Although Jiang Yichi’s fever had broken, Xu Qiushi was constantly worried it might return.
When Jiang Yichi bathed at noon, Xu Qiushi stayed right outside the door, terrified he might faint in the shower.
Had Jiang Yichi not refused with such unusual firmness, Xu Qiushi would have even gone in to help him wash.
“Xiao Jiang, are you done? Don’t stay in too long,” Xu Qiushi said, knocking on the door every now and then.
The sound of water stopped, and a moment later, Jiang Yichi walked out wrapped in a bathrobe, his hair dripping wet.
Despite the heating being on in the room, Xu Qiushi immediately stepped forward to pull the bathrobe’s collar tight. He then wrapped a towel around Jiang Yichi’s head and gently massaged it until his hair was semi-dry, before finishing the job with a hairdryer.
As Jiang Yichi enjoyed the care, he couldn’t help but think of yesterday’s conversation—this man was really taking care of him like a younger brother. He curled his lip and let out a soft huff of resentment, a sound that was quietly drowned out by the continuous hum of the hairdryer.
“Maybe you should ask for a leave of absence after all. Dr. Zheng said you need more rest,” Xu Qiushi advised as he put the hairdryer away.
“Asking for leave is such a hassle; I’d have to find a counselor to sign off on it.” Jiang Yichi hated dealing with those things the most. Since he had no classes this morning, he had already rested for an extra half-day, so he didn’t plan on missing his afternoon specialized courses.
“Can I find someone to help with the signature? I’ll have A-Ze go for you,” Xu Qiushi asked earnestly.
Jiang Yichi glanced at him and said, “No need, I’m really fine.”
Xu Qiushi wasn’t sure if it was because today’s classes were very important, so he stopped pushing. He helped pull out the clothes to be worn from the wardrobe, then turned to leave the room and go downstairs to prepare lunch.
Jiang Yichi looked at the stack of clothes on the bed; if he wore them all, he’d definitely be layered like an onion. He picked through them, changed, grabbed his phone, and went downstairs.
Xu Qiushi, coming out of the kitchen with dishes, immediately frowned when he saw the figure on the stairs.
Jiang Yichi was dressed in a sharp, long black coat with a superior cut that highlighted his straight shoulder line and tall stature. Underneath was a grey turtleneck. The dark fabric made his cool, pale skin look even more elegant and noble, though his face still carried a hint of weakness from his recent illness.
“Why aren’t you wearing a thick jacket?” In Xu Qiushi’s eyes, as good as the Little Master looked, this outfit wasn’t warm at all.
“I checked the weather; it’s not that cold today. This coat is enough.” Jiang Yichi sat at the dining table. The table was filled with light, clear dishes without much oil—which was perfect, as he didn’t have much of an appetite anyway.
“You think this is a normal day? You just recovered from a fever; you can’t get chilled again.” Xu Qiushi wanted to go upstairs to get more clothes, but Jiang Yichi stopped him.
“It’s really not cold. This coat is cashmere; it’s warm enough.” Jiang Yichi felt Xu Qiushi was making a mountain out of a molehill. “Can you stop thinking of me as being so fragile?”
Falling ill just from catching a bit of night breeze if that isn’t fragile, what is? Xu Qiushi looked at Jiang Yichi’s still-pale lips and felt the boy was like a porcelain doll: you couldn’t speak harshly to him, couldn’t touch him roughly, and couldn’t control him.
“Then are you wearing your long johns?” Xu Qiushi asked, taking a step back.
“What long johns? It’s called thermal underwear. You’re so old-fashioned,” Jiang Yichi said, speechless.
Xu Qiushi ignored the jab. He pulled Jiang Yichi’s hand over and flipped his sleeve back to check; only after confirming he was wearing them properly did he nod: “Let’s eat.”
Before they left, Xu Qiushi put a scarf on Jiang Yichi. Looking at his stance, he seemed ready to wrap the boy’s head up entirely.
“It’s so ugly! I’ll do it myself.” Jiang Yichi looked in the mirror and made a move to take the scarf off.
“Stop playing around, you’re going to be late. Xiao Zhang must be tired of waiting downstairs. Go on.” Xu Qiushi pressed his hands down and rubbed his head, his tone obviously coaxing.
Jiang Yichi’s ear tips turned red unbidden, and he grumbled as he went out.
…
In the classroom, Gu Chengfei, having heard Jiang Yichi was sick, leaned over every so often to ask: “Are you okay? How do you feel now?”
“I. Am. Fine! If you turn around one more time, I can’t guarantee you’ll be fine.” Exasperated, Jiang Yichi raised a clenched fist.
“What’s the big deal? I’m just caring about you. Why are you like this?” Gu Chengfei nudged Xu Qiuze beside him. “A-Ze, look at him! He’s bullying me again.”
Xu Qiuze also turned around and said softly, “Jiang Yichi, if you feel uncomfortable, remember to tell us. Don’t force yourself to push through.”
Jiang Yichi: “?”
“My brother said you were very sick yesterday and insisted on coming to class today, so he asked us to keep an eye on you.”
Jiang Yichi: “…”
“Brother Xu was so worried about you. But man, you’re too weak, aren’t you? Getting sick just from New Year’s Eve. Unlike me—I’ve got a constitution like an ox!” Gu Chengfei proudly raised his arm to show off his physique, but not only was he unable to show anything through his thick clothes, he was also caught by the teacher, who thought he was raising his hand to speak.
“It seems this student is very enthusiastic. Why don’t you answer this question?” The teacher on the podium pointed at Gu Chengfei with a smile.
Gu Chengfei stood up with a “wanting-to-cry-but-having-no-tears” expression, casting a pleading look at Xu Qiuze.
Jiang Yichi didn’t have time to mock the unlucky Gu Chengfei. He gritted his teeth and thought to himself that Xu Qiushi was such a busybody, telling everyone about his illness. Did he have no dignity left? Besides, the fact that he recovered so quickly—didn’t that prove his constitution was strong?
The more he thought about it, the more embarrassing it felt. He pulled out his phone and sent Xu Qiushi an angry emoji.
Xu Qiushi replied quickly: 【What’s wrong?】
Looking at those two words, the expression Xu Qiushi would have while asking that flashed in Jiang Yichi’s mind. He couldn’t bring himself to type a word of blame, so he could only send another huffing emoji.
This time, Xu Qiushi seemed to sense the Little Master’s resentment and sent a “head-patting” sticker he’d saved from somewhere.
So corny. Jiang Yichi put his phone away and propped his chin up to look at the podium, the corners of his mouth shifting upward by an imperceptible two pixels.
…
In the afternoon, while alone at home, Xu Qiushi received a call from Assistant Zheng, saying that Jiang Yihe (the elder brother) had found out about Jiang Yichi’s illness and planned to drop by after work to check on his “fragile” younger brother.
Assistant Zheng: “Please prepare an extra portion for President Jiang’s dinner.”
“Alright. What time will you arrive?” Xu Qiushi asked.
“Just prepare it according to the time the Little Master gets out of class.”
“Okay.”
After hanging up, Xu Qiushi realized he’d forgotten to ask about the big boss’s tastes. Instead of calling Assistant Zheng back, he chose to ask Jiang Yichi directly on WeChat.
Jiang Yichi: 【Why are you asking what my brother likes to eat? Do you even know him? (Angry)】
Xu Qiushi: 【President Jiang and Assistant Zheng are coming to see you tonight.】
Jiang Yichi: 【?】
A moment later, he sent another message: 【Make whatever. My brother isn’t as ‘particular’ about food as I am.】
Xu Qiushi looked at the word “particular” and thought “finicky” was probably more accurate.
…
The Jiang brothers arrived home almost at the same time.
Xu Qiushi had just started setting the table when he heard the doorbell. He hurriedly wiped his hands and went to open the door.
First, he saw Assistant Zheng carrying several gift boxes, and behind him was a face that was 60 to 70 percent similar to Jiang Yichi’s, only more mature, sharp, and refined.
“Hello, President Jiang. Hello, Assistant Zheng. Please, come in.” Xu Qiushi naturally took the items from Assistant Zheng and ushered them inside.
Jiang Yihe nodded, changed into the prepared slippers, handed his coat to Xu Qiushi, and walked in. His gaze swept over the tidy living room before landing on the figure on the sofa.
Jiang Yichi turned and called out: “Brother.”
“Mm. How’s your health?” Jiang Yihe observed his brother’s complexion; it was much better than he had imagined.
“I’m already fine.” Jiang Yichi stood up and walked toward the dining room. He’d eaten little at noon and was hungry.
Jiang Yihe followed and sat down. The table was filled with light, home-cooked dishes, perfect for someone recovering from an illness.
Xu Qiushi set the table for the brothers and Assistant Zheng, served the rice, and poured a bowl of soup for each.
Seeing that Xu Qiushi hadn’t prepared a place for himself, Jiang Yichi immediately frowned: “You sit down and eat with us too.”
Jiang Yihe, who had looked up because of his brother’s words, let his gaze rest on Xu Qiushi’s face. He cut off the man’s refusal and said plainly, “Sit down.”
At this, Xu Qiushi added a set of chopsticks and sat between Assistant Zheng and Jiang Yichi.
Jiang Yihe lowered his head and tasted the lotus root and pork rib soup. The freshness of the ribs was blended with the sweet fragrance of the lotus root—perfect for warming the body. Looking closely, one could see the fat had been skimmed off very cleanly, showing great care. He couldn’t help but look at Xu Qiushi again and praised: “The taste is good.”
It was Jiang Yichi who answered him: “Of course, look who chose the person.”
“I recall Xiaofei recommended him, didn’t he? You didn’t even want him at first,” Jiang Yihe said, unceremoniously exposing his brother.
“Xiaofei is usually the most unreliable person; how was I supposed to know he’d actually be dependable this time?” Jiang Yichi explained hurriedly, as if terrified Xu Qiushi might misunderstand.
Xu Qiushi smiled awkwardly and said nothing.
After spending time with Jiang Yichi, the boy’s youth and childishness had largely masked the gap in their status. Seeing Jiang Yihe today made him truly feel the meaning of “worlds apart.”
With just one look, the scrutiny in that gaze—one of someone long accustomed to high positions—made one instinctively straighten their back, unable to refuse.
Xu Qiushi listened to the brothers’ conversation in silence, getting up occasionally to serve soup or rice, never daring to forget his duty as a nanny.
…
After dinner, Xu Qiushi went back to the kitchen to wash the dishes. Assistant Zheng came in to explain how to use the supplements they brought today.
Xu Qiushi noted them all down.
At the end, Assistant Zheng complimented: “Today’s meal was delicious. Thank you for the hospitality.”
“Don’t mention it, you’re far too kind.” Looking at Assistant Zheng’s stern, unsmiling face, Xu Qiushi suddenly thought of Dr. Zheng. If the glasses were removed, these two looked even more alike than the brothers in the living room. He couldn’t help but ask: “Are you and Dr. Zheng related?”
“He is my older brother. We look alike, don’t we?” A faint, nearly imperceptible smile appeared in Assistant Zheng’s eyes.
“Yes, very much so.” No wonder Dr. Zheng looked so familiar.
“He also thought your cooking was excellent.”
“You flatter me.”
After a brief chat in the kitchen, Assistant Zheng returned to his post behind Jiang Yihe.
When Xu Qiushi came out after finishing the dishes, Jiang Yihe was preparing to leave. Jiang Yichi joined Xu Qiushi in seeing them through the door.
After putting on his coat, Jiang Yihe said to Xu Qiushi, “A-Chi has been in your care during this time; thank you.”
“As I should, it’s my job.” Xu Qiushi lowered his eyelashes to avoid looking the other directly in the eye.
“Even as a job, you’ve done it very well.” Jiang Yihe gave a look to Assistant Zheng, who immediately took a thick red envelope from his briefcase and handed it over. “A small token of appreciation.”
Xu Qiushi was stunned and immediately waved it away. “No need, President Jiang. That’s all part of my duty. I can’t accept it.”
“Take it. I’ll have to trouble you to look after A-Chi in the future as well.” Jiang Yihe’s tone was calm but left no room for refusal.
Xu Qiushi hesitated as he raised his hand. The next second, the red envelope was snatched away by Jiang Yichi. “Brother, what are you doing? He’s my nanny. If there’s a bonus to be given, I’m the one who gives it.”
Xu Qiushi felt an inexplicable sense of relief.
“And where does your money come from if not from me?” Jiang Yihe said, exasperated.
“Nonsense. There’s Mom and Dad, Grandpa and Grandma, Maternal Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles, Cousins…”
“Fine, fine.” Jiang Yihe quickly cut his brother off, fearing he was about to recite the entire family tree.
“I’ll take this. You should get going.” Jiang Yichi stuffed the red envelope into his own pocket and waved.
“You brat.” Jiang Yihe glared at his brother, then turned and left with Assistant Zheng.
Xu Qiushi closed the door, knelt down to straighten the floor mat, and stood up to meet Jiang Yichi’s eyes. He couldn’t help but ask, “Why are you still standing here?”
“You didn’t seem very happy tonight.” Although Xu Qiushi usually didn’t have much expression, he felt something was different tonight.
“I wasn’t,” Xu Qiushi denied.
“Was it because my brother was here? Did he make you feel uncomfortable?” Jiang Yichi felt the only reason could be his eldest brother, who had come to the house for the first time.
Without waiting for Xu Qiushi to answer, he continued: “If you don’t like it, I won’t let him come over again.”