Jiang Ling paused for a few seconds before stepping forward. He reached out and gently patted the man’s shoulder. “If you are drunk, do not sleep here.”
However, his calling did not wake the man; the hand he had just extended was directly brushed away. Huo Junnian sat on the sofa with his head tilted. Perhaps due to the alcohol, he appeared much more languid compared to his usual serious and restrained self. He looked lazy, as if he had little strength left. He had not taken off his suit jacket, and two buttons at his collar had been undone at some point, revealing his exquisite collarbones. There was an invisible allure to him that made one want to explore further.
Jiang Ling stood nearby in silence, seemingly mesmerized.
“Ah Ling, is that you?”
Hearing that call, he finally seemed to snap back to his senses. Jiang Ling quickly approached the man, his brows furrowed as he said, “It is me. Just how much did you drink? How did you get this drunk!”
His grumbling tone carried a hint of concern. Huo Junnian’s eyes, clouded by alcohol, were somewhat vacant, and his breath carried a heavy scent of liquor. Hearing Jiang Ling’s words, he only gave a soft laugh. “Drinking for social engagements is inevitable.” He then extended a hand. “Ah Ling, help me up.”
“I am right here.”
Jiang Ling pursed his lips. He stepped forward to grab the man’s extended hand and said in a clipped tone, “Where are you reaching?” After saying this, Jiang Ling leaned in close. He stared into the man’s blurry eyes for a few seconds before saying in a deep voice, “Hold onto me. I will help you upstairs.”
Huo Junnian rose slightly, leaning his entire body weight against Jiang Ling. Jiang Ling felt the weight in his arms and gripped the man’s waist. Even through the suit, he could clearly feel the firm muscle lines beneath his palm. His fingertips tightened slightly. The man’s warm, hot breath, mixed with the strong scent of alcohol, enveloped him completely. It was as if the air itself had been stained with alcohol, causing him to feel dazed for a moment.
Jiang Ling took a deep breath to steady his mind and helped the man upstairs. They stumbled their way into the bedroom. Jiang Ling helped him sit on the edge of the bed. He was about to leave to get a towel to wipe the man’s face, but before he could move, his hand was suddenly grabbed.
His wrist was wrapped in a scorching palm; the burning temperature felt as if it would melt him. The moment his hand was caught, Jiang Ling’s body stiffened. His pupils trembled slightly as he took several deep breaths. He then turned his head to look at the man lying on the bed. Only then did he realize that Huo Junnian, who had been fine a moment ago, had suddenly curled up. He was clutching his stomach with one hand, his brows knit, and his lips had turned pale. He looked to be in great pain.
Jiang Ling panicked. He quickly grabbed the man’s hand and asked anxiously, “What is wrong? Is there somewhere you are uncomfortable?”
He reached out to feel the man’s forehead. The body temperature was normal, but his hand came away wet with sweat.
Huo Junnian frowned and said, “It hurts.” He opened his bloodshot eyes, his eyelashes trembling slightly. He gripped Jiang Ling’s hand tightly, his hoarse voice carrying a faint tremor as he whispered, “Ah Ling, it hurts so much.”
Jiang Ling’s gaze fell on the man’s face. Under the influence of alcohol, the corners of his eyes were tinged with a faint, watery red. The man who usually seemed omnipotent had suddenly become fragile in this moment. Jiang Ling felt his heart beating at an abnormally fast rate. His fingertips, touching the burning skin, trembled. He began to massage gently and asked in a low voice, “Is it a headache?”
Huo Junnian did not answer, and the room fell silent. Jiang Ling looked at the man’s furrowed brows and pursed his lips. This was an old ailment. He remembered that when the man got drunk as a child, he would suffer from headaches. He continued the massage for a few more minutes. Seeing the expression on Huo Junnian’s face soften, he said, “Is that any better? I will go brew a bowl of hangover soup for you.”
The man kept his eyes closed but gave a slight nod, as if he had heard. Jiang Ling let go, stood up, and went downstairs. It was already the middle of the night; Auntie Zhang was asleep, and he did not want to disturb her.
Jiang Ling went to the kitchen. He did not know how to cook, but he felt he knew how to make hangover soup. When he was young, his father also had frequent social engagements and would often come home drunk and in pain. At those times, a bowl of hangover soup was always left on the table for his father to drink upon his return. Following the recipe in his memory, he took ingredients from the refrigerator: ginger, apples, oranges, and honey.
“Ah Ling, remember, ginger warms the stomach. Apples and oranges have high vitamin content to help sober you up, and they taste sweet and sour. Honey soothes the throat and prevents it from hurting the next day.”
Jiang Ling looked at the ingredients in his hand. These things that should not have been part of his knowledge suddenly surfaced in his mind. It was as if someone were whispering in his ear. Thinking of this, his mind wandered slightly. Because of this lapse in focus, a sudden sting hit him. He looked down and saw a smear of bright red on his fingertip. Jiang Ling frowned slightly and quickly put his finger in his mouth to suck it. He soon tasted a metallic tang of blood. Once the wound stopped bleeding, he refocused and quickly sliced the apples and oranges, putting them into the pot. After simmering for a few minutes, he ladled a bowl of the soup and carefully carried it upstairs.
After placing the hangover soup by the bed, he suddenly realized that Huo Junnian seemed to have fallen asleep. Jiang Ling leaned in and whispered, “Are you really asleep?” He received no response. Jiang Ling frowned, reached out, and patted him gently. When there was still no reaction, he tentatively tried to roll the curled up Huo Junnian over.
Once Huo Junnian was turned over, Jiang Ling looked at his closed eyes and steady breathing. It appeared he truly was asleep. Jiang Ling looked at the hangover soup he had brewed himself. He frowned, a trace of dissatisfaction rising in his heart. He pressed his tongue against his back molars and let out a light click.
“This bowl of hangover soup was brewed for nothing!”
He knelt down and, feeling a bit huffy, pinched the man’s high nose bridge. He muttered unreservedly, “You big jerk!”
Having his nose pinched, Huo Junnian opened his lips to breathe, his brows knitting as he moved his head uncomfortably, seemingly trying to shake off the thing preventing him from breathing. Only then did a satisfied smile appear on Jiang Ling’s lips. Just as he was about to let go, his fingertips suddenly touched something hot and soft. The smile froze on his face. After being dazed for a few seconds, he pulled his hand back as if he had been burned.
His gaze seemed to be pulled by an invisible force to that hot, soft spot. The mouth that had mocked him so heartlessly last night had suddenly become soft. Under the influence of alcohol, the color was more vibrant than usual. A gap opened between his teeth, and a soft, moist tongue moved slightly inside. Those slightly opened lips looked as if they were seeking a kiss from him.
Jiang Ling’s breath hitched. The greed he had been hiding began to stir at this moment. A wild thought surged in his mind: if he kissed him now, Huo Junnian would never know. Jiang Ling’s gaze darkened, and his Adam’s apple bobbed. As if bewitched, he slowly lowered his head. The man’s eyes were tightly shut, seemingly oblivious to everything happening in the outside world. As the distance between them closed, Jiang Ling felt his heart beating faster and faster.
Ten, nine, eight, three, two.
Jiang Ling suddenly stopped. He froze in place, his breathing rapid and his hands clenched into fists, his nails digging into his palms. No! He could not let his first kiss happen like this, in such an ambiguous way! Even if he were to kiss him, he had to do it openly and honestly!
He pulled back and slumped onto the floor. He closed his eyes and took several deep breaths, letting his tensed nerves relax. Jiang Ling knit his brows and opened his eyes again. He looked at Huo Junnian with a firm gaze. One day, he would kiss him right under Huo Junnian’s own eyes!
Jiang Ling stared at the man for a few seconds, then stood up to remove the man’s shoes and pulled over the nearby quilt to cover him. After completing this, Jiang Ling walked to the door. He took one last look at the sleeping man on the bed, turned off the light, and left the room.
A long time passed in the dark and silent bedroom. On the large bed in the center of the room, the figure that had been sleeping suddenly sat up. Huo Junnian opened his eyes. Where was the drunken haze? His eyes were exceptionally calm. His fingertips instinctively touched his lips; a trace of the itchy sensation from being touched seemed to remain. His gaze suddenly fell on the hangover soup by the bed. He reached out and picked up the bowl. The temperature of the bowl was just right, neither too hot nor too cold. He tilted his head back and drank the soup in one gulp. The taste was excellent; a rich fruity tartness with a hint of sweetness from the honey, followed by a surprisingly spicy aftertaste. It was indeed very effective for sobering up.
He felt much more clear headed after drinking it. Huo Junnian suddenly began to laugh softly, the sound bubbling up from his throat. He put the bowl back, the smile on his lips vanishing instantly as he let out a soft sigh. “Little jerk.”
The next day, Jiang Ling was woken by the chirping of birds. He buried himself in the quilt for a while before suddenly remembering something. He checked the time and immediately jumped out of bed. Putting on his slippers, he ran toward Huo Junnian’s room. Was the man sober yet? His mind was filled with the thought that Huo Junnian had not had the hangover soup last night, and his head might hurt this morning.
Jiang Ling hurried to the bedroom door and suddenly screeched to a halt. After steadying his breathing, he knocked gently on the door. There was no response, so he carefully pushed the door open a crack. However, once he entered the room, he realized the person who had been lying on the bed last night was gone. Only an empty bowl sat on the bedside table.
An empty bowl.
Jiang Ling froze on the spot, his gaze fixed blankly on the empty bowl.
“Ah Ling, why are you here?”
A voice from behind suddenly pulled Jiang Ling’s attention back. He turned to see Auntie Zhang, who had come to tidy the room. Jiang Ling picked up the empty bowl and explained, “Uncle was drunk last night. I was a bit worried, so I came to check on him.” His gaze fell back onto the empty bed.
Hearing this, Auntie Zhang’s face broke into a relieved smile. “Ah Ling is so thoughtful. The Master really hasn’t pampered you for nothing. The Master had business and went out early today. He left at seven o’clock. He even instructed me to cook more delicious food for you today, saying he has a business trip for a few days and will be back soon.”
Jiang Ling was dazed for a moment, then nodded to Auntie Zhang. “Alright, I understand.”
Jiang Ling left Huo Junnian’s bedroom. As soon as he returned to his own room, he received a message from the man.
“Ah Ling, an urgent matter came up at work that I need to handle. I will be on a business trip for two days. If you want to go out today, contact Uncle Li. If there is anything at home, find Auntie Zhang. Remember to eat well and take care of yourself.”
Jiang Ling looked at these words of concern but did not take them to heart. His brows were furrowed. He subconsciously felt something was wrong but could not grasp any specific thought. He decided not to reply immediately, turned off his phone, and returned to his room.
On the other side of the city, in a private villa, Lu Feng was still yawning after being woken up early by his friend. He looked at the man sitting on the sofa reading a newspaper and said with some resentment, “Huo Junnian, do not tell me you came all this way early in the morning just to catch breakfast at my house.”
“Of course not.”
“Then what are you here for?”
Lu Feng could not figure out why Huo Junnian would show up without a word. Huo Junnian calmly turned a page of the newspaper. “To catch up.”
“Ha?” Lu Feng burst out laughing. “Please, didn’t we just see each other last night? Even if you want to fool me, at least find a better excuse.”
“We saw each other last night; can we not see each other again today?”
Lu Feng rubbed his chin. He would bet his Best Actor trophy that Huo Junnian’s purpose for suddenly coming here was definitely not simple. “Do you know what you look like right now? Like a husband who suddenly had a fight with his wife early in the morning and has nowhere to go but his friend’s house.”
Hearing this, Huo Junnian’s hand holding the newspaper paused, and his expression became subtle. Lu Feng was still lost in his own thoughts and did not notice the change in his friend. He continued, “The new script I received recently has a similar plot.”
Huo Junnian took a sip of the coffee on the table and put it back. To his friend’s various conjectures, he only gave a polite acknowledgment. “Is this your taste in picking scripts?”
Lu Feng was about to nod when he realized something was wrong with Huo Junnian’s tone. He suddenly turned his head. “Hey, do not give me that sarcastic tone! Just say what you want to say! Is the script not good? It is by a great director!”
Huo Junnian did not want to argue. His head still hurt from the alcohol last night. He simply said, “I will stay at your place for two days.”
Lu Feng frowned. “Huo Junnian, who are you hiding from?”
“Do I need to hide from anyone?”
“Then why aren’t you going home and insist on staying at my house for two days?”
Huo Junnian interrupted Lu Feng’s probing and said in a deep voice, “If you keep asking, I can stay at a hotel instead.”
Lu Feng quickly said, “Wait, no! I was just joking with you.”
Huo Junnian had no heart for the newspaper now. He leaned back against the sofa with his eyes closed, his fingertips tapping on his leg as he thought. He would not suspect anything based on a few things he happened to see on the youth’s phone; after all, curiosity at that age is naturally strong. However, he could not pretend he had seen nothing after the various signs the youth had shown him. Huo Junnian’s fingertips instinctively touched the corner of his lips as the sound of the youth’s rapid breathing that night echoed in his mind.
Two days passed quickly. Jiang Ling also returned to school. During self study class, he looked at the math test in front of him, but his mind was on something far more complicated than the problems on the page. What if Huo Junnian was not asleep that night? As soon as that thought surfaced, Jiang Ling immediately suppressed it. Not possible! He instinctively gripped his pen tighter, his brows knit. He drew a deep mark on the snowy white scratch paper. The hangover soup could have been drunk by him after he woke up the next morning. That doesn’t prove anything. At this point, Jiang Ling had broken into a cold sweat.
Soon, a week passed. On Friday afternoon, after receiving a message from the man, Jiang Ling waited at the usual spot. Before long, he saw the familiar car. After getting in, Jiang Ling took off his backpack and held it in his lap. For some reason, he was much more restrained than their last meeting. Jiang Ling stole a glance at the man and quickly looked away. They had not seen each other for a week. He actually missed him a bit.
Huo Junnian did not miss the youth’s stolen glance. He scanned the area and noticed Jiang Ling’s phone screen lit up, prominently displaying a photo of him. However, his expression shifted slightly as he drove onto the road. He said, “How did this week feel?”
Jiang Ling paused for a moment before saying, “It felt pretty good. My scores were higher than the last time.”
“Oh, really?” Huo Junnian nodded and said with a smile, “Then congratulations. Your hard work was not in vain. To reward your progress, Uncle will treat you to dinner tonight.”
Jiang Ling quietly observed Huo Junnian’s reaction. He tried to suppress his wandering thoughts and slowly loosened his clenched hand. He replied softly, “Of course.”
However, they did not go directly to the restaurant but first went to the mall. Jiang Ling’s eyes flashed with surprise. “What are we doing here?”
Walking ahead, Huo Junnian said, “Buying you some new clothes. Most of your clothes are for summer. The weather has been strange lately; it is better to prepare some thicker clothes.”
Jiang Ling instinctively refused. “No need. I have enough clothes. I do not feel cold lately, and I wear my school uniform at school.” He was currently wearing his uniform.
Huo Junnian said firmly, “Are you going to wear your uniform even outside of school?”
Jiang Ling eventually compromised. After they chose the clothes, it was about time for dinner. Jiang Ling followed Huo Junnian to a high end restaurant on the top floor of a skyscraper. Dressed in his uniform, Jiang Ling looked somewhat out of place against the restaurant’s lavish decorations and surroundings. He soon attracted some probing gazes. Jiang Ling did not dodge the looks; instead, he stared back calmly until the others hurriedly looked away. He then gave a light snort.
Huo Junnian seemed to notice. He stepped slightly to the side, blocking the prying eyes from the youth. “Let us go inside.”
They went to a private room, and the prying eyes were shut out. Jiang Ling stood by the window in the room. Through the large transparent glass, he could overlook the city’s night view.
“Take a look at the menu. Is there anything you want to eat?” Huo Junnian asked.
Jiang Ling looked away from the view outside. He sat back down and said, “Anything is fine. You order for me.”
Before long, the waiter came in with small appetizers. For some reason, the two of them ate in silence. Except for occasional small talk initiated by Huo Junnian, Jiang Ling basically did not speak; he ate quietly. For some reason, Jiang Ling felt a vague sense of unease. He felt that Huo Junnian had something to say to him today. He took a sip of the cream soup. It felt a bit heavy on his throat, so he took only one sip and set it aside. Western meals are served slowly, giving them plenty of time to talk.
Huo Junnian noticed Jiang Ling’s subtle change and asked with concern, “Not good?”
“A bit too rich.”
“Then do not drink it. Eat something else.”
“Okay.”
This exchange was not substantial, but it made Jiang Ling feel at ease.
“Ah Ling, your birthday is November 11, right?”
“Yes.” Jiang Ling was dazed for a moment. He did not know why Huo Junnian suddenly mentioned his birthday.
“Ah Ling is eighteen this year, right?”
“Yes.”
Just then, Huo Junnian took out a gift box and handed it to Jiang Ling. Jiang Ling’s eyes showed surprise. “This is?”
“This is the coming of age gift I am giving you late.”
“For me?” It was impossible not to be surprised. Jiang Ling had not expected Huo Junnian to give him a coming of age gift. He happily opened the box to find a Patek Philippe watch. The gift was too valuable. Jiang Ling instinctively wanted to refuse. If he had not experienced those hard times, he might have just accepted it as a young master who grew up with a silver spoon. But he knew the value of the watch and pushed it back.
“It is too expensive. I am at school and do not need to wear this. Besides, there are no occasions to wear it. If it gets scratched while playing ball, I will be heartbroken. Why do you not wait until I am working to give it to me?”
Huo Junnian pushed the gift back to Jiang Ling. “Now is now, and the future is the future. When you are working, I will give you something else. Even if it gets scratched while playing ball, it does not matter. Uncle will buy you another one.”
Jiang Ling was somewhat overwhelmed. His heart was thumping. He looked down, not daring to look into the man’s eyes. “Uncle, you are too good to me. What if you spoil me?”
Huo Junnian said with a smile, “What if you are spoiled? In my eyes, Ah Ling will always be the child who needs to be pampered.”
Hearing this, Jiang Ling’s smile froze for a second. He suddenly felt the food in his mouth become tasteless. Huo Junnian is warning me.
“However, you are grown up now and might not like hearing these things.” Huo Junnian’s tone was gentle. “When your father entrusted you to me, I actually intended to refuse. But in the end, I agreed, because Ah Ling has always been different from others in my heart. I have thought about this for a long time. No matter what happens, as a senior, I have the responsibility and obligation to guide you, even if you take the wrong path.”
Jiang Ling’s body had completely stiffened. His mind went blank. The man’s persuasive voice continued to reach his ears.
“I hope you can say it yourself. Do not worry, I will not blame you. At your age, it is normal not to be able to distinguish your inner feelings.”