Chapter 22: Growing Strawberries
Jiang Rong was a little annoyed that He Siming didn’t believe him, but he couldn’t produce any proof that he could get pregnant either. His little sulk came quickly and went just as fast.
He and He Siming were born into different worlds. There were differences in their bodies and in the information they had. He couldn’t get angry at someone for not knowing things the other didn’t know—making himself upset over it wouldn’t do him any good.
Jiang Rong stood by the river, watching the tourists on the boats laugh and play. It was a picture of peace and prosperity.
He Siming seemed to be buying something at a street stall. Jiang Rong waited for quite a while.
Then he saw He Siming walk over with an extremely beautiful piece of handiwork in his hand.
He Siming held out a sugar figurine to Jiang Rong. “Here, try it.”
Jiang Rong hadn’t expected him to buy a little gift for him. “What’s this? It looks like a piece of art—not something edible.”
Seeing how genuinely surprised he was, without the slightest pretense, He Siming explained, “A sugar figurine. It’s a traditional craft—now considered an item of intangible cultural heritage.”
“So this is sugar? I didn’t know you could make edible art like this. It’s so beautiful—the craftsmanship is amazing.” He had been so busy sulking earlier that he hadn’t even noticed the stall.
What He Siming bought him was a very beautiful fairy-shaped sugar figurine—a nine-tailed fox, seductive in expression and alluring in posture.
“Do you lick it to eat?” Jiang Rong asked, seeing a child nearby licking a pink pig-shaped sugar figurine.
“Mm.” To He Siming, Jiang Rong at this moment seemed to have “innocent” written all over him, as if he’d never really been exposed to the outside world.
Jiang Rong carefully stuck out his tongue and licked the fairy’s head a couple of times. Although he wasn’t especially fond of sweets, sugar figurines tasted different from ordinary candy.
“So sweet.” He smiled until his eyes curved into crescents.
He Siming simply didn’t want to see him sulking. As long as he was smiling, that was enough.
The scenery along both sides of the river was beautiful. The ancient buildings made it hard to leave. On their way back toward where the car was parked, they passed through an avenue of ginkgo trees. Only then did Jiang Rong realize how enchanting autumn scenery could be in this dry city.
Only at this moment did he feel a real sense of being in this world—truly different from their own.
He Siming knew this city fairly well. He patiently told Jiang Rong what the old compounds they passed by had once been used for and what kind of history they had. Well-read and knowledgeable, he narrated the stories slowly and vividly. Jiang Rong realized that He Siming knew a great deal, and listening to him was far more interesting than reading on his own.
Jiang Rong came to understand the city a little better.
After walking for an hour, Jiang Rong began to feel tired. The breeze along the river made his face turn a little pale.
Seeing that he didn’t look well, He Siming didn’t want to keep walking around. “Head back to campus?”
“Mm.” Jiang Rong had finished the sugar figurine bit by bit, feeling sweet all over.
But the wind by the river was strong, and it left him feeling a little cold.
Back in the car, Jiang Rong felt like his face had been blown numb.
Seeing him sitting there blankly, He Siming reached out and touched his face—it was icy cold. “You’re cold and you don’t even say anything. You really are an idiot.”
Jiang Rong didn’t retort. He had simply been too absorbed in listening to He Siming talk about ancient anecdotes to want to interrupt him.
The warmth of He Siming’s hand heated Jiang Rong’s face, and he was reluctant to move it away.
He Siming asked, “Feeling very uncomfortable?”
Jiang Rong replied, “Not really. It’s just that I went hiking yesterday, so my legs are a bit sore.”
“I’ll take you back to school first.” He Siming only let go after his face had warmed up.
“Mm.” Jiang Rong felt comfortably warmed and a little drowsy. He didn’t know what was wrong with him these past couple of days.
He Siming dropped him off downstairs at the dormitory. Before Jiang Rong got out of the car, he handed him a bag.
Half-asleep, Jiang Rong asked, “What’s this?”
“My family brought some apples. I don’t really like them. Take them back and share them with your roommates.” In truth, they were imported apples delivered that morning—Rose Queens, with a faint rose fragrance when you smelled them.
Jiang Rong suddenly laughed. “You’re kind of like those parents who hope their kid gets along well with their classmates.”
He Siming pinched his cheek. “Nonsense.”
Jiang Rong hugged the bag, not minding the contact at all—in fact, he liked it. The green, citrusy scent on He Siming seemed to ease his fatigue.
“Thank you.” Being cared for felt really nice—his face felt warm again.
He Siming said, “Then give me some compensation.”
Jiang Rong glanced around with some difficulty. “People will see.”
Amused by the complicated look on his face, He Siming laughed. “I’m just teasing you. Go back to the dorm. Message me on WeChat.”
Jiang Rong bit his lower lip and shot him a reproachful look—only to tease him back.
“Then I’m heading upstairs. Drive safely.”
“Mm.”
He Siming watched until Jiang Rong’s figure disappeared into the stairwell before driving away.
Yao Shule and Li Yizhou weren’t in the dorm—no idea which room they’d gone to to game with classmates.
In this world, Jiang Rong naturally had no friends. The original Jiang Rong hadn’t had any either. After returning to the dorm, it was usually just reading or resting.
But right now, he didn’t want to read or scroll through information. He took an apple out of the bag. It had a faint rose fragrance—different from green citrus, but just as refreshing.
He Siming was caring about him. Jiang Rong chuckled softly, then pressed his forehead lightly against the apple.
What did he mean by all this?
Was he pursuing him?
Or just teasing him?
Did He Siming like him at all? Or was it the influence of pheromones?
In their world, some Omegas and Alphas would sleep together during heat, but they wouldn’t confirm a relationship—just enjoying the physical stimulation brought by pheromones. As long as the Alpha didn’t perform a complete marking, everyone remained free.
Between an Alpha and an Omega, a temporary mark didn’t affect the body. Only a complete mark was a decision to be made with extreme caution, because it meant choosing to be with the other person wholeheartedly for life.
But among modern young people, no one entered into complete marking lightly. If the couple broke up afterward, the Omega would have to have the mark removed—a relatively painful process.
Jiang Rong sighed, the smile on his face falling away again.
The weekend passed quickly but felt full.
Jiang Rong still went to bed early, but he didn’t wake up as early as before. He was very sleepy, so he deliberately pushed his wake-up time back by an hour—almost in sync with Yao Shule and Li Yizhou.
A new week began, and the capital suddenly cooled down.
Overnight, the temperature dropped by seven or eight degrees.
When Jiang Rong climbed out from under the covers, he shivered all over.
There were 8 a.m. classes every day.
As Yao Shule got out of bed, he shouted, “I hate 8 a.m. classes!”
Li Yizhou said, “I hate winter. Why isn’t the heating on yet?”
Yao Shule, who had enjoyed the warmth of heating last year, said, “When does the heating come on this year? The heating in the Northeast is really comfortable.”
Li Yizhou replied, “Another half month.”
Jiang Rong rummaged through his wardrobe and put on a padded jacket.
He didn’t know how heating worked here, but at their schools back home there were constant-temperature systems, so winters never felt cold.
For once, Jiang Rong joined in their conversation. “It’d be great if the school had a constant-temperature system.”
Yao Shule said, “That’d be way too expensive. The school couldn’t afford it. Even private homes rarely use that—it’s not energy-efficient.”
“I see,” Jiang Rong replied.
Perhaps different worlds also differed in how energy was used. He didn’t study that field, so he didn’t pursue it further.
He started looking for thicker clothes in the wardrobe. “Jiang Rong” had one padded jacket and one down coat. He’d heard winters here were very cold, but the outer layer of the down coat was already worn fuzzy—its warmth was questionable.
The morning major course was held in the computer lab.
By the time he arrived, most of the students had changed into winter clothes.
Jiang Rong lowered his head and checked his bank balance on his phone. If there were no extra expenses, his money would last until the end of term—but he needed to buy thicker clothes. Decent ones wouldn’t be cheap, and he didn’t have much money.
The only way to earn was through part-time work—supporting himself.
But what kind of part-time job could make money quickly?
He was thinking so intently that he didn’t notice He Siming sitting down beside him until He Siming poked his arm.
Jiang Rong smiled at him. “You’re here?”
“Mm. What are you spacing out about?”
“Nothing.”
Jiang Rong took He Siming’s thermos out of his bag. “Yours.”
He Siming, in turn, took a box of strawberries from his bag and placed it on Jiang Rong’s desk. “Try them—see if they’re sweet.”
Jiang Rong loved fruit, and strawberries were one of his favorites. He took a bite from the tip of a strawberry—sweet and juicy.
“What are you guys sneaking to eat?” Yao Shule stuck his head over.
Jiang Rong handed him the box. “Strawberries He Siming brought.”
Yao Shule said, “Give me one. He-God, you’re such a caring roommate.”
Li Yizhou also joined in. There weren’t many strawberries to begin with, and once they were shared out, they were gone.
He Siming watched the strawberries disappear one by one. “…” They weren’t meant for those two.
Jiang Rong had only eaten two before they were wiped out. Looking at the empty box, he still wanted more.
But he didn’t have time to dwell on it. He only half understood this class and needed to listen carefully.
He still listened until his head ached, and before noon even arrived, he was already hungry.
As soon as class ended, he stood up to head to the cafeteria.
He Siming grabbed his slender, fair wrist. “Where are you going?”
“To the cafeteria. I’m really hungry.”
He Siming took another box of strawberries from his bag. “Take these.”
Jiang Rong’s eyes lit up. “You still have more?”
“Mm.”
Jiang Rong stuffed the strawberries into his bag, then followed He Siming with noticeably lighter steps.
He must have bought them especially for him.
They had classes all day, and the four of them went to the cafeteria together.
At the cafeteria, Yao Shule and Li Yizhou each picked what they wanted to eat.
Inside the cafeteria, Jiang Rong stood behind He Siming in line. He tugged lightly on He Siming’s coat and asked softly, “Are you free to tutor me tonight?”
“Yes. I’ll find a classroom in the evening.”
“Okay. The strawberries you gave me are really sweet. Aren’t you eating any?”
In a low voice, He Siming replied, “I don’t like eating strawberries. I prefer growing strawberries.”
“You know how to grow strawberries? Like greenhouse techniques?”
He Siming chuckled. “The strawberries I grow are different from others.”
Jiang Rong took it literally, thinking he just liked growing strawberries. “Alright.”
He Siming looked at him. “I’ll show you tonight.”
Jiang Rong thought he meant some software he’d designed using his professional knowledge—something related to growing strawberries—and felt rather expectant.
The four of them got their food and sat down.
He Siming noticed that Jiang Rong usually liked spicy dishes, but now he was eating cabbage and tofu—very bland. He frowned slightly.
Thinking Jiang Rong might be trying to save money, He Siming said, “Why are you eating so lightly? Didn’t you just look at that yellow croaker?”
“I suddenly felt it was a bit fishy and didn’t want it anymore.”
Yao Shule said, “Still, you don’t have to order just cabbage and tofu. I’ve got fried ribs.” As he spoke, he was about to pick a piece for Jiang Rong.
“No need. I don’t really have an appetite today. You eat it.” He hadn’t eaten at the cafeteria yesterday, and today, once he came in, the smells felt a bit heavy. He hadn’t felt much appetite when ordering.
Li Yizhou asked, “How about some of my twice-cooked pork?”
Jiang Rong shook his head again. “I can’t eat it. This is enough.”
He Siming asked, “You don’t want to eat anything?”
“Maybe I ate meat yesterday, so today I want something lighter.”
That made sense to He Siming—yesterday afternoon’s meal had indeed been quite hearty. “Mm.”
Everyone just assumed Jiang Rong wanted something light and didn’t dwell on it further.
After eating, they were about to head back to the dorm to rest when He Siming was intercepted halfway by the student council president from his college, so he parted ways with Jiang Rong and the others.
The president asked, “Siming, are you free this weekend?”
“Is something up?” He Siming usually didn’t bother with student council matters on weekends.
“There’s a basketball game against the Finance College this weekend. One of our main players suddenly had a family emergency and took leave. We’re short-handed, so I thought of you.”
“With so many guys in our college, none of them can play basketball?” He Siming didn’t quite believe that.
The president laughed. “We need attendance. With you there, it’ll be lively.” In truth, they wanted his popularity.
Out of the corner of his eye, He Siming saw Jiang Rong’s figure disappear around the corner. Basketball was the best way to prove his physical fitness. He agreed. “Alright. I’ll make time.”
“Reliable as always!”
After a full day of classes, Jiang Rong could feel the temperature dropping rapidly as he walked outside. He went back to the dorm first to shower.
Then he brought the books He Siming had specified and went to find him.
He Siming was very good at finding classrooms—every one he picked had hardly anyone in it.
He Siming had come prepared today. His explanations were systematic, with his own unique understanding and teaching style. Combined with Jiang Rong’s comprehension, things quickly fell into place.
Before they realized it, the clock had crept up to ten p.m.
“That’s it for today?” Jiang Rong felt that He Siming’s voice had grown a bit hoarse from talking.
He Siming glanced at the now-empty classroom and packed up his laptop and books.
“Alright.”
Seeing that he’d packed everything up but was still sitting there, Jiang Rong asked, “Aren’t you leaving?”
A smile curved at the corner of He Siming’s lips. “Didn’t I say at noon I’d show you how I grow strawberries?”
Jiang Rong had a vague feeling that he should run right now—but He Siming grabbed his wrist first.
Only then did Jiang Rong realize something was off. Showing him how to grow strawberries—shouldn’t he be opening a laptop or taking out a phone?
“H-how are you showing me? Maybe I’ll look next time?”
“No. My principle is: things of the day are finished the same day.”
He was faster than Jiang Rong. Lowering his head, he pressed his lips against the side of Jiang Rong’s neck.
A wave of tingling numbness swept through Jiang Rong’s entire body. His hand, which had been grabbed, clutched at the front of He Siming’s coat, and he called softly, “He Siming…”
The neck was indeed his sensitive spot, and every time, He Siming managed to hit it precisely.
Hearing Jiang Rong call his name, He Siming applied a bit more force as he sucked, then lightly licked the spot when the “strawberry” was formed.
Jiang Rong bit his lips, afraid he’d moan out loud. He was so numb that even his toes curled.
He Siming lifted his head. “Alright. You should be able to see the strawberries I planted tomorrow.”
What he didn’t know was that he was facing a pair of eyes shimmering with moisture.
He Siming lowered his head and kissed Jiang Rong’s eyes. “Looking at me like that—you almost make my heat show.”
Jiang Rong’s face was steamed pink-white by the heat. “Why did you… on my neck…”
He knew about hickeys—but he hadn’t known that in this world, they were actually called “growing strawberries”!
Innocently, He Siming said, “You said you wanted to see me grow strawberries.”
Jiang Rong snorted softly. “You just like bullying me.”
That soft snort brushed over He Siming’s itch like a feather. He lowered his head and kissed Jiang Rong’s now-reddened lips, his tongue pushing in deeply.
“Jiang Rong, this is bullying.”
He Siming’s increasingly practiced kisses left Jiang Rong numb all over. He even responded actively, and somehow felt it wasn’t enough—he inexplicably wanted He Siming’s pheromones.
Only after the deep kiss ended did he realize something was wrong—he wasn’t in heat.
In a softened voice, Jiang Rong said, “So you have a heat too.”
Unable to bear the cat-like tone that scratched at his heart, He Siming lowered his head and kissed him again. “I didn’t before. Now I do.”
Jiang Rong parted his lips and accepted his kiss—only to be bullied again.
