Chapter 34: Ambiguity

The office was still in a state of explosive shock.

“Chief editor! What did Chief He give you in return!? Car keys, property deeds, or an engagement ring—!?”

There was a sound of something hitting the desk behind Xia Ye! It seemed like he angrily shoved the gift box into a drawer.

Then came Xiao Yu’s loud exclamation, “Don’t ask! Don’t ask any of you! There’s no sense of propriety.”

“Chief editor—can feel embarrassed—!!!”

Damn…! Jian Mingzhou marveled at this hidden gem in the storm: this wave is the aftermath of a critical hit…

He was stealthily lurking in the stack of documents when suddenly, a voice broke through the hushed aftermath:

“Jian Mingzhou—!”

“…?” Jian Mingzhou’s heart skipped a beat.

He raised his head and saw Xia Ye already standing, looking at him as if holding a few lives in his hands.

Not good; he’s been discovered.

He stood up, picked up a cup, pretended to be calm, and turned to leave. “Thirsty, I’ll go get some water.”

Behind him, there was a faint voice of Xia Ye trying to chase but being stopped: “Chief editor! Are you confessing an extramarital affair and planning to confess to the deputy editor?”

Xia Ye roared, “Why would I confess?!?!”

Jian Mingzhou quickly slipped away like a breeze: the slipping Mingzhou.

…

He had just escaped from the storm for a day.

Ignoring the relentless bombardment of messages from Xia Ye

But when he returned home, he saw Xia Ye’s BYD parked under the apartment building in the sunset.

He muttered, “…”

As the car door opened, Xia Ye walked out with a sarcastic smile, his eyes filled with the dusk’s solemnity.

Jian Mingzhou adjusted his mood, calmly walking over. “Why are you here? Is there any work that needs a face-to-face handover?”

The term “face-to-face” seemed to have struck a chord with Xia Ye. He sneered again. “I knew there was a reason you were smiling at me. It turns out you were plotting against me.”

Jian Mingzhou looked back at him and said, “You’re doing the same.”

The word “doing the same” seemed to hit Xia Ye’s nerve. He sneered again. “So, what happened after you sent the chocolates? Didn’t something happen?”

Jian Mingzhou’s throat inexplicably felt dry, and he evaded the topic nervously, “Nothing happened.”

Under the suspicious glances of others, he added, “Sent it out with banana pastries, a normal accompanying gift.”

Xia Ye’s gaze deepened.

Jian Mingzhou took advantage of the opportunity to brainwash, saying, “So you can’t blame me. We just did the same thing.”

After a brief contemplation, Xia Ye murmured, “…Indeed, he outplayed me!”

He grabbed Jian Mingzhou and said, “No matter what, treat me to dinner tonight to compensate for the damage.”

He said this, pushing Jian Mingzhou into the car.

Caught off guard, Jian Mingzhou turned, “So sudden???”
Xia Ye’s expression turned sinister. “Get in, or I’ll make you cry on the BYD!”

“…”

As they struggled, a voice came from behind, “Uncle.”

Jian Mingzhou was still stuck between Xia Ye and the open car door. He slightly turned his head and, over Xia Ye’s shoulder, saw Xie Jing.

Xie Jing stood there, holding a bag, his shoulder bathed in the afterglow, his gaze calm. He pursed his lips and, seemingly calmly, asked, “What’s going on?”

Jian Mingzhou was stunned for a moment. “Oh, Xiaojing…”

Before he could finish speaking, Xia Ye suddenly laughed. “Oh, little friend, Mingzhou is having dinner with me tonight.”

He turned, acting exaggeratedly. While pushing Jian Mingzhou into the front seat, he protected his head gently and said, “We’ll go to your favorite place tonight, Mingzhou.”

With that, the door slammed shut!

Jian Mingzhou’s shocked gaze was trapped inside.

…So hypocritical! So pretentious!!

What’s the deal with “my favorite place”? Isn’t he the one treating tonight?

When Xia Ye got into the driver’s seat and closed the car door, Jian Mingzhou turned his head sharply and asked, “What are you doing?”

Xia Ye had already started the car, his mood visibly becoming sunny. “Hah~! Nothing; I just suddenly felt you’re quite pitiful. Hehehehehe…”

“…”

Jian Mingzhou, with uncertain suspicion, pressed against the car window: Is Xia Ye too stressed and gone crazy?

…

Xia Ye eventually chose the restaurant for dinner.

After sitting down, Jian Mingzhou sent a message to Xie Jing: I won’t be coming back for dinner tonight. Remember to eat by yourself ^0^

The message was sent, but there was no response from the other side, who seemed to be doing something.

The ordered dishes quickly arrived.

After putting down his phone, Jian Mingzhou waited until he had eaten most of the meal before feeling a vibration. He opened the message and saw that Xie Jing had sent a vegetable salad and cold noodles.

The accompanying picture was of a large dog curled up into a ball.

—Looking particularly cold and pitiful.

Jian Mingzhou suddenly felt pity! After finishing the meal, he ordered two more dishes to take away for an extra meal.

Xia Ye smirked meaningfully and said, “Oh…takeaway.”

Jian Mingzhou didn’t look at him directly. “Anyway, I’m paying the bill.”

After observing Jian Mingzhou’s expression for two seconds, Xia Ye’s cheeks and ears turned slightly red, and his eyes were clear and bright, quite dazzling. He said, “Finish the remaining wine before going back. It will make you look more pitiful.”

“Why?” Jian Mingzhou asked.

“So you’ll appear more adorable,” Xia Ye said with a gentle tone.

“…”

“I declare that you are now the number one severe patient at Huanjue Entertainment Company’s Mental Hospital,” Jian Mingzhou said.

Xia Ye, “…”

…

After the meal, Jian Mingzhou took a taxi home.

He was dragged by the number one severe patient to finish the remaining wine, and his ears were burning. Upon entering his home, the living room was lit.

Jian Mingzhou walked in and saw Xie Jing leaning on the recliner, reading a manga, holding the book with one hand. The long and powerful legs were tucked inside, making him momentarily envision the expression of that curled-up big dog.

Seeing him return, Xie Jing raised his eyes.

As his gaze landed, the color of his pupils seemed deeper than usual.

Maybe it was because he hadn’t spoken for a long time; the first word he uttered had a hint of hoarseness.

“Back, uncle.”

Jian Mingzhou responded and walked over, placing the takeaway bag on the small table. “I packed two portions for you.”

Xie Jing took the bag from his hand, and his fingertips brushed against Jian Mingzhou’s. Jian Mingzhou’s fingertips curled slightly. Suddenly, he heard Xie Jing’s low voice,

“What did Chief Xia say?”

…Xia Ye?

He looked up, meeting Xie Jing’s deep gaze.

The face of Xia Ye flashed in his mind, and Jian Mingzhou furrowed his brows. “I paid the bill. What could he say?”

As the words fell, there was an abrupt silence in front of him.

After a moment, Xie Jing smiled. The previous silence seemed to dissipate in an instant. He curved his lips and said, “Chief Xia… is quite good at handling things.”

Savoring the inexplicable pleasure and a hint of sarcasm in his tone, Jian Mingzhou was about to say something when he saw Xie Jing’s fingers on the side retract slightly. Lightly, he said,

“And he also made you drink so much wine…”

He looked down, appraisingly, and said, “Suspicious motives.”

Jian Mingzhou, who was still feeling the effects of alcohol, didn’t find anything wrong with it. He nodded in agreement. “Yes, suspicious motives. He wants to secretly plot against me as the head nurse.”

“…Xia Chief Editor?” Xie Jing suddenly looked over.

Silence fell, and a hand lifted him up.

Jian Mingzhou’s figure swayed, and his shoulder was wrapped in the warm palm. He was pushed towards the washroom, hearing Xie Jing’s gentle voice in his ear.

“Go wash your face; you seem disoriented.”

“…”

–

Fortunately, it was a break after the holiday, so there was no need to go to the company the next day.

Jian Mingzhou slept soundly at home, while Xie Jing went for training at the university.

Under the scorching sun, shadows danced on the playground.

With each whistle, a breeze swept over the running track, and sweat soaked the rubber surface beneath their feet.

“Ding—” Another whistle.

A group had completed their run.

Xie Jing, with his head slightly lowered, ran his fingers through his messy bangs, and his broad shoulders cast a large shadow on the ground.

The burst of energy subsided, returning to a relaxed state.

He walked back to the rest area, and his lazy figure stumbled for a moment. He reached out to support himself on the chair back, and then He Yi exclaimed,

“Ah? Xie Jing, did you twist your ankle?”

“…It’s nothing.”

The coach turned serious. “Xie Jing! There’s spray over there; if it’s severe, go to the medical room!”

There was a temporary first aid kit by the field.

Xie Jing walked over, took a bottle of spray, and said, “Not severe, just twisted it a bit while climbing stairs.”

After spraying, he sat back in the rest area and leaned back.

He Yi followed him: “Really? Maybe you should go to the medical room just in case. By the way, what were you thinking? Twisting your foot while climbing stairs…”

Xie Jing lay on the chair, closing his eyes.

A hint of blush flashed in his mind.

He tilted his head back, and the Adam’s apple moved as he spoke with a slightly hoarse voice, “…No need.”

He Yi, skeptically, “Are you trying to endure it again? Be careful; I’ll tell your uncle you’re naturally stubborn…”

Halfway through, Xie Jing suddenly opened his eyes.

The dark pupils were thick with moisture, and he looked over, his gaze bright. He curled his lips and said naturally, “Sure.”

He Yi took a half-step back under his gaze and asked, “What?”

He urged, “Hurry up and say it.”

He Yi, alert, “…What are you planning?”

Xie Jing closed his eyes contentedly, and his lips curled up naturally. “Seduction.”

He Yi: ????

…

In the end, He Yi sent a message.

Just after Jian Mingzhou woke up and finished eating, his phone vibrated, and a message popped up—

【He Yi】: Brother Mingzhou! Xie Jing, that stubborn guy, twisted his foot and won’t go to the medical room! He even let me report it casually! [Alert Little Kitty]

“…???”

What’s wrong with Xie Jing going through the rebellious phase?

After thinking for a moment, Jian Mingzhou replied, “On my way,” and quickly got ready before taking a taxi to F University.

Arriving at F University, he went straight to the playground.

Walking to the rest area, he saw Xie Jing sitting on a chair. He had golden hair, and Zhou Xuyang looked at Xie Jing as if caught in some deep contemplation…

“What’s going on?” Jian Mingzhou walked over.

“Brother Mingzhou, you’re here!” He Yi greeted.

Xie Jing raised his head from the chair, blinking his eyelashes. “Uncle, why did you come over?”

“I heard you didn’t go to the medical room,” he declared with a slight crouch.

Jian Mingzhou said, squatting down, “Let me see where you twisted.”

He just made a sound.

Under the sports shorts, a segment of a long leg was exposed—symmetrical and smooth lines. Based on his countless experiences of reading manga, it was quite consistent with aesthetics…

Jian Mingzhou was looking at Xie Jing’s ankle, and suddenly a soft voice came from above, “Are you sober now? Does your head still hurt?”

He lifted his head and saw Xie Jing leaning down.

Shadows fell on his face, and their breaths were very close.

Jian Mingzhou’s breath trembled, lowering his head. “My head doesn’t hurt.” After a pause, he reacted and lifted his head again to add, “And I’m not drunk.”

“…,” Xie Jing swallowed some words, “Hmm.”

There was no redness or swelling near the ankle.

Jian Mingzhou felt relieved, stood up, and said, “For safety, let’s go to the medical room and let the school doctor have a look.”

Xie Jing stood up as well and said, “Sure.”

He Yi, who had been advising for half an hour, thought, Huh????

The medical room was nearby, just a short walk from the playground.

After leaving the playground, Jian Mingzhou turned his head to look at Xie Jing. “Do you need me to support you, Xiaojing?”

They had just entered the corridor.

Xie Jing turned his head, and, with the light behind him, his eyes reflected a deviation. Then he leaned over and said, “Sure.”

Coolness from the corridor rushed over.

At the same time, an arm went over Jian Mingzhou’s shoulder, and a heavy breath instantly surrounded him.

Xie Jing pressed down from the side and slightly lowered his body.

Jian Mingzhou felt a sudden weight, and he grabbed Xie Jing’s arm with one hand, supporting his lower back with the other.

His heartbeat quickened.

So, so heavy… He really is a big one!

Nearby, Xie Jing’s voice sounded again in his ear: “Uncle, am I a bit heavy?”

The warmth rushed up to his ear.

“…” Jian Mingzhou, enduring, said with determination, “Not heavy, just lean on me.”

Xie Jing chuckled. “Oh, thanks, Uncle.”

Fortunately, the way to the medical room wasn’t long.

Jian Mingzhou helped Xie Jing to the medical room. The room was clean and tidy, with open windows, and there was no one inside.

Xie Jing had already stood up by himself.

Jian Mingzhou said, “Let’s wait here for a while.”

The medical room was quiet, and the sounds of the bustling playground outside faintly drifted in through the open window. Time seemed to slow down, as if they had entered a scene from a manga.

Jian Mingzhou looked out the window, wondering if the school doctor would fly in from here again. Suddenly, there was a commotion in the corridor outside.

The mixture of hurried footsteps and two voices echoed.

“Wait, calm down, young man…”

“Teacher Duan! I really like you.”

…Damn it! Jian Mingzhou was instantly stunned, turning his head to see: What is this? A campus capture game???

The chaotic and urgent footsteps quickly approached the door.

Jian Mingzhou took a step back, afraid to imagine how awkward it would be when he pushed the door open.

He was just thinking of finding a place to hide when a hand suddenly grabbed him.

He stumbled backward! Almost pressed against Xie Jing’s chest, he retreated to the gap between the desk and the window, and then Xie Jing pulled him down to sit together.

The next second, the medical room door banged open.

“Teacher, why? Don’t you accept students, or do you not like girls?”

“No, no, no, it’s not—”

Accompanied by clearer voices, a gust of wind also rushed in. It lifted the curtains hanging by the window, brushing past Jian Mingzhou.

He pulled his legs closer, pressing even closer to Xie Jing.

Xie Jing’s legs were spread on either side of him, his long arms resting on his knees, and his bent arms almost encircled him.

Jian Mingzhou, caught off guard, found himself in this situation and didn’t know which side made him more nervous—the front or the back. His heartbeat slightly accelerated, and he pressed his knees, holding his breath.

The scenes in front of him seemed to slow down.

The breeze rustled the curtains in front of him, and the sunlight falling from above the window pierced through the leaves outside.

Tiny specks of dust floated slowly in the halo of light.

Even the nearby conversation became vague. Sitting in front of Xie Jing, Jian Mingzhou was momentarily lost in thought.

What kind of scene is this?

A muffled chuckle, accompanied by a slight vibration, suddenly came from the back and pressed against the touching surface. He heard Xie Jing chuckle softly.

“What kind of scene is this?”