The car fell into a sudden, heavy silence.
Confronted with Huo Junnian’s explosive temper, Jiang Ling became as quiet as a church mouse. He hung his head, stole a quick glance at the man, and then looked back down. He leaned his body against the car door and retracted his neck. If Huo Junnian decided to get physical, he wanted to be ready to bolt.
Huo Junnian looked at Jiang Ling huddled in the corner and said in a deep voice, “Speak.”
“I am speaking!” Jiang Ling straightened up slightly and raised a hand, looking over tentatively. “I will speak, but you are not allowed to hit me!”
Huo Junnian closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and asked, “When have I ever laid a hand on you?”
“But you look like you are about to right now.”
Huo Junnian’s brows were knit tight. He was exercising extreme restraint to keep himself from actually doing it. Seeing that Huo Junnian’s emotions were relatively stable and that he did not truly look like he was going to thrash him, Jiang Ling cleared his throat and said softly, “First, I want to declare that I am not trying to go against you.”
“Uncle, I know I did wrong, and I should not have lied to you. But you know Tang Qin is my idol; he is someone I like with all my heart. As a red blooded young man, how could I resist an active invitation from the person I like?”
After finishing this string of words, Jiang Ling almost believed his own lie. He peeked at Huo Junnian again and pulled out his phone, thrusting the chat interface with Tang Qin in front of the man’s face.
“Here, if you do not believe me, look! These are the messages he sent me.”
Huo Junnian opened his eyes, his gaze falling on the phone screen. Once Jiang Ling felt the man had seen enough, he withdrew the phone and continued, sounding more aggrieved by the second. “Ever since our talk that day, I have been very obedient. I forced myself not to contact him.”
In just a few sentences, Jiang Ling managed to shift the blame entirely. He even threw Tang Qin under the bus. However, he was not technically lying, and he had shown the chat logs to prove it. He truly had not initiated contact. He had been very well behaved!
Huo Junnian looked at the aggrieved youth and gave a light scoff. “He contacted you, so you went?”
Seeing Huo Junnian’s expression soften, Jiang Ling quickly played the “good boy” card. “Uncle, you know my self control has been poor since I was a child. The moment he took the initiative, I could not hold back.”
Huo Junnian looked at the fawning Jiang Ling and said expressionlessly, “Delete him. Do not contact him again.”
“Uncle, isn’t that a bit too much?” Jiang Ling looked troubled. “At most, if he messages me again, I just won’t reply. Let us not delete the number. It was hard to get.”
Huo Junnian looked at Jiang Ling’s hesitation with a cold face. There was no room for negotiation. “Delete him.”
“Oh.”
Reluctantly, Jiang Ling took out his phone and deleted Tang Qin right in front of Huo Junnian. He blinked at the man. “See? I deleted him.”
Seeing that Huo Junnian still had no reaction, he grew bold enough to reach out and hug the man’s arm. “Uncle, please do not be angry with me anymore.” Jiang Ling drew out his words, his eyelashes fluttering like butterfly wings. “You are a great man; do not stoop to my level.”
Huo Junnian did not say much regarding Jiang Ling’s antics, but his expression improved significantly. “You have said everything there is to say. What else can I say? Let go.” He gave Jiang Ling’s forehead a light flick. “How can I drive with you clinging to me?”
Jiang Ling finally let go with a grin, belatedly clutching his forehead and let out a yelp. “Did you not say you would not hit me? Look at you; you still could not help yourself!”
Huo Junnian drove the car out. He looked ahead and said somewhat bluntly, “Jiang Ling, if you say one more word, I will throw you out of the car.”
The threat worked instantly; Jiang Ling shut his mouth immediately. In this way, Huo Junnian finally enjoyed some peace while driving. However, halfway through the trip, while crossing a street, Jiang Ling could not help but speak up again.
“I am hungry.”
The car happened to be waiting at a red light. Huo Junnian followed Jiang Ling’s gaze to the corner of an alley. It was a night market snack street filled with various food stalls. Jiang Ling looked at Huo Junnian longingly and called out sweetly, “My dear uncle. If you could satisfy this small.”
Before he could finish, Huo Junnian interrupted with a frown, “If you want to eat, shut up!”
Having his wish granted, Jiang Ling willingly fell silent. When the light turned green, Huo Junnian turned the car around and found a parking spot nearby. He looked at the visibly excited youth and asked, “What do you want to eat?”
Jiang Ling remained true to his original choice. “Barbecue!”
However, by the time they reached the night market, he became greedy. A mere barbecue was no longer enough to satisfy his appetite. More importantly, this was their first “date” after he had come out to Huo Junnian! Jiang Ling even sneakily took quite a few photos; he was simply too happy!
He pulled Huo Junnian along, looking at every stall until he was dazzled. “Uncle, these takoyaki look so bouncy. Should we try some? Oh, and teppanyaki tofu, bowl cakes, roasted oysters; let us get a few of those. They say they are very nourishing! Teppanyaki squid and candied haws too; I haven’t had those in ages.”
Huo Junnian followed behind him. Compared to the beaming Jiang Ling, his expression was not as pleasant. It was nearly midnight, but the night market was still crowded. With many stalls came many smells. Before they had even finished the street, Huo Junnian was carrying several bags of snacks, and his clothes were already starting to smell like smoke. He could not help but frown.
“The barbecue stall is just ahead. Let us hurry over.”
Jiang Ling pulled Huo Junnian to a small table behind the barbecue stall and handed him the menu. “Uncle, is there anything you want to eat?”
Huo Junnian refused. “You order for yourself. I am not eating.” His stomach was not in great shape, and he rarely ate street food.
Hearing this, Jiang Ling’s face showed visible disappointment. “What? I am eating all this alone? Won’t you have a little? It is no fun eating by myself.”
Jiang Ling opened the various bags of snacks. He took a bite of a takoyaki, and his eyes lit up instantly. “This is delicious!” After finishing it, he still felt it was not enough. He enthusiastically poked another one with a fork and held it to Huo Junnian’s lips, his eyes full of expectation. “This is really good, I am not lying! Uncle, this is not spicy. Try one; you will definitely like it!”
Although Huo Junnian did not want to eat, he could not withstand Jiang Ling’s persistence. He eventually ate the takoyaki. He took only one bite and frowned; the texture was mediocre and had a strong fishy smell. He looked at the youth eating with such gusto and could not quite understand it.
“Is it really that good?”
Jiang Ling was buried in his food. Hearing this, he looked up and wiped his mouth. He smiled at Huo Junnian and said, “When a person is hungry, everything tastes good. I used to be picky too, but after actually being hungry a few times, I will eat anything.”
Huo Junnian did not quite understand the meaning behind this and looked over in surprise. He did not believe that with Jiang Qicheng’s wealth, his only biological son would ever go hungry. Seeing Huo Junnian’s confused gaze, Jiang Ling knew his father definitely had not told the man about his previous “running away from home” phase.
Jiang Ling rubbed his nose and said vaguely, “I just went out to play with friends for a while last year. Oh, let us not talk about that. My skewers are here.”
Jiang Ling handed a grilled skewer to Huo Junnian. “Try this. If it is not good, then do not eat it.” He even thoughtfully handed over a tissue to prevent the man’s expensive suit from getting dirty.
Huo Junnian could not refuse Jiang Ling’s kindness and reluctantly took a bite. Aside from heavy seasoning, he could not taste anything else. He took one bite and placed it on the table. Seeing this, Jiang Ling did not push further. He naturally picked up the skewer Huo Junnian had just bitten.
“I have already eaten from this one.”
Before Huo Junnian could stop him, Jiang Ling finished it in two bites. After eating, he said sweetly, “It does not matter. It is not dirty since Uncle ate it. Thrift is a virtue; do not waste food.”
Huo Junnian said nothing more. He was not used to the oily smoke from the barbecue stall and said with a slight frown, “Hurry up and eat. We should head back early.”
“Okay!”
Jiang Ling did not have the heart to make Huo Junnian wait too long, so he sped up. Within a few minutes, he cleared all the food. “Alright, I am full.” After eating, Jiang Ling wiped his mouth and could not help but let out a burp. “Uncle, let us go home.”
They left the night market and returned home around two in the morning. Fortunately, it was the weekend, so Jiang Ling did not have school. Just as they were about to part ways upstairs, before Huo Junnian could take a step, he was suddenly pulled back by a force from behind.
He turned and saw the youth clutching his sleeve, silent. It was late, and he was tired; his patience was thin, and his tone was colder than before. “Is there something else?”
Jiang Ling did not speak immediately. He leaned against the wall, head down, revealing his pale nape. He said in a low voice, “Next time school is over, can you come and pick me up?”
Hearing this, Huo Junnian was slightly stunned. He had not expected Jiang Ling to care about this matter. “If you want, I will come and pick you up next time.”
Jiang Ling was not satisfied with the answer. He looked up at Huo Junnian, tilted his head, and asked, “Uncle, I feel like you have been avoiding me these past few days. Is it because I came out to you last time?”
Almost before Huo Junnian could speak, Jiang Ling continued, “Is it because you like men, and I like men, so you are afraid that if you are too good to me, I will fall in love with you? Is that it?”
The topic was too sudden and caught Huo Junnian off guard. He had not expected Jiang Ling to bring it up so abruptly and break the ice without warning. His distancing himself from Jiang Ling was indeed largely due to that reason. However, he could not say that. “Ah Ling.”
“Uncle, listen to me.” Jiang Ling slowly stood straight. He had one hand in his pocket and tilted his head back, his chin raised with an air of a rogue. He stared at Huo Junnian’s face and said with a half smile, “I might like men, but it is not as if I like every man.”
“So, are you thinking too much?”
Hearing this, Huo Junnian’s spirit was instantly jolted, and his gaze became clear. He snapped his eyes toward Jiang Ling, his pupils like arrows. Jiang Ling did not miss a single reaction from the man. But he was not afraid; instead, he grew bold enough to approach, grabbing the man’s large, warm hand and placing it on his own head.
Huo Junnian’s expression was unreadable. He stood still, letting the youth proceed. Jiang Ling instantly retracted his smile, his expression becoming serious. He looked into Huo Junnian’s deep eyes and said earnestly, “I hope these words can dispel the doubts in your heart. I still prefer the way we used to be. If being honest only makes our relationship distant, then I wish time could be reversed to that day; I would have kept my mouth shut and not said a word.”
After saying this, the Jiang Ling who had just been making grand claims lost his swagger. He willingly bowed his head, gently nuzzling the man’s palm, and looked up with clear eyes.
Huo Junnian narrowed his eyes as Jiang Ling’s soft, smooth hair brushed against his palm. He looked at the youth, who was now more well behaved than a puppy. His current obedient appearance was a complete 180 from his sharp tongued posture just moments ago. He had finally witnessed the youth’s tactics: first, a bout of provocation and mischief to make him angry, then a quick change of face to act sweet and fawning. It was a clever strategy of alternating the carrot and the stick. And yet, Huo Junnian found himself unable to do anything about it.
“Uncle, why aren’t you speaking?” Seeing the man remain silent, Jiang Ling’s confidence turned into anxiety. Oh, forget it. Jiang Ling went in for a direct bear hug and began to be persistent. “Uncle, I was joking just now. Please do not be angry with me. Really, really!”
But the man still had no reaction. Is this move not working anymore? Jiang Ling felt anxious. He rubbed his head against the man’s body over and over, wishing he could mark Huo Junnian with his own scent like in those ABO novels he read to pass the time.
Huo Junnian felt dizzy from Jiang Ling’s pestering. He had originally wanted to see how many more tricks Jiang Ling had up his sleeve. But it turned out the boy was a paper tiger. Before he even spoke, the boy had already defeated himself.
“Alright.” Huo Junnian reached up and held the head that was rubbing all over him. He asked, “Are these your true thoughts?”
Hearing this and meeting the man’s gaze, Jiang Ling nodded hurriedly. “Yes, yes, yes. Exactly, exactly. Let us make up.”
Huo Junnian was puzzled. “When did we ever fight?”
“Then do not push me aside anymore.” As Jiang Ling spoke, he could not help but feel aggrieved. He pouted, and as the atmosphere peaked, his eyes naturally turned red. “I cannot stand being neglected like this. You used to treat me like a treasure, giving me a hundred thousand peso watch without blinking. Now, after only a few days, you are tired of me and tossing me aside.”
Huo Junnian pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling a headache. He looked at the youth’s reddened eyes and even his nose was red. Seeing him look as if he were about to cry made him look more pitiful than a puppy. He immediately felt a bit soft hearted. He had indeed been inconsiderate in this matter. He had not expected Jiang Ling to be so sensitive, nor had he expected the boy to be so bold as to ask him directly.
Huo Junnian gave a light laugh and asked, “What do you want then?”
Hearing Huo Junnian relent, Jiang Ling sniffed and took the opportunity to seek more benefits for himself. He buried his face in the man’s shoulder and said in a muffled voice, “I do not ask you to love me, but I ask you to care for me, pamper me, and think of me.”
Huo Junnian was speechless. When a person is speechless, they generally do not want to talk. However, while Jiang Ling was still immersed in his beautiful fantasy, a sudden pain hit his backside. Jiang Ling’s crocodile tears had not even fallen yet. He was completely dazed by the strike. Then another slap fell.
Smack.
The crisp sound rang out again. Jiang Ling blinked; this was not how he imagined it going. “Ow! Stop hitting me! It hurts, it hurts, it hurts!”
Jiang Ling instinctively tried to jump away, but he was held firmly. He looked down and realized that at some point, a hand had already locked onto his waist. Having sensed Jiang Ling’s attempt to escape, Huo Junnian held him even tighter in his embrace.
They were practically face to face, their noses nearly touching, their breaths intermingling. But at this moment, Jiang Ling had no romantic thoughts. His face was as red as a monkey’s backside from embarrassment. No matter how thick skinned he was, he could not calmly face being held in his crush’s arms while being spanked. Help!
Huo Junnian raised an eyebrow, looking at the youth’s flailing appearance in his arms, and curled his lips wickedly. “Did you not want me to care for you?”
“I did not mean this kind of care!” Jiang Ling wailed. “My requirements are not high; just be a little nicer to me usually.”
“Am I not nice enough to you usually?” Huo Junnian retorted. “I am already indulgent enough with you. If I indulge you any further, won’t you jump all the way to the sky?”
Hearing the danger in Huo Junnian’s tone, Jiang Ling immediately caved. “Okay, okay, okay. Uncle is the best to me.”
As soon as he finished the sentence, his mouth was covered. Huo Junnian’s low, husky voice rang in Jiang Ling’s ear. “Shh, be quiet. Do you know what time it is? Do you want to wake up Auntie Zhang and the others? Or do you want them to witness how I ‘care’ for you?”
With his mouth covered and hearing those words, Jiang Ling’s body stiffened. Warm breath swept past his ear, bringing a tingling sensation. The moment that deep, pleasant bass voice sounded in his ear, Jiang Ling’s scalp went numb. From the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of a faint smile on the man’s lips; it was truly both dangerous and charming.
Jiang Ling’s pupils trembled. Foul! That is absolutely a foul! This uncle is being too risqué! Does he have to say such risqué things at a time like this? It is simply provocative.
Jiang Ling could not handle it anymore. He struggled, making muffled sounds, trying to pull the man’s hand away from his mouth. If he actually had a physical reaction while being held like this, then no matter what he said later, Huo Junnian would never believe him again. After all, a man’s mouth can lie, but his body cannot!
“I do not want to! I do not want to!” Jiang Ling shook his head like a rattle, his eyes full of terror. He had just grabbed the man’s right hand when his left hand was caught.
Huo Junnian said without emotion, “Since you do not want to sleep tonight and want to have a heart to heart talk, let us talk properly.”
Jiang Ling seized the opportunity and made a sudden leap two meters away. He said, panting, “No more talking.” He clutched his burning backside and said with some resentment, “I am a big boy now, and I have my pride. Did we not agree last time? Not that place!”
With half his face hidden in the shadows, Huo Junnian curled his lips and said, “If you are not obedient, of course you must be punished.”
Although Jiang Ling was still indignant, he knew when to give in. He immediately “slid to a kneel” and said, “Uncle, I was wrong.” He backed away as he spoke. “I should not have disturbed your rest. I definitely will not make this mistake next time. Go back and rest well; see you tomorrow.”
Quickly, Jiang Ling retreated to the corner of the stairs. He poked his head out and waved to Huo Junnian. “Uncle, goodnight.”
Huo Junnian watched Jiang Ling disappear down the hallway and stood in place for a long time. After a while, he turned and walked toward his own bedroom.
Jiang Ling returned to his room, jumped onto the bed, covered his head with the quilt, and hammered the bed several times with his fists. Only then did he catch his breath. His backside felt a bit numb. He pulled down his pants, turned his head to check the “injury,” and saw that besides being a bit red, it was otherwise fine.
But it cannot keep going like this, Jiang Ling thought, frowning. He bit his fingertip and began to think about Huo Junnian’s quirks. He realized the man had a strange obsession with his backside. If we get together in the future. Jiang Ling’s heart skipped a beat, and a sense of crisis arose. ?! This is bad! I have to make Huo Junnian break this bad habit. But how?
Jiang Ling’s thoughts wandered. It is not as if the next time Huo Junnian hits me, I can just reach back and grab him, right? No, no! The moment that thought appeared, Jiang Ling suppressed it. Too dangerous. If I dared to do that, Huo Junnian would definitely skin me alive. For now, Jiang Ling did not have the courage to provoke the man when he was angry. He could only keep thinking of other ways.
Overall, however, Jiang Ling felt his actions today had achieved the desired effect. He opened his photo gallery and began looking back at the photos from today’s date. He saw the man in a full suit, looking completely out of place, frowning with a hint of impatience, yet still carrying all those snacks for him. Jiang Ling’s gaze softened, and he could not help but lower his head and kiss the screen. Sharp tongue, soft heart.
After selecting a few photos and posting them to his Moments, Jiang Ling fell asleep clutching his phone.
Because he had slept so late last night, by the time he woke up and came out for breakfast the next day, it was almost eleven o’clock. Jiang Ling looked at the two cold breakfasts on the dining table. He stopped Auntie Zhang, who was working, and asked curiously, “Did Uncle go out today?”
“No,” Auntie Zhang said. “I have been cleaning down here all morning and have not seen the Master come downstairs.”
Jiang Ling asked in confusion, “Could it be because he slept too late last night?” He then reconsidered; Huo Junnian was not like him and was not the type to sleep in. After thinking for a few seconds, he decided to go upstairs and check.
He stood at the door, knocked gently, and said softly, “Uncle, are you awake?”
However, there was no response from the room. He knocked again, harder this time, and the door suddenly opened a crack. It was not locked. Jiang Ling was dazed for a moment. Since the door had opened on its own, he decided to go in.
“I am coming in.”
Jiang Ling entered the room quietly. The light in the bedroom was very dim, with the curtains tightly drawn. He saw the figure huddled on the bed with no reaction. He began to sense something was wrong. “Unc.”
When Jiang Ling approached, he saw through the dim light that the man was curled up on the bed, his forehead covered in cold sweat and his lips pale. Jiang Ling was terrified. He said in a panicked voice, “Uncle; Huo Junnian, what is wrong? Do not scare me!”