For the next few days, Chen Zhou stayed at home helping out, waiting for Xu Nian to go into town so he could catch a ride with him.
Most people in the town were warm and welcoming. Occasionally, when Chen Zhou was sent out to deliver things, he would return with small items that the townsfolk had stuffed into his hands.
Although Xu Nian had claimed he wouldn’t go out over the next few days, he still ended up working in the fields. However, he kept his distance from Chen Zhou, and judging by his expression, he was not in a good mood, so Chen Zhou did not dare to approach him rashly.
Except for one time when Xu Nian had been working continuously without even drinking a sip of water, and before long, he walked off to the side to smoke a cigarette.
Chen Zhou remembered the conversation he had overheard between his parents over the past few days, which mentioned that Xu Nian’s mother seemed to be sick again, yet she refused to go to the hospital for surgery and only wanted to stay at home, rejecting whatever Xu Nian suggested.
Put simply, she was afraid of spending money. Parents were probably always like that, constantly worried about being a burden to their children.
After thinking it over, Chen Zhou still decided to walk over.
“Ge,” Chen Zhou called out.
Xu Nian moved slightly but did not answer, looking utterly exhausted.
“Have some water.” Chen Zhou handed over his water bottle, then worried he might refuse it. “It’s too hot, you have to drink water.”
Smoking a cigarette, Xu Nian looked at the hand holding out the water bottle, somewhat darkened and weathered from farm work, and after a moment, he took it, threw away his cigarette, and took a direct gulp.
[He actually drank directly!] Chen Zhou was shocked inwardly, having assumed Xu Nian would find him repulsive.
126: [Calm down.]
“Do you want to go to town that badly?” Xu Nian suddenly asked him.
“No.” Chen Zhou paused, feeling a bit annoyed that Xu Nian had misunderstood his intentions. “I was worried you were thirsty. Even if you’re upset, you still need to take care of your health, you’ve been working all morning.”
Xu Nian said nothing, gazing at the earnest expression on the face across from him. Having spent the past few days anxiously caring for and trying to persuade his mother while barely eating or sleeping, hearing someone suddenly say they were worried he might be thirsty left an indescribable feeling in his chest.
“Yeah,” Xu Nian said. “Thanks.”
After that, Chen Zhou occasionally went to talk to Xu Nian. It wasn’t entirely for the sake of the mission; he simply discovered that Xu Nian was all bark and bite, and wasn’t actually that difficult to approach.
Sometimes Chen Zhou would also follow Li Jia’s mother Chen Hui’s instructions to deliver things to Xu Nian. Chen Zhou was quite happy to do so, except that whenever Xu Nian wasn’t around, he felt too embarrassed to disturb Xu Nian’s mother, so he would just drop off the items and leave.
It happened again this time. Chen Zhou dropped off the items and was about to leave when he failed to notice Xu Nian coming up behind him.
Xu Nian had just returned from running some errands and caught this kid acting all sneaky.
Intending to give him a scare, he intentionally lowered his voice and spoke when he was neither too close nor too far away, “What are you up to?”
Chen Zhou jumped, causing an apple to roll down with a clatter. He stiffly turned his head, “Ge, you’re back.”
Looking at the fruit on the table, Xu Nian realized who had been leaving things in the courtyard over the past few days.
“I came to bring you fruit, my mom said…”
“Have you eaten?” Xu Nian suddenly asked. “If not, stay for dinner.”
Chen Zhou froze for a second as Xu Nian had already stepped inside, and he heard a voice from within the room asking who was there, presumably Xu Nian’s mother.
Following him inside, Chen Zhou caught the faint scent of medicine and saw the person lying on the bed, prompting him to obediently greet, “Aunt Wang.”
Wang Yulin, Xu Nian’s mother, used to be extremely popular and had a good relationship with Chen Hui. Although she was no longer young, in Chen Zhou’s eyes she didn’t look particularly old; her complexion was just slightly poor due to illness, her hair was still neatly coiled, her clothes were impeccably clean, and fine wrinkles graced the corners of her eyes when she smiled, though her refined facial features still shone through.
She must have been a beauty in her youth.
Chen Zhou felt a pang of discomfort inside, not out of pity, but heartache, heartache that Aunt Wang was suffering from illness, and heartache that Xu Nian was distressed because of it, to the point of neglecting his own health. He had a friend back in his original world whose family member fell ill, and such a familiar situation struck a chord deep within him.
“Mom, Li Jia is here, he’s staying for lunch.”
Wang Yulin smiled and waved Chen Zhou over, “Good, Xiao Jia, come sit down.”
Shyly walking over, Chen Zhou put on the original host’s persona, acting stiff and at a loss for words.
“I’ll go cook,” Xu Nian said as he entered the kitchen.
Wang Yulin was very gentle, pulling Chen Zhou along to chat. Xu Nian busied himself alone in the kitchen, occasionally hearing the sound of laughter and chatter coming from outside, mostly from Wang Yulin.
Cooking while letting his mind wander, Xu Nian wondered what on earth they were talking about that made them so happy, while also pondering why this kid never showed that playful side in front of him.
The aroma of food filled the air, and it was quickly served on the table.
Xu Nian had cooked two dishes and steamed some rice. The moment the food was placed on the table, Chen Zhou felt his stomach rumble.
“Dig in,” Wang Yulin urged. “Niannian is a great cook.”
Resigned, Xu Nian protested, “Mom, please don’t call me that.”
Chen Zhou smiled with pursed lips, keeping silent as he began to eat.
Yet he couldn’t help chatting with 126 in his mind, [I didn’t expect him to have such a cute nickname, heehee.]
126 was somewhat speechless; as an AI, it couldn’t comprehend where the cuteness lay, but it enthusiastically played along, [Wow, yes indeed.]
Chen Zhou: How perfunctory.
The meal wasn’t lavish, but Chen Zhou ate to his heart’s content, and knowing he shouldn’t overstay his welcome after finishing, he prepared to leave.
Stating he wanted to go out for a stroll, Xu Nian accompanied Chen Zhou as he headed out.
Walking side-by-side this time, Chen Zhou kicked small pebbles along the roadside absentmindedly, while Xu Nian occasionally glanced over at him.
Not long after, when Chen Zhou suddenly looked up, he spotted two figures hugging and kissing on the opposite hillside.
His eyes widening, Chen Zhou saw that it was indeed a young couple, locked in an inseparable embrace.
Before Chen Zhou could even turn his head away, his vision was suddenly blocked by a hand, which was Xu Nian’s.
Startled, Chen Zhou lost his footing and leaned backward, only to bump into a broad chest as Xu Nian’s breath brushed against his ear, “Don’t look around.”
Those palms, slightly rough with calluses, brushed across Chen Zhou’s cheek, but quickly pulled away, and the man also stepped back a bit.
Turning his head, Chen Zhou saw Xu Nian walking forward expressionlessly, save for a pair of slightly red ears.
Pondering for a moment, Chen Zhou let out an “oh” and hurriedly chased after him.
“Ge, why are you walking so fast?”
“”
“What were those two doing, Ge?”
Xu Nian abruptly stopped, causing Chen Zhou to bump right into his back. Letting out an “ouch,” his nose throbbed with pain.
Xu Nian turned to look at him. Chen Zhou looked completely clueless, his clear eyes earnest, showing no trace of intentional teasing. Xu Nian found himself torn, if he didn’t explain, it would seem like he was hiding something, but if he did, it felt awkward.
Watching all this, 126 guessed the host was acting up again, sighed, and helped soothe the soreness in Chen Zhou’s nose.
“What’s wrong, Ge?”
With a grim expression, Xu Nian tightly clenched his jaw, and after a moment, he ground out a vague response through his teeth, “Kissing.”
Uttering an “oh,” Chen Zhou noticed Xu Nian’s ears turned even redder, smiled secretly to himself, and didn’t dare to say anything more, quietly continuing on his way.
Upon reaching home, Chen Zhou bid farewell to Xu Nian, “Ge, see you.”
Without speaking, Xu Nian nodded at him and walked away.
[126, is he going to be mad? I don’t think I crossed any lines.] Chen Zhou reassured himself.
Speechless, 126 thought to himself that he indeed hadn’t crossed any lines, just acted a bit cheeky, [Maybe.]
Meanwhile, Xu Nian hurried back home, placing a hand over his chest.
Just now, when Chen Zhou bumped into him, that kid’s shoulder blades had hurt him a little, leaving behind a strange lingering sensation.
What a pain, Xu Nian scolded himself again.
Returning home quickly, Xu Nian softened his footsteps, afraid his mother might already be asleep.
“Niannian,” Wang Yulin suddenly sat up and called out to him, “Come here, Mom has something to tell you.”
Not expecting Wang Yulin to still be awake, Xu Nian walked over and sat down upon hearing her words.
“Mom wants to tell you something.”
“Go ahead, Mom. I’m listening.”
“Mom wants to go to town with you, see a doctor, and get the surgery done.”
Hearing those words, Xu Nian didn’t react for a moment. He hadn’t spared any effort trying to persuade her over these past few days, yet she had refused to listen to him no matter what, why had she suddenly changed her mind?
“It was actually Xiao Jia,” Wang Yulin smiled and continued, “He came over and chatted with me. At first, he didn’t say much, but later he talked more and more. He said he felt bad for Aunt Wang, praised me for looking pretty, and talked about you.”
Talking about himself? Xu Nian still hadn’t processed it. When had Li Jia changed so much?
“He said you never eat properly, and you don’t complain even when you’re exhausted or hurting from work. He said, ‘Aunt Wang, if you’re sick, Ge feels terrible too, it hurts him the most.'”
Listening to this, Xu Nian suddenly felt as though something had gently scratched his heart, followed by a sudden warmth prickling behind his eyes. Those words didn’t sound like something Li Jia would ever say, yet they plunged him into deep thought, making him recall something…
“Mom always thought she could just drag it out and didn’t want to spend your money. But it seems Mom was wrong. I’ve been making you suffer, haven’t I?”
Suppressing the tears in his eyes, Xu Nian shook his head, “No, Mom, I don’t want you to suffer.”
Wang Yulin smiled and stroked Xu Nian’s head, remembering that her son rarely ever showed vulnerability. “Mom will go with you. No matter how severe the illness is, I have you.”
Secretly finding a quiet spot to listen to neighborhood gossip and kill some time that evening, Chen Zhou sat on a stool in the open area, munching on fruit while listening.
The stars shone brightly tonight, bringing a sense of cozy leisure to Chen Zhou. Insect chirps echoed around the pond, and fireflies could be vaguely seen darting through the distant bushes, country air really was refreshing.
Finally finishing the last bit of gossip, Chen Zhou suppressed his urge to chime in and prepared to head back.
Wobbling along with his stool, he hummed a little tune to himself. 126 had just informed him that it needed to go offline for a bit, leaving Chen Zhou without a chat partner.
After walking only a short distance, he spotted a figure leaning against a wall not far from his house.
Chen Zhou instantly recognized it as Xu Nian. What was Xu Nian doing here in the middle of the night?
“Ge,” Chen Zhou still walked over and called out.
This time, Xu Nian quickly stubbed out his cigarette and waved away the smoke. “Where have you been?”
“Went for a walk.”
After a brief silence, just as Chen Zhou was hesitating whether to speak, Xu Nian broke the silence, “Tomorrow I’m going to town to take my mother to see a doctor. I’ll give you a ride.”
With that, he turned to leave.
Chen Zhou was stunned for a moment. Xu Nian’s attitude toward his request had been lukewarm earlier, so why suddenly…?
Pondering this for a moment, he hurriedly trotted to catch up, “Ge, you’re really willing to give me a ride? Why?”
Chen Zhou’s mouth ran ahead of his brain. Only after saying it did he realize how strange it sounded.
Remaining as cold as ever, Xu Nian curled his lips, “Take it or leave it.”
“I’ll go, of course I’ll go,” Chen Zhou rushed to answer. “Ge, aren’t you going to ask why I’m going?”
Indifferent, Xu Nian replied, “None of my business.”
…Chen Zhou thought to himself that he really shouldn’t have asked that extra question.
“Well then, Ge, I’m heading off, goodnight.” Arriving at his destination, Chen Zhou bid farewell to Xu Nian.
Watching him step inside, Xu Nian turned around and walked away. After a few steps, he felt something was off, couldn’t he have just told him when he saw him tomorrow? Why did he have to make a special trip over here?
Back inside his room, Chen Zhou tried calling 126 again, and this time he received a response.
[Host, I’m back. What’s wrong?]
[126, Xu Nian agreed to give me a ride to town. What about the points?]
126 replied, [You will get them once you arrive in town.]
[Oh.] Chen Zhou didn’t press further, [So where did you go?]
Pausing for a moment, 126 deliberated before saying, [There were a few minor glitches, nothing to worry about. Host, rest easy.]
It seemed it had no intention of telling him, which Chen Zhou understood, so he turned in early and sprawled out across the bed in a star shape to sleep.
Gazing at the host’s posture, 126 sighed inwardly, the young man had no regard for posture whatsoever, sprawling out with his belly exposed and his hair all messy. 126 quietly pulled the blanket up a bit to cover his navel.
After finishing, 126 felt quite satisfied, yup, he shouldn’t catch a cold now. With the crucial mission point in town fast approaching, 126 hoped everything would go smoothly.