Day: September 8, 2023

Chapter 9: An Unexpected Memory

 

Lin Zhiyuan stood at the office door and lightly tapped his knuckles on it twice.

 

A voice from inside responded, “Just a moment.”

 

After a few seconds, the door was pulled open, revealing a Mediterranean-looking senior professor. He glanced at Lin Zhiyuan and hesitated for a moment before recognizing him. “You’re Professor Lin, right?”

 

Lin Zhiyuan smiled faintly, “You can just call me Lin.”

 

“Well, that won’t do. Professor Lin is so young and already a professor. We older folks should learn from you,” the Mediterranean professor greeted him. “Come in, it’s cold outside.”

 

Lin Zhiyuan followed the Mediterranean professor into the office. The office was warm, thanks to the heating, and upon entering, he immediately felt a wave of warmth. At this time, there weren’t many teachers in the office. The Mediterranean professor had stayed to help some students with their paper revisions.

 

At the desk in the far corner, Tan Xilu was also busy. His public lecture was scheduled for the afternoon, and to avoid any last-minute issues, he hadn’t gone home for lunch, planning to have Xu Huaiming bring him a packed meal.

 

“Professor Lin, Professor Tan is over there,” the Mediterranean professor pointed to Tan Xilu’s desk, raising his voice a bit. “Professor Tan, Professor Lin is here.”

 

Tan Xilu was immersed in his work when he was suddenly called, causing him to startle. His whole body shivered, and he looked up to see Lin Zhiyuan. Tan Xilu acknowledged, “Professor Lin is here.”

 

Lin Zhiyuan made a sound of agreement and moved to the chair next to Tan Xilu’s desk, taking a seat.

 

Seeing this, the Mediterranean professor said, “Well, I’ll leave you two to chat. I’ll get back to my work.”

 

“Sure, thank you,” Lin Zhiyuan smiled.

 

After the Mediterranean professor went back to his desk, Lin Zhiyuan turned to Tan Xilu and asked, “Professor Tan, is there anything else I can help with?”

 

“Not at the moment,” Tan Xilu replied. He continued typing with one hand and reached for a document in a nearby folder with the other. He placed the document in front of Lin Zhiyuan and said, “Professor Lin, please take a look at this. It’s for our class later, some pre-class preparation.”

 

“Alright,” Lin Zhiyuan said.

 

Tan Xilu had received notice from his superiors two days ago. Originally, it was supposed to be his solo public lecture, but due to a collaboration project with the neighboring department, the school decided that this time, two professors from different departments would jointly teach a class. Lin Zhiyuan was the professor from the neighboring department.

 

The document that Tan Xilu handed to Lin Zhiyuan contained questions for in-class discussion. This was Tan Xilu’s teaching style, and he liked to ask impromptu questions. Luckily, he taught Chinese literature, so the questions and answers were not particularly difficult, making his public lectures quite effective.

 

Lin Zhiyuan skimmed through a few questions but soon found himself lost in thought. He pushed his chair back slightly, tilting his posture to the side. However, this allowed him to discreetly observe Tan Xilu, who was deeply engrossed in his work.

 

Thinking back to the day when he had accompanied Tan Xilu home and had seen someone who looked similar to him downstairs, Lin Zhiyuan couldn’t help but wonder. Was it because of that person? Had Tan Xilu undergone such a significant change because of that person?

 

“Ah…”

 

Suddenly, a piece of paper floated over and landed on the floor next to Lin Zhiyuan due to Tan Xilu’s unintentional action while typing. He thought he could catch it, but the paper flew farther than expected.

 

Not wanting to trouble others, Lin Zhiyuan decided to pick it up himself. However, Tan Xilu had the same idea and reached the paper first. Lin Zhiyuan’s long legs and proximity to the paper allowed him to reach it without getting up, while Tan Xilu had to stand up and retrieve it.

 

Lin Zhiyuan’s fingertips touched the paper first, and he handed it over to Tan Xilu, saying, “Here.”

 

“Thank you,” Tan Xilu said, taking the paper.

 

Lin Zhiyuan had initially considered looking at Tan Xilu’s face more closely, but when he looked up, he saw two ambiguous kiss marks on Tan Xilu’s exposed neck. He was taken aback for a moment and quickly averted his gaze.

 

Tan Xilu was oblivious to Lin Zhiyuan’s gaze. He returned to his seat and continued typing on his keyboard.

 

It was Lin Zhiyuan who seemed somewhat unsettled now. He couldn’t get those two vivid kiss marks out of his mind. Tan Xilu appeared different from the person he had met during their blind date, and Lin Zhiyuan was beginning to suspect something he didn’t want to believe.

 

Was Tan Xilu in a romantic relationship with that person?

 

Was their initial meeting due to the resemblance between Lin Zhiyuan and that person?

 

Did Tan Xilu hesitate to kiss him because he felt that Lin Zhiyuan was never the one he truly wanted?

 

Lin Zhiyuan sighed inwardly. It seemed he had almost been deceived.

 

His phone on the table vibrated, and Lin Zhiyuan picked it up. After a brief conversation, Tan Xilu on the other end made him smile genuinely.

 

Lin Zhiyuan couldn’t help but wonder who had such a significant influence on Tan Xilu.

 

As soon as the call ended, Tan Xilu saved his work and told Lin Zhiyuan quietly, “I’m sorry, I need to step out for a moment.”

 

With that, he stood up and grabbed his coat hanging on the nearby rack.

 

As Tan Xilu walked out, Lin Zhiyuan also stood up and followed him.

 

“Why are you…” Tan Xilu looked at Xu Huaiming’s somewhat silly expression, feeling a mixture of amusement and tenderness. “The thermal lunchbox keeps the food warm, but you’re hugging it.”

 

“I was afraid it wouldn’t stay hot enough, and I didn’t want you to eat something cold,” Xu Huaiming explained.

 

“You silly,” Tan Xilu couldn’t help but laugh.

 

Xu Huaiming was being so kind to him.

 

Meanwhile, Lin Zhiyuan stood in a nearby pavilion, watching Tan Xilu’s smiling face. The man standing in front of Tan Xilu was the one who resembled him. The first time Lin Zhiyuan had seen that person, he exuded an icy, aloof aura that made him seem distant and unapproachable. However, just like Tan Xilu, when he was with Tan Xilu, he seemed to relax completely, and there was a hint of indulgent affection in his smile.

 

So, this was the type of person Tan Xilu liked.

 

Xu Huaiming reached out and ruffled Tan Xilu’s hair, and Tan Xilu obediently let him, his face filled with a smile. It was the same kind of smile Lin Zhiyuan had heard in Tan Xilu’s voice during their phone call. Suddenly, Lin Zhiyuan remembered his previous lover. When they were together, his ex had often smiled like that.

 

He couldn’t help but wonder: Was Tan Xilu in a romantic relationship with that person?

 

Had their initial meeting been because Lin Zhiyuan resembled that person?

 

Did Tan Xilu hesitate to kiss him because he felt that Lin Zhiyuan was never the one he truly wanted?

 

Lin Zhiyuan sighed quietly. It seemed he had almost been deceived.

 

The winter sky wasn’t as blue as it should be, filtered through a haze of gray and white. However, the temperature today wasn’t too low, perhaps because the sun was shining. The clouds in his line of sight appeared hazy and scattered, but it was pleasantly warm.

 

Tan Xilu and Xu Huaiming shared a long kiss, and it was Xu Huaiming who eventually pulled away.

 

Xu Huaiming touched Tan Xilu’s lips and said, “The food might get cold if we stay here too long. You should go up and eat.”

 

Tan Xilu realized that he had lingered at the entrance for quite a while and nodded, “I’ll head up first. The public lecture in the afternoon ends early. You don’t need to pick me up later; I’ll come to the dessert shop.”

 

“Okay,” Xu Huaiming replied, “I’ll make a new dessert for you.”

 

Tan Xilu nodded and smiled.

 

As Tan Xilu’s figure disappeared from sight, Xu Huaiming turned and walked away from the campus.

 

Back at the dessert shop, Arlene was busy preparing a cup of bubble tea. When she saw Xu Huaiming return, she smiled and said, “Brother Xu is back.”

 

Arlene had proactively applied for a job at Xu Huaiming’s shop when it first reopened. She had been a loyal customer for years, and even Tan Xilu recognized her. Seven or eight years ago, she had frequented the shop because of the delicious desserts Xu Huaiming made.

 

Xu Huaiming couldn’t help but wonder. Xu Huaiming looked the same as he did seven years ago. He hadn’t changed much, and back then, his shop had always been busy because of his good looks, attracting a lot of young girls to have a crush on him.

 

---

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 8: I Like You

 

Xu Huaiming couldn’t dream. He was an advanced AI, and although he could enter a state similar to shallow sleep by closing his eyes, it was actually a time for intelligent recharging. He was a top-tier AI, and the developers had designed him to avoid the traditional AI’s need for a data cable for charging. Similar to his ability to consume food, his energy lasted for a month, and he only needed to recharge once he returned to the laboratory.

 

But this time, as he closed his eyes for recharging, Xu Huaiming suddenly had an image of Tan Xilu in his mind.

 

He saw Tan Xilu returning home alone, sitting on the sofa, engrossed in watching TV. However, the TV screen was full of static, as there was no signal. Tan Xilu seemed oblivious to it. After a while, he turned off the TV and called out for Xu Huaiming.

 

The room remained silent, and Tan Xilu seemed to realize that Xu Huaiming had already “died.” He got up, feeling hungry, and decided to make something to eat. In the fridge, there was only half a bag of frozen dumplings. Tan Xilu clumsily took them out, boiled some water, and put the dumplings in.

 

The water in the pot had been boiling for who knows how long, but Tan Xilu was lost in thought, not paying attention. It wasn’t until the water overflowed onto the countertop that he snapped out of it. In a hurry, he started putting the dumplings one by one into the pot, but he was too rushed, and hot water splashed onto his hand, turning it red.

 

Furrowing his brow, Tan Xilu licked the burned spot on the back of his hand with his slightly reddened tongue. The pot was about to overflow again, and Tan Xilu scrambled to find a spoon to stir it.

 

When the dumplings were finally cooked, it had been twenty minutes. Tan Xilu hadn’t managed the timing well, and the dumplings were overcooked, with the skin torn and the filling leaking out. Tan Xilu scooped them out with a strainer, losing a considerable amount of filling, and ended up with a strange-looking bowl of dumplings from half a bag.

 

Tan Xilu looked at the dumplings with a hint of regret, but reluctantly started eating. After a while, he suddenly became lost in thought.

 

Xu Huaiming found it strange, unable to understand why Tan Xilu had been absent-minded all day. After a while, he suddenly heard Tan Xilu’s lips move. He listened carefully and eventually heard Tan Xilu say, “Xu Huaiming, why haven’t you come back yet? I can’t cook, and I’m starving.”

 

When he opened his eyes again, Xu Huaiming found that it was a bit warm inside the charging chamber. He hesitated for a moment, then pushed open the hatch.

 

Professor Bowen saw him coming out and placed the AI dog he was holding on the ground. “Fully charged?”

 

Xu Huaiming responded with a “hm.” The AI dog trotted over to him and licked his shoes, barking twice.

 

Xu Huaiming crouched down and petted its lifelike fur, saying, “Little A, have you almost forgotten about me?”

 

“Yeah,” Professor Bowen replied. “The day after you left, it went to your space to look for you. After a week, it started hanging out with 059.”

 

“059? Wasn’t he developed by Dr. Zhou to accompany him?”

 

Professor Bowen nodded. “That’s right, but the little childhood friend that Dr. Zhou liked was rescued by someone, and 059 was sent to the smelting furnace to be destroyed. However, Little A pulled him out of the furnace, but 059’s programming was damaged, and now he doesn’t remember anything.”

 

Xu Huaiming didn’t know what to say for a moment. 059’s development was indeed for Dr. Zhou’s childhood friend, and now that the friend had returned, 059 was no longer needed. It was normal for him to be destroyed.

 

“Forget about him. What about you? Are you doing well in that human’s home?” Professor Bowen asked.

 

At this point, Xu Huaiming finally couldn’t help but voice his doubts. “Professor Bowen, can AI’s heart rate increase because of humans?”

 

Professor Bowen was taken aback for a moment and furrowed his brow. “Your heart rate has increased because of that human?”

 

Xu Huaiming didn’t answer; he neither confirmed nor denied it.

 

Professor Bowen suddenly became angry. “Xu Huaiming, have you forgotten what I told you when you left the laboratory?”

 

Xu Huaiming released the AI dog, slowly stood up, and looked at the professor, his eyes showing some uncertainty.

 

He couldn’t forget, and he couldn’t possibly forget. He had no memory bias; any words he had heard would be firmly imprinted in his mind. When he went to find Tan Xilu that day, Professor Bowen had told him not to fall in love with humans. AI and humans couldn’t have a future.

 

Xu Huaiming had agreed, and he didn’t think he would like humans. Even after he had sex with Tan Xilu that day, he didn’t think he liked Tan Xilu. But the words he had said, “I love you,” had made Xu Huaiming’s heart skip a beat.

 

Being with Tan Xilu was his task as an AI. Probably no one could imagine that an AI would be created by another AI. Xu Huaiming was a replica of No. 7, and No. 7 was well aware of his emotional shortcomings. He had avoided all of them in Xu Huaiming. The created Xu Huaiming, in a sense, was a perfect boyfriend.

 

But what No. 7 had reserved was that the Xu Huaiming he developed wouldn’t have human emotions. No. 7 was selfish; he didn’t want another AI to like Tan Xilu. Tan Xilu could only be his. However, just as his development error had caused Xu Huaiming to arrive seven years later, he had created Xu Huaiming with emotions. Yet, this was something the slow-witted Xu Huaiming couldn’t discover on his own.

 

“However, Professor, I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I think I don’t like him, but it’s strange.” Xu Huaiming seemed troubled, not understanding what was happening to him.

 

“It’s an illusion,” Professor Bowen said. “No. 7 has input too many programs into you. Those programs are telling you to be nicer to that human, and you’re feeling more ‘compassion’ towards him. It’s not love, it’s not like, you just ‘pity’ him. Do you understand?”

 

“Is that so?” Xu Huaiming looked a bit dazed. But during charging, the image of Tan Xilu in his mind had looked so desolate that he couldn’t help but go to him immediately, hug him, kiss him, and tell him, “I’m back, you don’t need to be afraid.”

 

Was it because he pitied him?

 

“That’s right,” Professor Bowen affirmed. “Humans’ emotions are fickle, and the novelty is only temporary. For example, in these seven years, even though he hasn’t found someone else, he’s about to forget about you. When you return, he’ll be excited for a while, but as time goes on, he’ll become bored. And after he gets tired of you or he dies, you’ll always come back. So, don’t think you’ll like him. You don’t have emotions.”

 

Xu Huaiming nodded without saying a word, not challenging Professor Bowen’s statement.

 

Indeed, he had no emotions, so how could he possibly like Tan Xilu? He only needed to fulfill Tan Xilu’s requirements and be good to him until Tan Xilu no longer wanted to be with him. Then he would obediently return to the laboratory.

 

Tan Xilu had been sitting in his office for the whole afternoon, working on revising a lesson plan. He had a public lecture next week, and this time, the dean might be attending, along with some professors from the neighboring department. The success of the public lecture was linked to his year-end bonus, and if the professors were satisfied and it went smoothly, he could plan a trip with Xu Huaiming during the upcoming Lunar New Year.

 

In the office, he was the only teacher left; the others had already gone home since they had no classes. The sound of typing on the keyboard echoed in the quiet office, somewhat jarring, but Tan Xilu heaved a sigh of relief when he finally finished.

 

He had finally completed the revisions.

 

He glanced at the clock on the computer, realizing it was already past 6 PM. Looking out the window, he saw that it was getting dark early in winter, and the lights outside the corridor had already come on.

 

Tan Xilu shut down his computer, packed his things, and headed out. As he closed the office door, he checked his phone for messages.

 

He had lost track of time, and Xu Huaiming hadn’t called or sent a message. This made Tan Xilu feel a bit uneasy, but only a bit. Xu Huaiming was very indulgent towards him, and he wasn’t likely to refuse him for anything.

 

The sky had darkened, and the school’s streetlights were brightly lit. Various couples sat on the grassy lawn. It was an overcast day with thick clouds obscuring the moon and stars. Without the streetlights, it would have been pitch dark.

 

The nearest route from the office to the school gate took about ten minutes. Tan Xilu called Xu Huaiming while walking, and after two rings, Xu Huaiming answered.

 

“Are you still waiting for me at the school gate?” Tan Xilu asked. “I lost track of time while revising the lesson plan. Have you been waiting for a long time?”

 

“Not too long, but you did keep me waiting at the dessert shop for quite a while,” Xu Huaiming replied. “I just came out a moment ago, and Arin is watching over things there.”

 

In reality, it was different. Xu Huaiming had left the lab a little after 4 PM and had come straight to the school gate to wait for Tan Xilu. Today, there weren’t many customers at the dessert shop, but he hadn’t expected Tan Xilu to be delayed for so long. He had waited for almost two hours, but he didn’t intend to mention any of this to Tan Xilu.

 

“Got it,” Tan Xilu said. “I’m on my way. Sorry for making you wait.”

 

Tan Xilu increased his pace. It was so cold, and he wondered why Xu Huaiming hadn’t called or messaged to ask when he would be coming out. Waiting outside for so long could lead to catching a cold.

 

As Tan Xilu hurried out of the school gate, the cold wind hit his face, making it sting. His nose turned red, and his eyes teared up, but when he saw Xu Huaiming waiting at the school gate, he suddenly felt warm.

 

Xu Huaiming walked over, and since he was taller, he blocked the wind for Tan Xilu. He looked at Tan Xilu’s reddened nose and decided to wrap his own white scarf around it.

 

Xu Huaiming didn’t feel the cold as humans did, and he didn’t really need a scarf, but Tan Xilu always asked him to wear one, so he complied. Now, seeing how cold Tan Xilu was, he wrapped his scarf around him.

 

“Aren’t you cold?” Tan Xilu put his hands in Xu Huaiming’s pocket and raised his chin to suggest that Xu Huaiming should put his hands in too. “I’ve been walking for ten minutes, and my face is frozen. Why does your complexion look so normal?”

 

Tan Xilu put his hands inside the pockets and touched Xu Huaiming’s hand.

 

“Ouch,” Xu Huaiming said, touching Tan Xilu’s hand. “Your hands are so cold.” Despite saying this, he held onto Tan Xilu’s hand.

 

Xu Huaiming asked, “Is that so? Are you very cold?”

 

Tan Xilu replied, “Yeah, it’s really cold.”

 

---

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 7: Outsider

 

“Tsk, how do you talk to your mother?” Lin Manling sneered. “Where is your upbringing that your useless father taught you?”

 

“Eaten by a dog,” Lin Changyu replied, looking at her. “You’re crazy, just go back.”

 

“Oh, can’t I visit my son?” Lin Manling ignored Lin Changyu’s words and turned her gaze to Lin Xiaozhi behind him. “Son, do you miss Mommy?”

 

Lin Xiaozhi seemed a bit afraid of Lin Manling and took a few steps back, tugging at Lin Changyu’s sleeve. “Brother, can you close the door?”

 

Hearing Lin Xiaozhi’s request, Lin Manling’s expression changed, and she began to mock them. “You don’t even recognize your own mother. Both of you are lunatics.”

 

Seemingly uninterested, she made a mocking sound and took out a card from her bag, tossing it through the crack in the door. “The court ordered child support will be deposited regularly. You heartless brats.”

 

With that, she walked down the stairs, her high heels tapping loudly on the floor.

 

Tan Xilu watched her disappear at the stairwell and then turned to Lin Changyu, wanting to ask something. However, Lin Changyu only gave him a cold look and closed the door.

 

After that day, Lin Changyu’s home became quiet, and he didn’t bring fruits to Tan Xilu anymore. If it weren’t for one day when Lin Xiaozhi rushed over to Tan Xilu’s door in a hurry, he might have thought they had moved away.

 

Lin Xiaozhi told him that his brother had attempted suicide.

 

Tan Xilu was shocked, and when he entered their home, he realized the situation was even worse than he had imagined. He had never paid much attention to Lin Changyu’s arms before, but now he saw that his wrists had many cuts, some of which were clearly old wounds, and it was a distressing sight.

 

Fortunately, they had found him in time and rushed him to the hospital.

 

It was only then that Tan Xilu learned about the hidden aspects of Lin Changyu’s life.

 

Lin Changyu came from a blended family. Lin Manling was his stepmother, and Lin Xiaozhi was the child of Lin Manling and his father. After his biological father passed away, Lin Manling remarried, and her current husband was a nouveau riche who smoked and drank excessively. While he treated Lin Manling well, it wasn’t the same for Lin Changyu and Lin Xiaozhi.

 

Lin Manling had her own job, running a beauty salon. Sometimes, she would be so busy that she wouldn’t come home for several days. During those times, if they were unlucky, Lin Changyu and Lin Xiaozhi might be beaten severely and locked in the basement until she returned, not allowing them to tell Lin Manling.

 

Walking a dark path too often, you’re bound to encounter ghosts. One day, Lin Manling coincidentally saw the nouveau riche abusing the children. She, protective of her own biological son, allowed Lin Changyu to escape from that home.

 

But what they didn’t expect was that in just a few days, Lin Xiaozhi called him for help. After all, they were blood relatives, and Lin Changyu had always protected Lin Xiaozhi. Lin thought that with Lin Manling around, Xiaozhi would have a better life. However, Lin Xiaozhi said, “Mom thinks I’m useless and hits me too.”

 

So, the two children hid in this apartment building, seeking refuge for a while.

 

“But I hate her so much. It’s because of her that we’ve become like this. She didn’t save us, she pushed us into the abyss,” Lin Changyu cried, his face crumpled in despair. “I’ll never forget the way I looked at her, hoping she’d take me with her, but she just gave me a cold look, took Xiaozhi away, and told that man, ‘Do whatever you want. I’m taking my son.'”

 

Hidden depression, also known as high-functioning depression, is a special form of depression where the person appears cheerful in front of others but exhibits signs of sadness and despair when alone.

 

As Tan Xilu listened to the story, he couldn’t help feeling sympathy for Lin Changyu. However, he also felt a strange resistance to this human condition. What about Tan Xilu himself? Would he go through the same struggles? Would he contemplate death during countless nights? Did he have scars on his wrists too?

 

Without Tan Xilu noticing, his eyes had already fallen on Tan Xilu’s wrist, hidden beneath his sleeves.

 

“So, every family has its own difficulties. I can only try to help Changyu manage his emotions. I’m not him, and I can’t forcibly control what he does. Depression is complicated, and he needs to come to terms with it. It’s a pity to have a stepmother like that…” Tan Xilu said, his mouth feeling a bit dry. He picked up a glass of lukewarm water from the coffee table and drank it.

 

Xu Huaiming noticed Tan Xilu’s smooth and fair wrists, and he breathed a sigh of relief.

 

He hadn’t thought about death. That was good.

 

“Oh, by the way, those two kids probably haven’t eaten yet. How about you prepare something for them and take it over?” Tan Xilu placed his glass back on the table, and the glass made a “clink” sound as it touched the surface.

 

“Sure,” Xu Huaiming agreed.

 

Tan Xilu stood up, stretched lazily, and his shirt rode up, revealing a slender and fair waist. He didn’t notice it himself, but Xu Huaiming’s gaze was fixed on that waist.

 

“It seems a bit too thin,” Xu Huaiming thought. Tan Xilu was too skinny; sometimes when he held him at night, it felt uncomfortable. He needed to put on some weight.

 

“I’ve been busy all morning. I’ll take a nap,” Tan Xilu said, lowering his hand. The slender waist was once again covered by his clothes. He leaned down and gave Xu Huaiming a kiss on the lips before walking into the bedroom.

 

Xu Huaiming watched his back and then walked into the kitchen.

 

Tan Xilu was the type of person who had shallow sleep, never resting well, and his mind was always on high alert. Any noise would wake him up, even a slight sound like a door opening. It wasn’t like this before, but after Xu Huaiming disappeared, he was afraid of falling asleep and not noticing if Xu Huaiming returned.

 

He had dozed off under the covers for a short while, and Tan Xilu was awakened by the knocking on the door. He mumbled with his eyes closed, “Xu Huaiming, open the door.”

 

No one answered in the room, but the knocking continued.

 

Tan Xilu called out a few more times, but still got no response. Suddenly, he realized something and abruptly opened his eyes. He immediately got out of bed and walked out of the bedroom. The living room was clean, and there was no cup on the coffee table that he had used for drinking water before. The kitchen didn’t have any signs of cooking either, as if no one had prepared breakfast that morning.

 

Cold sweat formed on Tan Xilu’s forehead, and his voice trembled slightly. “Xu Huaiming, Xu Huaiming? Where are you? Don’t joke with me, okay?”

 

The house remained eerily silent, with no one to answer him.

 

Tan Xilu panicked. Was it a dream? Did Xu Huaiming’s return just a dream?

 

“Knock, knock, knock.” The knocking on the door continued. Tan Xilu calmed down a bit, wiped his face, and walked over to open the door.

 

As soon as the door opened, Xu Huaiming entered with bags of snacks and vegetables in his hands. He stepped inside, taking off his shoes. “I’ve been out for a while. I thought you’d already be awake. I had too much stuff to carry, so I wanted you to open the door.”

 

“You…” Tan Xilu looked at him, his eyes filled with emotion.

 

“What’s wrong?” Xu Huaiming noticed something was off and turned to look at him.

 

Tan Xilu turned away, not wanting Xu Huaiming to see him crying. He spoke with a slightly trembling voice, “You kept knocking on the door. Couldn’t you open it yourself?”

 

“I thought you had been awake for a while, and there was so much stuff in my hands that I couldn’t free myself to open the door,” Xu Huaiming chuckled. “They often do this in TV shows when the husband comes home, and the wife opens the door for him.”

 

“Who’s your wife?” Tan Xilu blushed and whispered. He gave Xu Huaiming a glare. “Watch fewer TV dramas in the future.”

 

“Okay, I’ll listen to you,” Xu Huaiming replied, changing into slippers and carrying the bags of groceries into the kitchen. He started unpacking and placing the vegetables into the refrigerator.

 

Tan Xilu closed the door and joined Xu Huaiming in the kitchen. He stood next to him, helping him wrap things in plastic wrap. “I woke up just now and didn’t see you. I thought you had left again.”

 

Xu Huaiming paused for a moment while tearing off a label and looked at Tan Xilu. “I won’t leave.”

 

At least not while you still love me.

 

Tan Xilu looked at Xu Huaiming, suddenly at a loss for words.

 

His eyelashes trembled, and he reached out to embrace Xu Huaiming.

 

Xu Huaiming put down the items he was holding and hugged Tan Xilu back. Then he heard a muffled voice from Tan Xilu, “Even if… even if you want to leave, please tell me first. I really don’t want to go through the agony of searching for you again, not being able to find you. I’m so scared.”

 

“I understand. It won’t happen again,” Xu Huaiming reassured Tan Xilu, holding him tightly. He kissed him on the neck and said, “It won’t happen again.”

 

“Then let’s… let’s do it,” Tan Xilu let go of Xu Huaiming and said, “Let’s do it.”

 

Xu Huaiming was momentarily surprised.

 

While he was still taken aback, Tan Xilu kissed his lips first. “Xu Huaiming, it’s been so many years. Don’t you want me anymore?”

 

Xu Huaiming’s thoughts were in disarray, and his throat felt dry. He knew it was his physiological reaction to Tan Xilu, and they were in such an ambiguous situation. He also understood Tan Xilu’s intention, and he knew he couldn’t refuse.

 

“Okay,” Xu Huaiming agreed, lifting Tan Xilu into his arms.

 

Xu Huaiming wasn’t very skilled in such matters, and he was afraid of hurting Tan Xilu. He proceeded cautiously, gently nibbling on his collarbone.

 

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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

 

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