Chapter 49: A Short Separation
Jiang Rong blushed and gently pushed He Siming’s head away. “He Siming, this way of… clearing it feels so strange…”
He Siming lifted his head and kissed him on the lips. “Isn’t it gentler than when you press it yourself with your hands? Does it still hurt?”
Jiang Rong had to admit that this embarrassing method of He Siming’s actually worked a little.
“Mm, it’s not as swollen as before. It feels like it’s cleared a bit.”
He Siming said, “This is the gentlest treatment method I could think of.”
Jiang Rong practically buried his head into He Siming’s chest, his whole body burning hot.
If it were just replenishing pheromones, he wouldn’t have been this shy. But now He Siming was still asking about how he felt, which made it even more embarrassing.
Still, it really was more effective than when he did it himself these past few days. When he pressed on his own, it hurt badly; when He Siming did it, it didn’t hurt as much and felt much more comfortable.
He let He Siming continue until he realized that He Siming didn’t seem quite as calm either. Afterward, the two of them naturally finished replenishing their pheromones on the sofa. As for what the animation was about afterward, neither of them remembered—or cared.
The next day.
Jiang Rong woke up in the morning light. The weather outside was very nice. The capital’s climate was dry, and when the sunlight shone down, you could even see dust floating in the air, but that didn’t affect Jiang Rong’s good mood.
His chest wasn’t as swollen as yesterday and felt a bit softer.
However, the pajamas over his chest were a little damp, which was rather embarrassing.
Jiang Rong remembered that He Siming had prepared vests for him, so he immediately went to the wardrobe to find one.
After changing into the vest, Jiang Rong felt much more at ease.
The clearing He Siming had done for him last night had been very effective. Today, he could attend online classes feeling refreshed.
When he opened the online class app, he discovered a holiday notice on the website. It turned out that the Lunar New Year was coming up, and the teachers had taken a break, so online classes were suspended.
They had, however, opened up recorded lectures for students to study on their own.
It wasn’t that Jiang Rong lacked self-discipline. During this period, with He Siming’s guidance and following the online teachers’ lessons, he had built a solid foundation and made great progress. He decided to give himself a break as well.
The biggest holiday in this world was the Spring Festival, similar to the major holiday in his own world. Their major holiday was National Foundation Day, so the holidays were different. Their big holiday lasted two weeks, while the Spring Festival here was actually only one week.
Like their major holiday, people here exchanged gifts during the Spring Festival, called New Year gifts.
He wondered if there were other customs as well.
In the WeChat group, he saw Yao Shule and Li Yizhou complaining about helping their families with a big clean-up.
Jiang Rong asked them: Why are you all cleaning?
Yao Shule: Big clean-up for the New Year. Doesn’t God He’s place need a big clean-up too?
Jiang Rong: The house is pretty clean. @HeSiming, do we need a big clean-up?
He Siming, busy at the company and preparing to give everyone—and himself—a holiday: There’s usually an auntie who cleans. I’ll just do it when I get back.
Yao Shule: So jealous. Rongrong doesn’t have to do any work.
Jiang Rong: I do have to work.
He thought about it and realized he barely had to lift a finger—He Siming did everything.
Li Yizhou: Damn dog kicked over my bucket, water spilled everywhere. I just finished mopping the room!
Yao Shule: So miserable hahahahaha!
Ding Yan: Already back in S City. So bored. There are so many relatives at home I can’t even remember who’s who, and my dad keeps dragging me around to acknowledge relatives.
Jiang Rong: Your family is really big.
Ding Yan: Big is annoying too. If I’d known, I would’ve spent the New Year in the capital with you guys.
Yao Shule: If I’d known, I would’ve spent the New Year in the capital with you guys. Damn it, my mom is nagging me again!
Jiang Rong: Hahaha.
Their small group was quite lively.
Just as Jiang Rong put down his phone, he received a message from the Director-mom, telling him that all the gifts and New Year presents sent for the children had been delivered.
Jiang Rong shared the news in the group and thanked everyone for their generous contributions. Everyone unanimously said it was no trouble.
The next day, He Siming and Tang Yucheng gave the entire company a holiday.
Jiang Rong and He Siming cleaned every corner of the house together.
They also went to the mall to buy couplets and “Fu” characters.
It was Jiang Rong’s first time truly feeling the atmosphere of a traditional festival.
Although the Spring Festival holiday reduced the city’s population flow and the streets were emptier, everything was decorated with lights and ornaments, and the festive atmosphere was everywhere. Supermarkets even played New Year songs like “Gong Xi Fa Cai.”
As the New Year approached, He Siming’s phone rang more and more frequently. Classmates from Modu invited him out, and relatives from his hometown asked whether he was going back for the New Year.
He Siming had already told his parents that he would spend the New Year in the capital with Jiang Rong. They didn’t object and even transferred some New Year money to him and Jiang Rong, after all, one of them was abroad and the other was flying between two cities a day.
He Siming knew Jiang Rong liked a sense of ceremony.
Besides buying couplets, they also spent half a day at the flower market picking easy-to-care-for potted plants: kumquat trees and peach branches that would bloom when placed in water, decorating the house with a strong New Year vibe.
He Siming was an all-round, home-loving good man. He could even fry meatballs for the New Year and make fish balls himself. If Jiang Rong weren’t unable to eat too much fried food, he would have made many more fried dishes. Even so, just the fried meatballs and fish balls delighted Jiang Rong for a long time, and he couldn’t stop eating.
How could He Siming know how to do everything?
As a return gesture, Jiang Rong decided that on New Year’s Eve, he would make a festive dish from his own side.
There were still four days until New Year’s Eve; he could prepare the ingredients in advance.
Jiang Rong sat by the window holding his phone, listing the ingredients and seasonings he needed in his notes. Beside him was fruit tea brewed by He Siming.
Downstairs, children were setting off small fireworks. The sporadic popping sounds drifted up. He glanced down—kids really weren’t afraid of the cold, running around outside even in minus four or five degrees.
He touched his belly, which hadn’t started showing yet, wondering whether the baby would be mischievous and lively or gentle and quiet.
As Jiang Rong was lost in thought, He Siming’s phone rang again.
This time, Jiang Rong didn’t hear He Siming refuse. Instead, he saw him frown slightly and look at him.
He Siming said a few sentences that didn’t sound related to the New Year.
“Is it very serious?”
“What did the doctor say?”
“Okay, I’ll go back for a trip.”
Jiang Rong sensed that the situation might be serious. He put down his cup and walked over.
“What happened?” he asked.
He Siming looked at him apologetically. “I’m sorry, I might have to take a late-night flight back to my hometown. Grandma slipped in the bathroom and fell, had a brain hemorrhage, and was admitted to the hospital. She’s in the ICU now, and we don’t know how things will turn out yet.”
What he’d been worried about had still happened.
Jiang Rong said, “That’s very serious.”
He Siming pulled Jiang Rong in front of him, wrapped his arms around his waist, and rested his head against his lower abdomen. “If I go back, what about you?” Now he could see the slight curve of Jiang Rong’s belly, not very obvious yet.
“It’s okay,” Jiang Rong said.
He Siming asked, “If you don’t have enough pheromones, will it be very uncomfortable? I really want to take you with me.”
“Pheromones are just one of the baby’s nutrients,” Jiang Rong replied. “You can go back without worry.”
“Then I’ll give you more pheromones before I leave.”
“Will there be enough time?” Jiang Rong asked.
“I’ll choose a later flight.”
Jiang Rong nodded, blushing. “Okay.”
No time to waste.
He Siming directly pulled him onto his lap and kissed his lips and chin, using a bit more strength this time.
Being pregnant made his body even more sensitive.
Before long, Jiang Rong went limp in He Siming’s arms. He didn’t forget to help Jiang Rong clear his little peach.
Right now, Jiang Rong was like a soft, ripe honey peach—one squeeze and peach juice would spill out, fragrant, soft, and sweet.
Today, it had to last longer. He needed to replenish more so Jiang Rong wouldn’t suffer from a lack of pheromones.
At this moment, the desk didn’t seem very suitable. He Siming lifted Jiang Rong’s thighs and carried him toward the bedroom.
Hours later, He Siming reluctantly separated from Jiang Rong. The room was filled with a mixed scent of lime and peach pheromones.
There were still three hours before He Siming had to leave for the airport. Jiang Rong wrapped his arms around He Siming’s neck, his eyes moist.
He hoarsely called his name.
He Siming kissed him on the lips. “What’s wrong? I’ll come back as soon as possible. I’ll be back to spend the New Year with you.”
Jiang Rong shook his head. “I’m fine. Actually, it doesn’t matter to me whether I celebrate the New Year or not.”
He Siming felt as if his heart had been pricked by a needle—sour and aching.
Jiang Rong walked him to the door. He wanted to see him off to the parking lot, but He Siming wouldn’t let him, afraid he’d get cold.
For the first time, He Siming felt himself being naggy, but he still repeated his reminders: “Go to bed early tonight. I’ll arrive very late, so don’t wait for me. Tomorrow morning, we’ll video call. Lock the doors properly at home, and make sure to cover yourself well when you sleep.”
“I know,” Jiang Rong said. He had hurriedly gotten out of bed, wearing He Siming’s oversized sweater. The wide collar slipped off his shoulder, and he was covered in He Siming’s scent.
He Siming adjusted it for him and pulled him into his arms, wishing he could knead him into his heart. Jiang Rong hugged his waist and rubbed his face against his chest, extremely reluctant to part.
No matter how reluctant, time still moved forward. He Siming steeled himself and pulled the door open. “I’m closing the door now. Go back inside.”
Jiang Rong stood by the door, stopping him from closing it, stubbornly wanting to watch him enter the elevator. “Then… then you have to miss me.”
He Siming smiled and bit his earlobe lightly. “I will. I’ll miss you inside and out, head to toe—especially the fragrant little peach.”
“You…” Jiang Rong was both shy and sad, his eyes misty. For a moment, he didn’t know whether to keep feeling sad. He Siming always teased him like this.
He Siming really entered the elevator, his figure disappearing from sight.
It was their first separation, and Jiang Rong felt a bit uncomfortable, but with He Siming distracting him, he didn’t feel like crying anymore.
The house was filled with the scent of lime pheromones, but Jiang Rong still felt empty inside.
He Siming had to drive, so Jiang Rong didn’t proactively video call to distract him. Driving at night required attention to traffic conditions—safety was important.
However, twenty minutes later, He Siming sent him a video call: “Go to the window and take a look.”
Jiang Rong was still immersed in the discomfort of He Siming’s departure, hugging a small blanket and spacing out. When he heard him, he immediately went to the window.
Snowflakes were drifting down outside. “Wow, it’s snowing!”
He Siming was waiting at a red light. In the video, he saw Jiang Rong’s bright eyes—he was truly delighted by the snow.
“This is the first snowfall of the year. Let’s watch it together.”
Jiang Rong nodded. “I’ve never seen snow before.”
He Siming remembered that Little Sun wasn’t far from the capital and was also in the north—there was definitely snow in winter. How could Jiang Rong never have seen it?
But he didn’t ask.
Although Jiang Rong no longer mentioned transmigration lately, He Siming had already noted it. If he truly were a transmigrator, little details would inevitably slip out in daily life.
Pheromones, a reproductive cavity, knowing that pregnancy required pheromones, playing the cello, fluent English—and never having seen snow.
If he had always lived at Little Sun Welfare Institute, it would be impossible for him never to have seen snow.
He Siming simply tucked all his doubts away. “Next year, I’ll play in the snow with you. This year, don’t touch it—easy to catch a cold, and if you get sick, you can’t take medicine.”
Jiang Rong leaned against the window, staring at the falling snow, nodding softly, excited like a child.
“I know, He Siming, look! Snowflakes really are hexagonal—so beautiful!”
He Siming’s gaze fell on his profile. “Yes, very beautiful.”
Jiang Rong suddenly remembered, “Wait, you’re driving. Focus! How long until you reach the airport?”
“About ten minutes. There aren’t many cars, it’ll be quick.”
Jiang Rong’s attention was still captured by the crystal-clear snow. “Will it snow for a long time?”
“It should snow through the night.”
“Then I’m going to film a video and send it to Yao Shule and the others. I’ll talk to you later!”
Beep—call ended.
He Siming: “?” Weren’t you just sad about me leaving?
He unconsciously curled his lips into a smile and shook his head. Jiang Rong was really easy to please—a little dummy.
When He Siming arrived at the airport, Jiang Rong sent the snow video to the group chat. Everyone responded enthusiastically, and the group became very lively.
Yao Shule sent a video of rain where he was. Li Yizhou, also in the capital, sent a snow video too, but Yao Shule strongly demanded that he film outdoors. The video was full of him shouting, “Holy crap,” “So cold,” “Isn’t this snow falling way too hard?”
He Siming joined in as well, filming a snowy night video before boarding—but he posted it to his Moments.
Caption: Next year, I’ll definitely watch the first snowfall with you.
Jiang Rong was the first to like and comment: Okay.
Ding Yan: Sounds great!
Tang Yucheng: You’re that nice? I don’t believe it.
Student Union President: With alumni? Why does this feel kind of romantic!
Yao Shule: It’s not our 519 dorm, is it?!
Li Yizhou: Can I propose soaking in a hot spring while watching the snow?
Uncle: Not in the capital?
Why does this Moments post feel off?
He Siming happened to see that comment and explained about his grandma being hospitalized, asking him to help look after Jiang Rong.
At one in the morning, the plane landed, and he took a taxi straight to the old house.
He Siming immediately told Jiang Rong: I’ve arrived.
He thought Jiang Rong would be asleep, but he got a reply.
Jiang Rong had forced himself to stay awake, waiting for him: Mm.
He Siming: Good night.
After lying down, He Siming didn’t receive another reply. He must have fallen asleep—a truly heart-aching little dummy.
Since telling He Siming about his pregnancy, the two of them had been inseparable. This was the first time Jiang Rong woke up and didn’t see him.
The sudden separation left him a bit unaccustomed.
Even while brushing his teeth, he was thinking about what He Siming would make for him in the morning.
Today, there was none. The kitchen was cold and unused—he had to do it himself.
He Siming would probably only be gone for a few days. He could stay by himself. When he first came to this world, he spent over a month alone—it was completely fine.
Jiang Rong returned to a life of eating alone and watching shows alone. Of course, he received messages from He Siming, but there really wasn’t time for video calls. He likely went to the hospital early every morning to see his grandma—elderly people were more important.
His uncle added Jiang Rong on WeChat. Knowing they weren’t familiar, he didn’t ask Jiang Rong to come over for New Year’s Eve dinner, only told him to contact him immediately if he felt unwell. Jiang Rong agreed.
That evening, He Siming finally found time to video call him.
Jiang Rong could see the fatigue on his face. “You look really tired. Was today very busy?”
He Siming nodded. “Yeah. I went to the airport at six in the morning to pick up my dad, then went straight to the hospital. Just after lunch, I went to pick up my mom—they arrived at different times.”
“Uncle and auntie are really busy,” Jiang Rong said.
“Yeah. If I weren’t able to be the driver, they might not even remember they have a son,” He Siming joked.
Jiang Rong laughed at his small complaint. “Then should you sleep earlier tonight? You can’t drive while exhausted.”
“I’ll sleep after we finish video calling. What did you do at home today?”
Jiang Rong honestly reported, “I ate the meatballs you fried at noon and watched a suspense movie in the afternoon.”
“Did you feel any discomfort?”
Jiang Rong shook his head. “No. I replenished pheromones yesterday, so I’m fine.”
Seeing his flushed face, as if he had just showered, He Siming asked, “Are you getting ready to sleep?”
Jiang Rong was already under the covers. “Not yet. I want to talk to you. It feels a bit strange without you at home.”
After chatting for a few minutes, Jiang Rong needed to use the bathroom and placed the phone on the bedside stand.
He lifted the blanket. On his upper body, he wore He Siming’s oversized dark-blue satin pajama top. His fair legs stretched out from under the covers.
He Siming’s Adam’s apple bobbed. “Why are you wearing my pajamas?”
As Jiang Rong put on his slippers, he said, “Yours are looser and won’t rub against my chest.” More importantly, they carried He Siming’s pheromones, making him feel more at ease when sleeping.
“Mm.” From the video, He Siming watched him go into the bathroom, those long pale legs swaying in front of his eyes, instantly dispelling half his sleepiness.
“I’m back.” Jiang Rong returned to bed, tucked himself in. “Are you going to sleep?”
“I’ll stay with you a bit longer. Don’t stretch your legs out when you sleep—don’t catch a cold,” He Siming emphasized. “Better put on pajama pants.”
As always, Jiang Rong was honest. “I won’t. It’s hot.”
He Siming said, “Since you’re not sleeping, how about we play something else?”
Jiang Rong wasn’t sleepy either. “Sure. A game?”
He thought they’d play something like last time when He Siming was on a business trip—playing Honor of Kings together, with voice chat.
He Siming said hoarsely, “Mm. A small game. It’s called role-playing.”
Jiang Rong innocently asked, “Do I need to download an app?”
“No. Just look at me.”
Jiang Rong looked at He Siming in the video and saw him turn the camera toward himself, slowly moving it.
Jiang Rong’s pampered, fair face gradually flushed with his destined color.
He Siming’s voice sank. “Call me husband. Say you want it.”
Jiang Rong: “……”
Tricked again. Again and again.
