Don't Reconcile Too Quickly - Chapter 44

On the third day of Chen Jiazhi’s chemotherapy, the transfer to another hospital was successfully arranged. The Deputy Dean even called, saying, “You’ve been so generous to the Municipal Hospital; we definitely have to help with this.”

Not long after, Mingyang sent a message.

– Brother Shixu, if it weren’t for you, my grandmother wouldn’t have gotten into special care. Thank you so much.

– Brother Shixu, are you busy now? I’m at the inpatient department and would love to treat you to a coffee.

– Can I come to the consultation room to find you?

Shen Shixu didn’t bother with pleasantries, only asking if the marble issue had been sorted out.

Patients often mentioned how effective Wenshu Monastery¹ was, with everyone going there to seek blessings and charms. He used to scoff at such things, but now he understood.

It’s not about wishing for the impossible; it’s about finding solace when there’s no way out.

So even superstitions need to be grasped.

After a while, Mingyang replied: Not yet, but the Customs procedures have been approved.

S: Let me know when it arrives.

Locking his phone, Shen Shixu looked at the sleeping Chen Jiazhi, kissed his nose gently, and murmured, “Little Pig, sleeping so soundly.”

After a moment, the phone on the bedside table vibrated.

Though it was Chen Jiazhi’s phone, Shen Shixu casually picked it up, entered the familiar 127810, and opened the messages.

There were only a few chat records, not even filling the vertical screen.

Li Zhen: Mr. Chen, have you recovered?

Scrolling up revealed various greetings at different times. Pulling the messages to the top, Shen Shixu chuckled.

How amusing, this troublemaker is so likable.

Li Zhen had asked many times if Mr. Chen was available for a meal, to see an exhibition, or if he had played with the game cards he bought.

The fool’s replies were quite polite, mostly apologizing for being busy.

Feeling slightly less annoyed, Shen Shixu typed: Doing well, don’t worry.

Then he proceeded to delete and block the contact.

After deleting, he checked other messages, like those from Lin Huan at the Publishing Group, which were normal social inquiries about health. He also glanced at the Moments.

Hmm, a woman in her forties, so he left it.

Exiting, he found Arivn’s chat records, mostly filled with professional psychological jargon.

Not wanting to keep it, but he had to.

Deleting it would surely cause a tantrum.

Now the chat records only had four entries: Arivn, Lin Huan, Zhou Wei, and himself.

Opening his own avatar, he set the messages to the top and felt satisfied.

Then, not quite satisfied, he checked the contacts to see who else was there, and his finger froze.

The contact list… had only these chat people, plus his aunt, Bald Li, and Guoyue Property Management.

A total of seven contacts.

Suddenly regretting deleting Li Zhen, he restored the contact from the blacklist and marked the message as unread.

“Hiss.”

Not quite right, restoring it would mean seeing his reply?

Back to blocking, okay, now it’s quiet.

Returning the phone, pretending to know nothing, he thought for a while before getting up from the bed and going to the balcony to call Hao Xi for a scolding: “Aren’t you good friends with him? Why aren’t you WeChat friends?”

“Bro, did you walk into the wrong scene?” Hao Xi, busy playing mahjong, swiftly discarded a nine, “Who are you talking about!”

“Who? Every year you send emails scolding him, don’t you know to add him back on WeChat and apologize daily?”

“…”

“Bro, what kind of play are you guys doing? I wanted to add him but forgot, and he was in such bad shape at the hospital, how could I add him! Besides, I already apologized before, he forgave me long ago.” Hao Xi said loudly, “And let me clarify again, it wasn’t scolding! It was tough love!”

Forget it, this was like talking to a brick wall, Shen Shixu hung up and returned to the suite where Chen Jiazhi was already awake.

He opened his eyes, looking listless, “Why were you so fierce just now?”

“Scolding a fool, don’t worry about it.” Tucking the blanket, Shen Shixu asked, “Do you want to eat something?”

“I don’t want to eat…” Chen Jiazhi held Shen Shixu’s hand, the grip so light it was almost negligible, and after a long pause, suddenly said, “I was wrong…”

“Hmm? What did you dream about?”

“No… It feels… the painkillers are becoming less effective.” He spoke with difficulty, “Didn’t I take them this morning… Why does it still hurt so much?”

Shen Shixu immediately understood what he was expressing, caressing his face, “It’s not your fault; you didn’t know taking too many painkillers would lead to tolerance. You did nothing wrong.”

“How much does it hurt? Tell me now.”

“If I were to draw a line, I’d mark it at 8.” Chen Jiazhi said intermittently, “I’m not lying, I used to be able to sleep, but now I can’t…”

“Alright, I understand.” Shen Shixu helped him up and took out the real painkillers from his coat, “I understand, let’s take them again now.”

Though he shouldn’t take them again, Shen Shixu couldn’t bear to hear Chen Jiazhi’s cries of pain.

Chemotherapy would end in three days, and things should improve, so he broke the doctor’s rules and fed Chen Jiazhi water and medicine, “It’s okay, it won’t hurt soon.”

After taking the medicine, Chen Jiazhi breathed heavily, and Shen Shixu wiped the sweat from his forehead, looking at his pale face, saying, “The medicine will take effect soon, just wait a few minutes.”

A few minutes later, Chen Jiazhi visibly regained some spirit, but Shen Shixu felt regretful.

The ward lacked entertainment activities, so he called his assistant to buy a projector and bring the PS5 from Guoyue.

Shen Shixu said, “Let’s watch a movie or play games together.”

Chen Jiazhi, half-reclining on the pillow, weakly asked, “Why haven’t you been working lately, staying with me every day?”

During chemotherapy, he wouldn’t trust the caregiver alone, and after the scheduled surgeries, he only needed to attend consultations.

“I’ll stay with you these days, I’m not going anywhere.” Shen Shixu said.

“Won’t it affect your work…”

“Staying with you is affecting?” Shen Shixu deliberately asked, “Are you tired of me?”

Moving his head slightly, Chen Jiazhi leaned against him, “Even when I’m with you, I miss you.”

If he weren’t sick, these words would be comforting. Taking advantage of Chen Jiazhi’s good mood, Shen Shixu suggested, “Baby.”

“Mm?”

“We need to tell your aunt about this, we can’t delay any longer.”

“Don’t tell her, she’s still on tour.”

Chen Meng is the Philharmonic Orchestra’s first chair, and many audiences come specifically for her.

“This is her first global tour, she loves it.”

“Are you trying to provoke me?” Shen Shixu threatened, “How can this be hidden?”

Chen Jiazhi paused for a long time after saying a few words: “Don’t provoke me… Aren’t you taking care of me…”

“Even with me taking care, it’s not enough; she’s your family, she has the right to know.”

“Am I dying…?”

“What nonsense are you talking!” Shen Shixu immediately got anxious, “Don’t you dare say such things!”

“Then why do you always want to notify my aunt?” Chen Jiazhi moved again, leaning his whole body over, “Are you hiding something from me?”

“When have I ever lied to you?” The more he thought about it, the angrier he got. Shen Shixu held him in his arms, “Once your aunt’s tour is over, we must tell her. There’s no room for negotiation, even if you act up, I won’t care.”

“Got it, I want to sleep for a while.” Saying this, Chen Jiazhi slowly closed his eyes, and Shen Shixu looked at him sideways, “Do you want to watch a movie or play games later?”

After the tube was inserted, hand movements were convenient, but his spirit was low and reactions slow, surely dragging behind. Chen Jiazhi shook his head, “Let’s watch a movie…”

“What do you want to watch? I’ll find it for you in advance, so you can watch while eating when you wake up.”

“I don’t know…”

“You must say one.”

“Then… let’s watch, what I watched as a child… Elf Century.”

“Baby.” With a helpless tone, Shen Shixu said, “That’s a cartoon.”

“I know… I want to hear the theme song.”

That’s easy enough, immediately downloading a music app on his phone, Shen Shixu asked, “What’s the name of the theme song?”

Chen Jiazhi mumbled the name sleepily and then fell asleep, not having the chance to listen, and Shen Shixu found the wrong one, clicking on the piano version.

Later, when the assistant brought the projector and PS5, Chen Jiazhi was still asleep. When he woke up, the chemotherapy drip had finished, and Shen Shixu had installed everything.

Refusing to eat in bed, Chen Jiazhi slowly got out of bed, leisurely moving to the small round table, then remembered the puzzle, “Where’s my puzzle?”

“Put it away, you’ve been working on it for days.” Shen Shixu stood by the bed adjusting the display parameters, not looking back, “Did you get mad when I didn’t pick you up the day the tube was inserted? Came back and kicked the puzzle apart.”

“You said you’d be waiting outside.”

What parameters to adjust? Tossing the remote onto the bed, Shen Shixu uncovered the soup pot for dinner, first tasting the temperature, then pushing it in front of Chen Jiazhi, all actions natural and smooth, before sitting opposite and saying, “There was a problem with the surgery that day.” Afraid Chen Jiazhi would overthink, he quickly changed the subject, “I was too busy that day, I apologize.”

“It’s okay.” Chen Jiazhi smiled, “You’re so busy, I understand.”

Shen Shixu suspiciously glanced at him, “Why do I feel like you’re up to something again?”

“Yes, you said we’d eat ice cream that day, now I want some, can I?” Slowly sipping the soup, Chen Jiazhi tried to hold the spoon steady, saying, “Feels like there’s a fire in my stomach, something cold to cool it down.”

Ice cream was okay, no problem.

But Shen Shixu knew his nature, negotiating before eating, “Only one a day.”

“Okay.”

“Won’t act up?”

“Why act up?” Looking a bit dazed, Chen Jiazhi silently complained, “I probably can’t finish it…”

This left Shen Shixu speechless, he paused and said, “You must keep your promise.”

After dinner, it started raining outside, the rain pattering down, and the sky gradually darkened.

Without needing an IV, Chen Jiazhi could move freely, Shen Shixu placed him on himself, chest to chest, the two nestled in bed choosing an old comedy film.

The suite lights were turned off, the movie became the only light source.

During classic scenes, the rotating light and shadow fell on Chen Jiazhi’s face, he laughed weakly, the laughter not loud but continuous. Seeing him so happy, Shen Shixu also laughed, stroking his nape, “So happy, huh?”

During these chemotherapy days, there hadn’t been a smile on his face.

“The Axe Gang looks so cool, have you seen that dance online, with that music, it’s even cooler!” Chen Jiazhi tilted his chin up, eyes rolling upwards, reaching to stick his eyelashes to his eyelids.

Shen Shixu removed his hand, “What’s this action?”

“Eyelashes block my view, this way I can see you clearly.”

“Then turn around.”

Chen Jiazhi shifted, obediently snuggling into Shen Shixu’s embrace. His hands were restless, first pinching the muscles on Shen’s shoulder, then feeling the thin abs under the blanket. He said enviously, “I wish I had a body like yours.”

“Settle down, what are you touching?”

“I just want to touch.” Raising his voice a bit, Chen Jiazhi said happily, “You like touching me too, you were just pinching my thigh.”

“Is it the same when I touch you?” Shen Shixu leaned in and asked, “Do you want me to pinch the middle?”

“Can you pinch the middle? You’ll break it…” Suddenly shy, Chen Jiazhi stopped wandering with his hands and moved away a bit. “You’re so perverted…”

“Just realized?”

“…”

“My hair’s getting long. Can you take me out for a haircut tomorrow?” Chen Jiazhi asked, blushing and changing the subject. “Feels like it’s almost covering my eyes.”

This matter had been waiting for the right moment to bring up, thinking it could be brushed aside, but it had come up anyway.

Shen Shixu pulled him back, holding him close again. “No haircut, just leave it.”

“Why?”

There’s no way to explain that the hair would fall out soon, and when it falls out more, tying it up won’t be as noticeable.

The movie reached the scene with the Fire Cloud Evil God. Shen Shixu took the remote and turned off the movie, switching to “Elf Century,” which immediately caught Chen Jiazhi’s attention.

Though his eyes were glued to the screen, he still didn’t forget to ask again why.

“With long hair, I can tie it into a ponytail for you.” Shen Shixu said, pretending to be casual. “And buy you a dress to wear, turn you into a beauty.”

“What’s wrong with you, what would I become then?” Chen Jiazhi turned his head, looking at him strangely. “Do you have some special fetish?”

Rarely losing his composure, Shen Shixu’s mouth twitched for a moment, and the next second he was laughing into the blanket.

Chen Jiazhi was even more puzzled: “What’s so funny?”

Imagining a dark and stormy night drama, Shen Shixu didn’t dare to speak his true thoughts, knowing it would make Chen Jiazhi angry. He followed up with a lie, “I just imagined you with a ponytail and a dress, running over to ask me, ‘Am I beautiful?'”

Actually, it wasn’t like that. He imagined a dark, deserted alley, Chen Jiazhi indeed wearing a dress, then being pulled deeper into the alley by himself, pressed against the wall, lifting the hem of the dress.

He didn’t dare say it, really didn’t dare.

“What did you answer?”

“I answered, ‘You’re the most beautiful in the world, Miss China Beauty Pageant winner.'” Shen Shixu was still laughing. “I’d be willing to start a war for you, keep you in a golden house, be Wu Wang Fucha.”

“So don’t cut your hair, stay beautiful, become a beauty who can bring down a country, hmm?”

After a long time without a response, Shen Shixu turned to look and found Chen Jiazhi holding the remote, kneeling on the bed, pouting, looking at him with a face full of grievance.

“What happened?” Shen Shixu quickly sat up. “Are you mad?”

“Do you like girls?” Chen Jiazhi asked unhappily. “Why do you want me to wear a dress?”

Joking without boundaries, Shen Shixu cleared his throat and said seriously, “I like you not because of clothes, not because of a ponytail. Of course, you look best without wearing anything.”

“…Okay.”

“Are you mad?”

“Why would I be mad? Just don’t talk.”

“I didn’t-”

“Oh, you’re so annoying, don’t talk.”

Not talking, but physical contact is okay, right?

Shen Shixu pinched his face, then pulled him into his arms, checking the time on his phone. It was getting late, time to sleep, but he didn’t rush.

Because Chen Jiazhi seemed to be in good spirits today, not complaining of pain, moving around more.

The two of them cuddled together, quietly watching the images changing on the wall.

Sixteen minutes of an episode passed, the ending theme played, and all the light seemed to gather in Chen Jiazhi’s gray-blue eyes. He rubbed his eyes.

Holding his wrist, Shen Shixu gently massaged it. “Why are your eyes always itchy?”

Chen Jiazhi leaned against him, slowly saying, “I’m sleepy.”

“Mm, sleep.” Shen Shixu patted his head.

After turning off the projector, the suite lost its light and became dark.

Chen Jiazhi adjusted his position, one leg draped over Shen Shixu’s waist, still holding onto his neck.

“Are you a koala now? Don’t put your right hand like that, be careful not to press on the IV.”

Not answering immediately, the hand around the neck loosened, resting on the pillow. After a while, Chen Jiazhi asked softly, “You’re not letting me cut my hair because I’ll soon lose it, right?”

Shen Shixu’s heart skipped a beat, surprised he guessed it, or perhaps already knew.

Being too smart isn’t always good, seeing it can’t be hidden, he decided to be honest.

“Hair loss during chemotherapy is normal, it’s caused by the medication loosening the hair follicles, not because you want to lose it. And the hair will grow back later.” Shen Shixu moved his hand to Chen Jiazhi’s chest, gently rubbing. “It’s completely normal, don’t worry.”

Chen Jiazhi murmured, “I’m not worried about losing hair.”

“Then why so sad, your tone changed.” Shen Shixu said, “Every word you said earlier was happy.”

“Because losing hair will make me ugly, I knew when you turned off the movie.” Chen Jiazhi asked foolishly, “Will I end up with the Fire Cloud Evil God’s hairstyle?”

“What nonsense, you know it’s a movie, actors do that for the effect. And chemotherapy hair loss isn’t like that, understand?” Shen Shixu asked him, “Are you sad because you’re afraid of becoming ugly?”

Without waiting for Chen Jiazhi to answer, he quickly said, “You’re always good-looking, okay?”

“How much better do you want to look?”

“I know I’m good-looking!!” Chen Jiazhi argued quickly. Since childhood, the most compliments he received were about his appearance, and because of this, he was anxious. Someone who was always good-looking suddenly wasn’t, it made him anxious…

Thinking for a moment, Shen Shixu asked, “Are you worried I’ll dislike you?”

“A little…” The volume was not confident, quickly affirming, Chen Jiazhi said dejectedly, “Actually, I’m worried about this.”

Shen Shixu chuckled, “Then there’s no need to worry, I wish you’d be a bit uglier.”

“Why?”

“Uglier, so fewer people will look at you.” Shen Shixu said, “Do you know the nurses are always talking about your eyes, how long your eyelashes are, how long your legs are.”

“The other day, the head of the plastic surgery department asked me if they could take a picture of your nose as a reference template.”

“I’m really impressed…” He pinched Chen Jiazhi’s nose. “Even though you stay in the ward all day, how do you still attract so much attention?”

“If you say that, then I’m confident.” Chen Jiazhi wiggled happily in his arms. “I’m not worried at all now.”

“Alright, look at you.”

“Don’t worry, everyone likes me.”

“Yes, yes, you’re the most beautiful in the world.” Shen Shixu hugged him tightly. “Sleep, beautiful.”

Lying in his arms, Chen Jiazhi giggled for a while before falling asleep.

In the dim light, Shen Shixu looked at his face, then touched his hair. “Carefree thing.”

After successfully resolving a concern, Chen Jiazhi became much happier. Shen Shixu didn’t even have to guide him, as Arivn said, just treat it normally.

Sometimes it felt amazing, no long speeches, no cautiousness, in daily life, Chen Jiazhi automatically returned to his former state.

This feeling was wonderful, as if he had done something extraordinary, making him feel very fulfilled.

During the last few days of chemotherapy, Chen Jiazhi was mostly calm, except for occasionally refusing to eat.

Perhaps it was psychological suggestion at work, he ate B2 with ease.

Of course, on the other hand, the dosage of painkillers was gradually increasing, which Shen Shixu hadn’t told him. He took on the burden of worry, while Chen Jiazhi just needed to smile.

When he learned that this stage of chemotherapy was about to end, Chen Jiazhi was quietly happy for a long time, and the test report showed his body’s indicators were better than the previous two times.

Loving someone is like nurturing a flower, seeing initial results.

Regular rest, appropriate activity, daily intake of sufficient energy, carefully nurturing, gradually getting better.

Chemotherapy ended, and Shen Shixu had to return to his clinic.

“Starting tomorrow, I won’t be able to spend as much time with you. Hao Xi and the others will come to see you anytime, if you’re bored, play with them or play games yourself.” Finding clothes in the wardrobe, Shen Shixu came to the bedside and handed them to Chen Jiazhi. “Shall we go out for a walk? Do you want to buy anything?”

Chen Jiazhi put on the clothes himself, revealing a pair of eyes pulled at the corners from the round-neck sweater. “It’s March, why are you giving me a sweater?”

“It’s windy today, don’t whine, hurry up and wear it.”

Putting on the sweater, he was about to take off his pants. Kneeling on the bed, he took off his pants, revealing two long, white legs, with white underwear with black edges at the roots.

A waist thin and narrow, pinching it would definitely create an extreme curve.

Swallowing, Shen Shixu said with a stern face, “Who taught you to change clothes like this?”

“How else should I change? Just take off the pants and put on the pants.” Chen Jiazhi was a bit impatient. “The Jade Emperor is here again, the Pacific Ocean is so wide, why don’t you manage it?”

“That’s God’s jurisdiction.” Kneeling on the bed, Shen Shixu pinched his cheek. “Getting cheeky again, your spirit’s been good for a few days, and now you’re talking back.”

“Don’t mess with me, I’m putting on pants!”

“Don’t move, I’ll dress you!” Shen Shixu helped him pull up his pants, his hands wandering everywhere, Chen Jiazhi glared at him. “I knew you had ulterior motives!”

“Just holding you, don’t fuss.” Taking the socks from the edge of the bed, Shen Shixu lowered his head to put them on his feet, seriously observing his little toe. “This part won’t grow, see if you’ll still run around recklessly.”

“I can take a car, why run.” Getting off the bed himself, putting on shoes, Chen Jiazhi stood up. “Where are we going for a walk?”

“Can’t go too far, anything you want to eat?” Shen Shixu asked. “Yuzhilan has two new dishes, want to try them?”

“No, I want to eat an ice cream.”

“Dreaming before sleeping?” Shen Shixu pulled him out the door, scolding along the way. “How did you promise the other day, one a day, said it well, the next day you regretted it, now regretting it every day.”

Standing in the elevator with many strangers, Chen Jiazhi shook his hand, asking quietly, “You don’t give me any face, huh?”

As soon as Shen Shixu stepped out of the elevator, he resumed his banter, “Just so you know, even though I’ll be seeing patients starting tomorrow, if I’m not busy, I’ll come up to check on you anytime. There are five ice creams left, and if one goes missing, prepare for some serious consequences.”

“Hehe, aren’t you afraid I’ll eat them and secretly replace them?”

“Then hand over your card right now.”

“What nonsense is this? You used to give me money, and now you want me to hand it over?” Chen Jiazhi tried to shake off his hand but couldn’t, so he defiantly said, “No money, just my life.”

“I’ve warned you before, but warnings don’t seem to work.” As they walked out of the inpatient department and onto the path connecting to the outpatient building, Shen Shixu turned his head and said, “If you want to eat something, there are plenty of snacks in the cabinet. You can eat cold stuff; it’s actually better. But if you eat too much, your intestines won’t handle the stimulation well, understand?”

“And ice cream is full of fats, artificial cream, and flavors. Eating too much burdens your liver, kidneys, and digestive tract.”

“I get it, I get it!” Chen Jiazhi replied impatiently.

“What do you get?” Shen Shixu stopped and asked, “Repeat it back to me.”

“One a day, no sneaking, no overeating.”

“Alright.” Shen Shixu pulled him along, casually saying, “If you go back on your word, I’ll make sure you regret it.”

While Chen Jiazhi was pondering what kind of regret that might be, they had already reached the outpatient hall. “Aren’t we driving?”

“Not today. There’s a park nearby; let’s take a walk.” After being cooped up for so long, Shen Shixu thought it was time to enjoy the beautiful world outside, lest the flowers wilt. “After dinner, I’ll take you to the library. Haven’t you been complaining about being bored?”

PS5 with controllers, movie memberships, snacks, books. With these hobbies prepared and the option to return to the ward anytime, boredom shouldn’t be an issue, right?

Thinking of this, he asked, “We don’t have to eat dinner at Yuzhilan; we can go back to Lushan and have Zhen-Jie cook something delicious for you.”

“No, no, no, no, I don’t want to go.” Chen Jiazhi quickly refused.

“Why not? You can see Hero and Jiabao; it’s not like you’re seeing my parents. If you’re worried about awkwardness, I’ll call them and ask them not to come home.”

“Are you crazy? I’m not going.” Chen Jiazhi didn’t dare say the rest. After leaving so abruptly back then, Shen Shixu made such a fuss upon his return; his parents must dislike him.

As they were bickering and pulling each other out of the outpatient hall, a clear voice called out from afar.

“Brother Shixu!”

Looking in the direction of the voice, Chen Jiazhi saw a boy about his age striding over. He tried to pull his fingers out of Shen Shixu’s grasp but failed. He whispered, “It’s not good for your brother to see us like this!”

“I only have one brother,” Shen Shixu said, expressionless, looking at Mingyang. “He’s not here.”

“I saw you from afar; you two look great together.” Mingyang said, panting slightly as he ran over. “Brother Shixu, are you going out to have fun?”

“Yeah.”

“Oh, I just wanted to say thank you. If you hadn’t called the dean, my grandma wouldn’t have gotten special care. My Aunt said you really helped us out. Thank you so much.” As he spoke, Mingyang’s gaze lingered on Chen Jiazhi, but he didn’t directly greet him. Instead, he asked Shen Shixu, “Brother Shixu, is this Mr. Chen?”

Shen Shixu looked at Chen Jiazhi, his eyes saying, “It’s up to you whether you want to greet him.” If Chen Jiazhi looked away, he’d immediately pull him along. If Chen Jiazhi wanted to meet him, since he had no friends in the country, the decision was his.

Whether to know him or not was entirely up to him.

“Yes, I’m Chen Jiazhi.” Extending his hand, Chen Jiazhi took the initiative to shake hands, smiling, “Hello.”

After shaking hands, Mingyang said, “I thought I’d run into you these days, but I didn’t see you even though we’re on the same ward floor.”

Shen Shixu remained silent, not responding. Chen Jiazhi glared at him; did this person have no manners?? You can’t let people feel too awkward, so he took the initiative to say, “I’m in ward number five. Feel free to come and hang out with us anytime.”

“Sure, I’ll come by when I’m free.” Mingyang smiled and asked, “Mr. Chen, we should be about the same age, right?”

They exchanged birth months, and Chen Jiazhi was a month older. Mingyang said, “Then I’ll call you brother Jiazhi.”

“Sure, your name sounds nice.” Chen Jiazhi generously praised, “It sounds like you’re a very easy-going person.”

Shen Shixu stood aside, still silent. The matter of the special care ward was the first time he had dealt with such matters.

Whether Mingyang was unaware or his Aunt had intended it, he was already quite annoyed.

He turned to Mingyang and asked indifferently, “Anything else? We’re heading out.”

“No, that’s all.” Mingyang was taken aback, quickly waving his hand, “You guys go ahead, see you.”

After speaking, Shen Shixu pulled Chen Jiazhi along, and Chen Jiazhi quickly turned back, “See you!”

Mingyang stood in place, smiling and waving, “See you.”

On the bustling street, stepping on the mottled light and shadows, Chen Jiazhi muttered, “Why were you so cold just now? He greeted you nicely, but you barely responded.”

Not wanting Chen Jiazhi to know about the messy business of the special care ward, nor that Mingyang was the arranged blind date, even though it didn’t happen, since Mingyang didn’t bring it up, and Arivn advised not to mention what happened that night.

So, Shen Shixu simply tightened his grip and mimicked, “Why do you care so much?”

“Fine, I won’t care.” Chen Jiazhi said fearlessly, then asked, “If he comes to hang out with me, can I hang out with him?”

“You spend all day in the ward; what’s there to play with? You have a game console, snacks, and books.” Speaking of this, he remembered the WeChat with only a few contacts, and Shen Shixu softened his tone, “If you think he’s a nice person, then interact with him. If you don’t like him, don’t.”

“I think he’s pretty nice.” Chen Jiazhi said, “He seems very cheerful.”

“That’s fine, you make your own decisions.”

They slowly walked to the park. The flowers bloomed, the leaves turned green, and the spring breeze blew across the lake.

Chen Jiazhi sighed, “It’s so nice. I wish every day could be like this.”

“I hope every day is like this too.” The warmth hadn’t dissipated when Shen Shixu continued, “I wish you’d stop causing trouble every day.”

“…”

After walking around the park a few times, seeing Chen Jiazhi tired, they took a taxi to eat. After dinner, they went to the library. Chen Jiazhi browsed for a long time, pointing at various books on the bookshelf, saying, “I’ve read this one, and this one too.” Finally, he blushed and asked, “Have you read autobiographies?”

He thought he couldn’t bring this up, but Chen Jiazhi mentioned it himself. Shen Shixu glanced at him, “Written by me, of course I’ve read it.”

“Then you must!!” Chen Jiazhi said with a serious expression, “Read it carefully and memorize it!”

“Silly.” Shen Shixu ruffled his hair, “Are you tired? Do you want to go back and rest?”

They wandered around a bit more, and Shen Shixu carried a stack of books to the checkout. Just as he was about to take out his wallet, Chen Jiazhi handed over his card, giving him a defiant look, “You won’t even buy me ice cream, don’t buy these either.”

The cashier smiled at them, and in a public place, it wasn’t appropriate to scold or pinch him. Shen Shixu closed his wallet and gave a “suit yourself” look.

Back at the Municipal Hospital, Chen Jiazhi volunteered to shower tonight!

Mainly because he was always being touched, and each time it elicited a reaction. Holding his pajamas, he entered the bathroom and closed the door, not forgetting to suspiciously glance back at Shen Shixu, warning, “I’m showering! Don’t come in!”

Shen Shixu was drinking the nutritional milk Chen Jiazhi hadn’t finished, sitting on the sofa with his legs crossed, looking at his phone without raising his eyes, “Don’t play with yourself.”

“You… are crazy!” Chen Jiazhi cursed and slammed the door.

On the sofa, Shen Shixu looked at the messages on his phone.

Mingyang had sent:

-Brother Shixu, the marble has shipped and should arrive in about a month.

Being on the same ward floor, even if Mingyang didn’t come looking for Chen Jiazhi, they were likely to run into each other. If it was brought up…

Before anything was settled, it was best not to let him know, even though Chen Jiazhi hadn’t asked these past few days, Shen Shixu knew he must remember.

So he replied: Don’t tell him for now.

-Wow, are you planning a surprise for brother Jiazhi?

S: Yeah.

-The nurses said brother Jiazhi’s health seems… It’s okay; he’ll get better.

Shen Shixu frowned. Nurses wouldn’t spread a patient’s condition; how did he know?

Regardless of how he knew, the important thing was not to affect Chen Jiazhi’s mood.

He replied: Who told you?

Mingyang quickly changed the subject.

-I saw your commendation in the outpatient building; you’re so handsome and talented!

-Brother Shixu, can I hang out with brother Jiazhi tomorrow?

He didn’t want to reply anymore, locking his phone and placing it on the table. Meanwhile, a shout came from the bathroom, “Shen Shixu, I got my pajamas wet on the floor; bring me another set!”

“…”

Finding the pajamas, Shen Shixu pushed the door open. In the steamy mist, he saw a naked figure.

“Did you bring them?” Chen Jiazhi was washing his hair, squinting back at him.

“Yeah.” Shen Shixu changed into slippers at the door and undressed, approaching Chen Jiazhi with his throat bobbing repeatedly, towering over him, “Regret it now; I’m going to have some fun with you.”

“…!!”

Half an hour later, Chen Jiazhi was carried out, flushed and embarrassed. Shen Shixu, feeling refreshed, blow-dried his hair without reprimanding him for moving around.

Then, they embraced and fell into a deep sleep.

Early the next morning, while having breakfast at the small round table, Shen Shixu reminded him again, “I should be able to leave work on time. I’ll come back to have lunch with you, go back down at two, and finish work at six.”

“You, listen carefully.”

Chen Jiazhi immediately put down his chopsticks, sitting upright.

Seeing him act like a schoolchild eager to answer questions, Shen Shixu couldn’t help but smile, forcing a stern tone, “No sneaking ice cream, no sneaking painkillers. Call or message me if anything happens; I’ll reply as soon as I see it. If you want or need anything, ask the caregiver outside; he’s always there.”

Sitting properly, Chen Jiazhi quietly asked, “What if I miss you?”

Grabbing his chin, Shen Shixu pulled him close, “Are you going to let me work in peace?”

“Go ahead, finish work and come back to me.”

“You really are…” He didn’t sound fierce, but he pinched his cheek, saying ominously, “Just wait, don’t cry later.”

“Hehe.” Chen Jiazhi stood up, kissed him across the small round table, and obediently said, “Work well, come back for kisses.”

“If you keep talking, I could banter with you all day.” Checking his watch, which showed it was almost eight, Shen Shixu stood up, came to Chen Jiazhi, and tapped the edge of his plate, “Finish it all.”

“Got it!”

After Shen Shixu left, Chen Jiazhi dawdled over his meal, then took his medicine under the caregiver’s supervision. Just as he was about to lie down for a nap, there was a knock on the ward door. The caregiver went to open it, and it was Mingyang.

He was holding an insulated container, “Hello, brother Jiazhi, am I interrupting?”

“No, no.” A bit surprised, Chen Jiazhi hadn’t expected him to actually come. He lifted the blanket and got out of bed, “Haven’t you had breakfast?”

“I did; this is for you.” Mingyang opened the container and offered it forward, “Brown sugar rice cake, made with rice, it’s really tasty.”

“Wow, thank you so much, come in and sit.”

Mingyang entered the suite, his gaze lingering on the bedside.

On both sides of the large bedhead were two white chargers, one with an empty end, the other with a phone plugged in.

Chen Jiazhi curiously asked, “What are you looking at?”

“Oh, isn’t brother Shixu here?” Mingyang snapped back, quickly sitting on the sofa, “This was made by Auntie at home, no additives at all.”

Chen Jiazhi took a piece, speaking with his mouth full, “He went to work, won’t be back until noon.” While eating, he thought of something and asked, “Did your grandma eat?”

“Grandma’s teeth aren’t good; she can’t eat this.”

Actually, that’s not the reason. Glutinous rice cakes aren’t suitable for people with weak stomachs because they’re hard to digest.

Seeing Chen Jiazhi finish another piece, Mingyang handed over the whole container, smiling, “Is it good?”

Chen Jiazhi said, “Delicious, thank you. I love sweet things.”

Mingyang’s smile widened, and he slowly said, “That’s good; I’ll bring you some every day.”

Footnote:

1. Wenshu Monastery(文殊院): A historical Buddhist monastery located in Chengdu, China, known for its well-preserved ancient architecture, cultural relics, and serene gardens.