Chapter 48: Unable to Become a Monk Due to Impure Desires
Chi Wang didn’t stay long at Xiao Fu’s house.
On one hand, he couldn’t sleep well—the room was too empty. On the other hand, Xiao Fu had an excessive love for cooking sausages.
Garlic sprouts stir-fried with sausages, green peppers stir-fried with sausages, cabbage stir-fried with sausages, potatoes stir-fried with sausages, bok choy stir-fried with sausages…
Chi Wang: “…”
Brother, just how much do you love sausages!!
Chi Wang didn’t dare to show his dislike. Each time, he forced himself to eat, suppressing the nausea that churned in his stomach. His appetite plummeted, and he ate very little at each meal.
Xiao Fu didn’t understand why. He simply thought Chi Wang had a small appetite and, worried, asked the housekeeper to make him some snacks to fill up. But the snacks were egg noodles topped with chopped sausages.
Chi Wang: “…”
He understood Xiao Fu’s desire to share his favorite foods with him.
So he couldn’t let down Xiao Fu’s kindness. Every time, Chi Wang forced himself to eat without any change in his expression.
Before the four days were up, Chi Wang used the excuse of upcoming final exams and needing to return to study.
Xiao Fu was reluctant but ultimately sent him back to school.
On the way, Xiao Fu said to Chi Wang, “There’s still over half a month before winter break, right? Spend it with me; let’s celebrate the New Year together.”
Chi Wang cautiously didn’t agree immediately and said, “It’s still early; let’s talk about it when the break starts.”
Xiao Fu frowned. “It’s not early—there’s only half a month left. I’ll take you to the Maldives for the winter; this weather is too cold.”
Although his proposal was tempting, Chi Wang still evaded: “It’s still early. I haven’t even taken my exams yet, and I want to find a job during the break.”
Xiao Fu said, “A job? With me around, you don’t need to work at all. I even wanted to talk to you about your tutoring job—you earn 360 yuan for two hours, and it takes an hour to commute back and forth. You might as well spend that time watching TV with me.”
Chi Wang: “…”
See, there you go again, trying to control me.
Chi Wang said sternly, “I don’t like what you’re saying. Everyone has their own way of living. Working is already part of my life; I need various jobs to enrich it.”
Chi Wang had always been firm in his beliefs. Even if his background made him a rich second generation, that was value given by bloodline; his personal value needed to be created by himself.
Actually, he didn’t particularly enjoy working; he enjoyed the knowledge and experience he gained from it. This knowledge and experience would make him better, and he loved the process of self-improvement.
If he were a blank sheet of paper, then he could decide what colors to paint. He controlled his own life and destiny.
This mindset couldn’t be easily changed just because he suddenly became the brother of a wealthy man.
Xiao Fu couldn’t understand Chi Wang’s thoughts. He felt confused and restless. “But you can’t go to work during the winter break. It’s only a month—what kind of job can you find?”
Saying he wanted to work was actually an excuse Chi Wang used to decline Xiao Fu. After all, he was pregnant, and his belly was getting bigger. Staying with Xiao Fu would expose him.
Even though they were biological brothers, Chi Wang wouldn’t tell Xiao Fu about this. The fewer people who knew, the better—especially since Xiao Fu and Xie Siheng didn’t get along.
In just these four days, he’d already struggled to hide it. If he continued living with Xiao Fu, he’d be exposed in no time.
Chi Wang didn’t want to continue this topic with Xiao Fu, so he changed the subject. “Brother, how about I make a prayer bead bracelet for you? That way, you’ll have one on each hand—symmetrical.”
His sudden change of topic was obvious. Xiao Fu knew he was avoiding the subject but went along. “You know how to make beads?”
Chi Wang said, “Yes, it’s simple and quite stress-relieving. But I’ll need you to help me get the materials; I can’t find good ones myself.”
Xiao Fu readily agreed. “I have a piece of small-leaf red sandalwood at home; I’ll get it for you.”
Chi Wang’s eyes widened. “Small-leaf red sandalwood? Isn’t that very expensive?”
Xiao Fu laughed. “Expensive is good. Anyway, I’m not the one paying for it. I don’t feel bad using Old Deng’s collection. Don’t feel pressured when you make it; it’s okay if it doesn’t turn out perfect.”
Chi Wang said, “Don’t worry, I’ll make it well. Even though the materials aren’t from me, the craftsmanship represents my sincerity to you.”
Coaxed by him, Xiao Fu smiled and stopped trying to control him. “I know. The fact that you’re willing to put in this effort for me is already wonderful.”
Those who gave him bar shares and such couldn’t compare to a prayer bead bracelet personally made by Chi Wang.
*
When Chi Wang returned to Xie’s home, he finally felt alive again.
At lunchtime after returning from school, Chi Wang grabbed a big bowl to serve rice. After filling it, he pressed down hard with the spoon and continued to pile more rice on top.
Xie asked, “Didn’t you eat enough at Xiao Fu’s house?”
Chi Wang nodded vigorously. “Out of eight dishes, five were meat.”
Xie blinked slowly, understanding.
He lowered his eyes, his jade-like fingers rubbing the chopsticks, and said in a low voice, “Where do you plan to spend the winter break?”
Chi Wang said, “Here at your place. Where else would I go? If you don’t want me here, I’ll go back to the dorm.”
Xie lifted his eyelids slightly and looked at Chi Wang. “I want you to spend the winter break here.”
Chi Wang met his gaze and suddenly paused.
He had always known that Xie was exceptionally handsome—features as if carved from gold and jade, covered with clear, pale skin. His eyebrows and eyes seemed adorned with ice and snow, appearing cold and indifferent, as if nothing interested him.
Previously, there were faint dark circles under his eyes—not very obvious—but they added a unique charm due to his outstanding appearance.
Now, the dark circles had faded, leaving just a hint under his eyes, as if drawing a lower eyeliner on his narrow phoenix eyes, making his dark pupils appear even deeper.
When such eyes focused on someone, anyone could feel the intensity.
Chi Wang couldn’t ignore Xie’s gaze and said awkwardly, “…Then I’ll stay home.”
He paused and added some distance, “Spend the winter break at your home.”
Xie’s tone was calm. “It’s your home too.”
Chi Wang thought: Is it? How come I didn’t know that.
He didn’t argue with Xie, calmly changing the topic. “Let’s eat, time to eat.”
He then buried his head and ate vigorously.
After finishing his meal, he prepared to go out to the market to buy materials for making Xie’s prayer beads.
He didn’t ask the driver to take him; in the cold winter, making a trip was uncomfortable. He could just take the bus.
When Xie asked, he simply said he had something to do at school.
Chi Wang went to the lumber store in the market and spent a long time selecting a piece of purple sandalwood, about the size of two palms together. The price was 6,500 yuan. After bargaining for a long time, cutting the price to the bone, he bought it for 4,700 yuan.
At this price, the shop owner was grinning from ear to ear, indicating he still made a profit.
Chi Wang didn’t mind; after all, the piece in his hand was good material, fragrant and refreshing.
Back home, he began to turn the beads. Recently, he had been under some pressure, so he took this opportunity to relieve stress by crafting beads.
Chi Wang enjoyed the feeling of the wood becoming smooth between his fingers.
The machine used for bead-making was loud and produced a lot of sawdust, so Chi Wang moved his tools to the courtyard to work.
The noise was so loud that Xiaomi, the dog, was attracted over, lying beside him and getting sprinkled with sawdust.
Chi Wang felt his blood pressure rise and shouted, “Xiaomi!”
Xiaomi: “Woof woof!”
Xie walked over, grabbed Xiaomi by the scruff, picked him up, carried him into the living room, and closed the sliding door.
After that, he walked over to Chi Wang and watched him work on the beads.
Chi Wang finished one bead and handed it to Xie. “Take a look—is it round?”
Xie held the wooden bead in his hand, gently squeezing it. “It’s round.”
Seeing him continuously examining the bead, Chi Wang laughed. “Do you want to give it a try? It’s quite stress-relieving.”
Xie replied, “Sure.”
He slowly rolled up his sleeves, revealing arms with faint veins. Before he could start, Chi Wang changed his mind. “On second thought, it’s a bit dangerous; better not touch it.”
Xie said, “It’s fine; I can handle it.”
He paused and asked, “Do you have extra material?”
Chi Wang asked, “What do you want to do?”
Xie answered vaguely, “A return gift.”
As he said this, his eyes kept looking at Chi Wang. “Matching set.”
Chi Wang: “…”
Being stared at by Xie with such deep eyes, he didn’t know what to say for a moment and awkwardly said, “Alright.”
He added, “Okay, if there’s extra material, maybe we can make a set for Xiaomi too.”
“…” Xie asked, “Where would Xiaomi wear it?”
Chi Wang: “…”
He honestly said, “Then I guess there’s not enough material; it’s just enough for the two of us.”
Xie’s thin lips curled into a faint smile.
Chi Wang: “…”
Wait, that smile looks really good.
Thinking this, Chi Wang said it directly, “You can smile?”
Xie’s smile was subtle, and he replied modestly, “I’m human; of course I can smile.”
Chi Wang innocently said, “But I’ve never seen you smile. I secretly suspected you might have facial paralysis from too much air conditioning.”
Xie: “…”
Does air conditioning have that kind of power?
Xie was already accustomed to Chi Wang’s jumpy thoughts.
Regardless, Chi Wang quickly finished making 20 beads, drilled holes, strung them with elastic cord, and applied a layer of clear lacquer—a prayer bead bracelet was thus completed.
Under Chi Wang’s guidance, Xie also finished making a set of beads and applied clear lacquer.
Chi Wang’s bracelet had slightly larger beads, making his wrist look thin and slender, exuding a youthful freshness. It didn’t look like prayer beads but more like a casual, unique accessory.
Xie’s beads were smaller, making his wrist appear elegant, giving him an indescribable noble aura.
Seeing this, Chi Wang couldn’t help but say, “You really suit wearing prayer beads; it matches your temperament so well. You should become a monk, Senior.”
He gave a thumbs-up. “You’re the ‘flower on the high mountain.'”
“…” Xie refuted, “I’m not a ‘flower on the high mountain.'”
Chi Wang asked, “Huh?”
He looked into Xie’s eyes, which were as clear as a lake.
Xie slowly said, “My desires are impure; I can’t become a monk.”
Also, I’m not a ‘flower on the high mountain.’
He wants to fuck him again doesn’t he