Chapter 79 IF / Dating Within the Group
During the three-day holiday, Yao Lixin chatted with Tang Yue for a while before packing up and leaving.
When Jiang Shulu returned, he found Tang Yue asleep alone on the sofa.
It was already mealtime. Because it was a holiday, the cook hadn’t come.
He knew Tang Yue wanted to go out for a stroll and planned to take him out.
Outside, the sky was already dark. After entering autumn, the weather turned cool, and the parasol tree leaves in the yard were scattered on the ground.
Away’s dormitory, envied by other boy groups, was huge.
Previously, a show did an episode on UL visiting, and Captain Miu Shuhuai’s face, twisted with envy, was still widely used in meme wars to this day.
The location was prime real estate, quiet amidst the bustle. The villa was priceless; it was said that professional dog walkers in this area earned twenty thousand a month.
Walking to Chengkong Media headquarters was possible, but security was strong; to this day, no paparazzi had been able to enter.
If it were before, Jiang Shulu never thought he would have moments where just watching someone sleep made him feel at peace.
When Tang Yue first woke up in the hospital, he slept poorly, often waking up startled in the middle of the night. That was how Jiang Shulu was first invited to sleep in the same bed with him.
Perhaps the car accident affected him too deeply. When the youth woke up, his back was soaked in sweat, and tears streamed down his face as he sat up.
Jiang Shulu had wondered many times why he agreed to stay and care for him back then.
With Tang Yue’s status as a signed artist, it wasn’t like they couldn’t find a caretaker.
This question plagued Jiang Shulu for days. One night, when Tang Yue’s lips brushed past the side of his neck, amidst the thundering of his heartbeat, he declared his own unforgivable sin.
But this stage wasn’t a good time for him to fall in love.
Jiang Shulu had maneuvered with his father and grandfather for a long time. Once the three years were up, he had to fly overseas to fulfill his promise.
To Jiang Shulu, the status of an heir was more like the cheap gold foil on a pseudo-chocolate coin shoved into his hand by a neighbor auntie during his childhood.
Only appearance, unable to mask the value itself.
His plan was to transfer some funds in these three years, and after gaining more power in three years, open a new company.
The Jiang family used him, and he could conversely use the Jiang family to accelerate his accumulation.
But now an accident appeared.
Tang Yue, who was outside the plan, and the completely uncontrollable growth of emotions.
Before this, Jiang Shulu never knew he craved intimacy so much.
During normal puberty when hormones were raging, Jiang Shulu had no interest in dating, nor did he like the friends/girlfriends recommended by Zhu Qiong, who feigned concern but harbored ulterior motives.
He didn’t even like excessive contact with women.
Jiang Shulu hadn’t considered that he might like men either.
After meeting Tang Yue, his ease in this aspect completely collapsed. His brain was uncontrollable.
When eating, he would wonder if Tang Yue had eaten.
When dealing with thorny partners within the Jiang family, on his way rushing back to training in the car, seeing someone selling flowers by the roadside…
He couldn’t help but want to buy them all for Tang Yue.
“Knowing cold and hot” (caring deeply) became a very concrete term, one Jiang Shulu poured onto Tang Yue almost instinctually.
It was so meticulous that Jiang He, who only strolled by for a routine check, stood outside the practice room for five minutes. During dinner with Jiang Shulu that night, he asked—
“You like Tang Yue?”
Jiang Shulu pretended to be calm and shook his head.
Jiang He: “No need to act with me.”
Joy at first sight was easy to act; subtle affection was hard to fake.
Jiang Shulu: “I like him.”
After speaking, he lowered his eyes, looking at the tea soup at first glance, his heart full of ripples.
Jiang Shulu: “But I can’t.”
Jiang He: “Do you want him?”
Jiang Shulu shook his head again. “It’s not that I want him, it’s that I hope he can want me.”
In Jiang He’s eyes, Jiang Shulu was too young, but much better than he was at that age.
At least he knew which sharp edges to show and which to hide.
Jiang He: “Maybe you can think of a way through Tang Yue.”
Jiang Shulu looked up. The man sitting across the long tea table had the distinct curly hair of the Jiang family.
He didn’t smile much. Even if the sunlight outside the window was perfect, he carried a thirty-percent gloominess.
Jiang Shulu: “What do you mean?”
Jiang He: “Isn’t he an illegitimate child?”
Jiang He didn’t look old. Perhaps because he had hurt himself too deeply opposing his father years ago, followed by a serious illness he still hadn’t fully recovered from, gray hair had appeared at his temples despite his age.
Tang Yue had met Jiang He once before and whispered to Jiang Shulu asking if the Boss’s hair was dyed.
Adding a sigh: Entertainment company big shots are so trendy.
It made Jiang Shulu laugh out loud on the spot. Jiang He, passing by, didn’t understand and thought Jiang Shulu’s persona was crumbling.
Jiang He: “Aren’t you one too?”
This sounded very rude, but Jiang Shulu didn’t get angry. As if awakened, he hurriedly said goodbye.
On this holiday evening, in the unlit living room, on the sofa so soft one would sink into it.
Jiang Shulu couldn’t sit straight. He just let the youth lean on his lap, fingers stroking the other’s face, thinking of the rental luggage he had handled for Tang Yue.
The safety deposit box that could fit into a suitcase was Tang Yue’s most important possession.
Could it be… a relic left by Tang Yue’s mother?
Jiang Shulu thought for a long time, so long that he only snapped back to reality when Tang Yue woke up to find himself sleeping on his lap and sat up abruptly.
Tang Yue: “Captain, when did you get back?”
Tang Yue reflexively touched the corner of his mouth, afraid he had drooled.
Jiang Shulu nonchalantly handed him a wet wipe.
Jiang Shulu: “Been back for a while.”
He asked, “Are you hungry? I’ll take you out to eat.”
Tang Yue: “Will we get photographed?”
This year, Tang Yue deeply understood what “fanatical” meant. Even going to a supermarket could result in being surrounded by fans.
Fortunately, Jiang Shulu had moved a cash register back home.
He’d deal with it after Tang Yue got tired of playing with it.
Jiang Shulu: “It doesn’t matter. We’re on holiday. Sister Lin will handle the rest.”
Tang Yue: “Can we wander around the supermarket? I haven’t been for a long time.”
Jiang Shulu: “Sure. Didn’t you want to play the dance machine too? Let’s go together.”
Tang Yue let out a “Wow.” “Is it really okay? There are so many people there.”
Jiang Shulu: “I’ll be with you, it’s fine.”
Tang Yue: “Then I’ll wear my mask properly.”
Jiang Shulu stood up. “Change your clothes and let’s go.”
Away’s schedule this year was tight. Sometimes sleep had to be caught up on the road, and recording shows in the early morning was common.
Tang Yue was still growing; often, he would have a bottle of milk in his pocket.
Every time fans met him, besides sending flowers, they sent milk, perfectly interpreting what “Mom Fans” were.
Jiang Shulu reported the itinerary to the manager. The other party’s status showed “typing” for a long time, but finally agreed.
Saying she would send someone to wait there first.
Tang Yue was still a bit nervous going out. several previous fan chases made him feel unsafe outdoors.
But now it was just him and Jiang Shulu. His excitement was uncontrollable; every few moments he would glance at the person driving.
Jiang Shulu: “Why do you keep looking at me?”
Tang Yue: “Do you have to go to the company even on your break?”
Liu Xichao always said Jiang Shulu worked several jobs alone. In Tang Yue’s eyes, it seemed about the same.
Jiang Shulu’s every minute and second was arranged clearly, as if relaxing slightly was a crime against heaven.
There was also the assistant, Song Chen, who always appeared beside him, already following Jiang Shulu before graduating university.
Tang Yue had probed him indirectly and breathed a sigh of relief knowing he had a steady girlfriend.
Unaware that he had zero skill in probing, Song Chen had even mentioned it to Jiang Shulu.
Jiang Shulu: “Don’t need to go these few days. I’ll accompany you to play.”
Tang Yue: “Is it okay?”
Jiang Shulu: “It’s okay. Didn’t you want to go to the safari park too? Let’s go tomorrow.”
Tang Yue: “The one where we can take the cable car?”
Jiang Shulu nodded.
Tang Yue: “Have you been there, Shulu-ge?”
Jiang Shulu shook his head.
Tang Yue: “Someone like Shulu-ge has never been to an amusement park?”
When they went to an amusement park to shoot an MV before, Jiang Shulu said it was his first time, shocking Tang Yue.
Jiang Shulu: “Someone like what?”
Tang Yue: “Someone with good family conditions who doesn’t lack money.”
Jiang Shulu: “No one went with me.”
Tang Yue: “Now you have me.”
After speaking, he felt a bit embarrassed, thinking he was too direct.
But he had said “like” countless times in public, yet never said it loudly in front of Jiang Shulu.
The atmosphere suddenly became ambiguous.
The evening city was busy with traffic. Jiang Shulu parked the car in the underground garage, realizing Tang Yue was still dodging his gaze.
Jiang Shulu: “So, are you withdrawing that sentence just now?”
Tang Yue: “No.”
Jiang Shulu: “Then, want to hold hands?”
Tang Yue: “Is it really okay?”
Jiang Shulu: “Yes.”
Holding hands while eating, holding hands while watching a movie, and before being discovered playing the dance machine, they were still holding hands.
The manager wasn’t surprised at all that the two were photographed.
@LiXinDoesNotLeaveHeartsHighPonytail: Ran into Tang Yue and Jiang Shulu at Joy City. They were actually playing the dance machine and actually holding hands! [Image] [Image]
— I thought they were announcing a relationship. — Are they a young couple? — Others met them too, right? At the restaurant too, took Tang Yue to eat seafood, sitting in front of the floor-to-ceiling window. Although wearing a hat, very recognizable! — Tang Yue, your eyes without colored contacts are like streaking naked. — Was at the scene. Jiang Shulu spoiled him numb. Don’t stan the group, but want to ask why you guys don’t ship this pair? I feel there’s something there! — Seems because there are too many candy moments, so people think it’s normal. — The dance machine score is too high. You can tell these two are handsome guys even without showing faces. — Tang Yue playing rhythm games is the funny part, getting anxious and making Jiang Shulu jump in too!! — Aren’t they on break? So Jiang Shulu took Tang Yue out? — Tang Yue won the game and hung his whole body on Jiang Shulu. Damn, I can tell Jiang Shulu is smiling even without taking off the mask!! — Feels like stumbling into a couple’s vlog… — Is a boy group allowed to be like this?
Later, as more people gathered, Jiang Shulu ran away with Tang Yue.
Fortunately, the security arranged by the manager beforehand caught up, but Tang Yue still ran until he was panting, collapsing in the elevator lobby.
But he was very happy, asking Jiang Shulu where to go next.
Jiang Shulu: “How about a boat ride?”
There was a pier still in use in the suburbs of S City.
Tang Yue hadn’t been, but being with Jiang Shulu, going anywhere was fine.
He nodded.
Unfortunately, it had stopped operating by the time they arrived.
There was almost no one here, and they wouldn’t meet fans.
The cold wind brushed their faces. Tang Yue’s hand stuffed itself into Jiang Shulu’s trench coat pocket, reaching to hold the other’s hand.
Jiang Shulu’s car was parked far away; they had to walk back.
Tang Yue: “Why is there candy in your pocket?”
He pulled it out to look—it was a coconut candy.
He asked Jiang Shulu, “Can I eat it?”
Jiang Shulu: “You put it in there yourself.”
Tang Yue let out an “Ah.” “When?”
Jiang Shulu: “The day before yesterday, when I was about to go out.”
Tang Yue’s attention was entirely on the candy, unaware that Jiang Shulu had led him in the wrong direction, turning into another small alley.
Tang Yue: “The day before yesterday?”
Jiang Shulu: “Didn’t you just finish opening packages and stuff a handful into my pocket?”
Tang Yue gave an “Oh.” “Third Brother said he doesn’t eat coconut, Second Brother said he doesn’t love sweets. I could only give them to you.”
Jiang Shulu: “Only?”
His arm wrapped around the youth’s shoulder. Tang Yue’s coming-of-age ceremony hadn’t been long ago.
The Gaokao had also ended smoothly, completely ending the days of following Jiang Shulu to do practice problems.
But Jiang Shulu’s days remained the same, as if training was his leisure time.
It made Tang Yue always want to sweeten him up.
Tang Yue subconsciously leaned closer to him. “It was me wanting to give it to you. Do you not like eating it?”
Jiang Shulu: “If I didn’t like it, how could there be only one left?”
Tang Yue had already popped it into his mouth and said “Ah.” “Then I ate it.”
Jiang Shulu: “You definitely have more in your room.”
Tang Yue: “Then… do you want to taste this candy of mine first?”
Jiang Shulu stopped walking.
Tang Yue finally noticed that at some point they had turned into a dark alley.
The only light was the street lamp at the end, but it wasn’t bright.
Someone was listening to the news, reporting a new meteorite crater appearing on some coast.
Absurd prophecies of the next doomsday arose again, saying humanity would face an apocalyptic era in a hundred years.
Only, there was no news of a planet colliding with Earth.
Because that planet hit Planet 9787, bringing Tang Yue to Earth.
Jiang Shulu: “What?”
Tang Yue: “I’ve already closed my eyes, don’t make me too awkward.”
The light was hazy. The alley, narrow enough for only one person, squeezed two people in; they could only fit by embracing.
The youth’s closed eyelashes trembled. His lips had just been applied with lip balm, carrying the scent of mint.
But Tang Yue wasn’t someone who loved applying lip balm.
He was clearly prepared.
Asking if Jiang Shulu was prepared.
Three.
Two.
Tang Yue counted down in his heart.
Then counted from one to three.
He felt a bit embarrassed, thinking his affection was unrequited, but in the next second, his waist was tightly hooped.
A kiss approached from the corner of his lips, moving to the center, even the seam of his lips swept fiercely by another person.
Tang Yue made a sound of pain. The mint was so cold, so cold, yet he received a kiss hot enough to suffocate.
It seemed to drain all his strength. Tang Yue’s hands could only grip the shoulders of Jiang Shulu’s trench coat, but eventually, they fell.
Tang Yue: “Does the Captain really like me?”
Jiang Shulu: “Like.”
His voice was wrapped in heavy desire, like a child coveting flowers in a window he couldn’t afford.
Tang Yue: “Second Brother said dating within the group is very dangerous. It’s better to have no title.”
Jiang Shulu thought of the phrase “sex partners” Tang Yue had used, and said between laughter and tears, “Sex partners have the reality without the name. So what are we?”
Tang Yue: “No name, no reality?”
Jiang Shulu: “But we’re already like this.”
Tang Yue: “Like what?”
Jiang Shulu pecked the corner of his lips. “Like this.”
As a result, Tang Yue covered his face.
Jiang Shulu laughed. “What is there to cry about?”
The tears that were about to wet the youth’s eyelashes were kissed away.
Tang Yue took a deep breath, leaned into his embrace, and said lowly, “I feel so happy.”
He thought again, seemingly very distressed. “Then us being like this counts as mutually liking each other, but it can’t be known by others…”
The little alien had a flash of inspiration: “Isn’t that just having an affair?”
Recommended Reads
