The Unattainable Flower Pulled Down from the Pedestal by Universal Dislike – CH55

Chapter 55

Tan Ning was pressed against the door, Lin Song’an’s kisses raining down on him. He had his hands on Lin Song’an’s shoulders, unable to push him away, barely able to breathe.

“Lin Song’an—”

“You didn’t even say you missed me.”

Finally catching his breath, Tan Ning managed a single word, “Missed.”

“Missed who?”

Tan Ning pressed his lips together.

Lin Song’an chuckled, lifting Tan Ning up by the hips and carrying him to the bedroom.

Tan Ning clung to Lin Song’an’s neck, afraid of falling. Midway, he scolded him, “It’s all your fault. I didn’t even get to say goodbye to your mom, or to Yan Zhiyu’s parents.”

“I already said goodbye for you.”

Tan Ning scratched him lightly. “Every time I make a bit of a good impression on your mom, you just go and ruin it.”

“You’re only concerned with leaving a good impression on my mom.” Lin Song’an removed his coat, unbuttoning the top button of his shirt as he leaned down. “Yet you don’t seem to care about neglecting me.”

He took off his tie, letting his neatly pressed shirt come undone just a bit, a hint of rogue charm mixing with his usual elegance. Tan Ning tried to keep his eyes off Lin Song’an’s collar, pouting, “When have I ever neglected you?”

Lin Song’an placed Tan Ning’s hand on his shirt, guiding his fingers to the second button. Under his fingertips, Tan Ning could feel the slight pulse of his muscles. After undoing one button, Tan Ning’s gaze started to wander, but Lin Song’an tilted his chin up and kissed him.

“Haven’t you? Ever since you started interning at my mom’s company, it’s like I’m not on your mind at all. When I didn’t reach out to you while I was away, you didn’t even bother to call. You’re so indifferent, Little Cat Tan.” Lin Song’an buried his face in Tan Ning’s neck, his tone laced with frustration. “Changing my mom’s mind isn’t something that’ll happen overnight. Why are you in such a rush?”

“Because I don’t want you to work so hard.”

Lin Song’an stopped, gently stroking Tan Ning’s cheek with his thumb.

“If the law-and-business program goes smoothly, I’ll be studying abroad next semester. If I don’t handle things well with your mom now, you’ll have to bear all that pressure alone.”

Though he spoke softly, even a little coldly, Lin Song’an found him utterly endearing.

“Is that your way of showing love?” Lin Song’an teased, pressing him down.

Embarrassed, Tan Ning squirmed, but only managed to wrestle himself halfway out of his clothes. Lin Song’an’s hand slid from his neck down to his lower back, finally settling on his hips with a gentle squeeze.

“Ning Ning feels a bit softer now, even better to hold onto.”

Tan Ning thought so, too. Ever since Lin Song’an was injured, he’d kept him company, eating all sorts of nutrient-rich foods every day, and managed to gain weight himself. But since Lin Song’an had left on his trip, he’d actually lost a bit. He didn’t plan on telling Lin Song’an, though—he’d never let him live it down.

Tan Ning felt the room was too bright and was a little self-conscious. Lin Song’an, of course, deliberately didn’t cater to his preference, positioning him by the edge of the bed, facing the window, whispering all sorts of things in his ear. With half his body practically hanging off the bed, caught between tension and sensation, Tan Ning could only cling tightly to Lin Song’an’s arm.

But when Lin Song’an slowed down, he looked at him with hazy, slightly reddened eyes, meeting Lin Song’an’s gaze in a way that was at once reluctant and inviting. It drove Lin Song’an wild.

“Sometimes I think you might actually like it when I take charge, Ning Ning.”

Tan Ning blushed, muttering, “No, I don’t.”

“No?” Lin Song’an wrapped his arm around his shoulder to keep him from falling.

Tan Ning shook his head, unsure what he was even responding to. His head was spinning, and with Lin Song’an’s movements growing more intense, he let out an involuntary whimper, “No…”

“Lin Song’an…”

Lin Song’an had so much energy that Tan Ning could hardly keep up. He even fell asleep halfway through, and when he woke up, Lin Song’an was still lying between his legs. Trying to move hurt too much, so he bit Lin Song’an’s arm.

“Those are some sharp teeth, Little Cat Tan.”

Tan Ning didn’t let go. As Lin Song’an moved in closer, closing the gap between them, Tan Ning, sensing a softening in his resolve, snuggled back into his embrace.

Eventually, hunger forced him awake.

After a quick shower, he walked into the kitchen in his pajamas to make some wonton soup.

Lin Song’an, freshly showered, followed him into the kitchen, wrapping his arms around Tan Ning’s waist, clinging to him like a shadow.

Tan Ning let him hang on, even making him a refreshing cold salad as the wontons boiled.

“Add more cucumber and bean sprouts.”

Tan Ning sliced up an extra cucumber.

“More chili, too. And sesame oil,” Lin Song’an said a minute later.

Annoyed, Tan Ning took off his disposable gloves, narrowing his eyes as he scolded, “Make it yourself. I’m tired enough already.”

Lin Song’an grinned, taking the gloves from him. “Alright, alright.”

He served the wontons, placing the bowl in front of Tan Ning and sincerely apologizing, “I’m sorry. Next time, I won’t—”

Tan Ning shot him a sharp glare.

Stifling a laugh, Lin Song’an changed the subject. “I closed a big deal in Shanghai. This should help us weather the current media storm.”

Taking a bite of wonton, Tan Ning murmured, “I wish I could be of more help.”

“Ning Ning has his own life. We’re moving forward together, and that’s enough.”

At these words, Tan Ning looked up, tears welling up in his eyes. He quickly hid them by leaning over his bowl, using the steam as cover. With so many feelings to express, only one question came out: “What do you want to eat tomorrow?”

Lin Song’an smiled. “How about sweet and sour ribs?”

Tan Ning nodded. “Alright.”

But half an hour later, Lin Song’an got a message from Fang Jin, inviting them both for dinner the next day.

Holding up his phone to show Tan Ning, he announced, “Both of us?”

“What did you do while I was gone to change my mom’s attitude so fast?” Lin Song’an marveled.

“Nothing, really.”

“My mom’s not one to change her mind easily.”

But Tan Ning truly hadn’t done much. He hadn’t had the chance to show off his stellar academic performance; he’d only completed a single rough contract draft that was never used. The following three weeks, he’d been either doing chores or studying quietly, barely seeing Fang Jin. In the end, she’d handed him a pre-signed internship certificate and promptly ended his short internship.

Lin Song’an hugged him close, speaking softly, “You’re amazing, Ning Ning. You make things so easy for me.”

He lay back on Tan Ning’s lap.

Tan Ning placed a soft blanket under his head for comfort and massaged his temples. “Were the business trips tiring?”

“It wasn’t so bad.”

Tan Ning had already forgotten that he was the one exhausted and sore.

“Ning Ning, let’s get married when you get back from studying abroad, alright?”

Tan Ning froze, not quite understanding.

“Once I settle things here, I’ll visit your mom and grandpa in Xuan City, then see you off. When you’re back in two years, we can get married.”

“What brought this up all of a sudden?”

Lin Song’an turned slightly, resting his head on Tan Ning’s stomach. “I just want to marry you, to make things official.”

Laughing, Tan Ning tugged on Lin Song’an’s ear.

He hadn’t figured out what to say in response, but Lin Song’an knew him well. His silence was enough.

The next day, Tan Ning brought two potted orchids to Fang Jin’s house, arranging them in the garden. Lin Song’an exaggeratedly told his mom, “Mom, Ning Ning has been taking care of these since February. Look how well they’ve grown.”

Standing on the porch steps, Fang Jin looked over at Tan Ning. “Thank you, Xiao Ning.”

It was the first time she’d called him that, and Tan Ning, taken aback, offered a slightly nervous smile.

The housekeeper informed them, “Madam made the beef brisket and fish maw soup herself. She started early this morning, and it’s simmered until perfectly tender. Please, try it.”

Fang Jin wasn’t one to mince words. As soon as they sat down, she told Tan Ning, “Yesterday, I took you to the Yan’s so that Yan Zhiyu could apologize to you formally. But afterward, I realized I owe you an apology too.”

Tan Ning looked anxiously toward Lin Song’an.

“I’ve finalized the divorce with Song’an’s father,” she said evenly. “This has had a big impact on me, and I’ve come to see things more clearly. Watching Yan Zhiyu yesterday, I felt like I was seeing my younger self. As an outsider, it looked so ridiculous and pitiful. No wonder people laughed behind my back.”

Lin Song’an held her hand. “Mom…”

“I’m fifty-one. I spent more than half my life on a marriage without love. It was a mistake, and I won’t make Song’an repeat it.”

Lin Song’an exchanged a look with Tan Ning.

“Xiao Ning, I apologize for the things I’ve said.”

“It’s alright, Auntie,” Tan Ning said immediately.

“I used to be so prejudiced that I hurt both you and Song’an. I regret it.” Fang Jin took a sip of red wine, smiling at Tan Ning. “Don’t worry; I won’t interfere with you two anymore. But if you need my help, I’ll always be here.”

With visible relief, Lin Song’an clasped her hand. “Thank you, Mom.”

Fang Jin’s instincts couldn’t help but kick in. She scolded him, “Be careful with that hand; it’s barely healed.”

Realizing her tone had been harsh, she softened her expression immediately.

“Yes, Mom,” Lin Song’an said, turning to smile at Tan Ning, who smiled back.

Over dinner, Fang Jin mentioned, “Your father had invested in two pharmaceutical labs, developing a medication to alleviate alpha susceptibility. I’ve heard it’s making progress. Do you know anything about it?”

Lin Song’an paused briefly. “Oh? There’s progress?”

“Yes, it’s supposed to be nearing clinical trials and may be on the market soon.”

Instinctively, Lin Song’an looked over at Tan Ning, who was brimming with hope.

He couldn’t bring himself to tell Tan Ning the truth: it was just hype from the pharmaceutical company. He had tried it already, taking the first dose as soon as it became available, but it hadn’t worked. The new drug only alleviated some of the early symptoms of agitation, but the full extent of the pain had still been something Tan Ning bore with him.

In this moment, he couldn’t bear to let Tan Ning down. Smiling, he said, “I’ll contact the director soon.”

*

Half a month later, Tan Ning was attending a class with He Qingrui, who had recently started dating a beta chemistry major he’d met in an elective. The two got along well and had even gone hiking together over the weekend, posting a selfie at the summit.

Experiencing love for the first time, He Qingrui could hardly contain his excitement, often spending class time chatting with the guy. When he noticed Tan Ning watching him, he would grin sheepishly and whisper, “Just one more message.”

Tan Ning’s spirits lifted, seeing his friend so happy.

Lin Song’an had been in constant contact with the research director, following up on his pheromone levels. Based on the doctors’ recommendations, he could start the treatment soon.

Tan Ning had never felt so light.

For the first time since he was eight, his life seemed full of hope, as if every day was worth looking forward to.

Later that afternoon, he received even more wonderful news in his business law class: he had been awarded a full scholarship to study in England.

He Qingrui was more excited than he was, practically bouncing with joy. “Oh my gosh, Tan Ning! You’re going to be the first friend I know studying abroad! Don’t forget about me when you make it big!”

Tan Ning laughed and agreed.

He sent a message to Lin Song’an, who didn’t reply right away.

Ten minutes passed, and still nothing. Thinking Lin Song’an was busy, he couldn’t help feeling a little disappointed. He hadn’t realized how much he relied on him.

After class, he waited for He Qingrui to finish packing up. As they walked out, Tan Ning noticed people staring at him. He Qingrui grew alert, asking, “Did something happen?”

Tan Ning shook his head and kept walking.

The murmuring around them grew louder, and Tan Ning heard Lin Song’an’s name mentioned, making his heart race.

Hurrying down to the business school entrance, he spotted Lin Song’an standing by the camphor trees.

Their eyes met, just like the first time.

Though they’d only been together for two years, Tan Ning felt the words “familiar yet new” come to mind. It was hard to imagine his life without Lin Song’an since he’d entered it at twenty. He might have endured, surviving in darkness, but it would have been a feral, solitary path.

Stopping in his tracks, Tan Ning looked toward Lin Song’an, then ran over, flinging himself into his arms.

Ignoring everyone’s eyes on them, he felt he was home.

“Lin Song’an, I got the scholarship,” he said, his voice full of happiness.

Looking at him, Lin Song’an suddenly noticed the faint dimples on Tan Ning’s cheeks when he smiled like that. Gently pressing his thumb against them, he replied, “The moment I saw the message, I drove over. A treasure like you deserves the best reward.”

“What do you want as a reward?” he asked.

The amber twilight highlighted the honey tones of Tan Ning’s hair and eyes. Gathering his courage, he spoke without realizing he hadn’t yet said “I like you” to Lin Song’an, skipping straight to, “How about we get married before I go abroad?”

Lin Song’an froze, then laughed, saying, “I don’t think we have time, Ning Ning! There’s paperwork and honeymoon planning, so little time won’t do.”

Tan Ning quickly agreed. “Alright.”

Author’s Note:
No more angst, I promise—maybe just a tiny tear of joy! I’ll update at 9 p.m. with more of our sweet couple’s everyday life.

Translator’s Note:
This has been a hella of a roller coaster ride.. But it was so worth it! The text was so beautifully written that every chapter leaves me at awe.. Thank you to the author for writing such a beautiful novel~