Chapter 73: Who Is It That Kidnapped His Brother Again??!!!!
Jiang Qing’s attitude was the same as before; he liked to tease and play with him.
But ever since “that incident,” he had become increasingly sensitive to these things.
Was Jiang Qing’s attitude really the same as before?
No. How could it be the same.
But why was it different?
Jiang Qing was still the same Jiang Qing who would ruthlessly crush him at video games, who would order him around as a matter of course, and who would frown and toss a blanket over him when he stayed up late… Wait, no, he would just grab him by the collar, haul him back to his room, and kick him inside.
“Tease him,” “Play with him”…
In the past, Jiang Linmu could righteously define these as his brother’s wicked sense of humor. He could bristle and resist; it was their unique, even intimate way of interacting.
But now, every seemingly normal “tease” fell upon a perception that had been reshaped by “that incident” and quietly changed flavor.
And today’s “spoiled act” on the phone and Jiang Qing’s counterattack had pushed this “sensitivity” to its peak.
When Jiang Qing used that calm, even indulgent tone to say, “a more practical action,” Jiang Linmu felt all the blood in his body rush to his head, only to freeze the next second. In that moment, he almost thought Jiang Qing had seen through all his chaotic thoughts—the unspeakable shame, the attachment, and the deeper longing born from “that incident.”
Yes, longing.
That was the part that made him most afraid and disgusted with himself.
He began to greedily yet fearfully collect everything about Jiang Qing: the scent he radiated after a shower, the slight furrow of his brow when focused… Every detail had been given a powerful association after “that incident.” He loathed himself for it, but he couldn’t control it.
So, what exactly did Jiang Qing mean?
Did he simply think the “spoiled act” was clumsy and decided to counter with something sharper, continuing his game of “playing with him”? Or was the way Jiang Qing looked at him also quietly changing after “that incident,” and that “practical action” was a vague test or invitation that even Jiang Qing himself didn’t fully understand?
Jiang Linmu didn’t dare think too deeply about the latter.
That was too much of a luxury, and too dangerous. If he misread it, if it was just another form of Jiang Qing “teasing” him, he would fall into a deeper pit of embarrassment and despair.
But what if… what if?
What if?
He closed his eyes wearily.
He thought that maybe Jiang Qing hadn’t thought anything of it at all. Maybe that incident really was just a negligible bit of chaos to him. He was still just the younger brother who needed discipline and could occasionally be used for amusement. All the “sensitivity” and “being off” were just his own internal turmoil.
But then, why was Jiang Qing’s reaction tonight…
Jiang Linmu curled up in the darkness, feeling an unprecedented sense of loneliness and confusion. His body still remembered the temperature and touch of that night, while his heart was repeatedly scorched by cold doubts and burning desire.
He took a deep breath and pushed the front door open.
Strangely, no one was home.
He even peeked into Glucose and Peanut Candy’s beds several times but couldn’t find his brother.
Could it be…
Jiang Linmu rushed to his own room.
Phew.
Thank goodness.
His brother wasn’t in his room.
Wait.
If his brother wasn’t in his room AND wasn’t in the house, what on earth was he relieved about!!!???? This was a huge problem!!!!
In a panic, Jiang Linmu immediately whipped out his phone. He hadn’t checked it since Jiang Qing hung up on him.
[Plain and Simple is True: Mu-san, your Oni-chan isn’t coming home tonight because there are other little brothers here asking me to stay.]
[Plain and Simple is True: Don’t miss your Oni-chan too much~]
“…….”
Okay, Jiang Qing was still Jiang Qing.
But…
What do you mean there are “other little brothers”!!!!!!!! I don’t permit this! I don’t accept it!!!!!!!
Who was it????!!!! Who had kidnapped his brother????!!!
Jiang Linmu suddenly remembered that the destination of Jiang Qing’s itinerary today was…
The Lin family.
Heh. The Lins, huh…
I’ll remember you.
Jiang Linmu took a shower and lay in bed full of resentment. If Jiang Qing were here now, he would probably tease him again:
Wow, the Jiang family won’t have to buy ink next year either.
He rolled over angrily.
If Jiang Qing called him within the next five minutes, he would decide to forgive him.
One minute.
Two minutes.
Four minutes.
Four minutes and one second…
Jiang Linmu rolled over again in a huff.
If Jiang Qing messaged him within the next five minutes, he would decide to forgive him.
One minute.
Two minutes.
Four minutes and one second.
Four minutes and fifty-eight seconds…….
Wait.
Did his brother really not want him anymore???!!!
On the other side:
After a shower, Jiang Qing lay down on the large bed in the guest room prepared for him.
Comfortable.
Now that he was free, he didn’t forget to harass Jiang Linmu.
[Plain and Simple is True: You there?]
Jiang Linmu was just moping around when his screen lit up.
See? His brother hadn’t abandoned him, hehe. I’ll forgive you then.
He excitedly checked the message.
[Plain and Simple is True: Little Mumu? Why aren’t you replying to your brother’s message?]
[Plain and Simple is True: Are you angry???]
Jiang Linmu was just debating whether he should wait a few more seconds to reply, lest his brother think he was a man who was too easy to get.
[Plain and Simple is True: Fine then, stay angry.]
“…….”
[Does Not Eat Sweet Tofu Pudding: Ge.]
[Does Not Eat Sweet Tofu Pudding: I was wrong.]
[Does Not Eat Sweet Tofu Pudding: Are you still coming home, Ge?]
[Plain and Simple is True: Too late.]
[Plain and Simple is True: I gave you face and you didn’t take it? Ignoring my messages for so long.]
[Plain and Simple is True: Have you had too many good days lately??]
[Plain and Simple is True: Heh.]
Jiang Linmu was so panicked he immediately called him.
No answer.
It was over.
This time it was truly over.
Jiang Linmu could already imagine the scene of his brother coming back tomorrow and pinning him to the ground for a beating.
Actually, he didn’t mind the beating—he was thick-skinned—he was just afraid his brother’s hands would hurt from hitting him.
This thought surfaced instinctively, making Jiang Linmu daze for a moment. See? Even at a time like this, he was worried about Jiang Qing. This deep-rooted, almost instinctual care was the source of all his “being off” and “sensitivity.”
But what he feared most wasn’t a beating.
What he feared most was his brother coming home tomorrow and having no reaction at all. That would be the time to sound the Level 1 alarm.
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