The Unattainable Flower Pulled Down from the Pedestal by Universal Dislike – CH65

Chapter 65

Tan Ning’s time studying abroad was coming to an end.

In his final months, he juggled writing his thesis and a summer internship in the UK, leaving him with barely a moment to breathe.

Lin Song’an, on the other hand, had a bit more free time and would occasionally “surprise attack” Tan Ning in the UK. Sometimes, he’d even show up in Tan Ning’s classes, sit beside him, and playfully ask, “Excuse me, have you seen my fiancée? His name is Tan Ning.”

Tan Ning, so busy his brain felt sluggish, didn’t have the energy to respond and just elbowed him away, then got back to his thesis. Not wanting to be a distraction, Lin Song’an would then wander around on his own.

When Tan Ning finally stepped outside, he spotted an Asian-looking boy chatting with Lin Song’an, the two standing together.

Tan Ning took a few steps forward, moving into Lin Song’an’s line of sight, but Lin Song’an didn’t notice him. He clenched his jaw, took a couple more steps, and overheard the boy’s surprised voice saying, “Your boyfriend is here too?”

Lin Song’an replied, “Yes, but he’s not my boyfriend.”

Tan Ning’s expression instantly turned icy.

But then he heard Lin Song’an add, “We’re already engaged. Once he graduates, we’ll get married.”

Lin Song’an proudly showed off the modest ring on his hand, as if it were a priceless gem, beaming as he said, “He got into a prestigious undergraduate program and was offered admission here after achieving perfect grades. He’s really amazing.”

Tan Ning couldn’t help but smile.

After the boy left, Tan Ning cleared his throat, and Lin Song’an turned, immediately heading toward him. Tan Ning tried to put on a cool expression. “So, what were you two chatting about? You seemed to be enjoying it.”

“I just noticed the boy was holding some local Ningjiang pastries, so I casually asked him about it. Turns out his mother’s family is originally from Ningjiang, so I guess he’s sort of an honorary local.”

Tan Ning responded with a simple “Oh.”

Lin Song’an caught on immediately, grinning mischievously. “Jealous?”

“Heh.”

“What does ‘heh’ mean?”

Tan Ning turned and walked toward the entrance, with Lin Song’an following close behind, persistently teasing him, “What does ‘heh’ mean? Tell me, will you? Is my little Tan Ning jealous?”

Tan Ning, tired of his noise, covered his ears.

The playful banter continued from the campus entrance to the front door of their apartment. When Tan Ning took out his key, he sighed and told Lin Song’an, “You know, I think I liked you better the way you were at the beginning.”

“How was I back then?”

“At Lin Qi’s house. I came downstairs and saw you standing by the kitchen island, wearing a dark coat and turtleneck, looking all broody and mysterious.”

Lin Song’an seemed to be recalling his “broody” persona.

The face and physique were still the same, but now…

Tan Ning found it hard to believe he’d initially been attracted to Lin Song’an’s depth, elegance, and restrained nature.

Back then, he’d done everything to get Lin Song’an into bed. Now, he tried every trick to kick him out.

They’d been together for over four years, yet Lin Song’an’s passion and affection hadn’t faded, and the security Tan Ning felt in his presence had gradually eclipsed his own vulnerability and insecurities.

Later that night, after finally escaping Lin Song’an’s embrace, Tan Ning crawled to the nightstand for a sip of water to soothe his throat. He’d barely rested for ten minutes when Lin Song’an closed in again.

It was only when the drawer’s stash of condoms ran out that Lin Song’an finally let him go. He encircled Tan Ning in his arms, playfully biting along his arm. Tan Ning looked down at the row of teeth marks, too exhausted even to think of swatting him.

Tan Ning shot him a look, his eyes cool yet inherently tempting, like a ripe, fragrant fruit. Though he was still slim, he no longer appeared frail, and the boyish innocence of his university days had given way to an arresting maturity.

“Tan Ning’s all grown up, even more beautiful now,” Lin Song’an suddenly said.

Tan Ning, thoroughly embarrassed, buried half his face in the blanket. Lin Song’an chased after him under the covers, whispering, “Back then, you were only twenty, dressed in those old clothes.”

Tan Ning muttered, “You’re the one with the old clothes.”

“But your face was so beautiful—I fell in love at first sight.”

“So shallow.”

“And who’s the one who tried to seduce me after only knowing me for a few days? You should be glad I’m a decent guy. Otherwise, that silly kitten would’ve been gobbled up with nothing left.”

Tan Ning just grunted.

“You were so innocent back then, lying still, holding your breath every time we kissed until your face turned red.”

“Shut up.”

“Actually, I was nervous too. I wanted to seem like I had it together, but I was worried you’d misunderstand. In the end, I didn’t do as well as I’d hoped.”

Tan Ning eyed him suspiciously. “In which sense?”

“The relationship sense.”

“It was good enough.”

“And the first time?”

“Terrible.”

Lin Song’an chuckled and kissed him, teasing Tan Ning until he was forced to retreat to the edge of the bed. After a while, Tan Ning, out of breath, finally surrendered and stopped. When he looked up, their eyes met, and Tan Ning’s amber gaze reflected Lin Song’an, no longer shadowed by sadness. Lin Song’an leaned in for a soft, gentle kiss.

Tan Ning willingly curled up in his arms.

“I’m actually really happy.”

“About what?”

“That night, you told me it was your first time.”

On that rainy night, after several attempts, Lin Song’an had finally collapsed in frustration onto Tan Ning. Tan Ning had been taken aback, unsure of what to do as he tentatively stroked Lin Song’an’s hair. The rain outside had lessened, leaving a misty stillness, and the air felt damp and thick.

Tan Ning asked, “You… you’ve never dated before?”

“Never.”

Tan Ning was skeptical, blinking at the ceiling in disbelief. He was sure Lin Song’an was lying; how could he, of all people, have never dated? People were constantly drawn to him.

“You’re my first, Tan Ning. My first boyfriend.”

He’d said it so sincerely that Tan Ning nearly blurted out, “And your only one, okay?”

Since the day they’d officially gotten together, Lin Song’an had shed his guarded exterior entirely, openly and earnestly displaying his feelings. Tan Ning, to this day, still found himself thinking back on the joy he’d felt at that moment.

Settling into a comfortable position in Lin Song’an’s arms, Tan Ning murmured, “To be honest, I always thought you and I were on different paths. I never thought our connection would run that deep. I figured you must’ve had plenty of relationships and seen so much of the world. I didn’t think I’d ever have a chance. But then you offered to drive me back to school, and I thought, ‘I’m going to take this chance.'”

“I’d seen a lot of the world, but I’d never seen a Tan Cat.”

Tan Ning smiled softly.

They lay together in silence for a while before Tan Ning suddenly burst into laughter, as if he’d remembered something funny. “But that night really was a mess.”

That first night, he’d cried from the pain, tears flowing uncontrollably. Lin Song’an froze, not daring to continue, and simply held him close, wiping his tears and kissing his cheek. “I’m sorry. Let’s leave it for now. I’m sorry.”

Tan Ning had hiccuped and hugged him, both of them feeling remorseful.

Tan Ning had felt disappointed in his own body, unable to relax, while Lin Song’an berated himself for his inexperience.

Afterward, Lin Song’an had helped Tan Ning into his pajamas, buttoned them up, turned off the bedside lamp, and held him like he was soothing a child, patting his back. But they were both young, barely in their twenties, and as he held Tan Ning, his grip tightened. Tan Ning opened his eyes.

He looked up at Lin Song’an.

His amber eyes glistened in the moonlight—clear and innocent, yet beguiling, like an enchanting spirit capable of capturing one’s soul.

Lin Song’an bit down on Tan Ning’s lower lip.

Outside, the rain showed no sign of stopping. A few flashes of lightning later, the downpour grew heavier, the raindrops pounding on the flowers and trees outside, their leaves rustling loudly. As the two kissed, Tan Ning’s pajama buttons slowly came undone. Outside, the wind howled, but inside, it was so silent you could hear a pin drop.

Lin Song’an, with his voice lowered, asked, “Can I try again?”

He was direct, and Tan Ning’s cheeks burned.

Around Lin Song’an, Tan Ning was always open to him, without any hesitation. He nodded without a second thought.

After a quiet pause, he watched Lin Song’an’s Adam’s apple move as he held his breath.

The rain poured down, night deepened.

“Did I not do well last night?” Lin Song’an sat up abruptly, his face serious as he questioned Tan Ning.

Tan Ning answered honestly, “Not bad.”

He pulled Lin Song’an back down, complaining, “Why did you sit up so suddenly? I’m cold.”

Lin Song’an immediately gathered him into his arms, suddenly realizing that, to Tan Ning, he was little more than a human heater. “Little Cat Tan, I think you’re getting more and more demanding with me. I’ve spoiled you rotten.”

Tan Ning gave him a sideways look, but couldn’t help smiling.

To be loved is to become more beautiful, more spoiled—it’s like having someone you can always rely on.

“Lin Song’an.”

“Hm?”

“Thank you.”

Now, Tan Ning had everything he’d once longed for in childhood: love, companionship, and even Fang Jin as a mother figure, guiding him on handling life, teaching him how to calmly face crises. Lin Song’an had given him a complete home.

Lin Song’an hugged him tightly.

“Thank you for coming back every time I pushed you away, for always holding me close with everything you had.”

Lin Song’an smiled and said, “Because I know you’re just a little cat who says one thing and feels another.”

“I really liked you from the start, without any reason—love at first sight, like you felt.”

Finally hearing this, Lin Song’an happily gave Tan Ning a little shake in his arms.

“I thought then that I wasn’t brave enough to stand by your side, but I really needed someone with me. So I wondered, could you come into my world instead?”

Lin Song’an didn’t want to interrupt and listened quietly.

“My world is dark and narrow, without sunshine. But I still wanted to invite you in. If you didn’t come, I’d go on as usual. But if you came, you wouldn’t be allowed to leave.”

“And you did come. Even during our breakup, you went along with my suggestion of just being… friends with benefits.”

During their breakup, Lin Song’an had endlessly called Tan Ning. When Tan Ning blocked his number, Lin Song’an had gone to where Tan Ning worked as a tutor and waited for him, then dragged him into his car. Seeing Tan Ning’s cold expression, as if all the warmth and happiness had only ever existed in Lin Song’an’s imagination, he’d pressed a kiss onto Tan Ning, who was already angry enough to say the most hurtful things he could.

“Why are you breaking up with me? Just tell me, please,” Lin Song’an had pleaded.

“I told you, I just wanted to sleep with you. I don’t want a relationship, and I don’t like you.”

Lin Song’an’s eyes turned red.

Tan Ning had never seen him like this, and without thinking, he’d added, “If you still want to keep that kind of relationship, that’s fine.”

Lin Song’an had furrowed his brow, unable to believe it. “You want me to be your friend with benefits?”

“Yes.”

In that moment, Tan Ning thought Lin Song’an would be angry enough to hit him. But after a long silence, he finally heard him say, “Alright, whatever you want—friends with benefits, then.”

*

Lin Song’an reached over, gently brushing his fingers through Tan Ning’s hair. “You little rascal.”

Tan Ning looked into Lin Song’an’s eyes, then suddenly grabbed his shirt collar and, catching him by surprise, leapt onto him, biting down on the now-healed scar on the back of Lin Song’an’s neck.

“I’ve marked you, Lin Song’an.”

Lin Song’an laughed softly.

Tan Ning said seriously, “Thank you for giving me this kind of love in this era.”

—

Author’s Note:

Main story complete!!!