Chapter 37

Jiang Yi: “The agency you found…” He wanted to say it was unreliable and unnecessary. But meeting Yang Yunran’s gaze, Jiang Yi could only say, “What time is the appointment?”

“Two in the afternoon.” Yang Yunran held him for about ten minutes. “The agency sent me a questionnaire for you to fill out later.”

Jiang Yi agreed. Being held felt good, filling a void inside him, and he was a bit reluctant to let go.

At ten minutes to two, they arrived at the agency. Jiang Yi glanced at the sign and realized it was a specialized sexual health clinic. Inside, there were either single men or middle-aged couples, all with worried expressions on their faces.

Jiang Yi turned his head to look at Yang Yunran and found that he also had a worried expression. He was even trying to hide it by wearing a hat.

Yang Yunran said, “After all, I’m still a celebrity. If someone catches me coming here, I won’t be able to explain it away.”

Jiang Yi: “…”

Yang Yunran pulled a baseball cap and sunglasses out of his backpack. “These are for you. You should wear them too. You might need to debut someday.” He placed the sunglasses on his boyfriend’s high-bridged nose.

Although Jiang Yi didn’t understand what Yang Yunran meant by “debut,” he still put on the hat, his expression a bit helpless.

Let’s just treat it as a date, he thought.

Even though coming here for a date was somewhat strange.

Jiang Yi began filling out the questionnaire while Yang Yunran watched beside him. “Do you have erectile dysfunction?”

Jiang Yi said “no” and told Yang Yunran, “I don’t have that problem.”

Yang Yunran nodded affirmatively. “Not with you, I’ve seen it.”

That night they went to the concert in the neighboring city, he had seen Jiang Yi fully exposed, standing up tightly against his abs, looking somewhat too…

Yang Yunran glanced at his pants, and Jiang Yi grabbed his chin with one hand. “Don’t look at weird places.”

Jiang Yi continued to fill out the questionnaire.

Yang Yunran: “What is your sexual orientation?”

Jiang Yi checked “male” among the options of “male,” “female,” and “fourth gender.”

Yang Yunran propped his chin: “What is the frequency of your morning erections?”

Jiang Yi wished he would stay quiet.

He also wished he wouldn’t look at his questionnaire.

After all, “daily” isn’t exactly a flattering answer.

Yang Yunran looked up from his pen-holding fingers: “What are you hesitating about? Why aren’t you selecting it?”

Jiang Yi showed little expression, turned his body to block the questionnaire with his elbow, and checked “daily.”

Yang Yunran: “Can’t I look?”

“I don’t want you to look.” Jiang Yi pressed his hat brim down, used one arm to hold him back from looking up, and quickly read and checked the boxes with his left hand.

Because there were more questions like:

“Have you had any sexual experience?”, “Frequency of masturbation – more than twice a day, once a day, once every two days, once every three days, once a week, once a month, never”…

Jiang Yi finished filling out the questionnaire in a minute and submitted it.

After a short wait, it was time for Evan’s appointment. When the nurse called for Evan, three men stood up simultaneously.

Jiang Yi: “?”

Yang Yunran: “Hahaha, so many Evans with dysfunction issues.”

Nurse: “Evan, John?” she said awkwardly in Chinese pinyin. Jiang Yi stood up.

Yang Yunran cheered him on, full of encouragement: “Go on, you’ll be fine when you come out.”

Jiang Yi spread his hands helplessly and walked into the examination room wearing his hat and sunglasses.

Yang Yunran sat on a sofa by the wall, resting his cheeks in his hands the moment Jiang Yi went in, sighing.

Family members of other patients nearby were discussing their husbands’ conditions and lamenting together. Yang Yunran didn’t dare to join, fearing he might start crying.

Jiang Yi went through a series of physical examinations and psychological counseling. Understanding the psychologist’s questioning style and rhythm, he guided the conversation.

After forty minutes, the doctor concluded: “Your condition is due to wearing unsuitable underwear during puberty, exacerbated since coming to Boston. The constant sense of restriction has led to this. You need to break free from constraints, such as by sleeping naked when appropriate.”

Jiang Yi nodded calmly, his fingers interlaced on his knees, maintaining a composed posture: “Is there anything else?”

Doctor: “Some psychological constraints are also severe. You are very resistant to discussing sexual topics.”

Jiang Yi said, “I am Chinese.”

Doctor: “Yes, I have other patients from the East with similar issues. You might try tying yourself up and then breaking free.”

Jiang Yi nodded: “Anything else?”

Doctor: “… Also, engage in more physical exploration with your partner. Initially, you can do it in the dark to reduce pressure.”

“I understand.” Jiang Yi checked his watch and stood up, the light from the blinds falling on his broad shoulders. “The consultation time is over. I can leave now. Have a nice day.”

Doctor: “…”

Why does it feel like this patient has taken over my role? He seems more like a psychologist than I do.

Before Jiang Yi left, the nurse informed him that there was a three-week treatment period, requiring him to come in once a week at a convenient time.

Nurse: “We have sent some treatment plans and materials to the email address you provided in your questionnaire. Please check your inbox.”

Jiang Yi walked out to find Yang Yunran. Yang Yunran had been waiting for almost two hours, with a can of cola beside him, sitting in a secluded corner, wearing headphones and listening to music with his eyes closed.

When Jiang Yi stood in front of him, blocking the light, Yang Yunran’s eyelashes fluttered slightly. Jiang Yi bent down to look at him but didn’t say anything. Yang Yunran slowly opened his eyes and rubbed them, “You’re out. Are you cured?”

“Yes,” Jiang Yi replied. Despite seeing people nearby, he still reached out to touch Yang Yunran’s hair.

Yang Yunran looked up, “Really? It’s cured just like that?”

Jiang Yi shook his head and said, “Not yet.”

“Oh…” Yang Yunran’s tone was a bit disappointed, but he quickly brightened up, pulling Jiang Yi’s fingers to his lips, “It’s okay, don’t be discouraged. We’ll just have a few more treatments, and it will be fine.”

“…Okay.” Jiang Yi, although he had no intention of coming back, decided to go along with him.

The two walked out together. Yang Yunran asked, “Did the doctor prescribe medication?”

Jiang Yi opened the car door. “Yes, he did.”

Yang Yunran opened the bag he had brought from the clinic and checked each item, also searching online. “Oh, isn’t this something similar to an aphrodisiac?”

“Yes, you can get rid of it,” Jiang Yi said.

“You’re not taking the medication?” Yang Yunran asked.

Jiang Yi glanced at the parking space as she steered. “I don’t need to.”

Yang Yunran also felt he didn’t need it. After all, his abdominal muscles responded so strongly, that Jiang Yi didn’t require such things.

Jiang Yi might need a small amount of alcohol; when he drinks, he seems more honest than usual.

Yang Yunran asked, “What else did the doctor say?”

“He didn’t say anything else.”

“Hmm?”

Jiang Yi glanced at his expression. “…Let me see.”

At a traffic light, Jiang Yi downloaded the attachments from the email, ignoring the video files and only opening the pictures.

Yang Yunran took a look. “He suggested we play ‘Ice and Love.'”

Jiang Yi: “?”

Yang Yunran continued, “Tie up, then struggle to break free. Isn’t that what he means? But we don’t have props. Can a tie work?”

Jiang Yi tilted his head. “I think he might not mean what you’re saying.”

“Alright, then tonight, remember not to wear clothes to bed.”

Jiang Yi nodded in response and took him to the seaside to watch the sunset, passed through Chinatown, had dinner, and returned home.

Recently, the young man who occasionally helped Yang Yunran walk his dog has changed into someone else, an international student working part-time at their school.

Jiang Yi paid special attention to his appearance then, after scrutinizing him, said to Yang Yunran, “Not as good-looking as the previous one.”

Here’s the corrected translation with “Zhao Youmo” instead of “Zhao Yumo”:

Yang Yunran asked cautiously, “What do you mean?”

Jiang Yi, after all this time, still remembered that Zhao Youmo was good-looking.

Jiang Yi replied, “I meant to compliment you. The new dog walker doesn’t seem like someone you’d like.”

“Oh, I see.”

Jiang Yi continued, “Every time I mention the guy who used to walk your dog, you get nervous. What’s the reason? Do you really like him?”

“I don’t like him,” Yang Yunran responded.

They stared at each other for five seconds, clearly skeptical of each other’s words.

But neither of them continued speaking. Yang Yunran feared that the plot’s power might influence Jiang Yi, causing him to eventually leave Yang Yunran for Zhao Youmo.

What should he do? Yang Yunran wondered. When the time comes, he’ll send Jiang Yi’s treatment records to Zhao Youmo!

Yang Yunran grabbed Jiang Yi’s collar in his usual tone and said, “If you betray me, you’re done for.”

Jiang Yi nodded, bumping his chin against Yang Yunran’s head. “I won’t. Why would you think that?”

Yang Yunran then hugged Jiang Yi around the waist. “I’m afraid.”

With his head down, Jiang Yi asked softly, “Have you been hurt like this before? By an ex?”

“Not really,” Yang Yunran replied. He didn’t have an ex, but saying the original owner didn’t have one sounded like a lie and would only add unnecessary distrust.

So Yang Yunran didn’t say much on that topic.

He buried his head on Jiang Yi’s shoulder for a while. “I’m afraid because I like you. It’s the first time I’ve liked someone like this. Do you understand?”

“Me too,” Jiang Yi said those three words, which felt awkward to him.

Jiang Yi silently stroked the back of Yang Yunran’s head, like comforting a small dog or cat.

Jiang Yi drove them home, while Yang Yunran sat at the computer for a while, chatting about work. Zhou Kai came to him and said, “Teacher Ye, I’m flying to Boston soon. I’ll get to see you right away.”

Yang Yunran replied expressionlessly, “Haha, that’s great.”

Zhou Kai also replied expressionlessly, “So excited!!”

Zhou Kai continued, “By the way, Teacher Ye, regarding those two songs we bought last time, for the authorization on the freshman show, the director asked if they could use your live footage, especially the part where you wear a mask. We can offer more money.”

“Okay, okay, add more money then. Money isn’t important. Can the director make sure not to cover my online nickname when airing the show?” Yang Yunran sent a cute emoji.

Zhou Kai gladly agreed and said he would discuss it with the production team. Then he added, “If Teacher Ye is willing, you can come to our show and record live. It’s a good opportunity for promotion, even though the appearance fee isn’t high.”

Harry Ye: “Haha, I don’t need to appear. I’m busy writing my thesis.”

Yang Yunran had checked online and knew that the TV station and platform producing the show called “New Talent Show” had a huge influence domestically.

It was a variety show with viewership reaching billions, capable of causing a massive impact and generating huge traffic.

Among the viewers of the show were potential fans who might attend his live broadcasts, listen to him sing, and bring him traffic.

So Yang Yunran agreed directly.

Meanwhile, at the recording site of “New Talent Show” in Changsha.

Jiang Fan, whose stage name “Jiang Yifan” was pinned to his chest, stood at the end of the top twenty-eight seats.

The four mentors were whispering to each other as if it would be a pity to eliminate any of the three in front of them.

Jiang Fan knew he wouldn’t be eliminated, but because he had the script in hand, he had to show nervousness and sadness. So he forcibly squeezed out tears, held the microphone with his left side facing the camera, and pretended to wipe his eyes.

Jiang Fan knew his left profile looked good.

“Yifan, don’t cry!” A “brother” arranged by the company to create a CP (couple) with him in the show, a short man standing at one meter seventy-five in his shoes, was now holding him.

Jiang Fan buried his head on the other’s shoulder, gently shaking his head, and took off the microphone, saying, “It’s okay if I get eliminated, I just hate to leave you all.”

After a round of performances, the mentors said, “After consulting with the production team, you three need to perform the same type of act. As for what you’ll perform, it depends on what VV Teacher draws.”

The host walked over to the three individuals and introduced, “Everyone, do you see the box in front of VV? It ensures transparency and fairness. If VV draws ‘dance’, you will need to learn the dance within ten minutes and perform on stage. If VV draws a ‘song’, the three of you need to learn and perform the song within five minutes. Those are the rules. Evan, Asren, Petter, any questions?”

Petter was an international trainee, of mixed Chinese and Italian descent.

Asen, a Japanese dance trainee, was facing elimination in this round.

Jiang Fan had strong backing from the major company, Wanyan Entertainment, and had already secured a spot in the top ten.

They all nodded in understanding, and then the mentor drew a card—it was a song called “World.”

Fans in the audience exclaimed, “Ah!! Asen, it’s a singing challenge what will Asren do?”

The host continued, “The song ‘World’, please watch the VCR—”

Jiang Fan placed his hands in front of him, looked up at the big screen, and saw a livestream-like recording of a singer wearing a white wolf mask, playing guitar and singing.

Jiang Fan felt a sense of familiarity.

He had heard this song in advance and recognized the voice.

Now seeing the masked appearance of this internet singer for the first time, he felt an indescribable familiarity.

It was somewhat like…

His crush, Yang Yunran.

A year ago, Jiang Fan signed with Wanyan Entertainment to participate in a talent show as a trainee.

He had asked Yang Yunran to help arrange his participation in the MIT summer school, a gold-plated experience before his debut, because his academic background was not impressive.

His short-term study experience at MIT made Jiang Fan feel different from other technical school students.

But a few months ago, because he looked too ugly during his recovery from plastic surgery, like a pig’s head, Yang Yunran panicked and blocked all contact methods.

After a month, when he looked good again, he couldn’t reach Yang Yunran, so he could only leave messages on his Instagram backstage, sending selfies after recovery: “Baby!! My face didn’t collapse!! Don’t block me, baby.”

Later, there was no reply from Yang Yunran, and Jiang Fan didn’t know because he couldn’t use his phone under the show’s monitoring.

This Haliyeh, why does he look like Yang Yunran, and sound like him too…?

Jiang Fan couldn’t help but think of him.

No, this couldn’t be Yang Yunran, it must be just a coincidence!

Then Jiang Fan saw Harry Yeah’s dog briefly appear in the video.

It was a snowy white Samoyed, enjoying the music.

That was Yang Yunran’s dog, Yang Yunran’s Samoyed! Its name was Harry!! It had even chewed on Jiang Fan’s socks!!

Jiang Fan suddenly remembered! This was actually Yang Yunran!! He almost managed to control his expression on stage!

“Evan?” The company assistant came over to adjust his microphone, leaning in to ask, “How are you? You’re familiar with this song, right? Listen again, you’re up first.”

Jiang Fan moved his lips, then closed the microphone, “Is this Haliyeh a popular singer? How come I’ve never heard of him before?”

The assistant replied, “It seems like he’s recently gained popularity, a small livestream singer. Don’t worry about that now, focus on rehearsing. You’re up soon.”

Though it seemed like a five-minute countdown on the surface, if his performance was particularly bad, the directing team would likely do two more takes.

Jiang Fan lowered his head and asked her, “After we’re done recording, can I use your phone? I want to search for Harry Yeah’s livestream channel and see.”

After the recording ended, it was already 3:30 in the morning. Yang Yunran wasn’t livestreaming at that time. It was now 4:30 in the afternoon, and Yang Yunran had gone to MIT after class because he knew his boyfriend was playing tennis, specifically to watch him play.

Lately, Yang Yunran has been very active in sports, often on the phone during exercise, or playing tennis, or fencing.

Yang Yunran had asked Jimmy to drive him there, and Jimmy said, “Oh, your boyfriend is playing tennis? Is he any good?”

Yang Yunran didn’t know if he was good or not, but still defended Jiang Yi’s self-esteem by saying, “He’s good.”

Jimmy giggled, “Is he as good at tennis as he is in bed?”

Yang Yunran stammered, “Pretty much.”

Jimmy chuckled, “Call me to play with me next time.”

Yang Yunran didn’t dare to respond. He got out of the car, said goodbye to him, and then ran into the court.

He found Jiang Yi playing on Court No. 5, where they were playing doubles, with Jiang Yi partnering with a tall, slender blond guy.

On the other side were a German he had met before, Ken, and another muscular white man he hadn’t met before, who didn’t seem to belong in their laboratory.

The opponent swung their racket, launching an attack. Jiang Yi effortlessly sidestepped and counterattacked. The ball sliced through the air at high speed, landing with pinpoint accuracy. He was dressed in a black T-shirt and matching shorts, his muscular physique flowing with smooth and powerful lines, sculpted like a perfect statue.

Yang Yunran, holding a bottle of mineral water, was stunned, “He plays so well? Why didn’t you bring me to the tennis court before?”

“Evan,” his opponent called out to him, “looks like your little brother is here.”

Jiang Yi took a slight breath, his throat rolling as he glanced sideways. Yang Yunran immediately waved enthusiastically at him, “Evan!”

Jiang Yi gestured towards a nearby seat, signaling for him to sit down. As Yang Yunran obediently sat down, Jiang Yi returned his focus to the game, his fingers gripping the tennis ball tightly. His gaze fixed across the net, he raised his hand slightly, the short sleeves clinging to his skin, highlighting the contours of his firm muscles.

With a powerful swing, Jiang Yi served the ball, a precise shot like a perfectly aimed arrow, targeting a gap his opponent couldn’t defend—

Yang Yunran was once again mesmerized, unable to resist taking out his phone to snap photos. He had thought Jiang Yi was not good at tennis at all!

Fifteen minutes later, Jiang Yi made a gesture indicating a pause. His clothes were nearly soaked against his muscles, his brows and eyes glistening with sweat, making his eyes seem even deeper. Jiang Yi casually tossed the tennis racket onto the blue chair next to Yang Yunran. Yang Yunran unscrewed the water bottle and handed it to him. Jiang Yi took a sip and put it down.

“Brother, you’re amazing. You’re the most handsome guy I’ve seen play tennis,” Yang Yunran praised, reaching out to hug him as he always did. Jiang Yi, however, took a half-step back this time, pushing him away with one hand.

“Can’t I hug you?” Yang Yunran looked puzzled, tilting his head toward his friends, “Are you afraid your lab friends will find out you’re gay?”

“No, it’s because of the sweat,” Jiang Yi noticed Yang Yunran’s clothes were fresh and white, clearly changed today. His skin was fair and flawless, and he didn’t want to soil it.