochen took a sip of the milk, frowning as he looked at Xu Xing.

Xu Xing thought the milk didn’t suit his taste. “What’s wrong? Does the milk taste bad?”

“No. You…” Jiang Zhuochen looked Xu Xing over, choosing his words carefully. “You seem… off.”

Xu Xing had been acting strange ever since they returned from the banquet. Jiang Zhuochen thought back a little further and realized it wasn’t quite right—it seemed like he’d been off ever since that illusion.

Could there still be lingering effects from the illusion magic?

“Hold on a second.” Jiang Zhuochen hurriedly rummaged through his bag, looking for any medicine that could treat illusion magic. “I don’t have much spiritual power right now, so I can’t detect what’s wrong inside you…”

Xu Xing watched as he held two small jade bottles between his fingers, his expression cooling slightly. His heart felt as bitter as an overturned medicine bowl, and he couldn’t help but smile wryly.

He sighed, took the other’s hand, and pushed the items back. “I’m fine.”

Then he lowered his head and gently stroked the back of his hand. “Let’s go. No need to waste time.”

Jiang Zhuochen hesitated, sensing he might have said something wrong, and closed his mouth, letting himself be led away.

Throughout the drive to the art exhibition, Jiang Zhuochen kept stealing glances at Xu Xing’s reactions. Xu Xing noticed, tapping his fingers lightly on the steering wheel.

He hadn’t been angry in the first place, and now it was even less likely. A flicker of frustration at being misunderstood flashed through him, but then he thought—maybe he could use this opportunity to turn this to his favor.

The entrance to the art exhibition gradually came into view. Xu Xing was about to say something, but as they drew closer, his heartbeat inexplicably began to quicken, much like every time he’d sensed a soul fragment before. Yet this acceleration was a slow, steady thrum he could tolerate, unlike the previous times when his heart felt like it was about to leap out of his chest.

Xu Xing wasn’t sure. The frantic heartbeat grated on him, as if it were reminding him of something. The corner of his mouth lifted in a faint, almost imperceptible smile, but it vanished by the time he stepped out of the car.

Author’s Note: Xu Xing: Just as I was about to start pursuing him, his idealized first love (the ‘white moonlight’) pops up again. What should I do? Can’t this person stay quiet even after death?