Author: hoenibean (Page 54 of 78)

Chapter 59 – Who Says Omegas Can’t be as Explosive as Alphas

September 18, 2023 / hoenibean / 0 Comments

Chapter 59

The dinner that day was extremely enjoyable, at least that’s how Lu Jingning perceived it, and he wasn’t wrong.

After finishing the meal, Lu Jingning escorted Wen Xingchen like a true gentleman, walking him to the entrance of the Omega dormitory before parting ways.

The delightful experience further convinced Lu Jingning of the effectiveness of his pursuit. That night, lying on his bed, he read by the light of a lamp, delving deeper into his research.

Time flew by unnoticed, and a week passed after the exchange competition ended. That afternoon, they had their outdoor combat training.

Exhausted from a complete set of physical exercises, everyone was panting, lying sprawled on the ground.

Lu Jingning wiped his face with a towel when he suddenly felt a gentle tap on his shoulder. Turning around, he saw Wen Xingchen handing him a bottle of water. “You’ve worked hard, Brother Wen.”

Jian Luan, noticing this, grumbled with a dry throat, “Why is there still water left? What about mine, what about mine?”

Lu Jingning’s tone was casual, “The convenience store isn’t far, you can still make it if you run.”

“Damn, so heartless!” Jian Luan got up from the ground and swiftly pounced on Wen Xingchen, “I won’t ask you! Our Brother Wen wouldn’t be as heartless as you! Come on, Wen Xingchen, my good buddy, let’s share the fortune!”

Wen Xingchen caught a glimpse of the approaching figure and subtly sidestepped, evading Jian Luan with ease. “Lu-ge already told you, go buy it yourself.”

Lu Jingning laughed heartily, “Jian Luan, why do you have to demean yourself?”

Jian Luan missed his target, and his cheerful expression instantly fell.

Indeed, why should he demean himself? He couldn’t figure it out himself…

Before Wen Xingchen could respond, he felt an arm resting on his shoulder.

Lu Jingning leaned half of his body on him, looking proud. “I don’t care how you feel; I care about how I feel. If you think he has changed, it’s only because you don’t know him well enough. In my eyes, Brother Wen has always been the same, never changed!”

Having just splashed himself with water, Lu Jingning’s arm still carried a faint coolness. When it touched Wen Xingchen’s neck, the subtle chill seemed to permeate his body without making a sound.

Wen Xingchen paused for a moment while drinking water, subtly reacting to the situation.

Even though Lu Jingning was laughing and joking with Jian Luan, his attention remained focused on Wen Xingchen. In that moment, he observed every change in Wen Xingchen’s expression.

Though he maintained a calm exterior, Wen Xingchen’s heart felt a wave of pleasure.

Rule #3 of the Alpha chasing strategy: Appropriate skin contact can bridge the distance between two people, and such non-verbal cues often have a subtle and imperceptible effect on an Alpha’s mind. However, one should also exercise caution not to be too aggressive. The contact should be brief, no longer than one minute each time. Only then can it create a sense of longing and irresistible attraction in the Alpha, without them even realizing it.

Lu Jingning felt a sense of admiration for his accurate execution of the strategy.

Keeping in mind the one-minute rule, after a moment, he calmly retracted his hand.

Rule #4 of the A-chasing strategy: All Alphas appreciate praise from Omegas, and such praise must be genuine and abundant. The illusion of deeply admiring them is essential to create a sense of gratification during interactions.

So, without waiting for Jian Luan’s retort, Lu Jingning continued speaking eloquently, “Jian Luan, if I were you, I would head straight to the convenience store right now.”

“After all, in the presence of such an outstanding Alpha like Wen Xingchen, your existence appears minuscule. Even if you feel resentful, it won’t change the fact that you’re just ordinary. If you want to move forward, don’t waste any opportunity that can help you progress.”

“Do you think Wen Xingchen only wanted you to buy him water? No, his vision extends much further than that. What he wants is for you to strengthen yourself during the process of buying water.”

Jian Luan blinked in bewilderment, “Ah?”

Lu Jingning’s eyes narrowed slightly as he disdainfully glanced at this overly insignificant mortal. “Don’t you get it? It’s all about perspective! This is the biggest gap between you and top Alphas like Wen Xingchen. Can’t you deeply appreciate Wen Xingchen’s efforts, Jian Luan?”

Jian Luan couldn’t bear to hear more and his lips twitched, “Enough! I’ll go buy it myself!”

Seeing Jian Luan walk away, Wen Xingchen finally couldn’t hold back his laughter. His narrow eyes curved, displaying a different kind of radiance. “I never knew my words had such profound meaning. How come even I didn’t realize it?”

Lu Jingning smiled along as he noticed Wen Xingchen’s happiness. Despite being a novice in delivering sweet talk, he seemed to have a natural flair for it. “It’s because all of this is deeply ingrained in your heart. It feels so natural that even you can’t detect it.”

Wen Xingchen chuckled, “If you keep talking, I might actually believe you.”

Lu Jingning remained composed, “It’s an established fact, no need for proof.”

…

Wen Xingchen thought that Lu Jingning rejected him because he still had some extraordinary tricks up his sleeve. So, he temporarily suppressed his impulses and patiently waited.

However, over the next week, instead of the anticipated surprises, Lu Jingning’s presence became scarce, and Wen Xingchen rarely saw him after classes.

Finally, when the bell rang, Lu Jingning immediately picked up his bag, ready to rush out the door. Wen Xingchen couldn’t help but grab his arm, asking, “You always seem to be in a hurry lately. What are you so busy with?”

Lu Jingning did not sense the trace of bitterness in his tone. He blinked, as if just remembering something, “Oh, right, I forgot to tell you. Our Mecha Club is going to have an exchange event soon. I’ve been doing the final adjustments on the mecha with Yan Hebin recently! We’ll represent the club in the exchange, and I can’t let my roommate lose face.”

Wen Xingchen: “…”

Despite brewing several words, it seemed as if saying anything more would come off as a bit meddlesome.

Seeing Wen Xingchen’s lack of response, Lu Jingning called out in confusion, “Wen-ge?”

Wen Xingchen seemed to snap back to his senses and let go of Lu Jingning’s hand. “Go ahead.”

“Alright then, I’m off!” Lu Jingning’s figure disappeared at the door in an instant.

Wen Xingchen sat in his place for a while, silently took out his terminal, and based on his memory, searched for a certain post.

Line by line, he scrolled down, and finally, his gaze halted at the last part of the content.

Rule #5 of Chasing Alphas: Omega pursuing Alphas must firmly remember the following content after following the first four rules. Regardless of how smoothly or not the pursuit progresses, never let the other party have it too easy! As humans, we inevitably possess certain flaws, and Alphas’ attitudes are often peculiar. Sometimes, the easier they get something, the less they cherish it afterward. Therefore, when they start to have even a hint of an idea, you must pull back in time, maintain a distance, and keep them hanging, making them feel a sense of urgency. Only by doing so can you better stimulate the Alpha’s conqueror’s desire, making him unable to give up on you completely.

Wen Xingchen: “…”

At that moment, Jian Luan happened to pass by, seeing Wen Xingchen still not leaving after class, and curiously walked over.

When Jian Luan’s eyes glanced over the post on the StarNet page, his expression subtly changed. After hesitating for a moment, he still spoke softly, “Wen Xingchen, well… if you need anything, just ask me directly. It would be much more convenient than searching for these things.”

Wen Xingchen looked up at him expressionlessly, his Alpha aura slightly oppressing. But after a moment’s thought, he said, “Ask you?”

Jian Luan, feeling the pressure from Wen Xingchen’s gaze, couldn’t help but want to retreat. But before leaving, he hurriedly reminded him with a quick few words, “One last thing, just one thing! Uh, you got it wrong! This article teaches Omegas to chase Alphas. I also have another one that teaches Alphas to pursue Omegas. The link is right next to it, and that one might be more suitable for you!”

After saying that, before waiting for Wen Xingchen to react, Jian Luan swiftly made his escape.

While running, Jian Luan couldn’t help but feel a bit emotional in his heart.

Sigh, being a relationship consultant these days is really not easy!

Even as a columnist for the feelings section, seeing Wen Xingchen in this situation, he didn’t know where to help him from.

Really, it’s just too difficult.

T/N: Hey there! There is plenty more where that came from, so stay tuned! And stay healthy! Straighten your posture, so some stretches and drink some water before continuing hehe~

If you like my translations, feel free to donate to my ko-fi!

I really, really appreciate all the support from my readers <3 It goes a long way and motivates me lots!

https://ko-fi.com/hoenibean

Also, check out the other series we have on HoH!

If you like cats, check out Revenge of the Garfield

If you like dragons, check out I’m Pregnant with the Hope of the Entire Planet and The Dragon and the ‘Princess’

How about some mystery or showbiz? Check out Morbid Addiction & Perfection

What about the perfect, most non-toxic male lead ever? Laws of Love

How about MC nursing ML back to health? Forced into the Deep

Thank you for all your support <3 Leave a comment if you life 🙂 I love reading them!

Chapter 2 (part 1/2) – You don't know too much

September 17, 2023 / hoenibean / 0 Comments

Chapter two

Lu Changze sat with his hands in his pockets on the chair. He was in the corridor of the hospital waiting for the test report. Lu Changze’s stomach hurt so badly that no matter how much he tried to bear it, he couldn’t stand it.

He was in pain 24 hours a day. The nurse holding a clipboard and called Lu Changze’s name.

It was raining when he left the hospital. The umbrella-less Lu Changze folded the laboratory results paper into a square and put it in the pocket of his cotton coat.

He ran to the station in the rain and when he got back to the entrance of his shop, he saw Gu Xiu’s car parked there. Gu Xiu clapped in his direction impatiently.

“Get in the car.” Lu Changze stood under the eaves of the small shop and looked at the man who cracked open half the car window through the rain.

His eyes darkened and he finally got into the car.

The car didn’t leave Xuan Qi immediately. Gu Xiu took him to the best coffee shop in Xuan Qi and the two sat facing each other. Lu Changze was still wet

He sat down on the fabric sofa, and was dizzy for a while. The waiters around frowned, but with Gu Xiu there, no one dared to come up and say a word.

Gu Xiu ordered two cups of black coffee.

“Fang Ming came to look for you?” Gu Xiu leaned on the sofa, crossed his legs and looked at the person opposite him coldly. Lu Changze nodded after listening.

Gu Xiu squinted his eyes and looked at Lu Changze very unhappily. It’s been five years since he saw him. This kid was getting more and more arrogant.

This wasn’t the attitude that a stain like him should have.

“Hmm, even he can’t convince you? Lu Changze, don’t think so highly of yourself. Everyone knows what kind of person you are.”

Lu Changze stared at the coffee in front of him in a daze and touched the test results he just received in the morning with his hand in his pocket repeatedly.

What was going on? An interrogation or a joint trial? What a fvcking nasty life.

“Gu Xiu, I really fvcking hate drinking coffee. Especially black coffee.” Lu Changze leaned his head back and looked at him with a blank expression.

Gu Xiu was taken aback by him. He was called Handsome Gu when he was in school, and later Boss Gu when he worked. Lu Changze never dared to call Gu Xiu by his name.

Gu Xiu has seen all kinds of cheap expressions on his face: fawning, wretched, philistine, greedy and etc. For so many years, Gu Xiu had never seen Lu Changze with no expression on his face.

“Lu Changze, what tricks are you playing? Didn’t you like to drink this thing the most before? You are obviously a chicken, but you always think of yourself as a phoenix,” Gu Xiu sneered and said, “Fang Ming just came back. Stop being a retard in front of him and go back quickly if you have to go back.”

“I don’t like to drink it. I only forced myself to drink it because I thought you liked it. Gu Xiu, I know whether I am a demon or not, there is no need for you to worry.”

Lu Changze still looked at Gu Xiu expressionlessly, “Don’t keep trying to guess what I want from you or Fang Ming. Let me explain it to you, Gu Xiu. I don’t care about anything.”

After Lu Changze finished speaking, he stood up slowly, turned around and left. Gu Xiu was stunned. It took a while before he turned his head and looked through the glass window of the coffee shop.

He watched Lu Changze’s back as he left in the rain.

When the sky cleared, Lu Changze disposed of all the things in his shop, leaving only an empty room. He moved a small chair to sit down.

He looked up at the door and basked in the sun. The sun in winter is warm, especially after the weather has gradually warmed up in recent days, it is more comfortable to bask in it.

It wasn’t until Lu Changze’s face was covered by a shadow when he lazily opened his eyes.

“I guess it’s time for you to come too.” Lu Changze smiled and turned his stiff neck, “Boss Qi, you’re here too?”

Qi Mingyu smiled politely, “You can just call me Mingyu. Boss Qi sounds too old.”

Lu Changze said with a playful smile, “Fang Ming is really sensible.”

Fang Ming didn’t speak, walked into the small shop and took a look, “Brother, are you going back?”

He looked at Lu Changze carefully again, “You look thinner compared to last time.”

Lu Changze didn’t answer Fang Ming’s words. He only followed him in, took out a file bag and handed it to Fang Ming, “I bought a small apartment here but it’s just a façade. The area is good for real estate. We are relatives. If you give me a hand, I will pay more for the demolition.”

“Brother, what do you mean?” Fang Ming was puzzled.

“Actually, I don’t plan to stay here for a long time even if it doesn’t need to be demolished. Didn’t I tell you last time that I don’t want to stay after staying for a long time? I want to travel but money has been a little tight recently. If you really think of me as your brother, then hurry up and do this for me, the sooner the better. “

Although Fang Ming didn’t quite agree, seeing Lu Changze’s serious expression, he nodded in agreement.

On the day when he received the money, Lu Changze was very happy with a big smile on his face. Fang Ming hadn’t seen Lu Changze smile like this for a long time, “You’re this happy?”

Lu Changze took the card and put it in his pocket, “You don’t understand. How can you not be happy when your new life begins.” After speaking, he left Fang Ming’s office and went downstairs where he met Qi Mingyu who came to find Fang Ming. Qi Mingyu stopped Lu Changze and looked at him seriously, “Lu Changze, you can come to find Fang Ming if you have any problems in the future.”

Lu Changze looked at Qi Mingyu’s sincerity and shook his head, “Thank you, but I won’t have another chance in the future. You and Fang Ming have a good time, you are not young anymore. After all, it was not easy being together at the beginning.”

Qi Mingyu nodded and entered the elevator.

Lu Changze went to the bank to withdraw all the money and put it into another card. He then went home and cleaned up everything that should be done at home.

Everything that should be burned was burned. He then left with a small bag.

It was a week after Gu Xiu found out that Lu Changze had disappeared again. He went to ask Fang Ming and found out that Lu Changze was going on a trip.

Gu Xiu felt stuck as if he couldn’t catch his breath. It was so uncomfortable. He thought that the next time he saw Lu Changze again, he would make fun of him.

After a while, this person who has been sticking to his ass for decades really decided to treat him like an onion.

It was announced that there was a problem with the land, so Gu Xiu and Fang Ming worked day and night for two whole weeks before finally resolving it.

He is not young anymore and he’ll catch a cold if he works too hard. Luckily, Fang Ming has someone to take care of him. Gu Xiu hasn’t been in any serious relationships in the past few years except messing around with many paid people, so he had to go to the hospital for medicine and IV drips when he was sick.

Gu Xiu probably didn’t expect that he would see Lu Changze here. Gu Xiu was not in a hurry to go back after getting an IV drip in the hospital. Although he was sick, his body is in good health, so after two days of rest, it will basically recover. The environment in Pingzhou is good, and the air in the small garden of the city hospital is also good. Gu Xiu wandered around.

After taking two steps, he saw Lu Changze. If it wasn’t for that face that Gu Xiu had known since he was ten years old, Gu Xiu would almost not have recognized it. Lu Changze was wearing a hospital gown. The person was already thin and out of shape, sitting on the bench and basking in the sun with his eyes squinted. Gu Xiu walked two steps closer as Lu Changze sat quietly on the chair.

On the table, he slightly raised his head. It was the first time Gu Xiu saw that appearance.

Lu Changze took off his glasses. Even if he couldn’t see clearly without glasses, Gu Xiu’s figure probably would never be forgotten by Lu Changze in his life.

The two looked at each other quietly at a distance of several meters. After a while, Lu Changze sighed slightly and got up before walking slowly to the ward.

Gu Xiu followed behind him and the two went back to Lu Changze’s ward with a distance between them. There were three beds in the ward, but the sun is good today so the other patients seemed to have gone out to bask in the sun and there were only Gu Xiu and Lu Changze in the ward at the moment.

Lu Changze’s ward was close to the window and he could see the busy traffic outside the hospital while sitting by the bed. After returning to the ward, Lu Changze sat by the bed and watched the view outside the window. Gu Xiu put his hands in his pockets and looked at him, “Lu Changze, you are quite capable. Didn’t you go on a trip? Why did you come to the hospital? Are you about to die?”

Lu Changze didn’t speak until Gu Xiu got impatient waiting. Lu Changze didn’t look at him, his eyes were still staring out of the window and as he spoke, his voice was hoarse.

Dumbly he said: “Well, soon, next month.”

Gu Xiu stood still for a while before he snapped out of it. He walked to Lu Changze’s hospital bed and opened his case file.

Advanced gastric cancer.

For a moment, Gu Xiu didn’t know what to say and he didn’t know what to say at this time.

When he came back to his senses, Gu Xiu hung the file back on Lu Changze’s bed and left.

Lu Changze felt sleepy after watching the view for a while and went to bed.

When Gu Xiu came back, Lu Changze had fallen asleep. He was really thin. In just a few days, he became skin and bones. Gu Xiu stood by the bed thinking. Gu Xiu really couldn’t accept this. He couldn’t accept the news that Lu Changze is dying. Why? He didn’t know. He just couldn’t accept it, even if it was just that mangy dog that had haunted him for more than twenty years.

Lu Changze was asleep but when he opened his eyes, it was strange that Gu Xiu hadn’t left yet. Despite that, it didn’t matter to Lu Changze whether he was there or not.

Who was there was no longer important to Lu Changze. The rest of his days will just be waiting for death quietly. It was dark and the patients around were sleeping as well.

Gu Xiu sat quietly by the bed and looked at him. Seeing that he had something to say, Lu Changze lifted the quilt, got up and left the ward.

He understood Gu Xiu. Lu Changze knew what Gu Xiu was going to do by looking at Gu Xiu’s eyes.

Gu Xiu followed behind Lu Changze and Lu Changze walked quietly to the waiting hall of the hospital. Lu Changze knew Gu Xiu well and he knew that he had a bad temper.

Choosing a place with a lot of people, Lu Changze no longer wanted to have any disputes with him, nor did he want to hear any ridicule or sarcasm from him. He went to find a chair to sit on.

When they both settled down, Gu Xiu sat beside him. The two of them didn’t talk for a long time. It was very strange. It was the first time for them to sit so quietly for a long time.

After a long time, Gu Xiu said, “When did you find out?”

“The day you bought me that coffee.”

After speaking, he fell into silence again. Lu Changze looked at the people coming and going in the hospital. Some were happy and some were sad.

A building full of different life experiences depending on the person.

“I didn’t know.” Gu Xiu said, “You should have mentioned this earlier.”

“There are too many things you don’t know.” Lu Changze said slowly.

“I asked the doctor in the afternoon, it is not impossible to operate on it…”

Lu Changze turned his head slightly to look at Gu Xiu, a little surprised. He didn’t expect him to ask the doctor. Then he felt relieved. Yes, at first he liked his appearance, but the man next to him was actually a good person, even if he didn’t understand himself well.

“I don’t want to do it.”

“Lu Changze, what do you mean?!” Gu Xiu raised his voice, “Could it be that you really have lived long enough? Don’t be shameless.”

“Gu Xiu…” Lu Changze looked at him with a smile on the corner of his mouth, “I’m shameless, shouldn’t you have known by now?”

It was the first time that Gu Xiu was choked up by Lu Changze, but Lu Changze was happy to see his appearance. He just laughed happily, and just kept laughing soundlessly.

Gu Xiu was stunned. It was the first time he saw Lu Changze smiling like a simple child. A man in his forties smiled like a child.

Gu Xiu also laughed, the corners of his mouth curled up, even though he didn’t notice it.

T/N: Happy Bad End Month!

Chapter 5 – I’ll wait for you on a spring day

September 17, 2023 / hoenibean / 0 Comments

Chapter 5

Song Zexu felt bored at home these days and always wanted to go out in the evening. There happened to be a park for the elderly behind Li Chou’s apartment. After dinner, Li Chou took him around.

The old people in Yunzhen didn’t know Song Zexu. They only thought that he was some relative of Li Chou and seeing that Song Zexu was good-looking, they even played matchmaker for him and told him about their daughters who are very beautiful and talented. Even asking him to meet them.

Before Song Zexu could say anything, Li Chou excused himself and said, “Uncle Zhang, you should give up. He already has a girlfriend and is just waiting for his eyesight to heal. After that, he’s going back to get married.”

“Already have a girlfriend?” Uncle Zhang clicked his tongue and said, “It’s such a pity, it seems that I’m still a step too late.”

“There’s nothing to be sorry about.” Song Zexu said first this time, “I’m blind and I need someone to take care of me. I can’t burden a girl from a good family.”

After he realized that Song Zexu is blind and would actually burden his daughter for the rest of her life, uncle Zhang sighed and said: “Youngster, try to live a good life.”

Song Zexu responded, “I will.”

The park for the elderly is a place for old people to chat in the evening. Li Chou doesn’t know who first spread the word that a good-looking blind man came to his house recently but some old people with disabled girls wanted to come and play matchmaker. Li Chou previously evaded this by saying that Song Zexu had a girlfriend, but he still couldn’t stop the people who came to see Song Zexu at his house. After that, he secretly told everyone that in fact, his preference is for men and then no one came to bother him again.

It was also because of this that no old people came to chat with Song Zexu when he went for a walk in the park again.

At first Song Zexu didn’t know what was going on, but later Li Chou explained the reason to him very apologetically.

Song Zexu was not angry. He felt that this would just reduce the interference from the outside world, but Song Zexu did not go to the park after a few days of strolling, because there were actually a few old men whose sons were gay, and they asked him if he was a top or bottom.

Li Chou couldn’t laugh or cry when he knew about it. He tried to hold his laughter when he was eating, but Song Zexu still heard it.

With the rice in the bowl, that pretty face became a little annoyed at this moment and he asked, “Is it really that funny?”

Li Chou sat up straight away, covered his mouth, tried to hold back a smile, and said, “Not anymore.”

Song Zexu let out an “oh” and started picking at the rice in his own bowl.

Li Chou put a piece of braised pork in Song Zexu’s bowl and said, “I’m sorry, it’s all my fault, I should have known that those old men and women were talking so much, yet, I still “spread rumors” about you and caused you so much trouble.”

“It’s not really a problem.” Song Zexu smiled, “It’s not as much trouble as I faced being an actor.”

“c0ckroaches would be thrown inside the takeaway you ordered or you’ll be chased by cars when you went to the set. Even if you and your friends booked the same hotel by coincidence, there will be many rumours of you.” Song Zexu said, “Like me and Bai Lin, we really have nothing to do with each other.”

Bai Lin was the rising actress who was rumored to have an affair with Song Zexu back then.

He paused, then said, “Bai Lin has a lover.”

Li Chou was a little surprised that Song Zexu would explain this to him. He was startled and felt a little sympathetic to Song Zexu’s previous experiences, but his heart also jumped up.

With a little chuckle, he said, “You don’t actually need to explain this to me.”

“It’s okay, I was just chatting and you definitely won’t spread it.” Song Zexu said, “Oh, by the way, do you have any favorite stars?”

Yes, it’s you.

But how could Li Chou dare to say that. This happened when the TV in the living room was showing an advertisement for an actor named Tan Jing, so Li Chou said casually: “I like Tan Jing.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Li Chou saw Song Zexu frowning and an alarm bell went off in his mind. He suddenly remembered that Tan Jing and Song Zexu were rivals.

Right, how did he forget this one?

Li Chou covered his face, cursing in his heart why he was so stupid.

But what he didn’t expect was for Song Zexu to actually say to him: “Then I’ll find him and ask him for an autograph to give you if I have a chance.”

Li Chou was stunned and said “Ah”, a little embarrassed. It was too hard to explain, so he had to say, “Okay.”

At the end, he added another sentence, “Thank you.”

“But.” Song Zexu reminded him with a little worry: “His private life is very chaotic, you should probably stop liking him.”

Li Chou was silent for a while, and said, “I’ll try.”

Song Zexu let out a “Mm” and continued to eat.

10.

On the tenth day of being together with Song Zexu, Li Chou took out the diary he had brought back after getting off from work while Song Zexu was asleep. He placed it in front of the desk and started journaling.

[June 24, 20××, Friday, light rain]

[The weather is not good today, it was raining a lot. I felt a bit cold and was afraid of infecting Song Zexu. After getting off work, I went to the vegetable market to buy a fish and boiled it for a while in the casserole. I filled a bowl of soup for myself and left the fish to Song Zexu.

Song Zexu only ate a little bit. He said he didn’t like fish. I clearly remember that Song Zexu said in an interview that he loves fish the most. It turns out it was fake.

I couldn’t help coughing while washing the dishes and when Song Zexu found out, he brought me a cup of hot water with his own hands and said that I should eat some medicine.

I was a little surprised. Song Zexu was so considerate. I was a little happy. I really wondered if it was a dream.

It’s good to take the medicine for seven days, but not good to take it for more than a week. I don’t like taking medicine, so I only drank the water from Song Zexu in the end.

Song Zexu is really nice, I like him very much.]

On the tenth day of being together with Song Zexu, Li Chou had the opportunity to share the bed with Song Zexu. He closed the diary and put it on the top of the desk.

It would be more convenient for him to take it back to the flower shop the next day, so he took off his shoes and climbed onto the bed gently.

Song Zexu said that he caught a cold because he couldn’t sleep well on the sofa and since he caught colds easily, he should sleep on the bed with him for a quick recovery.

When Li Chou heard Song Zexu say this, his heart almost stopped beating and he asked cautiously, “Is it okay?”

“Why not?” Song Zexu was a little puzzled, “This was originally your bed.”

Li Chou just couldn’t believe that he could have such an opportunity.

Li Chou clutched his chest, he was so lucky.

Because of the rain during the day, there is no moon outside. The shadows of the trees are mottled, with occasionally a gust of wind blows and makes a slight noise.

Song Zexu’s breathing was shallow and he couldn’t sleep well with the light turned off, so Li Chou bought him a small night light. At this time, through the weak light, he could see Song Zexu’s trembling eyelashes in his sleep. He did not know what he dreamed of as he frowned slightly.

Li Chou lay down beside him, listening to his breathing. He gulped and carefully put his hand under the quilt to hold Song Zexu’s hand.

Song Zexu’s hands were slender and thin, with distinct joints to the touch. Li Chou secretly interlocked his fingers. He knew that he might only have this one chance for an hour tonight.

Just let me enjoy it.

My favorite person, he thought.

Please forgive me for being so greedy.

T/N: Hey there! There is plenty more where that came from, so stay tuned! And stay healthy! Straighten your posture, so some stretches and drink some water before continuing hehe~

If you like my translations, feel free to donate to my ko-fi!

I really, really appreciate all the support from my readers <3 It goes a long way and motivates me lots!

https://ko-fi.com/hoenibean

Also, check out the other series we have on HoH!

If you like cats, check out Revenge of the Garfield

If you like dragons, check out I’m Pregnant with the Hope of the Entire Planet and The Dragon and the ‘Princess’

How about some mystery or showbiz? Check out Morbid Addiction & Perfection

What about the perfect, most non-toxic male lead ever? Laws of Love

How about MC nursing ML back to health? Forced into the Deep

Thank you for all your support <3 Leave a comment if you life 🙂 I love reading them!

Chapter 4 – I’ll wait for you on a spring day

September 16, 2023 / hoenibean / 0 Comments

Chapter 4

After Li Chou wrapped up the dried flowers to be sent today, he placed a shipping order in the store. He then put the flowers by the bar and waited for the courier to come.

Afraid that the real flowers would not be fresh when sent to the city, Lin Xiaomin changed all the roses she had ordered into dried flowers.

It will take twenty minutes for the courier to arrive. When he was free, Li Chou turned on the TV and took a diary out from the drawer of the bar.

Li Chou’s memory is not very good and he is particularly forgetful. It’s not a disease, he simply can’t remember things well and he suffers particularly because of this.

When he first opened the store, he lost a lot of money because of this and later developed the habit of writing a diary.

Before meeting Song Zexu, the diary was full of how much money he made every day, what flower seeds he wanted to order the next day, or what kind of flowers the customer ordered, but after discovering Song Zexu, it became what commercials Song Zexu made, what interviews he accepted, and what TV dramas he acted in.

But after he rescued Song Zexu back home, the diary became the first day, the second day, and the third day when he was with Song Zexu…

Today is the seventh day.

Li Chou paused, and wrote in his diary:

[Tuesday, June 21, 20××, sunny]

[Song Zexu still got up very early this morning and woke me up again. He said he wanted to go to the bathroom, so I helped him to the bathroom. As he stood in front of the toilet bowl, he seemed a little embarrassed. I asked him what was wrong, and he said don’t look at me. Only then did I realize that he was shy, so I exited the bathroom and after a while I heard the toilet flushing. He came out of the bathroom a minute later, and said to me: “Sorry for bothering you again.”

I looked at his reddish cheeks, and I was a little lost for a while and said, “It’s okay, it’s time for me to go to work too.”

Song Zexu asked me what time it was.

I glanced at the clock on the wall. It was only four o’clock in the morning, but I was afraid that Song Zexu would feel sorry, so I said, “It’s already seven o’clock, and the sun is already out.”

Song Zexu said “Oh” without any doubt, but I saw that his expression was a little absent-minded. He said after a while: “I have been waiting for you for a long time, even after the sun has gone.”

I was startled, and suddenly thought: “Does Song Zexu want to go back?”

That’s right, he didn’t belong here in the first place, he is a popular celebrity and he always wants to shine on the big screen.

Although I was very disappointed, I still smiled and was about to ask him when he was going to leave, but Song Zexu suddenly said: “But sometimes seeing the sun is not necessarily a good thing.”

I always feel that there is some other meaning in Song Zexu’s words, but I am too ashamed to ask. I am afraid that he will find it too offensive and I am entangled in thinking: What is it?

What do you mean?]

In the diary entry of the seventh day with Song Zexu, Li Chou ended the diary with a question mark. He thought about it and didn’t know when he would get the answer.

The moment the diary was closed, the doorbell rang and the courier came in from the outside and took away the flowers wrapped by Li Chou. At the same time, Li Chou stuffed the diary back into the drawer.

Watermelons are cheap in summer. When the store closed at night, Li Chou went to Aunt Wang next door to buy two small ones. It was time for him to go to the sea again today.

He would eat one first and then go back and bring one for Song Zexu.

The summer in Yunzhen is extremely hot, even if the sea breeze is blowing, it can’t take away the sweltering heat. As the wet and salty sea waves hit the beach, one’s ears would be filled with its whistling sound.

Li Chou’s eyes were fixed on a spot on the beach. Just seven days ago, there was a wounded man lying there. Li Chou couldn’t even imagine that.

As for who that person was, he didn’t even dare think that he could’ve spent so much time with him and for as much as an entire week.

Li Chou closed his eyes and fell back on the reef. The stars in the sea at night were always bright at first glance and half a bright moon hung in the sky. He gently let out a sigh as he suddenly remembered the first time he met Song Zexu.

At that time, Song Zexu’s reputation was not as good as it is now. At that time, he was still a person who had to nod and bow all day to audition for a small web drama.

Li Chou has just opened a flower shop and he had to do many things by himself, such as place order for the flowers he buys, decide on the flower seeds and flower pots he wants to buy.

It is said that the flower varieties in Yunzhen were not diverse, so Li Chou went to the city at that time.

He met Song Zexu who was reciting his lines on the side of the road on the way after shopping for flowers.

Song Zexu was good-looking and tall and he was the type of person who stood out and could be spotted at a glance in the crowd.

As such, Li Chou was fascinated by him all at once.

The city has developed well in recent years, and a film and television set has also been built. Many TV dramas will come here to shoot scenes. Song Zexu seemed to be preparing for an audition that day. At noon, under the sun, he was sweating and reciting his lines.

Maybe it was because he didn’t have time to have a good meal at noon. He put a container of white rice next to himself and when he was hungry, he would take two bites without any water at all.

Li Chou knows that some entertainers in the entertainment industry are very hard-working. He heard that some popular ones perform surgery to cut out half their stomachs in order not to feel hungry or else that they won’t be able to make a movie that lasts more than 20 hours.

Closing his eyes, he had never seen Song Zexu on TV, so he didn’t expect that an unknown artist would do such a thing in private.

Song Zexu seemed to have almost finished memorising it, so he stopped and sat casually on the stone steps beside him. He put the script book upside down on the ground, and suddenly sighed.

After taking a breath, he turned his head and saw Li Chou inadvertently. He smiled and said, “Are you here for the audition too?”

Li Chou looked around and was a little surprised after making sure that he was asking him. He touched his face, shook his head violently and said, “I don’t know. I’m just passing by. There’s no way, after all, I’m so ugly.”

“You’re not ugly.” Song Zexu looked at him, his eyes curved, “An actor does not have to be good-looking, right?”

“You are so good-looking, even if I really auditioned, I would be rejected.” Li Chou walked to him and sat down beside him.

In fact, it’s quite strange. Li Chou is a very bad conversationalist. He doesn’t socialize with others when he can to avoid unnecessary trouble, but that day he really wanted to chat with Song Zexu, maybe because he was the only one who did not dislike his appearance

A connection was made for a short time.

Li Chou asked Song Zexu: “You seem to memorize your lines quickly and act well. Are you a rookie actor who just debuted?”

“No.” Song Zexu shook his head, “I’ve been acting for many years and I’m considered a child star, but I’m just not popular.”

When Song Zexu said this, his eyes suddenly dimmed and he looked very depressed. Thinking about it, he has acted for so many years. If no one knew of him yet, it would be really frustrating.

Li Chou couldn’t empathize with him at that time, but he felt that Song Zexu would definitely be popular. He looked so hard-working, and hoped that his hard work would pay off. After all, dedication will always be rewarded, so he patted Song Zexu on the shoulder and said: “You have worked hard. I believe that one day I will see you on the podium, after you become popular all over the country.”

This is the first time Li Chou encouraged a stranger. He used to be the one who needed to be encouraged.

It is not much, but it is precisely because of his prior experiences that he knows that when a person is frustrated, any words of encouragement will surely comfort the other party at that time.

He didn’t really think that Song Zexu would be so popular one day.

Before the audition that day, Song Zexu thanked Li Chou and said he would try his best to let him see him on the podium.

Later, it seemed that he still did not pass the audition. In fact, that web drama had originally decided on a male lead, however, just to maintain the facade of”fairness”, they had gotten some random people to audition for it.

However, many problems broke out after that drama aired and fortunately Song Zexu did not act in it, otherwise it would be a bad record on his history.

The wind and waves at sea became stronger and Li Chou was snapped out of his memories. He thought, fortunately, Song Zexu’s efforts really paid off.

He also got to witness with his own eyes, him standing on the podium.

T/N: Hey there! There is plenty more where that came from, so stay tuned! And stay healthy! Straighten your posture, so some stretches and drink some water before continuing hehe~

If you like my translations, feel free to donate to my ko-fi!

I really, really appreciate all the support from my readers <3 It goes a long way and motivates me lots!

https://ko-fi.com/hoenibean

Also, check out the other series we have on HoH!

If you like cats, check out Revenge of the Garfield

If you like dragons, check out I’m Pregnant with the Hope of the Entire Planet and The Dragon and the ‘Princess’

How about some mystery or showbiz? Check out Morbid Addiction & Perfection

What about the perfect, most non-toxic male lead ever? Laws of Love

How about MC nursing ML back to health? Forced into the Deep

Thank you for all your support <3 Leave a comment if you life 🙂 I love reading them!

Chapter 20 – Replica

September 15, 2023 / hoenibean / 0 Comments

Chapter 20: The year 203

On New Year’s Day, Tan Xilu didn’t have many classes at school, so he returned to his apartment early. Next door, Lin Changyu’s family was planning to make dumplings, and they sent Lin Xiaozhi out to buy black vinegar.

When Lin Xiaozhi entered his own apartment with a bottle of black vinegar, Tan Xilu had just woken up in the apartment next door.

Perhaps it was because Xu Huaiming had been taking care of him more comfortably since he returned, but whenever he didn’t have to work, he went to bed early and woke up late.

When he got up and dressed, it was already noon. He walked out of the bedroom, and Xu Huaiming was in the bathroom, putting dirty bedsheets into the washing machine.

Seeing a black skirt in the laundry basket, Tan Xilu’s face turned red.

He had bought it a long time ago for fun, but he had only worn it a few times. After buying it, Xu Huaiming had disappeared.

Yesterday, Xu Huaiming found it while cleaning up the house and insisted that he wear it. He couldn’t refuse, so he put it on.

Although Tan Xilu had gained some weight from being fed so well these days, he was still relatively slim. The black skirt fit him perfectly, and he looked incredibly pretty.

Tan Xilu’s memory of that moment was asking Xu Huaiming how he looked after he came out of the room.

Xu Huaiming stared at him in a daze and then smiled. He asked, “Has anyone ever seen you like this before?”

“Hmm?” Tan Xilu was puzzled, blinking, and said, “No.”

“Have I seen you like this before?” he asked again.

Tan Xilu pursed his lips, averted his eyes, and somewhat embarrassedly said, “No.”

Xu Huaiming seemed delighted. He stood up from the soft sofa and walked up to Tan Xilu.

Seeing Xu Huaiming approaching, Tan Xilu became even more embarrassed. He had tried on the skirt once when he first bought it, and he felt strange looking at himself in the mirror. He was clearly a man, but he was wearing a skirt. He didn’t know if Xu Huaiming would like it, but he never had a chance to show it to him.

Xu Huaiming reached out and touched Tan Xilu’s face. In the lamplight, Tan Xilu’s eyes seemed to have stars in them, and he looked beautiful.

Xu Huaiming mumbled that it was okay if he hadn’t, then couldn’t control himself any longer and hugged Tan Xilu into the bedroom.

The black skirt was now too dirty to look at, and Tan Xilu walked over, pointed at it, and said, “Don’t bother washing the skirt. Just throw it away; it’s so dirty.”

Xu Huaiming pressed the start button on the washing machine and turned to Tan Xilu, saying, “It’ll be fine once it’s cleaned.”

Tan Xilu looked at him and said, “I’m not going to wear it again.”

“Then just keep it,” Xu Huaiming said as he walked up to Tan Xilu and kissed his cheek.

Tan Xilu said “oh” and blushed deeply.

Xu Huaiming didn’t cook and planned to go out for dinner with Tan Xilu in the afternoon. He had been researching a lot of dating guides online recently, and the one with the most votes was having a candlelit dinner with your boyfriend or girlfriend.

Tan Xilu changed into a white down jacket, while Xu Huaiming wore a black one. It happened to match, like couple outfits.

When he was zipping up his jacket, someone knocked on the door. Xu Huaiming opened the door, and Lin Changyu stood there with a plate of dumplings. He said, “We made too many dumplings, so we’re giving you some.”

He looked at Tan Xilu who was getting ready and seemed a bit surprised. Then he glanced at Xu Huaiming and asked, “Are you and Teacher Tan going out?”

Xu Huaiming nodded and said, “We’re planning to go out for dinner.”

“In that case, it’s fine. Dumplings can be kept, and we can have them for dinner later,” Lin Changyu smiled and said.

They would also be having the cake he made later in the evening, Xu Huaiming thought. He hesitated whether to accept the dumplings.

“Sure, we’ll put them in the refrigerator for now. Changyu, your cooking skills are great. We’ll heat them up and enjoy them later,” Tan Xilu came over first and placed the plate on the table. He smiled and thanked Lin Changyu, saying, “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” Lin Changyu replied.

He stood by the door without leaving. When Tan Xilu came back from the kitchen, he seemed a little surprised. He looked at Tan Xilu and then at Xu Huaiming, asking, “Do you have a moment, Teacher Tan? I’d like to talk to you about something.”

“Sure, go ahead,” Tan Xilu said.

Lin Changyu looked at Tan Xilu, then suddenly changed his mind, shook his head, and said, “Forget it, Teacher Tan. I’ll talk to you in a few days.”

“Uh,” Tan Xilu was puzzled and wanted to ask further, but Xu Huaiming said, “We’re running out of time. Let’s go.”

Tan Xilu finally remembered that they had booked a restaurant that charged by the hour. He acknowledged and followed Xu Huaiming out the door.

T/N: Hey there! There is plenty more where that came from, so stay tuned! And stay healthy! Straighten your posture, so some stretches and drink some water before continuing hehe~

If you like my translations, feel free to donate to my ko-fi!

I really, really appreciate all the support from my readers <3 It goes a long way and motivates me lots!

https://ko-fi.com/hoenibean

Also, check out the other series we have on HoH!

If you like cats, check out Revenge of the Garfield

If you like dragons, check out I’m Pregnant with the Hope of the Entire Planet and The Dragon and the ‘Princess’

How about some mystery or showbiz? Check out Morbid Addiction & Perfection

What about the perfect, most non-toxic male lead ever? Laws of Love

How about MC nursing ML back to health? Forced into the Deep

Thank you for all your support <3 Leave a comment if you like 🙂 I love reading them!

Chapter 19 – Replica

September 15, 2023 / hoenibean / 0 Comments

Chapter 19: The Lonely Warrior

Tan Xilu had slept until the afternoon again, and when he woke up, it was already dark outside. He hadn’t eaten anything the whole day, and after a few hours of being restless, he was feeling very hungry. He reached out to turn on the bedside lamp.

Perhaps sensing the light in the bedroom, Xu Huaiming, who was outside, walked in and stood at the door, looking at Tan Xilu. He said, “Awake?”

Tan Xilu responded with a soft “Hmm” and added, “I’m hungry.”

Xu Huaiming replied, “I’ve made meatball soup for you. Get up and eat.”

Tan Xilu stretched his hand out, and Xu Huaiming walked over. He gently pulled back the covers that were dr4p3d over Tan Xilu, fastened the buttons on his pajamas, and then lifted him out of bed.

As a boyfriend, Xu Huaiming was more than qualified. He doted on Tan Xilu and had even contemplated proposing. However, as a replica, these actions were expected, and they couldn’t hold onto this person forever.

Tan Xilu went to wash up by himself while Xu Huaiming prepared the meatball soup for him. Xu Huaiming intentionally served extra meatballs in the soup, garnished with some chopped green onions, making it look quite appetizing.

When Tan Xilu came over, Xu Huaiming had already placed the porcelain bowl on the dining table. He handed Tan Xilu a spoon and gently clinked it against the bowl. Tan Xilu sat down, picked up the spoon, and stirred the meatball soup before taking a bite.

The meatballs were juicy, and as Tan Xilu bit into one, hot broth burst into his mouth. He exclaimed, “Hot, hot!” and grimaced, enduring the burning sensation as he swallowed the meatball. Tears welled up in his eyes, and he said, “It’s really hot.”

Xu Huaiming rushed to bring him a glass of water and placed it in front of him. He couldn’t help but remark, “Why are you in such a hurry? There’s no one here to snatch it from you.”

Tan Xilu chuckled and retorted, “You sound just like my mom. She always says I eat too fast.”

Xu Huaiming handed him a tissue and said, “Well, it’s true.”

Tan Xilu wiped his mouth with the tissue and continued, “Because I was often hungry when I was a child.”

Thinking about that woman, Tan Xilu’s expression darkened. “My parents were busy with their careers at the time, so they didn’t have time to take care of me. They hired a nanny for me, but that nanny had her own grandson, whom she favored. So, my childhood was marked by being rarely well-fed. I was too young to talk about it to my parents, and I didn’t understand that it was wrong. It was only as I grew up that I realized it was unfair. However, the nanny had already left by then.”

Childhood traumas can leave deep scars, and that’s why Tan Xilu understood Lin Changyu’s situation so well and felt sympathetic toward him. After the age of ten, his parents, once their careers were more stable, made up for the lost love and care. But Lin Changyu had received none of that.

Tan Xilu was a kind-hearted person, perhaps influenced by his difficult childhood experiences. He couldn’t bear to see others suffering.

Xu Huaiming realized that he didn’t really know Tan Xilu well. In fact, even Seven, the AI replica, didn’t fully understand Tan Xilu. Xu Huaiming felt a pang of sympathy for Tan Xilu and reached out to gently touch his face, saying, “I won’t let you go hungry in the future.”

Tan Xilu, slightly surprised by the touch, smiled and replied, “I’m not a little kid anymore. Why would I let myself go hungry?”

Xu Huaiming chuckled, feeling a bit foolish, and said, “You’re right.”

Why would Tan Xilu go hungry when he had someone like Xu Huaiming by his side? He wasn’t alone anymore, and there were others who cared for him.

With this thought in mind, Xu Huaiming released his hand from where he had been touching Tan Xilu’s face.

On New Year’s Eve, Qin Sizhe was finally getting discharged from the hospital. After a hundred days of recuperation following his bone and muscle injuries, he could now go home and continue his recovery. Tan Xilu visited the hospital, and Qin Sizhe had just gotten out of bed, with his mother helping him arrange the bedding.

Seeing Tan Xilu, Qin Sizhe smiled and said, “Teacher Tan.”

Tan Xilu nodded and asked, “Is your leg not hurting anymore?”

“It’s okay, as long as I don’t move too much,” Qin Sizhe replied.

Qin Sizhe’s mother, upon seeing Tan Xilu, greeted him with a warm smile and said, “Teacher Tan, you’ve come! Last time, when my husband and I visited, we didn’t properly host you. I heard from his uncle that Sīzhé always causes trouble. I’m afraid he’s been quite a handful for you.”

Tan Xilu politely responded, “Not at all. Sīzhé is quite obedient.”

Qin Sizhe’s mother chuckled and said, “Oh my, I still have some apples. Let me wash them for you.” She bent down to pick up some apples.

“No need, really,” Tan Xilu quickly waved his hand.

“But I insist,” Mrs. Qín said.

“Just call me Mom,” Qin Sizhe said, “she’s free.”

“You’re quite the character,” Tan Xilu teased.

“Exactly, I’m free,” Mrs. Qín laughed.

Mrs. Qín was a warm-hearted person, and her son, Qin Sizhe, took after her. Tan Xilu remembered the first time he met Qin Sizhe. In their class, there was a girl who wasn’t particularly attractive, and sometimes she would be teased by the boys in the class. Since they were all adults, they didn’t resort to telling the teacher, and most people adopted an “it’s not my business” attitude. However, Qin Sizhe was different. Perhaps because he and the girl were from the same high school, he had gone to confirm the situation and, after receiving confirmation, had beaten up those boys.

When he explained it to the class advisor, he said, “A group of guys bullying a girl, no backbone.”

Of course, he received criticism for his actions, but Tan Xilu, who happened to be listening in the office at the time, couldn’t help but smile. Qin Sizhe was right; those boys had no backbone.

But he, Qin Sizhe, had plenty.

Unfortunately, this brave and kind-hearted boy had fallen for someone who was very straight.

Tan Xilu thought it was Mrs. Qín returning after washing the apples, but he was surprised to see someone unexpected entering the room.

It seemed that Chi Yexing had arrived in a hurry, looking disheveled. Upon entering, he first noticed Tan Xilu and frowned slightly before shifting his gaze to Qin Sizhe.

He looked at Qin Sizhe’s tightly wrapped leg and hesitated for a moment before speaking, “I heard from Uncle Qín that you’re getting discharged today.”

Qin Sizhe didn’t raise his eyes to look at him and remained silent.

Chi Yexing then turned to Tan Xilu and said, “Teacher Tan, could you step outside for a moment? I’d like to talk to Sīzhé.”

“Sure,” Tan Xilu replied and walked out of the room.

Standing outside the hospital room, Tan Xilu realized it was New Year’s Eve, and many family members had come to visit patients. The hospital was bustling with activity.

Inside the room, an argument seemed to have broken out. Tan Xilu heard the sound of something being thrown, followed by the rustling of curtains. After a while, Chi Yexing emerged from the room.

He appeared to be in a bad mood, walking briskly. Tan Xilu said, “Oh,” but Chi Yexing didn’t stop. He was walking too fast for Tan Xilu to call him back. Puzzled, Tan Xilu walked back into the room.

Inside, he saw Qin Sizhe lying on the floor, his lips bruised and bleeding as if he had been bitten. When he noticed Tan Xilu entering, he looked up at him, licked the wound on his lips, and laughed, a pitiful smile that was more like a cry.

“T-Teacher Tan, I kissed him forcibly.”

He paused for a moment and added, “We’re finished. We really have no chance.”

T/N: Hey there! There is plenty more where that came from, so stay tuned! And stay healthy! Straighten your posture, so some stretches and drink some water before continuing hehe~

If you like my translations, feel free to donate to my ko-fi!

I really, really appreciate all the support from my readers <3 It goes a long way and motivates me lots!

https://ko-fi.com/hoenibean

Also, check out the other series we have on HoH!

If you like cats, check out Revenge of the Garfield

If you like dragons, check out I’m Pregnant with the Hope of the Entire Planet and The Dragon and the ‘Princess’

How about some mystery or showbiz? Check out Morbid Addiction & Perfection

What about the perfect, most non-toxic male lead ever? Laws of Love

How about MC nursing ML back to health? Forced into the Deep

Thank you for all your support <3 Leave a comment if you like 🙂 I love reading them!

Chapter 3 – I’ll wait for you on a spring day

September 15, 2023 / hoenibean / 0 Comments

Chapter 3

When he returned to the apartment, Song Zexu was standing in front of the balcony. The evening sun was just right and his back was facing Li Chou. As if he heard the door knock, he

moved a little and asked in a low voice, “Are you back?”

Li Chou nodded at first, but then realized that Song Zexu couldn’t see him, so he responded and asked, “You’re probably hungry, right? What do you want to eat?”

Song Zexu didn’t answer this question. He turned around, put one hand on the balcony door, and took two steps forward, lest he bump into it. Li Chou walked over to help him but the moment his fingertips touched the other’s arm, he was avoided.

Song Zexu shook his head and said, “I can walk on my own.”

To prove that he can do it, although he walked slowly, he did finally reach the sofa.

Song Zexu sat down and said, “Can you make noodles?”

“Yes.” Li Chou replied, “Would you like clear-broth noodles?”

Song Zexu nodded.

Li Chou was still holding the bouquet of roses in his hand. He separated the roses and put them in the vase on the coffee table.

Song Zexu also smelled the strong fragrance of flowers. He sniffed and said, “There are flowers today.”

Li Chou gave a “Mm” and said, “The roses haven’t found a home yet.”

In fact, because the price of roses is high, they are usually hard to sell. Li Chou knows that Song Zexu likes roses, so he brought a bunch back today to coax him with it. Seems like his idea really succeeded and Song Zexu liked it very much.

Li Chou smiled and walked into the kitchen.

Li Chou rarely had any memories of home. His parents only kept this apartment. Before he was sixteen, he lived with his uncle in the next city. His cousin was getting married so it was not suitable for him to live together with them anymore, so he went back to Yunzhen.

Li Chou’s academic performance was not very good. He knows that he is not good at studying. After returning to Yunzhen, he opened a flower shop. His business is good and his flower shop could maintain its own livelihood.

Before, he didn’t know how to cook, as he suddenly came back. He asked his aunt on the phone how to get some ingredients and his aunt also carefully told him.

Fortunately, although Li Chou’s life experience is pitiful, it is not as miserable as most protagonists in novels. Although his parents died young, his uncles and aunts were very good.

They loved him dearly and called him several times to ask him to go back after he moved but Li Chou declined their offers because he didn’t want to bother their family anymore.

The clear soup noodle recipe was taught to him by his aunt. His aunt likes to prepare the soup base with fried eggs. She said that the soup base is rich in protein and will be more delicious and fragrant with this method.

Li Chou fried an egg before adding it into some boiling soup. It is better to use thin noodles for clear broth noodles.

Li Chou heard in an interview on the show that Song Zexu likes to eat light food, so there are not many soup base ingredients that fit this criteria.

He added a little chopped green onions and then put the fried egg into Song Zexu’s bowl.

Li Chou usually cooks one portion, but as there are now two people, he wasn’t able to control the portion amount and always either cooked too much or too little.

Song Zexu took a bite of the fried egg and suddenly thought of something. He asked Li Chou, “Do you like flowers very much?”

Li Chou stuffed a mouthful of noodles into his mouth, chewed twice and replied, “Yes, flowers are very beautiful.”

Song Zexu nodded and said, “There are so many flowers in your house. I can always smell the fragrance of all kinds of flowers. Is it a hobby? Or…”

For some reason, Li Chou felt a little shame from these words. He lowered his eyes, fiddled with the noodles in the bowl and explained carefully:

“I opened a flower shop, because I want to sell flowers in this life, so I can be beautiful in my next life. I am too ugly, so I want to accumulate some blessings and look better in my next life.”

As soon as he finished speaking, he heard Song Zexu laugh. He looked up and saw Song Zexu raised the corners of his lips: “What is the sense in that nonsense?”

Li Chou was stunned and immediately lowered his head. His face turned red and he began to feel shy. Of course a good-looking person would not have such thoughts, but he is ugly.

Li Chou’s voice became very soft, as if rebutting, but he had no strength and no sense of threat: “It’s not nonsense, it’s just wishful thinking…”

Song Zexu also knew that he might have hurt Li Chou’s, so he became serious and said seriously: “But I think you must be a good looking person. “

As if he was afraid that Li Chou would not believe him, he looked at Li Chou and said firmly, “Really.”

Li Chou looked at Song Zexu. Because the other party couldn’t see him, he didn’t even know where he was. He was facing the refrigerator door with a very affectionate expression.

His perseverance made Li Chou smile, and he said, “I believe you.”

It’s now summer school holiday, and the streets were a little noisy. Li Chou’s flower shop is open directly opposite a middle school and some children who fall in love early always like to come and buy bouquets of flowers for their girlfriends before then going home together. At this time, Li Chou’s flower shop business improved.

After Li Chou sent away the last child who bought flowers from him, he welcomed the distraught Lin Xiaomin.

Speaking of Lin Xiaomin, some time ago she went on a date with that teacher all day long and her whole soul was stolen so she booked two gifts to be made by Li Chou.

After praising the red roses, she booked another month’s worth of gypsophila.

Li Chou asked her worriedly at the time: “The teacher really likes flowers so much? Where did he put them when you gave him so many flowers? In the end, did he not throw them away?”

Unexpectedly, Lin Xiaomin said indifferently: “He distributed the flowers to the students and let them make dried flower bookmarks.”

Li Chou: “…”

That was not a waste, but this person was really rich and Li Chou could earn enough money from her pocket this month and it would be enough for his expenditures the next month too.

Lin Xiaomin lay prone in front of the bar and sighed deeply.

Li Chou was busy wrapping flowers and ignored her.

The elder lady sighed again and deliberately said “Oi”.

Li Chou didn’t look at her.

Lin Xiaomin was dissatisfied and walked up to Li Chou casually. She said, “Brother Chou, I feel sad.”

Then Li Chou raised his eyes to look at her and asked, “What’s the matter?”

Lin Xiaomin wrinkled her face and cried: “The teacher is going back for summer vacation. He has to be a tutor there and will not stay in Yunzhen. I have to bear with it without him for two whole months.”

Lin Xiaomin grabbed Li Chou’s arm: “Brother Chou, what do you think I should do?”

Before Li Chou could speak, she said again: “Do you think I should go to the city to look for him if I miss him? I can’t stop thinking about him.”

Li Chou pursed his lips. He felt that Lin Xiaomin was too proactive. Although people who fall in love are like this, liking each other is more important. Li Chou thinks that one-sided love is not good and this love will become unbalanced. She may not be rewarded even if she sacrifices a lot.

But he couldn’t tell Lin Xiaomin at this time. The girl was very much in love. He could only comfort her and say, “Then you have to restrain your love a little bit.”

He didn’t dare to ask those words: “Why do you have to go to him instead of him to you?”

“Hey, how about this?” Lin Xiaomin suddenly thought of something, and she asked Li Chou: “Brother Chou, can you send these flowers to the city?”

Li Chou was taken aback, then looked at Lin Xiaomin, his eyes widened: “Lin Xiaomin, you don’t mean to…”

“Yes.” Lin Xiaomin clapped her hands, “The teacher likes the flowers from your shop very much. I’ll send a bouquet to him every day. When the teacher sees the flowers, he will

think of me.”

Li Chou: “…”

T/N: Hey there! There is plenty more where that came from, so stay tuned! And stay healthy! Straighten your posture, so some stretches and drink some water before continuing hehe~

If you like my translations, feel free to donate to my ko-fi!

I really, really appreciate all the support from my readers <3 It goes a long way and motivates me lots!

https://ko-fi.com/hoenibean

Also, check out the other series we have on HoH!

If you like cats, check out Revenge of the Garfield

If you like dragons, check out I’m Pregnant with the Hope of the Entire Planet and The Dragon and the ‘Princess’

How about some mystery or showbiz? Check out Morbid Addiction & Perfection

What about the perfect, most non-toxic male lead ever? Laws of Love

How about MC nursing ML back to health? Forced into the Deep

Thank you for all your support <3 Leave a comment if you life 🙂 I love reading them!

Chapter 58 – Who Says Omegas Can’t be as Explosive as Alphas

September 15, 2023 / hoenibean / 0 Comments

Chapter 58

In the afternoon, during the theory class, there was an in-class exam. As expected, Lu Jingning found that he didn’t recognize any of the questions. Fortunately, Wen Xingchen was there to help, and they managed to fill in the exam paper.

As for the results, it was not something he needed to worry about. As long as he passed, he would be satisfied. Having settled the matter at hand, he left the classroom feeling refreshed and arranged to meet Wen Xingchen at the school gate.

When Jian Luan passed by, he overheard their conversation and curiously approached them, “What? Are you guys going out to eat? When? Why didn’t you take me along?”

Before Lu Jingning could even say “get lost,” Wen Xingchen calmly curved his lips and said, “Take you along? Hasn’t that girl you were trying to flirt with been waiting for you near the school gate recently?”

Jian Luan’s neck immediately shrank, “You guys go, you guys go! My life is more important!”

Lu Jingning couldn’t help but laugh upon hearing this. Suddenly, he became curious and asked, “How are you so good at pursuing Omegas? Do you have any secrets?”

Jian Luan, with an imposing manner, began to elaborate, “It’s a complex art! First of all, you need to…”

Before he could finish, Wen Xingchen raised his leg and kicked him without hesitation. “Look, who’s coming?”

Jian Luan looked up and was taken aback by the imposing figure approaching. He immediately turned and ran, calling out as he fled, “Lu Bro, I’ll teach you some other time!”

Wen Xingchen didn’t even lift an eyelid. “Another time? Ha, can’t let you corrupt the youngsters.”

Though Lu Jingning felt somewhat regretful that Jian Luan ran off like that, there was nothing he could do but head back to his dormitory.

Before leaving, he reminded Wen Xingchen, “We agreed on a time, don’t be late.”

Wen Xingchen replied, “I won’t.”

With that assurance, Lu Jingning felt at ease.

Back in his dormitory, he leisurely took out the collection of tips he had found earlier. Today marked the first step in pursuing Wen Xingchen, and the outcome depended on what he did next.

Having already made a selection, Lu Jingning chose a post that seemed to be highly regarded based on the feedback from various netizens on Star Network. The comments were mostly as follows:

– “Thanks to the poster, I finally got together with my sweetheart!”

– “The poster is amazing! I followed the tips, and they really work!”

– “We registered our marriage on the day of the confession. It’s true!”

– “Confirmed through eye contact, this is the post I needed!”

After thoroughly verifying numerous five-star reviews, Lu Jingning finally felt confident as he focused his attention on the first item in the collection of tips:

“To all the wonderful Omegas, please never believe any Alpha who only speaks of loving your inner qualities. The first impression all Alphas have when selecting a partner is based on visual impact. A beautiful Omega that appeals to their aesthetic preferences will undoubtedly capture their hearts more easily. So, before pursuing an Alpha, you must improve your appearance. Naturally, natural looks are important, but grooming and attire are also essential. Please display your best appearance in front of him, especially during your dates.”

After reading it, Lu Jingning pondered for a moment and silently turned and walked into the bathroom.

When Yan Hebin returned from class, he was surprised to see someone standing in front of the mirror. He couldn’t help but show a rare expression of astonishment, “What are you…”

Lu Jingning adjusted his splendid outfit and turned to him, flashing a bright smile, “Yan Hebin, you’ve come back at just the right time. Tell me, how do I look in this outfit?”

Yan Hebin remained silent for a moment before commenting, “Quite distinctive.”

Lu Jingning took this comment as approval and left feeling satisfied. Before leaving, he playfully blew a kiss and said, “I’ve made plans with someone today, so don’t wait for me for dinner.”

“…”

Yan Hebin watched quietly as the dormitory door closed, and after a while, he belatedly tugged at the corner of his mouth.

Was this flamboyant attire only for dinner or to seduce someone?

…

After school, the temporary campus gate was bustling with people. Over time, everyone seemed to have gradually emerged from the shadow of the pirate attack.

From afar, a tall figure stood at the station outside the school gate. Wen Xingchen wore a loose black jacket, hands in his pockets, leaning against the billboard.

Even with such a relatively still posture, he still caught the attention of passersby, causing them to occasionally stop and take a second look. A few Omegas even blushed as they approached him to strike up a conversation, only to be met with indifference and shyly run away, their faces even redder.

Just as Lu Jingning arrived, he witnessed this scene. Raising an eyebrow, he walked over.

When it came to drawing attention, he was no less impressive than Wen Xingchen. With today’s eye-catching outfit, he was like the brightest star in the night sky, gathering all the attention as he walked from the dormitory to the school gate.

At this point, there were at least twenty pairs of eyes fixed on Wen Xingchen. He looked up and unexpectedly found a flamboyant peac0ck strutting confidently towards him.

Wen Xingchen: “…………”

Lu Jingning had intended to tease this attention-seeking guy when he saw him looking somewhat stunned. He felt even more satisfied with the collection of tips he had collected and smiled playfully, asking, “What’s wrong? Do I look that good?”

Wen Xingchen: “You do look good, but…”

After hesitating for a while, he seemed unable to find the right words and finally asked, “Are you really planning to go to dinner like this?”

Lu Jingning: “What do you think? Surprised?”

Wen Xingchen’s gaze traveled up and down Lu Jingning’s outfit. “It’s definitely surprising.”

Lu Jingning wore a white-based fashionable suit that seemed to be meticulously tailored to enhance his charm. The pink ribbon at the collar added a touch of playfulness. Intricate gold lace adorned the outfit with scattered gemstones, exuding a sense of trendy fashion. It was more like a costume for a palace performance on stage than formal attire for a dinner party, attracting all the attention.

If he were to walk into a restaurant like this, he’d probably be mistaken for an entertainer.

He wasn’t sure where Lu Jingning had found such an eye-catching outfit, but it had an inexplicable appropriateness.

It was as if they had magnified his most dazzling side to the extreme, crowned by a small round hat adorned with colorful feathers, fully showcasing his brilliance.

Despite considering himself composed, Wen Xingchen couldn’t help but be drawn in by the sight. Not to mention others who were also stopping and staring at Lu Jingning.

Normally, Wen Xingchen wouldn’t mind the attention focused on him, but he noticed the occasional glances directed at Lu Jingning, which made his brow slightly furrow.

Before Lu Jingning could speak again, Wen Xingchen had already taken off his own coat and dr4p3d it over the oblivious Lu Jingning. He made sure to zip it up securely.

It was as if he wanted to use this solid black coat to conceal all the dazzling aspects of Lu Jingning from everyone’s sight, leaving only himself to witness.

Lu Jingning: “???”

Wen Xingchen paid no attention to his questioning gaze and said nonchalantly, “Let’s go, time for dinner.”

…

While they were seated at the restaurant, Lu Jingning couldn’t help glancing at the all-black coat he was now wearing, and he fell into contemplation.

Weren’t you amazed just now? Why cover him up like this? Could it be that these strategies don’t work on Wen Xingchen?

Feeling doubtful, he quickly browsed through the tips once again while Wen Xingchen was ordering.

Rule #2 for pursuing an Alpha: Be gentle and delicate, maximize the advantages of being an Omega, and never use foul language or anything of that sort. Always present yourself as a charming, lovable, and irresistibly cute little sweetheart.

Lu Jingning: “……”

To be honest, this rule was a bit challenging for him.

Just as he was contemplating and preparing his approach, he suddenly heard Wen Xingchen asking, “I’ve already ordered a few dishes. Take a look and see if you want to add something.”

Lu Jingning looked at the menu, and the dishes Wen Xingchen had chosen were almost exactly what he liked. There was nothing left to add. He said, “Then let’s have some c0cktails. I heard the c0cktails here are excellent.”

Wen Xingchen didn’t even hesitate and outright refused, “No.”

Lu Jingning frowned, “Why not? Even Yu Qingcang recommended this place, saying the c0cktails are fantastic.”

Wen Xingchen: “Do you want me to list all the heroic acts you’ve done after drinking alcohol?”

Lu Jingning: “……”

He didn’t need a list to know how mischievous and provoking he could become after getting drunk, not to mention constantly tempting someone to commit crimes.

Let’s not even talk about that; he was still trying to make up for the last mistake he had just made.

However, even though he knew all the reasons, he couldn’t help but struggle a little, “I promise, I won’t drink much today.”

Wen Xingchen: “No.”

Lu Jingning: “I fuc–“

He stopped halfway through his sentence, suddenly recalling Rule #2. He held back the profanity and took a deep breath.

Seeing Lu Jingning’s abrupt silence, Wen Xingchen looked at him curiously, wondering what he was up to. But what he saw was Lu Jingning wearing the warmest, most tender smile he had ever seen.

In this momentous change of attitude, even Wen Xingchen, with all his calculations, couldn’t help but be slightly stunned.

In the next second, Lu Jingning reached out and held onto Wen Xingchen’s collar, his voice low and soft, “Wen-ge[/mfn]A coquettish way to call someone.[/mfn], I’ll just order one glass.”

Wen Xingchen: “……”

Seeing Lu Jingning’s entire demeanor change, Wen Xingchen was almost rendered speechless. For a moment, he almost gave in to him entirely. He felt like as long as this person called him “Wen-ge” softly, he would be willing to give him anything, go all out, without considering any consequences.

T/N: Hey there! There is plenty more where that came from, so stay tuned! And stay healthy! Straighten your posture, so some stretches and drink some water before continuing hehe~

If you like my translations, feel free to donate to my ko-fi!

I really, really appreciate all the support from my readers <3 It goes a long way and motivates me lots!

https://ko-fi.com/hoenibean

Also, check out the other series we have on HoH!

If you like cats, check out Revenge of the Garfield

If you like dragons, check out I’m Pregnant with the Hope of the Entire Planet and The Dragon and the ‘Princess’

How about some mystery or showbiz? Check out Morbid Addiction & Perfection

What about the perfect, most non-toxic male lead ever? Laws of Love

How about MC nursing ML back to health? Forced into the Deep

Thank you for all your support <3 Leave a comment if you life 🙂 I love reading them!

Chapter 18 – Replica

September 14, 2023 / hoenibean / 0 Comments

Chapter 18: Mound of Devotion

Xu Huaiming had a good biological clock and woke up at six in the morning.

Perhaps because he had eaten and drunk his fill at the restaurant the day before, Tan Xilu had gone straight to bed and slept without waking up.

Christmas fell on a weekend, and following Tan Xilu’s law of weekends, he wouldn’t wake up before eleven.

After waking up, Xu Huaiming made a simple breakfast in the kitchen and then sat on the couch, reading a book for a while. When the clock pointed to nine, he got up, ready to leave.

He arrived at the entrance of the laboratory by bus at half-past nine. Since one of the lab’s projects had just ended yesterday, the professor had given the students a day off, as it was a weekend. When Xu Huaiming entered the lab, only Professor Bowen and Little A were present.

Professor Bowen was busy making coffee, and the lab was filled with the strong aroma of bitterness. Little A lay on the ground, panting with its tongue out.

Hearing Xu Huaiming’s footsteps, Little A perked up and ran over as soon as it saw him.

Xu Huaiming crouched down and petted Little A’s fur, which had become rough due to not being groomed for a long time. It seemed that it had been a while since it had last been brushed.

Professor Bowen was the kind of person who could easily get lost in his work and forget everything else. There was even one time when he hadn’t left the lab for three days. Xu Huaiming wondered just how long it had been since he last left to make Little A’s fur so rough.

“Isn’t it still less than a month? Why are you here for maintenance again?” Professor Bowen poured himself a cup of coffee, adding milk. He was someone who enjoyed the finer things in life and was quite indulgent. Otherwise, who would install a coffee machine in a laboratory like this?

He stirred the coffee with a spoon and looked up at Xu Huaiming. “Or is there a problem with your emotions again?”

Xu Huaiming hesitated for a moment, seeming a bit regretful. He spoke with uncertainty, “I feel like I’ve been acting strangely lately.”

Looking at Professor Bon, Xu Huaiming confessed, “I saw a video of him with another man, and it hurt me, it made me feel really sad. I know I shouldn’t be angry, he deserves to be happy, but I can’t help feeling reluctant to let go.”

“Do you… do you think I’ve fallen for him?” Xu Huaiming asked, his voice trembling.

Professor Bowen raised an eyebrow and looked at him. “Have you fallen in love with him?”

Xu Huaiming hesitated for a moment, then shook his head with uncertainty.

Seeing Xu Huaiming’s expression, Professor Bowen understood. He smiled and said, “Actually, no. 7 consulted me once. He asked me what to do if he fell in love with a human. I told him it’s difficult because, for an AI, having emotions like love is challenging. If he falls in love with someone, it’s likely due to a programming issue. I made a great effort to restore his program, but unfortunately, maybe that unrequited love in his program was too overwhelming. His program didn’t recover, and as you know, his destiny was destruction.”

“As for you… you’re like a replica of him in terms of emotions. Have you fallen in love with that human? Actually, you can’t be sure of yourself. Why is that? Because no. 7 copied you, and in your system, the senses are the most sensitive. You feel sad when you see him with someone else because your program subtly suggests that you should love him. Regardless of the outcome, whether he falls in love with someone else and you part ways or you stay together for a very long time, it doesn’t matter. Right now, you’re like a human, you have emotions, and you naturally feel pain. But you need to understand, you’re an AI, not a real human.”

In other words, all this pain was just an illusion.

The dog barked twice, and it bit at Xu Huaiming’s pants, as if trying to wake him up.

After pondering for a moment, Xu Huaiming said, “I understand.”

“Good that you’ve figured it out. You have to realize that you can never truly fall in love with a human. Everything you think you feel is fake,” the professor said, taking a sip of his coffee without sugar, giving it a bitter taste.

Xu Huaiming nodded. He had been convinced by the professor. Yes, how could he possibly love Tan Xilu? It was all fake.

After coming to terms with it, Xu Huaiming’s bad mood from the previous night seemed to have dissipated. When he left the laboratory, he felt much better, and in the laboratory’s lobby, he could hear the sound of flowing water from a fountain.

In the center of the lobby, there was a golden toad, and the fountain water flowed from its mouth. Xu Huaiming stopped in his tracks, paused for a moment, and walked toward the fountain.

The fountain pool was filled with coins, although everyone in the research institute believed in science, occasionally they still had some superstitions, thinking that tossing a coin in the fountain would bring wealth.

Xu Huaiming had no desire for wealth. He took a moment to think and then took out a red velvet box from his pocket. The ring that was originally hidden in the cake was probably no longer of use. It had been in the cake for quite some time, and it still carried the sweet scent of cream.

With a “splash,” Xu Huaiming tossed the ring into the pool.

Since Tan Xilu would have better options, there was no need for surprises or anything else.

Xu Huaiming turned to leave, but after a few steps, he seemed to think of something. He sighed, and in the end, he turned back and stepped into the water to retrieve the ring.

He was still somewhat reluctant.

After picking up the ring, Xu Huaiming finally left, perhaps because the water had made his system less sensitive, and he didn’t even notice that someone was watching him from behind.

Tan Xilu was still sleeping when he heard footsteps outside, followed by the sound of a door opening and closing, and then the splashing of water.

He turned over, covering his ears with the blanket, but still found it somewhat annoying. Finally, he shouted, “Xu Huaiming, you’re so noisy.”

Outside, there was some muffled response, which Tan Xilu couldn’t quite make out. Ten minutes later, the bedroom door opened again.

The blanket was pulled away, and Tan Xilu heard Xu Huaiming’s voice, “Aren’t you getting up yet?”

Tan Xilu was feeling a bit grumpy, so he tugged the blanket and grunted.

“It’s almost lunchtime, and you’re still in bed,” Xu Huaiming said, pinching Tan Xilu’s nose.

Xu Huaiming had just taken a shower, and his hands were still slightly damp. Tan Xilu initially felt a chill, and then his nose got blocked. He felt uncomfortable as Xu Huaiming pinched his nose, so he reluctantly opened his eyes.

Tan Xilu had always found Xu Huaiming attractive. The first time he saw him, even though his clothes were stained, he remained composed. Instead of blaming Tan Xilu, he offered to buy him a new one. Such a gentle and considerate man was hard not to like.

Seeing Xu Huaiming right after a shower still made Tan Xilu’s heart skip a beat.

“Why are you showering so early in the morning?” Tan Xilu sat up in bed. “Aren’t you afraid of getting cold?”

“I accidentally stepped in a puddle when I went out, got myself wet, and I was afraid you’d find me dirty. So, I wanted to take a shower when I got back,” Xu Huaiming explained.

“Nonsense, who would find you dirty?” Tan Xilu beckoned to Xu Huaiming, motioning for him to come closer.

Xu Huaiming instinctively leaned closer; he wouldn’t refuse any of Tan Xilu’s requests. Tan Xilu reached out, grabbing the back of Xu Huaiming’s neck, and then straddled him on the bed.

He gazed at Xu Huaiming with a mischievous smile and said, “We owe each other from yesterday, how about we make up for it in broad daylight today?”

Xu Huaiming hesitated for a moment but then met Tan Xilu’s lips with his own.

“Your wish is my command,” he whispered.

T/N: Hey there! There is plenty more where that came from, so stay tuned! And stay healthy! Straighten your posture, so some stretches and drink some water before continuing hehe~

If you like my translations, feel free to donate to my ko-fi!

I really, really appreciate all the support from my readers <3 It goes a long way and motivates me lots!

https://ko-fi.com/hoenibean

Also, check out the other series we have on HoH!

If you like cats, check out Revenge of the Garfield

If you like dragons, check out I’m Pregnant with the Hope of the Entire Planet and The Dragon and the ‘Princess’

How about some mystery or showbiz? Check out Morbid Addiction & Perfection

What about the perfect, most non-toxic male lead ever? Laws of Love

How about MC nursing ML back to health? Forced into the Deep

Thank you for all your support <3 Leave a comment if you like 🙂 I love reading them!

Chapter 17 – Replica

September 14, 2023 / hoenibean / 0 Comments

Chapter 17: Bitter Coffee

As soon as Tan Xilu left the house, he received a call from his mother.

His mother seemed to be in a good mood, and her voice on the phone was filled with a smile. “Xiao Lu, today is Christmas Eve.”

Tan Xilu knew that his mother wouldn’t just call to talk about Christmas; there had to be more to it. His mother wasn’t particularly fond of celebrating holidays for no reason.

As expected, in the next moment, his mother said, “Many young couples spend Christmas Eve together. I saw it on my friends’ social media. Some of my students even went to couple’s restaurants. I’ve reserved a table for you and Xiaoli. It’s a great opportunity to strengthen your relationship.”

Tan Xilu sighed and said, “Mom, you don’t need to worry about this. Xiaoli and I have only met a few times, and we’re not a good match.”

“At first, your father and I didn’t think we were a good match either, but now we’ve been happily married for decades,” his mother replied. She then turned to his father, who was reading a newspaper on the balcony, and rolled her eyes. “Relationships require compromise.”

Tan Xilu locked the door behind him as he descended the stairs and said, “It’s not about compromise or not. From the beginning, I didn’t really like him.”

Tan Xilu wasn’t just saying this to appease his mother; he genuinely didn’t like Li Zhao. His instincts were usually spot on, and when he first met Li Zhao, he had a bad feeling about him. Li Zhao’s smooth-talking and the disrespectful things he had said on their very first meeting had made Tan Xilu uncomfortable.

“Li Zhao seems nice. Why don’t you like him? Just meet him once, and maybe this time you’ll feel differently,” Tan Xilu’s mother urged.

“Mom… I actually…” Tan Xilu’s words were cut short as he spotted Li Zhao standing at the entrance of the building. Li Zhao was dressed casually today, in a white hoodie paired with black pants. He looked more youthful compared to their first meeting, and this sudden change in appearance reminded Tan Xilu of when he first met Xu Huaiming.

Back then, Tan Xilu had just bought a cake from the shop. Due to holiday promotions, the shop was crowded with customers. As he was leaving the shop, someone accidentally pushed him, and he stumbled forward, expecting to fall to the ground. To his surprise, he fell into warm arms instead.

The other person made a muffled sound, indicating that the collision had not been gentle.

Embarrassed, Tan Xilu looked up to see the person’s face, and he was unexpectedly good-looking. However, the person was frowning and staring at Tan Xilu’s clothes.

Tan Xilu then followed the person’s gaze and realized that the cake had fallen out of its box during the collision. Most of the cream had smudged onto his white hoodie, mixed with fruit pieces.

“Sorry, I’m really sorry,” Tan Xilu blushed immediately.

“It’s okay,” the person helped him up and checked his pockets before asking somewhat awkwardly, “Do you have any paper?”

Tan Xilu responded with an “Ah” and quickly took out some tissues from his pocket.

The person’s voice was also pleasant to the ears, and that was Tan Xilu’s first impression at the time.

Back then, Tan Xilu had never imagined that a few months later, he would hear this person’s breath in bed.

At that time, Xu Huaiming had also been dressed in a white hoodie and black pants. However, his demeanor was completely different from the impression Li Zhao gave. Xu Huaiming always seemed serious and unapproachable, exuding an air of aloofness. Tan Xilu thought that it was because of this that Xu Huaiming had few friends.

But both of them had introverted personalities, which seemed to match well.

On the phone, Tan Xilu’s mother continued, “I’ve already asked Li Zhao to wait downstairs for you. I’ve even reserved a restaurant, and it cost me quite a bit. You must go today.”

At this moment, Li Zhao also saw Tan Xilu coming downstairs and walked over.

When he reached Tan Xilu, he suddenly pulled out a bouquet of flowers from behind his back and said with a smile, “Merry Christmas!”

Tan Xilu frowned at him and responded with an “Hmm” into the phone before saying, “Alright, Mom, I got it.”

Tan Xilu put his phone back into his pocket but didn’t take the bouquet.

“Why are you here?” Tan Xilu’s tone was somewhat unfriendly.

“My aunt asked me to come,” Li Zhao replied, holding the bouquet, walking alongside Tan Xilu. “She called me and said she had reserved a restaurant for us, and she wanted me to take the initiative to invite you for dinner to build our relationship.”

Tan Xilu massaged his temples, feeling a headache coming on. “Don’t you know I have a partner? And yet, you’re here because my mom told you to?”

“What’s the big deal? I’m genuinely interested in you,” Li Zhao said with a smile, glancing at Tan Xilu. “I mean, why don’t you break up with that person and be with me instead?”

Tan Xilu immediately gave him a stern look and said, “Give it up. I won’t break up with him.”

“I was just kidding,” Li Zhao chuckled. “Come on, be a little lenient. Join me for a meal first. I heard the restaurant my aunt booked is quite expensive. We can’t let her money go to waste, can we?”

“Maximum of two hours,” Tan Xilu hesitated and then extended two fingers. “No longer than that.”

“Deal,” Li Zhao agreed with a smile.

When Xu Huaiming called, Li Zhao’s cake had just been delivered to the table. Li Zhao picked up a fork and pushed the cake toward Tan Xilu, who nodded in thanks before answering the phone.

Tan Xilu was worried that Xu Huaiming would jump to conclusions if he knew he was meeting someone for an arranged date, so he quickly made up a lie about being busy with school. Fortunately, Xu Huaiming didn’t seem suspicious, but before he could finish the conversation, the call was abruptly disconnected. Tan Xilu checked his phone and realized it had run out of battery and turned off.

“This cake is the best-selling item at the restaurant. My aunt said you love cakes, so I ordered this for you. Give it a try. How does it taste?” Li Zhao said.

“Thank you,” Tan Xilu replied. He put his phone down and reached for a fork.

The cake was indeed delicious, but Tan Xilu thought that Xu Huaiming’s latest desserts were even more exquisite. He savored the cake while thinking that he would ask Xu Huaiming to make it for him when he got home.

Suddenly, a cup of milk tea appeared in his line of sight. Tan Xilu looked up, and Li Zhao raised an eyebrow. “Cake and milk tea go well together!”

Tan Xilu recalled Xu Huaiming’s warning about consuming high-sugar items and gaining weight. He hesitated.

“Why are you acting like a girl, worrying about calories?” Li Zhao said. “Afraid it’s poisoned or something?”

Tan Xilu bit the straw in response, thinking that he would be a little indulgent this time. After all, Xu Huaiming wouldn’t know.

Tan Xilu had no idea that a student from the restaurant had captured a photo of him and Li Zhao together and posted it on their social media.

The caption mentioned that he was having dinner with Li Zhao, and Tan Xilu’s stomach was indeed filled with food. As they walked out of the restaurant, Tan Xilu even burped somewhat impolitely.

Li Zhao couldn’t help but laugh and said, “Full already?”

Tan Xilu covered his mouth, feeling embarrassed. “Sorry.”

“It’s okay,” Li Zhao smiled. “The food at this restaurant is really good.”

Tan Xilu simply responded with an “Hmm” and didn’t say much more.

Li Zhao offered to give Tan Xilu a ride back, but Tan Xilu declined, saying he had other plans.

Li Zhao quickly figured out that Tan Xilu was probably going to see his partner.

“Indeed, Christmas Eve is like Valentine’s Day for couples,” Li Zhao shrugged and asked, “Have you ever thought about telling your mom that you already have a boyfriend? Or is there some secret about your boyfriend that you can’t reveal?”

“What secret could there be?” Tan Xilu felt uncomfortable with Li Zhao’s questions. “I haven’t told my mom because it’s not the right time.”

“Okay,” Li Zhao said. “It’s your choice.”

“Oh, by the way, you can keep the flowers. They’re quite expensive,” Li Zhao handed the bouquet to him.

“I’d better not. I’m afraid my partner might get the wrong idea,” Tan Xilu shook his head.

There was no need to take his relationship with Li Zhao any further. Perhaps they wouldn’t meet again after today. He should be firm and explain the situation to his mother. He needed to talk to Xu Huaiming later and see if he wanted to meet with his mother.

Li Zhao simply responded with an “Oh” and didn’t say anything else.

Li Zhao ultimately gave Tan Xilu a ride to the bus station and watched him board the bus.

After Tan Xilu got on the bus, he waved to Li Zhao through the window. Li Zhao looked at him for a moment and then smiled.

By six in the evening, the dessert shop had become busier, with more customers and several pre-orders. Arlene watched as Xu Huaiming cut one cake after another, a worried expression on her face.

Earlier, Xu Huaiming had been holding his phone and watching a video, his expression as if he wanted to crush the phone, but a few minutes later, he calmly returned the phone to the girl and thanked her. However, he exuded an intense sense of pressure, and Arlin didn’t dare to talk to him.

The bell chimed as another customer entered the shop. Arlin reflexively greeted them, and when she looked up, she saw that it was Tan Xilu.

She instinctively glanced at Xu Huaiming and noticed that he seemed somewhat surprised when he saw Tan Xilu. “Why are you here? Didn’t you say you wouldn’t come?” Xu Huaiming asked.

“I finished my work early, so I came over,” Tan Xilu replied.

“Really?” Xu Huaiming smiled and gestured to the beautifully packaged cake he had prepared for Tan Xilu’s proposal. “I baked a cake for you. Do you want to have it now?”

Tan Xilu’s stomach was still full, and the sight of the cake made him feel a bit queasy. He immediately shook his head. “I’m not hungry right now. I don’t want to eat.”

“Oh, I see,” Xu Huaiming looked somewhat disappointed. “Then let’s have it tomorrow.”

“Arlene!” Xu Huaiming called her, pushing the blueberry cake towards her. “Table seven, go deliver this.”

Arlene hesitated for a moment, then sighed, taking the cake. “Alright, Xu-ge…”

Meanwhile, Tan Xilu was puzzled by Arlene’s strange behavior. He blinked and asked Xu Huaiming, “Is Arlene upset about something?”

“Yeah,” Xu Huaiming replied. “She had a cake mishap today.”

Tan Xilu shrugged, “Well, mistakes happen. She can just make another one.”

Xu Huaiming pondered for a moment and said, “But can’t she fix it using the original cake?”

Tan Xilu thought about it and said, “Well, she probably can, but it won’t look as good as the one she initially made, and the taste might be different.”

“Is that so? I understand,” Xu Huaiming smiled.

But deep inside, he felt a discomfort he couldn’t explain. This wasn’t like him. His emotions were usually under strict control. It was as if the system had some glitch; he couldn’t fathom why he would feel this way because of a human’s words.

He thought to himself, maybe it was time to visit Professor Bowen for a system check.

T/N: Hey there! There is plenty more where that came from, so stay tuned! And stay healthy! Straighten your posture, so some stretches and drink some water before continuing hehe~

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Also, check out the other series we have on HoH!

If you like cats, check out Revenge of the Garfield

If you like dragons, check out I’m Pregnant with the Hope of the Entire Planet and The Dragon and the ‘Princess’

How about some mystery or showbiz? Check out Morbid Addiction & Perfection

What about the perfect, most non-toxic male lead ever? Laws of Love

How about MC nursing ML back to health? Forced into the Deep

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