Chapter 19: Washing Hair
Wang Ming: “…”
Although I don’t know what’s going on, it feels like I’ve been hit hard, Wang Ming thought.
But being a natural optimist, he didn’t find this philosophical conversation more important than the buns in front of him.
Every species has a different lifespan, Wang Ming thought. If I were to compare and envy everyone, I’d probably envy turtles.
Thinking this, Wang Ming decided that living in the moment was the most practical choice.
After figuring out this “philosophical” problem, Wang Ming found his meal even more delicious.
Meanwhile, Ao Chen, who had inadvertently witnessed the entire event: “…”
Is there something wrong with my observation skills? Ao Chen wondered.
Why does this gentleman’s expression look like he just finished a philosophical debate about the origin of life?
Ao Chen didn’t think Wang Ming was the type to engage in philosophical debates casually, but now he felt that his first impression of him needed revision.
Wang Ming didn’t know he had just been observed by his earthly fiancé. He was happily eating a bun.
This kind of life is pretty good, Wang Ming thought.
After dinner, in high spirits because he hadn’t incurred a debt he couldn’t repay, Wang Ming took the initiative to do the dishes.
“Don’t touch anything after eating,” Wang Ming said confidently, acting like the head of the household.
“I’ll do the dishes!” Wang Ming said.
“Thank you,” Ao Chen thanked the temporary family member for taking the initiative.
“But we used disposable containers today,” Ao Chen added.
Wang Ming: “…”
I got carried away, Wang Ming thought embarrassingly.
Embarrassed about his dishwashing offer, Wang Ming awkwardly retreated to his cramped bedroom, and didn’t come out for a long time.
Meanwhile, Ao Chen saw the visible dejection emanating from Wang Ming’s room, feeling that his words might have been too blunt.
Ao Chen: “…”
He hadn’t interacted with people in a long time, Ao Chen thought, maybe his social skills had become rusty.
That’s not entirely true.
Ao Chen was always taciturn; most of his interactions were with his subordinates. He had no friends, rarely interacted with relatives, and had no experience interacting with an earthly fiancé.
In fact, he had chosen to live in this inconspicuous place partly to avoid the red thread.
He hadn’t expected things to develop to this point.
But seeing Wang Ming’s state, Ao Chen felt relieved.
Now, once Wang Ming overcomes his psychological barriers, they can sever the red thread, and everything will return to its unchanging order, Ao Chen thought.
——
Night fell.
Wang Ming woke up in his cramped bedroom, which was only slightly larger than the kitchen.
Wang Ming: “…”
Who am I, where am I? Wang Ming wondered.
After his philosophical questioning, Wang Ming realized he had retreated to his room due to embarrassment and had fallen asleep.
Wang Ming: “…”
Maybe I should just go back to sleep, Wang Ming thought.
But that wouldn’t work either. After closing his eyes for a few seconds, he got up.
Tomorrow, he wasn’t going to work construction but a “high-class” film set as a part-timer.
Although Ao Chen had given him a ride, and no one was bothering him anymore, he couldn’t go to work looking dishevelled like when he worked construction.
No matter what, I need to wash my hair, Wang Ming thought despondently.
Ah… washing hair is the most difficult thing in the world, Wang Ming lamented, like a shut-in who hasn’t washed their hair in ages.
Since he was awake, Wang Ming decided to reluctantly get up and wash his hair. At least Ao Chen was in the living room now, so he wouldn’t be watched.
After some serious mental preparation, Wang Ming confidently opened the door to his bedroom and walked to the living room where Ao Chen was.
He saw that Ao Chen was still awake, surrounded by a life-sized ocean, seemingly lost in thought.
“Busy?” Wang Ming reflexively greeted him, then realized his greeting was inappropriate.
Shouldn’t I say, “Free?”
But that sounds sarcastic, like I’m mocking him for being idle, Wang Ming thought contradictorily.
“Not busy, I’m fine,”
While Wang Ming worried about his politeness, Ao Chen’s timely answer relieved him.
Wang Ming nodded.
“I understand, you’re clearing your head,” Wang Ming said.
Some stylish young people do this, Wang Ming thought, though he didn’t understand why, it seemed profound.
“Not exactly,” Ao Chen shook his head after a moment of thought.
“I’m casually reminiscing about the past, like you…” Ao Chen looked at Wang Ming, seemingly considering his words.
“…read novels,” Ao Chen finally said.
“I only read online novels,” Wang Ming said.
Ao Chen: “…”
“Like playing games?” Wang Ming suggested another, more suitable, pastime.
“Yes, that works too,” Ao Chen nodded.
“Is reminiscing more fun than playing games?” Wang Ming said incredulously.
He tried to recall his twenty-odd years—reading books as a child, working construction as an adult—there wasn’t much worth remembering. After reminiscing for a day, it felt like he’d relived half his life.
Ao Chen: “…”
“My memory is long, and I never forget,” Ao Chen said.
“How long?” Wang Ming curiously asked.
Ao Chen: “…”
“Quite long,” Ao Chen vaguely replied.
“Oh, I see,” Wang Ming nodded, not particularly interested.
“I’m going to wash my hair, you keep busy,” Wang Ming said.
But after turning around, he turned back to look at Ao Chen.
“What’s wrong?” Ao Chen asked.
“Your… ultimate skill… Dust Cleansing… can you… wash my hair?” Wang Ming looked at Ao Chen expectantly.