Chapter 15
After returning, Lin Song’an handed the only apron in the kitchen to Tan Ning. Tan Ning washed his hands and, lowering himself to the task, began preparing dinner.
The main dish was pickled mustard and shredded pork noodles. While waiting for the water to boil, Tan Ning casually made a cold shredded chicken salad using ingredients that the housekeeper had prepped and stored in the fridge.
Lin Song’an tasted it and couldn’t praise it enough.
Summer evenings always arrive slowly. It was nearly seven o’clock, and the sun had not yet set. The orange afterglow streamed in, illuminating the edges of the glass bowl and the round watermelon, making everything appear gentle and lovely.
Lin Song’an cut open the watermelon and exclaimed, “I didn’t notice when I bought it—it’s a seedless watermelon. So beautiful.”
A seedless watermelon that came to repay kindness.
Lin Song’an picked up the watermelon to show Tan Ning. Seeing his expression, Tan Ning couldn’t help but slightly curl his lips.
But as soon as their gazes met, Tan Ning knew something was amiss.
Sure enough, under the pretense of grabbing a plate, Lin Song’an squeezed Tan Ning into the corner of the cabinet, insisting on stealing a kiss.
Tan Ning closed his eyes, and the kiss fell.
A kiss flavored with cool watermelon juice, mixed with Lin Song’an’s familiar scent, assaulted him instantly. Lips and teeth melded in sticky sweetness.
“Is it sweet?” Lin Song’an asked in a low voice.
Tan Ning pushed Lin Song’an away, put the noodles into the pot, and said coldly, “Not sweet.”
Lin Song’an puffed his cheeks, squinting at him. He seemed to want to say something several times but finally just said, “Fine, keep teasing me.”
Tan Ning looked down at the noodles boiling in the pot, then grabbed another frying pan to heat some oil.
Two bowls of pickled mustard and shredded pork noodles, a plate of spicy cold shredded chicken.
A bowl of chilled watermelon, two glasses of beer.
One dining table, two people.
Lin Song’an finally got to eat the noodles he’d craved for so long and felt utterly satisfied. Watching the last ray of sunset disappear outside the floor-to-ceiling window, he turned to Tan Ning and said, “This moment is precious; I don’t think I’ll forget it.”
For a fleeting moment, Tan Ning’s expression showed panic.
Lin Song’an noticed but pretended not to.
“What will you do when you go home?”
“I don’t know.”
“Don’t tutor during the break; give yourself a vacation.”
Lin Song’an meant no harm with his words. Out of politeness, Tan Ning felt he should respond, but he genuinely didn’t know what to say. He was always awkward in social situations. In the end, Lin sighed helplessly, “Forget it, pretend I didn’t say anything.”
Tan Ning silently ate a piece of watermelon.
That evening, Lin Song’an pulled Tan Ning to play some games. Tan Ning wasn’t interested but forced himself to stay awake and accompany Lin Song’an through a few levels. As they played, he began to nod off. Lin Song’an found his drooping head adorable, so he put down the controller and carried Tan Ning horizontally into the bedroom.
Tan Ning woke up halfway, rubbing his face against Lin Song’an’s shoulder, mumbling, “You’re not playing anymore?”
“Let’s play something else, okay?”
Tan Ning turned over and pretended to sleep. “No.”
But Lin Song’an didn’t take no for an answer and pressed himself against Tan Ning.
Clothes fell to the side of the bed.
When Tan Ning woke up, it was already midnight. Stars dotted the sky outside the window. He was curled up in Lin Song’an’s arms, one of Lin Song’an’s arms under his neck, the other draped over his waist.
They were practically sleeping in an embrace.
Sleeping in each other’s arms sounded romantic but was actually quite uncomfortable.
Lin Song’an hadn’t liked sleeping on his side before, but because Tan Ning always tried to escape his embrace, Lin Song’an had no choice but to hold him tightly. Now, both of them were used to this awkward sleeping posture.
When he lifted his head, he could see Lin Song’an sleeping peacefully.
Even when not in his heat period, Lin Song’an wasn’t gentle in bed. He always wanted Tan Ning to look at him, always sought eye contact, and Tan Ning couldn’t let his mind wander for even a moment.
The top-tier alpha’s possessiveness and aggression were fully displayed during those hours.
His nape had been bitten again; it still throbbed faintly.
In the dim light, Tan Ning glanced at Lin Song’an, suddenly remembering something. He quietly got out of bed, rummaged through his suitcase, took out one of the gift boxes, removed the watch inside, and replaced the one Lin Song’an had casually left on the bedside table.
*
The next morning, Lin Song’an woke up.
No one was beside him.
His mind went blank for a moment, but hearing the sound of running water from the bathroom a few seconds later, he felt reassured.
He leaned against the headboard, waiting for Tan Ning.
Tan Ning emerged from the shower, wearing Lin Song’an’s bathrobe, drying his hair as he walked out.
“Why are you up so early?” Lin Song’an asked.
Tan Ning pulled open the curtains. “It’s not early.”
Lin Song’an glanced at the watch on the bedside table. “Nine twenty—pretty early.”
He suddenly felt something different about the watch. He couldn’t pinpoint whether it was the color or the weight. At first glance, it seemed the same, but upon closer inspection, it felt slightly off. Lin Song’an frowned slightly. Tan Ning suddenly said, “I’m hungry.”
Lin Song’an put down the watch. “I’ll make breakfast.”
Breakfast was simple—milk and sandwiches—but since Young Master Lin was personally preparing it, Tan Ning couldn’t refuse.
“I want to get a cat,” Lin Song’an said.
Tan Ning took a sip of milk. “Oh.”
“What breed do you think is best?”
“Up to you.”
“Isn’t this one cute?” Lin Song’an showed him a photo of a blue-golden shaded kitten on his phone.
Tan Ning glanced at it, seeing a fluffy golden furball, as beautiful as a doll. He paused slightly, then casually asked, “You like this kind?”
“Yes, who doesn’t like cute things?” Lin Song’an continued scrolling through his phone, trying to find another saved photo of a blue-golden shaded kitten. “Those fierce, untamed cats that won’t let you hug or pet them—why would I buy one?”
Tan Ning didn’t answer. After finishing his milk, he got up and returned to the bedroom.
They didn’t have much else to do together. If they were a normal couple, they might chat about friends or gossip, but they weren’t a couple, and Tan Ning’s life was rather uneventful—he didn’t even have anyone he could call a friend. Lin Song’an did have friends, but Tan Ning probably wouldn’t be interested in their gossip.
Tan Ning lay back on the bed, and Lin Song’an followed suit.
Lin Song’an picked up his phone to check the stock market. Tan Ning tilted his head to look at him. Lin Song’an smiled, pulled him into his arms, and started talking about the market’s recent fluctuations. When it came to money, Tan Ning showed a bit more interest.
During this time, Lin Song’an’s mother called.
Tan Ning sensed Lin Song’an’s body stiffen the moment he saw his mother’s name on the caller ID. The air seemed to freeze. Tan Ning felt suffocated. The phone kept ringing. Lin Song’an withdrew his hand from under Tan Ning, whispered, “Wait for me,” and went to the living room to take the call.
He vaguely heard Lin Song’an raise his voice, saying, “I don’t need it.” Tan Ning rolled over onto his side, resting his head on his arm, quietly staring at the watch on the bedside table.
When Lin Song’an returned after hanging up, Tan Ning was already asleep.
Lin Song’an didn’t wake him, quietly lying down beside him, playing with Tan Ning’s slightly damp hair. After Tan Ning woke up from his nap, they went out for lunch.
At one o’clock in the afternoon, Lin Song’an drove Tan Ning to the bus station.
“When will you return to school?”
“Before the semester starts.”
“…,” Lin Song’an chuckled helplessly. “Can’t you say something nice to me?”
Tan Ning thought about it and realized that might be true.
Lin Song’an drove into the parking lot. As he turned the steering wheel, Tan Ning suddenly noticed that Lin Song’an had changed his watch.
A watch with a rock-gray dial and a stainless steel strap.
Lin Song’an turned his head to see Tan Ning’s gloomy expression and was momentarily stunned. “What’s wrong?”
Tan Ning said nothing, opened the door, and got out of the car.
Dragging his suitcase, Tan Ning walked into the station. Lin Song’an waited for a long time but didn’t see Tan Ning turn around even once.
So heartless.
Back in the car, Lin Song’an belatedly remembered that he hadn’t paid Tan Ning the two thousand yuan this time. He pulled out his phone, his thumb hovering over the screen before pausing.
What would happen if he didn’t pay? Would Tan Ning ask him for it?
Lin Song’an was curious.
But he was clearly overthinking it. After a long while, Tan Ning didn’t reach out, so Lin Song’an had to take the initiative to transfer the money.
Tan Ning didn’t reply.
Lin Song’an messaged: [Not even a thank you?]
Tan Ning responded: [Thank you.]
Lin Song’an rubbed his thumb over the screen, thinking: Why bother getting a cat? I already have one.
Beautiful, fierce, untamed.
*
Tan Ning took a four-hour bus ride and arrived at Xuan City Station at 5:10 PM. Many taxis were soliciting passengers at the entrance. Tan Ning waved them off, declining the drivers’ enthusiastic offers, and dragged his suitcase to the bus stop.
Bus No. 401, directly to Tianqiao Gardens—his grandfather’s place.
His grandfather was still playing mahjong next door. Tan Ning sat by the door, waiting for him to return.
Yue Ying sent a message: [Have you bought your ticket?]
Tan Ning replied: [I’m at Grandpa’s house now.]
[Why didn’t you let me know? I’m still working overtime and can’t get over there.]
[It’s okay, you handle your work.]
Tan Ning exited the chat window, tilted his head back, and watched the distant sunset alone. People came and went on the old street. Those who passed by would turn to look at him, but because his grandfather wasn’t well-liked, he was also met with disdain by association. Even as darkness fell, no one approached to greet him.
Tan Ning quietly waited. However long his grandfather played mahjong, Tan Ning waited just as long. His grandfather had two bowls of porridge next door, won some money, and returned feeling content. Seeing Tan Ning, he was startled. “Whoa, why didn’t you tell me you were coming back? Have you eaten dinner?”
Tan Ning patted his empty stomach, which was so hungry it felt numb, and said, “I ate.”
“Come on in,” his grandfather pulled out his keys to unlock the door. “You didn’t tell me in advance. I haven’t tidied up your room; it’s piled with a lot of stuff.”
Tan Ning pushed open the door to his room, which he hadn’t seen in six months, and was nearly choked by dust. It was filled with boxes upon boxes of health supplements. The packaging claimed various benefits: improving osteoporosis, memory loss, boosting immunity, lowering blood lipids, protecting cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health, nourishing yin and moisturizing dryness… Essentially, one box of pills claimed to rejuvenate the entire body.
Tan Ning was surprised. “Are all these for you?”
His grandfather waved dismissively. “Ah, I was scammed by a con artist. Said it had eighteen benefits, but they’re all just calcium tablets.”
“So what are you going to do with them?”
“I don’t know. Xiao Ning, you’re studying law—can you help me take a look?”
“When did you buy them, and how much did you spend?”
“After you went back to school. Spent… twenty-three thousand yuan. Can’t get in touch with that person anymore.”
“Go report it to the police.”
His grandfather hurriedly refused. “No! If I go, everyone will know I was tricked into buying dozens of boxes of calcium tablets. I won’t go. Just consider it a lesson learned. Alright, don’t worry about it.”
“I—”
His grandfather glared at him. “Don’t interfere, and don’t tell anyone, you hear?”
Seeing Tan Ning’s lack of response, his grandfather anxiously said, “These neighbors gossip non-stop; you can’t shut them up. Your parents’ situation has been their joke for years. If you report it and the police come to investigate, you can just head back to school, but I’ll be left here as their laughingstock. No, I can’t lose face like that.”
Tan Ning had no choice but to drop the matter. “Do you have enough money? I can give you some.”
“Where did you get money?”
“From tutoring.”
“How much can you make from that? Keep your money.”
“Do you win enough from playing mahjong?”
His grandfather pushed the boxes against the wall, cleared the space beside the bed, and brought over a new set of bedsheets and a quilt cover. “It’s enough. If not, I’ll play fewer games. If I win, then I’ll have more money, right?”
Handing the bedding to Tan Ning so he could make the bed himself, his grandfather said nonchalantly, “We betas, living muddled lives like this—it’s good enough.”
