Chapter 15: Do You Need to Hold a Dog to Fall Asleep?
As the midterm exams approached, Chi Wang felt increasingly powerless, and his long-winded livestreaming career had collapsed midway; he couldn’t continue any longer.
Luo Lianyun even tried to persuade him to hang in there, but Chi Wang sincerely said, “It’s not that I can’t persevere; I’ve realized that this line of work depends on luck. You understand what I mean by luck, right? I really don’t have any luck!”
Hmm, a tricky angle has emerged. Only then did Luo Lianyun realize that Chi Wang had a naturally unlucky constitution. No wonder after so many days, he hadn’t gained any traffic; his followers were still just the few of them.
Feeling a bit sheepish, Luo Lianyun said, “Then there’s nothing we can do. This line of work is really profitable, though. I’ve heard that some people can buy houses and cars after doing it for half a year.”
Chi Wang calmly spread his hands. “There’s no way; my luck is bad. If it didn’t depend so much on luck, I would have kept at it.”
This point, Luo Lianyun believed.
Chi Wang redirected his attention back to his studies. He had taken a few leaves of absence, so his usual grades in his specialized courses couldn’t compare to others; he could only focus on the exams.
Chi Wang had a bit of a “top obsession (1).” It’s hard to evaluate; he had been competitive since he was a child, which was unlike anyone else in his family.
Even when his elementary school conditions were very rudimentary, he would create every opportunity to learn; it was the same in middle and high school.
Moreover, he felt that he was sharp-minded, had a strong memory, and excellent comprehension ability. He learned everything quickly, so he always wanted to be first.
Since childhood, he could collect a stack of award certificates.
Even in college, he didn’t dare to slack off; he had a bit of an obsession with being number one.
But only a little. If he really couldn’t get it, Chi Wang would never waste energy on anxiety. He had a merit, which was that he knew how to let himself off the hook.
However, preparing for exams was fine; instead, Chi Wang became dissatisfied with his life.
His appetite became very poor.
Chi Wang was very stubborn in some areas. For example, his daily three meals were particularly fixed. In the morning, he would eat meat buns with soy milk, occasionally switching to cabbage and mushroom buns with soy milk, but basically always meat buns with soy milk.
At noon, he would eat the weekly dishes at the second cafeteria. For example, on Mondays, the second cafeteria’s main meat dish was braised fish, so he would order braised fish and basically wouldn’t change. On Tuesdays, the main meat dish was roast duck, so he would always order roast duck on Tuesdays, then pair it with fixed vegetarian dishes—one meat and two vegetables, nutritionally balanced.
The combinations were particularly fixed; he kept eating what he liked and didn’t easily get tired of it.
This point had been wildly complained about by his two roommates, but Chi Wang didn’t change.
But recently, Chi Wang’s appetite was so poor that even his fixed menu started to change; he had no appetite for his favorite roast duck and braised fish.
He couldn’t even eat rice; for several days in a row, his originally plump cheeks with baby fat had slimmed down a bit.
Both Luo Lianyun and Shu Tingyu were puzzled, but Chi Wang had his own understanding. “It’s bitter summer (2).”
Luo Lianyun said, “It’s already autumn; the autumnal equinox passed a month ago.”
Chi Wang replied, “But the weather is still very hot.”
Indeed, even though it was already October, the weather in H City was still very hot. The climate was too abnormal; the boundaries of the four seasons had become blurred.
However, Chi Wang occasionally felt nauseous and would hug the trash can and retch. It was hard for Luo Lianyun not to overthink. “Is it possible that you’re sick?”
Chi Wang, who was lying down, sat up straight. “What illness?”
With a solemn expression, Luo Lianyun said, “There are many possibilities, such as gastritis, acid reflux, pyloric dysfunction, and some cancers can cause vomiting and loss of appetite.”
Chi Wang: “…”
He looked terrified. “Don’t scare me.”
“I’m not trying to scare you,” said Luo Lianyun. “Don’t you know that many diseases are becoming more common in young people nowadays? I have a high school classmate who had a cerebral infarction at only 20 years old! That lacunar infarction—it’s a disease that only middle-aged and elderly people get, but he got it. And I’ve seen online that some teenagers have uremia because they drink too much soda and not enough water—Shu Tingyu, you’re like that; you often drink soda instead of water. Be careful, or you’ll get uremia too.”
Shu Tingyu also looked terrified. “No way! I drink Oriental Leaves (3); it’s tea, not soda.”
“It’s all the same!” retorted Luo Lianyun. “You young people are too negligent about your health. You’ll regret it when you really get sick!”
Unconvinced, Shu Tingyu said, “Don’t act like you’re exempt. On weekends, you can play games until three or four in the morning. Staying up late can cause sudden death (4).”
Sheepishly, Luo Lianyun replied, “I’m trying to adjust my schedule.”
Chi Wang was scared by Luo’s alarming words. Thinking about it, he had indeed been a bit abnormal recently.
But after being told this by Luo, he became timid and didn’t dare to go to the hospital for a check-up.
What if they find cancer…
No way. He exercises every day; he doesn’t sleep early, but he gets up early!
Uh, his sleep isn’t enough for what teenagers need, but his sleep quality is high; he basically doesn’t have nightmares and falls asleep as soon as his head hits the pillow, which can completely make up for the lack of sleep duration!
Luo continued, “Why not go to the hospital and have a look?”
Chi Wang pretended to be calm. “No need; it’s a small problem. It’ll pass after this period.”
Although Luo also felt it might be a minor issue, he thought it would be more reassuring to get it checked, so he continued to persuade, “It’s probably not cancer, but you can get a gastroscopy; it’s not expensive, just two or three hundred yuan.”
Chi Wang mumbled, “I’ll think about it.”
He had a shadow over hospitals; once you go in, it’s hard to come out without spending a thousand or so.
Doctors will definitely make you do various tests to find the cause.
Chi Wang felt it was unnecessary; it’s just that he couldn’t eat—no big deal.
Moreover, he wasn’t completely unable to eat; he even started to like foods he didn’t before—junk food.
He especially liked to eat spicy strips.
So he changed his breakfast to spicy strips with porridge, and lunch to spicy vegetarian dishes, and could eat a few more bites of rice.
Once again, Luo spouted shocking theories. “You know, you’re acting a lot like you’re pregnant; even your tastes have changed.”
Chi Wang was from a province known for spicy food, but he didn’t fit in with the province’s characteristics at all. He couldn’t handle spicy food and ate very blandly. He didn’t like junk food, but now he likes it.
For the first time, Chi Wang rolled his eyes at Luo. “You’re the one who’s pregnant. I just suddenly awakened.”
Thinking about it, Luo agreed and didn’t say more.
But in his heart, he thought, Chi Wang’s recent reactions really resemble pregnancy, but Chi Wang is a man; it’s impossible for him to be pregnant.
Forget it; don’t think about it.
In the evening, after finishing his tutoring job, Chi Wang went directly to the senior’s home to pick up the dog.
This husky was already familiar with him; upon seeing him, it wagged its tail wildly and was very affectionate towards him.
The senior told Chi Wang, “You can walk him for an extra half hour; I’ll increase your pay to a hundred yuan.”
Chi Wang was a bit surprised. “What’s wrong?”
The senior was a bit embarrassed and said, “You used to walk him very well; when Egg Fried Rice (5) came back, he’d be exhausted and wouldn’t wreck the house, but recently he’s started wrecking the house again.”
Chi Wang: “…”
Recently, Chi Wang’s energy was a bit lacking, and he hadn’t been running wildly with the dog.
Unexpectedly, the senior noticed.
But two hours didn’t work; it conflicted with the dormitory’s check-in time.
Chi Wang explained to the senior, who thought about it and let it go. Originally, Chi Wang walked the dog too well before, so the senior had slacked off and skipped walking the dog in the mornings. Now that Chi Wang has returned to the normal efficiency of walking the dog in the evening, he shouldn’t be too demanding.
Chi Wang took the dog out, still going along the less crowded road.
Actually, after bumping into Xie Sicheng last time, he had thought about changing the route, but the other road had more pedestrians. Even after ten o’clock at night, there were students coming out for late-night snacks, and many office workers getting off work. There were too many people, and the husky wasn’t a very stable dog—afraid that he might pounce on people and cause trouble—so to be safe, he still went this way.
And why should he avoid Xie Sicheng? There’s no reason.
He could face him calmly.
But they only ran into each other that one time; afterwards, they didn’t meet again, so Chi Wang relaxed.
He didn’t run with the husky; he always felt some faint pain in his abdomen when running, an indescribable discomfort, and felt a bit mentally fatigued, so he couldn’t muster the energy and simply walked slowly.
The streetlights were still dim yellow, and there were few people; only an old man was rummaging through the trash can for plastic bottles.
Chi Wang picked up a mineral water bottle from the roadside greenery and, with the dog, brought it to the old man.
The dog excitedly nudged at his feet. Chi Wang didn’t stay long; after giving the bottle, he took the dog and left.
He hadn’t gone far when he saw a familiar person walking toward him.
Even though the streetlights were dim, they made Xie Sicheng look even more mysteriously handsome.
Chi Wang couldn’t pretend to ignore him like before. They couldn’t be considered friends, but Xie had tipped him—a customer he needed to maintain—so Chi Wang stopped and smiled politely at Xie. “Senior, are you taking a walk?”
Xie stopped, his height half a head taller than Chi Wang, and his build larger by a size. Standing not far from Chi Wang, he made Chi Wang feel a bit of pressure.
Especially since Xie looked at him and had to slightly lower his head and eyes, adding a condescending discomfort.
Chi Wang actually didn’t dislike Xie; he even felt that if it weren’t for that incident, they might have been friends.
But there was that hurdle in between.
It’s really unfortunate.
He was just saying hello; Chi Wang didn’t expect Xie to chat with him, but Xie opened his mouth. “Yes, taking a walk.”
Chi Wang scratched his head; that awkward feeling came up again. “Then, shall we walk together?”
Xie nodded. “Okay.”
Chi Wang thought, I was just being polite, but you’re taking it seriously.
But listening to his voice, Chi Wang felt it was very pleasant, with a coldness like gold rather than jade, and a magnetic tone that made one’s ears tingle; even if one wasn’t a voice enthusiast, it was enjoyable.
Xie didn’t speak, so Chi Wang tried to find a topic to chat with him. “Senior, what’s your major? I’m in Electrical Engineering.”
“Physics,” Xie replied.
Chi Wang actually knew but still showed a surprised expression. “Wow, is Senior going to enter a research institute in the future?”
Xie’s tone was indifferent. “Just a hobby.”
Chi Wang sensed that he seemed to be looking at him, but when he raised his eyes, he found that Xie’s gaze was straight ahead, not looking at him.
He couldn’t help but scold himself for being paranoid. “Senior, what year are you in? Are you about to graduate? What do you plan to do in the future?”
Xie asked back, “Are you checking household registration (6)?”
Because of his cold tone, it sounded like an unhappy reproach.
Chi Wang naturally laughed; even though the light was dim, his smile was exceptionally good-looking. “Isn’t this chatting? Naturally, we’ll talk about everything when chatting, and I’m quite curious.”
Xie was silent, then said lightly, “Yes, about to graduate.”
He didn’t say more.
Chi Wang keenly sensed that the aura emanating from beside him had subtly changed, as if he was displeased.
Oh dear, Chi Wang thought, a few words and the aloof campus heartthrob is upset.
Chi Wang could have flattered Xie but felt it wasn’t necessary, so he didn’t speak.
The atmosphere subtly solidified.
Xie was indeed a bit unhappy, and the tight line of his lips revealed some of his mood. But it wasn’t because Chi Wang asked too many questions; it was because he realized that the date of going abroad was approaching, and he was vaguely irritable about it.
However, being close to Chi Wang relaxed him subtly. He felt that Chi Wang exuded a pleasant scent, which eased his tense emotions.
At his feet, the husky broke the silence, jumping around Chi Wang and trying to run ahead. Chi Wang tightened the leash and pulled the dog back. “Be good, Egg Fried Rice; we’re not running today.”
Xie then asked in a low voice, “Is this your dog?”
Chi Wang calmed the dog before answering, “No, I’m walking him for a senior.”
“A part-time job?” Xie inquired.
Chi Wang said, “Yes, a part-time job.”
Xie’s expression was enigmatic. “So late, you’re doing part-time jobs?”
Chi Wang replied candidly, “While we’re young, we should dare to strive and work hard.”
Xie didn’t say more. Under his thick eyelashes, his pupils were pitch black like lacquer; his brows and eyes were indifferent, like a snow-covered mountain peak, making it difficult for others to approach.
In a very calm tone, Xie said, “I also have a dog. Can you help me walk him?”
Chi Wang was surprised. “Huh?”
He stopped and looked at Xie. “Senior, you also have a dog? I couldn’t tell. What kind of dog do you have?”
Xie lowered his eyes and glanced at the silly husky at Chi Wang’s feet, quickly retracting his gaze. “A… Border Collie.”
Chi Wang thought about it; walking one dog is walking, walking two dogs is also walking—might as well earn another sum.
So he happily agreed. “Sure, I charge that senior 80 yuan per hour; you can also pay 80.”
Xie nodded. “Okay.”
Chi Wang asked, “Usually, who walks your dog?”
Xie paused and said naturally, “A friend.”
He didn’t walk with Chi Wang for long—about half an hour before they parted.
After parting, he called Zuo Qianxing.
When Zuo answered the phone, he was confused. “What? You want to borrow Shuanzi (7)? For how long? He’s my precious son.”
Xie’s tone was calm. “Borrow him until I go abroad; during this time, I’ll take care of him.”
“You can’t even take care of yourself; how can you take care of Shuanzi?” Zuo questioned.
Xie thought for a moment and said, “Bring him over in the evening; you can pick him up in the early morning.”
“What, you need to hold a dog to fall asleep? I didn’t know Shuanzi has the physique of a sleeping pill?” Zuo exclaimed.
Xie: “…”
—
Translator’s Note:
Warning again, this novel has a lot of Chinese puns/slang which might be difficult for readers. Starting from this chapter, I will start putting footnotes for clarification, so hopefully it will be a smoother read >.<
Footnotes:
[1]: Top Obsession: A slang term referring to someone who is obsessed with being number one or the best at something.
[2]: Bitter Summer: A term used to describe loss of appetite and energy during the hot summer months.
[3]: Oriental Leaves: A brand of unsweetened tea drinks in China, often considered healthier than sugary sodas.
[4]: Sudden Death: Refers to unexpected death due to medical reasons like cardiac arrest, often associated with excessive fatigue or stress.
[5]: Egg Fried Rice: The name of the dog; in Chinese culture, it’s common to give pets names like common dishes.
[6]: Checking Household Registration: A slang expression meaning to ask someone a barrage of personal questions, akin to an interrogation.
[7]: Shuanzi: The name of the dog; “Shuanzi” is a common pet name in Chinese, often used affectionately.
