Chapter 6: The promise of growing old together

6. Class reunion

"Tang Miao, will you attend the high school reunion next Friday? You should bring your family."

"Qu Yao? Good morning! Bring my family? Bring my family to the class reunion..."

"Qi Ming… You're going crazy again..." Many twists and turns were caused by a single sentence.

"Qu Yao… I'll attend. Send me the location and time. Have a nice honeymoon!"

Qu Yao snorted as she stared at her phone. It's you who's on your honeymoon, not me.
Work stolen from https://chipoholictranslations.blogspot.com
Had she just interrupted something good?

Did she just forget to mention that the reunion was convened by Xu Jiaqi?

But Boss Tang shouldn't be that stingy, right?
… …

"Do you like it when I go crazy?" Qi Ming nibbling at his nape.

"Like... I like it..."

"Still gonna chat with others?" The sun in Italy was too warm, and so were the men and women conceived there.

"I...I was just having a normal conversation..."

"Not allowed."

"Okay... Okay..." Tang Miao reluctantly agreed, "Qi...Ming...harder...ah...I like..."

"What do you like?"

Tang Miao's eyes were filled with tears, and his voice was filled with emotions as he said, "...I like you."

7.

Tang Miao really came to the reunion with his family. He openly clasped hands with Qi Ming. It's not that others weren't curious; they had wondered about Tang Miao and Qi Ming's relationship back then, but they also knew how capable Tang Miao had become over the years. However, they weren't expecting him to come out of the closet so publicly.

Some people were quite stimulated by his nonchalance.

Xu Jiaqi cleared her throat, inquiring, "Won't you introduce us?"

Tang Miao was perplexed. "Introduce who?"

"Your partner?" Tang Miao, Xu Jiaqi felt, was still pretending to be stupid after all these years. He had Qi Ming's support back then, but she wouldn't let him wiggle out of the embarrassing situation in public this time.

Xu Jiaqi clenched her fiancé's hand, her nails burrowing into his palm.

Tang Miao blinked, suddenly wanting to laugh, "I say Qi Ming, have you changed so much?"

Qi Ming?!

The room erupted in an uproar in an instant. There was a lot of speculation among them concerning the Qi family throughout these years. Although many of them were unaware of the details, they knew that Qi Ming had left without finishing high school. They had no idea where he had gone.

Xu Jiaqi's fingers loosened. She was stunned with a sudden realization.

Qi Ming reluctantly took off his sunglasses and nodded to everyone.

In fact, apart from Qu Yao, he wasn't really familiar with them. It was understandable that they did not recognize him. Qi Ming was taller and stronger, and his skin had tanned. The key point was that few people dared to look at Qi Ming back then.

The former class monitor proposed playing a game to smooth things over, and the atmosphere quickly grew lively again.

Tang Miao and Qi Ming were both unfamiliar with them. They talked alone, and when they looked around, they discovered the others had opted to play Truth or Dare.

Tang Miao and Qi Ming, who were deprived of the right to vote: "..."

"Tang Miao."

"I choose truth." The point was that he really had no interest in any dares.

"Did you like anyone in high school...when did you like them?"

These were clearly two questions, but Tang Miao responded generously: "I realized it sometime around my first or second year of high school, but I had liked him for quite some time before that. You all already know who I liked, right? Qi Ming."

Everyone: "..."

"Qi Ming, what about you?"

Qi Ming was playing with Tang Miao's fingers in boredom, "I realized it in the third year of high school, but I've liked him since we were kids. You all know who he is, right?"

Everyone: "..."

When the bottle came to a stop between Qi Ming and Tang Miao in the final round, so both of them were asked questions—

Qu Yao thought for a moment, "I want to know what the other person does that has you at your wit's end."

"Cry." Qi Ming lips curled.

"Tang Miao, what about you?"

Tang Miao grinned: "I like it when he's fierce to me."

Everyone: "..."

They clearly came to flaunt their cars, houses, wealth, jobs, children and spouses, so why did they end up eating a bellyful of dog food?! 
… …

"Qi Ming." Xu Jiaqi chased after them, "I want to ask you a question."

Qi Ming cocked his sharp brow, "Speak"

"...You clearly said you hate people who cry the most."

"MiaoMiao isn't just anyone." Qi Ming did not consider this a problem.

"I'm not just anyone." Tang Miao, who had just washed his hands, spoke in unison with Qi Ming.

As for the outraged Xu Jiaqi who was crying again, it had nothing to do with them.

Qi Ming always said that everyone should be accountable for their own lives and not tie their life to the lives of others.

But Tang Shuishui was not "others." MiaoMiao, his little crying bag, has always been an inseparable part of his life. 

8. Curse

Qi Ming had a spider web-like scar on his ribs.

Even when Tang Miao cried and caused a ruckus, Qi Ming refused to say how and when it happened. He just downplayed it as an accident.

Tang Miao found out what happened only after catching hold of a Qi Hui Tang brother.

"Young Master Tang." In fact, he wanted to address him as Young Madam, but he was scared of Qi Ming's fists.

"Brother Xiao Hui, you're someone who has watched me grow up, right?"

Chen Hui swiftly waved his hand, "Young Master Tang, don't hesitate to tell me what you want."

"It's just to relive the past." Tang Miao blinked innocently.

Chen Hui was silent. Young Madam looked very unhappy. What should he do?!

"By the way, is that web-like injury on Qi Ming's ribs all right?"

"It's all right. The doctor said that he was lucky to survive; it hit between two ribs."

Tang Miao clenched his fists. It had been a life-threatening wound?! Qi Ming, that jerk!

"It wasn't serious, but Qi Ming bragged to me that he woke up instantly after the surgery." Tang Miao tried to make his voice sound light.

Chen Hui scratched the back of his head, "Hehe, the young master didn't brag. At the time, the doctor said it was impossible, but he woke up frantically. He even sneaked a computer into the ward without alerting the doctor." Chen Hui was overjoyed when he recalled it.
Work stolen from https://chipoholictranslations.blogspot.com
"What was he so frantic about?" Tang Miao squinted, thinking that a certain someone needed to be taught a lesson. A gunshot wound! Surgery! Did he think it was a cold?! He almost died, and was still worrying about the computer?!

"Wasn't it because he wanted to write you an email, Young Master Tang? As long as it's your business, the young master is very attentive." Despite the fact that he knew Tang Miao was also madly in love with his young master, he had to sell hard. Chen Hui believed he was a fantastic subordinate.

Email...

During those years, the only email Qi Ming sent him was on his birthday each year.

The only time he was late was during his senior year. He'd received the email at the last minute, and it contained the line "MiaoMiao, I miss you" at the very bottom.

"Was it during our third year?"

Chen Hui suddenly reacted. If he remembered correctly, the young master appeared to have asked them not to say anything about it.

Chen Hui: "..." Was it too late to fix it?!!

"Brother Xiao Hui, do you recall how many videos you gave me when I was little?"

Chen Hui: "..." He.. he.. he had no idea the young master was so protective of Tang Miao at the time. They were not allowed to smoke, swear, fight, discuss adult topics, or watch porn.

"Brother Xiao Hui, was it June? If yes, simply nod your head."

Chen Hui, who had been badly threatened, nodded stiffly.

"Thank you, Brother Xiao Hui. I'll look for you to play again next time."

Chen Hui: "..."
… …

"Qi Ming." Tang Miao held him as he took a nap.

"Huh?"

"I've saved every email you sent me, as well as my high school phone."

"Come on, just tell me what you want," Qi Ming said with a smile.

He and Tang Miao never mentioned the past. They'd chosen not to bring up the events and ideas of the previous few years. Tang Miao must have brought it up for a reason.

Tang Miao's mouth was quivering as he said, "I remember one year I waited for your email all day." If you count the day before, he hadn't slept for two days and one night.

Qi Ming instantly recognized the year and solemnly kissed Tang Miao's mouth, which was clearly about to cry: "Don't cry! I'm sorry, MiaoMiao. I apologize for being late."

In fact, eight years had brought about significant changes in a lot of things. Qi Ming, for example, who was no longer willing to beat Tang Miao or argue with him fiercely. It was all okay in fun, but he was also eager to say gentle words in private. Tang Miao also showed a different side to Qi Ming. He was polite but indifferent to others. It was only when facing Qi Ming that he behaved like a child.

"It's not your fault. I forgive you. Now, give me a hug." Tang Miao slung his arm around Qi Ming's waist. A thin quilt lay between them, and his fingers rubbed the spider web-like scar.

Qi Ming assumed Tang Miao was asleep, but his chest became damp and chilly. Tang Miao remained motionless when he tugged on him again.

"MiaoMiao, what's the matter? Feeling wronged? Give me a kiss?"

"I...I drank too much water."

Qi Ming was furious at him for lying so blatantly and yelled, "Tang! Shui! Shui!"

Qi Ming discovered that Tang Miao's tears had drenched the quilt. He coaxed, "MiaoMiao, tell me. Why are you crying so hard? I swear I'll never be late again. Little ancestor, let me look at you, okay? Come on, raise your head."

"You're not allowed to be late again," Tang Miao mumbled.

"I promise."

Tang Miao's tears burst again. "Were you in agony at the time?"

Qi Ming suddenly understood: Tang Miao knew.

"It hurt a lot." Qi Ming threw the damp quilt away. "If you give me a kiss, it won't hurt anymore."

"Qi Ming, Qi Ming, Qi Ming..." Tang Miao wanted to get angry and ask him why he didn't take good care of himself, but, in the end, he couldn't say anything. He only knew to call out his name.

Qi Ming patted him on the back: "In fact, I must thank you. MiaoMiao is my little lucky star. At the time, the assassin was aiming for my head and I had no idea. For some reason, the red rope you gave me snapped. The bullet sped by as I squatted down to pick it up. I dodged several bullets aimed at my head, but his final gunshot became lodged in my ribs."

Tang Miao bit his lower lip, realizing he had almost lost Qi Ming.

"If I hadn't been thinking about writing you an email at the time, I might not have woken up so quickly when I was taken to the hospital for emergency treatment. Someone claimed to be a nurse and sneaked into my ward after I completed sending you the email."

"So, I am doing well now all thanks to Tang ShuiShui."

"What about...that person?" Tang Miao became cold all of a sudden. His entire body appeared to have been dumped into an ice cave, which caused his teeth to clatter. What if...what if…

"Dead." Qi Ming spoke lightly.

He carried Tang Miao to the bathroom. Tang ShuiShui's tears had left him so wet that if he went to bed like this, he would catch a cold.

Tang Miao finally calmed down in the bathtub and clutched Qi Ming's neck, "Qi Ming...fortunately you are fine..."

Yes, Qi Ming was also thankful to be alive. Tang ShuiShui was such a stubborn little crying bag. He would probably sob himself to death if something happened to him.

So he had changed his mind and added another line to the email: "MiaoMiao, I miss you so much."

Tang Miao was uninterested in learning why Qi Ming was shot or how that assassin died. All he needed to know was that his Qi Ming was fine.

"Stop rubbing against me."

"Let's do it." Tang Miao stretched his fingers and used the water in the bathtub to loosen himself.

"I'll do it. Don't hurt yourself clumsily."

"I'm not stupid."

"Really? Isn't it stupid to use water for lubrication? I often wonder how you became the topper."

"I brought your IQ to the exam." Tang Miao was very proud of himself.

Qi Ming: "..." Which one should he choose: beat him or kiss him? Waiting online, very urgent.
… …

"How...how were you able to recover so quickly?"

"Thanks to the tonic soup you stewed." Tang Miao was made to cry by Qi Ming.

In comparison to the tears he had shed as a result of missing and feeling sad, he hoped his Tang ShuiShui would keep his tears for such occasions.

"That was to help you heal from your gunshot wound." Tang Miao whispered, "My mother and aunt gave me the prescription."

"What did you say to them?"

"I said you hurt your waist."

Qi Ming: "..."

"Ah...Qi Ming, take it easy, um...ah...umh...lighter...lighter..."

"Study committee member, let's review the difference between waist and ribs."

Tang Miao felt very wronged. How could he have known that mothers would pit their sons in such a way…
… …

"MiaoMiao?" Qi Ming caressed Tang Miao's dry and soft cheeks.

"...Huh?"

"Let's go to the Taoist temple where you prayed for my success in the college entrance exams that year."

"That was not for passing with flying colors."

"Huh?"

"It was a curse," Tang Miao said quietly.

Qi Ming pinched his meaty buttocks, "Will you tell me or not? Watch out if you don't say it."

"It was a curse that may your hair slowly turn white..." Tang Miao smiled softly, "...with me."

9. Wish
Work stolen from https://chipoholictranslations.blogspot.com
Tang Miao later brought Qi Ming to the Yuelao Temple, where he sincerely paid his respects. When he ran into the little Taoist priest again, he requested two new red ropes. They removed the faded ones in front of him and replaced them with new ones.

Despite his aversion for such girly things, Qi Ming assisted Tang Miao in tying the new red ropes.

My only wish in this life is to be with him forever and grow old with him.

---

Translator:

This short story is done! My first completed project😀 I hope you liked it.

Previous

Chapter 5: Together forever

1. Qu Yao

Qu Yao's employment at HongMiao was a mere coincidence. She was interviewed by an HR executive, and her hiring had nothing to do with Tang Miao.

As a result, they were taken aback when they met, and Tang Miao took a long time to adjust.

After all, when he first met Qu Yao, he was accompanied by a man who yelled "don't cry!" at him every day.
Work stolen from https://chipoholictranslations.blogspot.com
And he was all alone now.

Qu Yao occasionally reflected on her thoughts at graduation, but when her thoughts actually came true, she was quite frustrated.

"President Tang!"

"Qu Yao? What's up?"

"Do you recall that your office is in HongMiao, not upstairs in SuiTang?"

Tang Miao thought it was really better for him to forget.

"MiaoMiao? What do you think?"

"I think it's time to give Qu Yao a raise." Tang Miao grinned.

Qu Yao's objection was genuine, and the situation needed to be settled, thus Qi Ming relocated and became a resident of HongMiao.

They were unsure if Boss's efficiency was affected, but the employees' efficiency had been significantly harmed. Instead of working honestly every day, they were all hunting for partners every day.

The single dogs believed they deserved an allowance. Qu Yao tried to incite the SuiTang staff to take Qi Ming back, but no one agreed.

All of them warned her in hushed tones, "Manager Qu, if our boss is upset, we'll die."

Qu Yao: "..."

She suddenly recalled a man, the boy who called Tang Miao a dog. He was allegedly beaten once in an alley.

She reasoned, maybe… Forget it.

Although she felt sorry for the single employees; they had been delayed for so many years anyway...

2. Candy

Even in Italy, where the Mafia was rife, subordinates who had been with their boss for over two years believed that their boss was weird and tough. He was not just ferocious, but also odd; the boss always had a variety of candies in his pocket.

If a new sweets store opened somewhere in Italy, the boss would surely go there. He would not only go there, but he would also take detailed notes.

Someone inadvertently saw the boss's book. He had taken meticulous care. There were charts and notes, as well as photographs.

It would have been fine if the boss enjoyed sweets, but the boss was extremely contradictory. He would mumble from time to time: "What's the deal with this being so sweet and greasy? Only little girls eat this."

This did not surprise some individuals. The brothers of Qi Hui Tang just pursed their lips. The young master was missing his wife again. It was all right.
… …

"Do you like it?"

Qi Ming gave Tang Miao the candy journal as a birthday present.

The effect… was profound— "This… This also makes you cry?"

"Tell me if you like it before you cry," Qi Ming muttered.

Tang Miao sniffed the sweet and sour aroma on the notebook, "I… I just want to eat candy."

"Tell the truth." Qi Ming felt his fist itch.

Tang Miao sniffled and charged at Qi Ming, seizing the candy from his mouth with a fierce motion: "I like it to death."

"I think you're going to kill me." Qi Ming mumbled.

"My! Little! Ancestor!... Stop rubbing!"

3. So long as it's you

"Let's do it!" Tang Miao announced and began tugging at their clothes.

"Wait, wait..." Tang Miao proceeded to remove his clothes, and Qi Ming began to put them on for him. "Do you want to think about it again? After all, we've been apart for so long. If we don't spend some more time together, I'm afraid..."

Tang Miao's mouth quivered and Qi Ming thought to himself... "It's over."

"Wu… Wu… Do you regret it?" Tang Miao hiccupped and drew his words out, "Qi! Ming! Do you like someone else? I… I… You must not… "

"Tang! Shui! Shui! Shut up! Who has laozi liked besides you?! Laozi likes you to death! If you dare say something like that again, I'll… I'll beat you up!"
Work stolen from https://chipoholictranslations.blogspot.com
Tang Miao stopped crying after hearing Qi Ming's words and stated, "... I'll bite you to death if you don't like me... How… How can you possibly not like me?!"

After that, the two people exchanged glances, and Qi Ming snorted coldly: "You can't run now, Tang ShuiShui. I was afraid of hurting you, so I resisted for a long time. You're asking for it now!"

Tang Miao snorted coldly as well, "So what if I get hurt?! You used to beat me up when we were kids!"

"Tang! Shui! Shui! Is your IQ of 120 merely for decoration? Is that the same thing?!" Qi Ming saw that he was becoming cranky and wondered if Tang ShuiShui was just too annoying.

"Why... Why is it different?" Tang Miao flattened his mouth, saying, "So long as it's you… I… I'm sure I'll like it a lot."

"Ahhhh..."

Forget it, thought Qi Ming. I won't beat him up since he's crying so miserably.

4. To cry

When Qi Ming entered Tang Miao's body, he felt as if he had realized an eight-year-old dream. What he had seen and experienced during the previous eight years had become hazy, and only the man in front of him was the most real.

"I'm inexperienced, so let me know if it hurts." Qi Ming kissed his eyelids and lips.

As a result, a certain someone teased him, "It's not a problem! You don't have any experience? I have!"

"You! Have! Experience?!" Qi Ming felt like he was going to explode and ground his teeth, as if he was going to commit murder the moment Tang Miao stated that person's name.

Tang Miao gripped his neck a little shakily and mumbled, "Haven't you seen the little porn videos? There used to be a lot of them at Qi Hui Tang. It's a real shame you haven't seen them."

Qi Ming: "..."

"What… What are you doing...?!" Tang Miao yelled as he was suddenly turned over.

Qi Ming, who rode the roller coaster, stated decisively: "I suddenly feel revealed that I'm going to devour you. Tang Shuishui, cry if it hurts. Gege is here."

After expressing that, he launched a crusade of wide openness and cooperation.

"MiaoMiao, why don't you cry?"

Tang Miao glared at him with embarrassment, but he did not cry.

While working, Qi Ming teased him with his meat blade, tantalizing the spot that made Tang Miao happy. He dragged out the wet, red flesh as he moved in and out.

Qi Ming sucked on his earlobes, his voice raspy. "Tang ShuiShui... you have a lot of water down there too..." his voice was full with XX taste.

"Ah...um...Qi Ming...faster...faster..."

"Cry! ...Why don't you cry?" Qi Ming coaxed him. He wouldn't admit that he had a sudden desire to see Tang Miao cry.

"You're busy." Tang Miao indicated their current situation.

Qi Ming's brows were nearly tangled.

Tang Miao sniffled, "You won't have time to coax me... I don't want to cry."

Qi Ming's heart turned sore and soft in a single sentence. He brought Tang Miao to a peak, exclaiming, "MiaoMiao...cry! I like to see you cry in bed..."

Qi Ming's heart turned bitter and soft in a single sentence. "MiaoMiao... Cry, I like to see you cry in bed..." he exclaimed to Tang Miao.

Tang Miao was dazed, thinking that Qi Ming couldn't chastise him for crying anymore. Qi Ming had drained all the water in his body, but he was especially relieved. When he got up, someone would push him to drink water anyway. He wrapped his arms around Qi Ming's neck and cried loudly without tears, "Qi Ming... I love you..."

Qi Ming held the person in his arms, thinking that after all these years of ups and downs, his arms were finally full.

"Tang ShuiShui, you are only allowed to cry in bed from now on."

It was a pity that Tang Miao fell asleep very tactfully.

"Little ancestor..." Qi Ming ground his teeth. In any case, MiaoMiao only cried in front of him. Why was he so concerned?

5. To respect you

"Uncle, I'd like to offer you this first toast." Qi Ming simply downed the glass of baijiu in one go. "I know that if it hadn't been for you, my father's case might have remained unresolved."

"I'd like to offer you the second toast. Thank you for your patience and trust in us." This referred to Tang Zhan assisting Tang Miao in refusing blind dates.

"The third toast symbolizes my respect for you. Thank you for entrusting MiaoMiao to me. I'll be good to him."

Qi Ming used three cups of wine to completely erase the events of that year. It was pointless to delve too deeply into some topics.

"Good!" Tang Zhan was unusually happy, especially when he saw the rare sight of his son's eyes curved in joy.

Mother Tang was overjoyed as well. Despite the fact that her daughter-in-law was a man, she felt that her lovely son had returned.

It was so much better to cry and laugh than to be emotionless with a blank face like Tang Miao had been for eight years.

"Thank you, Dad and Mom." Tang Miao stated solemnly.
… …
Work stolen from https://chipoholictranslations.blogspot.com
"Your father..." Tang Zhan finally inquired.

Qi Ming smiled: "My father is doing well. He is travelling around the world with my mother. They'll be back for Chinese New Year this year."

"Then let's all get together for dinner."

"Okay." Qi Ming offered him another cup of wine.

The two grown men suddenly felt that they had been infected by Tang Miao as their eyes were a touch hot.

Previous ┃ Next

Chapter 4: I love you

30. Take me with you

There had been numerous rumors circulating in B city's No. 2 High School, but the most renowned one from their graduating class was that the topper couldn't wait to confess to the second rank holder following the college entrance examination.

"Qu Yao, do me a favor." Tang Miao gasped and called out to Qu Yao, who was still immersed in the sea of questions.

"What?"
Work stolen from https://chipoholictranslations.blogspot.com
Tang Miao gritted his teeth, "I remember you said your older brother is studying computer science."

"Yes." Qu Yao gave a nod.

"Please assist me in locating this IP address."

Qu Yao swiftly nodded. There was an email address on the paper.

"This is..."

Tang Miao recalled the message he received three nights before his college entrance examination—

"Happy birthday, MiaoMiao. Take me with you and let's get into A University together."

Qu Yao stopped when she saw Tang Miao's expression. "All right… I'll keep it a secret."

31. Not bad

Tang Miao returned home and dried his hair. It was a downpour outside.

"How was your paper?" Tang Zhan inquired, concerned.

"Not bad."

Tang Zhan's chuckled, and Tang Miao's mother couldn't help but shake her head, "This child."

Tang Miao's "not bad" earned him first place in the college entrance examination in B city that year, admission to the best major at A University, and a four-year national scholarship.

Everyone expected Tang Miao to continue his studies or go overseas for further education, but he chose to start his own business. Tang's Miao parents had no choice but to let him. Tang Miao came up with more and more ideas after the college entrance examination.

Sometimes, Mother Tang also wondered if the child who used to be a little crying bag was her really own son.

At times like these, Tang Zhan would fall silent again and quietly assist Tang Miao in preventing a flood of blind dates by saying, "The most essential thing is that the child likes it."

"How do you want to celebrate your birthday? Do you want to invite your classmates to play at home?" Mother Tang inquired. Tang Miao was taken aback. It turns out that his birthday was tomorrow. He shook his head in refusal, saying "I'll just eat at home."

"What about your peers, ah? Let's invite them to dinner." Mother Tang remembered Tang Miao frequently bringing Qi Ming home. She was also aware of Qi Ming's situation, although she was unaware of the details.

"Come on, let's eat." Tang Zhan picked vegetables for Tang Miao. "Our child is all grown up now, he is free to live as he wishes."

"Thank you." Tang Miao bent his head and ate a mouthful of rice.

Tang Miao accompanied his parents to watch the news after dinner. Mother Tang often asked: "You're sure you don't want to take the police academy exam? After all, your second cousin and father can assist you." The Tang family's current status allowed them to do more than merely help.

Tang Miao's smile faded significantly, and his mood became indecipherable. "No way, Mom. I'm a little tired. I'm going upstairs."

Tang Zhan sighed, his eyes dark.

32. No more crying

Tang Miao had been awake all night. He stared at the computer screen without blinking. He refreshed his mailbox several times, but no new messages appeared.

He felt a vague discomfort in the pit of his stomach.

Why did Qi Ming miss their appointment?

In fact, Tang Miao had no idea where Qi Ming was. He just knew that every year on his birthday, he would receive an e-mail from an unknown id that he could never reply to...

Happy birthday, Tang ShuiShui.

Qi Ming, you basta*d!

Tang Miao tightened his fists to keep all of his emotions in check. In the first year or two, Qi Ming would greet him with a "Happy Birthday, MiaoMiao. I miss you terribly" or "wait for me to return."

However, he had been recently replaced it with Tang ShuiShui...

Tang Miao recognized the distinction. Qi Ming wished him to forget him.

Forget about the line they crossed that night.

Qi Ming! You're a complete a**hole!

I won't cry if... you wish me a happy birthday or call me whatever you want.

It could only be argued that Qi Ming was better at coaxing Tang Miao than he imagined, even from afar.

Tang Miao eventually received an email from Qi Ming at the last minute of the day—

Happy birthday, Tang Shuishui.

And there was another sentence at the very end of the e-mail-

MiaoMiao, I miss you so much.

Tang Miao went to bed feeling relieved. He hadn't shut his eyes in 36 hours.

Qi Ming, I miss you too.

Although you're an a**hole, who's going to see that down there?!

33. Mountain climbing

"Where's my little brother? Off on a date?" Tang Suhuo cracked a joke as soon as he stepped into the house.

"Will the mountain be closed due to the heavy snow?" Mother Tang peered out the window worriedly at the snowstorm.

"Has he gone mountain climbing again? What a hobby! He went mountain climbing on Valentine's Day?"

"What Valentine's Day?" Tang Zhan inquired.

"Uncle, aren't you being so old-fashioned? Valentine's Day is on February 14 in western society."

"February 14..." It was impossible for Tang Zhan to forget that the morning he signed the arrest warrant was Valentine's Day. "It turned out to be Valentine's Day..."

He was a little bewildered as he glanced out the window at the heavy snowfall.

"I'm not sure Xiao Miao can make it to dinner." Mother Tang sighed, "I invited guests."

Tang Zhan stood up and stated, "Cancel it."

"What?" Mother Tang exclaimed in surprise.

"I said cancel it." Tang Zhan was unmistakably issuing a command.

"What do you mean, Tang Zhan?" This time, Mother Tang was really worried. "Xiao Miao is so old but has never even mentioned a girlfriend. He usually claims that he wants to focus on his career before starting a family. He's made a name for himself now. Xiao Miao is a 25-year-old man. Isn't it time for him to settle down? Even if he doesn't want to marry, he should at least find a girlfriend first."

Tang Zhan had no idea how to explain the situation, but he couldn't bear the thought of his son being hurt again on this special day.

Tang Suhuo shrugged helplessly, having only a vague understanding of the circumstances. "Uncle, it's too late. They're already downstairs."

34. Request well-being

"Benefactor, due to the severe snow today, the Taoist temple is closed." A child apprentice priest opened the door and stuck his small head out.

"Really?" Tang Miao was at a loss for words. "Thank you."

After a while, the small apprentice opened the door again and stared at Tang Miao, who was still standing there. He'd already closed his umbrella because he wanted to enter the temple and was now blanketed in snow. It was too much for the child to bear: "Benefactor is sincere. Please come with me."

"Thank you, little priest."

The small Taoist boy's ears flushed with shyness.

Tang Miao knelt respectfully. He didn't actually ask for anything. Every year on this day, he just prayed for one person's well-being.

"Benefactor, I heard it's Valentine's Day today."

"Really?" Tang Miao was taken aback. He just recalled it as the day Qi Ming left.

Since then, seven long years have passed. The War of Resistance against Japan took eight years to win. Tang Miao wondered how much longer he would have to wait for Qi Ming.

"How about inquiring about your fated one, benefactor? The Yuelao Temple behind the main hall is very effective..." [Yuelao is the deity of marriage. He binds destined partners together by tying a red string of fate around their fingers.]

Actually, Tang Miao had been here before. He had sneaked away to worship Yuelao in his sophomore year of high school. Qi Ming had been furious with him.

Back then, he prayed that the person in his heart would admire him as well. But he hadn't returned to pay his respects after the wish had been fulfilled.

This time, he begged not to make him wait too long, even though he was willing to wait for as long as it took.

"Would you like a red rope, Benefactor?"

"I've already asked for one," Tang Miao said with a smile.

Tang Miao went with the Taoist youngster after donating the merit money. When he shut the door, the Taoist boy asked curiously, "Was that red rope effective?"

"Effective."

His initial greed was wishing to grow old with Qi Ming.

"Fool, you can't ask for this kind of thing yourself."

35. Extremely distressed

"What did you say?" Tang Miao regained his composure.

The girl said cheerfully, "Do you have any future plans? Will you settle in B city?"

"Xiao Miao probably hasn't lived outside B city in his life," Tang Suhuo replied with a smile.

"That's why I want to give it a shot, isn't it? Second brother?" Tang Miao continued the banter. "I'm still young, don't bind me too tightly. I'm sure you're envious of me. That's very bad of you, Officer Tang."

Tang Suhuo's teeth were clenched. Did he not realize he was introducing him to the girl?
Work stolen from https://chipoholictranslations.blogspot.com
"Where do you want to develop in the future?" the girl's face changed.

"Travel abroad." Tang Miao calmly stated, "My second brother is more steady than I am. Don't you have a girlfriend, Second Brother?"

Tang Suhuo: "..." He hasn't played enough yet!

"Xiao Miao, you… " Mother Tang was a little confused. She suddenly realized that she understood her son, who had been spoiled since childhood, less and less.

"Are you going abroad?" Tang Zhan spoke solemnly.

Tang Miao gave a nod. "In recent years, I've made enough money. I'm going to sell the company and go abroad."

Tang Zhan examined his son once again. It turned out he had such an idea from the beginning...

"Dad, don't look at me like that. It hasn't been decided yet. I need to know where my first stop abroad is."

That jerk Qi Ming had not revealed anything to him. Every time, his IP address was from a different country.

He surmised that he sent an email and then fled to another country. One motive was for security, and the other was because he didn't want to be found.

Qi Ming was a jerk, but he still adored him.

36. Quit

"Xiao Huo, send this to your brother." Tang Zhan lit a cigarette.

"Xiao Miao?"

"Yes, now go."

"Uncle, this is still in the encryption period!" Tang Suhuo was anxious.

"Let me be a father and give him some compensation."

Tang Suhuo was speechless. Naturally, the dinner that day ended in dissatisfaction. Tang Miao was polite and acted properly, but everyone could tell that he was restless at heart.

Tang Miao spoke vivaciously after dinner, but passed out on the sofa. He began to speak incoherently due to running a fever of 40℃. Others were unable to hear him clearly. Only "Qi Ming" was plainly heard over and over.

Tang Zhan finally disclosed the details of the matter openly. It was unclear whether Tang Miao was aware of it. In short, his marriage was no longer discussed in the family.

"What is this?" Tang Miao glanced at the rare guest at home.

"Your dad requested that I bring it to you."

Tang Miao shook his head as he gazed at the TOP SECRET label on the folder. "Take it back. I never blamed him from the start."

"Xiao MiaoMiao has truly grown up." Tang Suhuo rubbed his head, joking, "Second Brother really misses your wailing."

Tang Miao pursed his lips: "I stopped crying ages ago."

"I know." Tang Suhuo waved his hand, "Then I'll go back to work. But Xiao Miao, you're too unfair. You caused me so much trouble last time, and you didn't even offer me some candy."

Tang Miao's fondness for sweets was a funny fact that everyone in the family knew.

Tang Miao glanced helplessly at his second brother, who was getting childish by the minute. "I haven't had candy in a long time."

"Are you being picky again?" Tang Suhuo cracked a joke.

"I quit."

He truly gave up. He was afraid that other sweets would mask the taste of that candy, afraid that he would forget Qi Ming's candied kiss forever.

37. To wait until

The arrest warrant had been revoked.

Tang Zhan examined the documents presented to him and had a sense of 'the hard times are over, the good times are beginning.'

The subordinates were perplexed as to why Minister Tang, as the director of Public Security Bureau for B city, was so upbeat about a bad case. Despite the fact that he had fought for a long time and demanded a re-investigation, this was an important case with an incorrect conviction, and he would probably also be held accountable.

They were also aware that there were too many conflicts of interest in the case that year, such as the genuine perpetrator who had recently been sentenced, Yao Lin, who left a confession before committing suicide in prison, witnesses who gave false testimony, and covert factional disputes...

"Minister Tang, please sign the documents."

"Sign? Of course, yes. Sign."

Tang Zhan's eyes were glistening with tears.

38. Italy

Every day, HongMiao's employees sensed that their boss was unhappy.

Of fact, it wasn't so much that he was cranky as he had drooping eyes and appeared melancholy.

Of course, they only dared to think about it. After all, their boss was really fierce...

It was the type of ferocity that made you sweat when he smiled.

"Boss, there is a collaboration going on, and the other party is hoping you can come forward."

"What kind of collaboration?" Tang Miao didn't even raise his head.

"It's the Italian company from before. The other party is quite picky and the collaboration plan has gone through multiple revisions."

"Did their boss come forward?"

"The other party declined."

Tang Miao sneered, "Ask Qu Yao to handle this."

"Sister Qu is still on vacation..." the secretary reminded him weakly.

"In fact, it's beneficial for you to go."

"I'm not free. I have an exam that day."

Secretary: "..." Can you leave us mere mortals a way to survive?

Tang Miao had taken the TOEFL and IELTS exams since college, although only as a formality. As soon as the score validity deadline arrived, he took it again. Since his boss did not appear to have any ambitions to study overseas or immigrate, the secretary assumed he only took the exam for the sake of taking the exam and despised them - the study slackers.

Tang Miao, who had just concluded the exam, dashed into his second brother's office after receiving a phone call. "Did you find him?"

"He's been living in Italy for two years."

Tang Miao clenched his teeth as he realized that none of the emails he had received in the previous two years had come from Italy.

This jerk.

"Thanks."

"Xiao Miao, now that everything's been resolved, find him and bring him back."

Tang Miao simply smiled. He wouldn't force Qi Ming if he didn't want to.

It should not be too difficult to learn Italian.

39. Mafia

"Your Highness."

Tang Miao was in a pleasant mood and could joke naturally, "You're excused."

"I beseech your highness for assistance. Sister Qu didn't finish finalizing the agreement last time. This time is more challenging."

"They're all so tall and strong, dressed in black and wearing black sunglasses, like they're from the mafia."

"Actually, the underworld is not that scary," Tang Miao mumbled, recalling how the brothers would discreetly stuff pornographic videos at him behind Qi Ming's back while listening to his legal speech.

He was actually waiting for an email; today is his birthday, but that jerk Qi Ming has broken his appointment again.

"I don't speak Italian, boss. You're learning Italian, aren't you? Why not go ahead and try it."

In truth, this collaboration was a win-win situation. The other party sought to open the domestic market through them, and Hong Miao hoped to enter the international market through this cooperation.

It was just that it was bad luck when the unhappy boss was happy.

"Let's go."

Finally, the little secretary was saved. Like a fox exploiting the tiger's might, she followed Tang Miao.

The man in the conference room appeared to be a force to be reckoned with. He was attractive, yet he appeared impatient. When he answered the phone, she could heard his fist cracking. Moreover, a red rope was tied around his wrist, which looked strange and scary.

40. Get out

Tang Miao had suppressed all of his emotions and was contemplating how to greet the Italian who had made his secretary shudder before he pushed the door open. He had to collect this debt.

Tang Miao gazed at the two men who stood beside the man in the middle like peas in a pod after pushing the door. When he saw the agitated man, he found himself wanting to laugh and cry all at the same time.

"Get out," Tang Miao murmured, his lips quivering.

"Boss?"

"All of you, go out. I can talk about the business on my own."

The man on the seat sprang up abruptly, his mouth slightly open, and his eyes gradually turned red.

Except for that night, Tang Miao had never seen such a foolish Qi Ming.

"Go out," Qi Ming muttered hoarsely.

Despite their amazement, the people in black all went obediently, taking the young secretary with them as well.

So the little secretary was embarrassed to discover that they all appeared to be Chinese, albeit a little taller and muscular, a bit like gangsters.

41. I Miss you

"Qi Ming!"

Qi Ming caught Tang Miao who rushed at him, letting him tear his collar and bite the shoulder with old tooth marks, smearing tears and snot on him.

"Tang ShuiShui, your cry is still so powerful."

Qi Ming teased, but his arms tightly imprisoned Tang Miao. He clenched his teeth and tried to prevent his choked sobs from escaping his lips.

In truth, none of them was qualified to say who was crying. Qi Ming's eyes were no drier than Tang Miao's.

"Qi Ming, I miss you."

Tang Miao's lips quivered, and his voice was chokd with sobs.

"Tang! Shui! Shui! If you cry again..."

"I'll cry." Tang Miao gnawed at his neck randomly, "You are an a**hole."

"If you cry again, I'll kiss you." Qi Ming's eyes were red, but his lips were raised.

Tang Miao was startled. Five seconds later, Tang Miao's wailing could be heard from outside the door.

The little secretary opened her eyes wide and was about to rush in when the men in black hurriedly held her up. Was she insane? The indifferent man with drooping eyes simply appeared unhappy, but if their boss was unhappy, they would all be unhappy.

"What's the matter?" Qu Yao cocked her brow.

"Sister Qu, Boss was talking business with their boss, but now Boss is crying." The little secretary was on the verge of crying as well. She had worked for Tang Miao for more than two years and he hadn't shed a single tear. But he was sobbing uncontrollably now; was he being bullied?

"Did you say Tang Miao is crying?" Qu Yao repeated incredulously.

"Yes, listen."

Qu Yao suddenly laughed out loud, before bursting into tears. "Let him cry."

The third year of senior high school was over, but they still had a lifetime ahead of them. How wonderful.

"Don't linger here, everyone. We're leaving early today."

"Early… Why?"

Qu Yao reasoned, "Because Boss is happy."

42. I love you

"My little ancestor..." Qi Ming kissed the lips he had only dreamed of in the middle of the night.

"It's too dirty." Mr. Handsome's face was stained with tears.

"Do you dislike it?" Tang Miao asked, but his look conveyed, 'Even if you dislike it, I won't let go.'

"I don't dislike it. I like it to death." Qi Ming kissed his tears away one by one.
… …
Work stolen from https://chipoholictranslations.blogspot.com
"You still owe me a letter."

Qi Ming had intended to surprise him tonight, but ended up surprised himself, "MiaoMiao, happy birthday."

"Is there anything else?" Tang Miao blinked at him.

As per his MO, Qi Ming pulled a candy from his pocket and peeled it. This time, he ate it himself. Before Tang Miao could protest, he bowed his head and passed it into his mouth, "Is it sweet?"

Tang Miao anxiously nodded as he chased his tongue and the pieces of candy.

This sweetness seemed to have smoothed over all the bitterness of the past.

"MiaoMiao, I love you."

I owe eight years of love letters, eight years of longing, eight years of candy, and eight years of "don't cry." I will make it all up to you in the future.

Previous ┃ Next

Chapter 3: I like you

21. Together

Qi Ming had never studied so hard as he did in the second term of his sophomore year, but felt it was all worth it when he saw his results in the first mock exam - 10th place and Tang Miao's extraordinarily joyful smile.

He evaluated his score and concluded that admission to A university would not be a problem, but it would be tough to pursue the same major as Tang ShuiShui.
Work stolen from https://chipoholictranslations.blogspot.com
He decided that when the time came to fill out the college application form, he would keep a close eye on Tang ShuiShui and assure him that being in different majors wouldn't stop them from being together everyday.

As for why they should be together every day...

Qi Ming, who had never thought of this topic in depth, rolled his eyes. Why so much nonsense? Are you looking for a fight?

22. No experience

"Qi Ming, it's February 14 next week." Tang Miao poked Qi Ming, who was answering a question.

"Yes, we have the final mock exam." Tang Miao's persistence surprised Qi Ming. Last Valentine's Day, he forgot about the love letter. Fortunately, it coincided with Chinese New Year, so Tang Miao did not create a ruckus, but New Year was early this year, and as a result, school started early as well.

"Qi Qiming." Tang Miao looked at him.

Tang Miao's 'about to cry' expression was the one that frightened Qi Ming the most. He had the impression that his temper was growing better and better. He swiftly lifted his hands and bowed his head: "Aren't I just inexperienced? I've never read any of those people's love letters, so I'll have to think about it, okay?"

Tang Miao's droopy eyes crinkled into a smile, not at all discouraged. He stated sweetly, "Oh, I had completely forgotten about it. I simply wanted to remind you of the third mock exam and encourage you to review for it."

Tang Miao added another sentence as Qi Ming grinded his teeth, "But since you still remember, don't forget to give it to me after the exam."

Qi Ming: "..." I. Want. To. Hit. Someone!

However, he couldn't fight the instigator. Qi Ming was unhappy.

23. Who do you like?

One day of exams was over, but there was still one day left. Tang Miao went to Qi Ming's examination room to review with him and as a result, the grade's topper was promptly surrounded by a slew of challenging questions.

Qi Ming snorted unhappily as he looked on. He met Qu Yao, who was still in their class and memorizing her lessons, while he was raging in the corridor. 

Qu Yao pushed up her glasses: "Did you not prepare a gift for him for the festival tomorrow?"

"I bought him handmade chocolates, but this brat's picky..." Qi Ming suddenly stopped and glared at Qu Yao, "Why should I prepare a gift for him?!"

"But didn't you already prepare one?"

As heat surged to his ears, Qi Ming was unable to argue, "Tang Miao and I are not..."

"Not what?" Qu Yao was not convinced. She was short-sighted, not blind.

Qi Ming kept trying to make an excuse but couldn't. He was well aware that he and Tang Miao were not lovers, but he suddenly felt very unwilling.

Why aren't we lovers?

Qu Yao displayed an unusual curiosity: "My roommate...forget it… When I asked Tang Miao he stated that he liked someone. I really can't guess who he likes if it's not you."

"Tang Miao likes..."

Qi Ming was stuck once more, and a sea of vinegar(jealousy) churned at the bottom of his heart. Why would Tang Miao like someone else but me?!

"Tang! Shui! Shui!"

Tang Miao looked up, puzzled. He knew Qi Ming was fuming again when he saw his expression. He hastily tossed all the textbooks aside and ran out the door.

As a result, Tang Miao was dragged to the 'No-man's Zone' by Qi Ming as Qu Yao looked on with a knowing smile. It was a holy area for couples because there were no surveillance cameras, no patrols, and no streetlights. It was just that all of the students were in class revising that day, thus the place was totally deserted.

"What's the matter?"

Qi Ming was blunt as always, "Tang ShuiShui, do you have someone you like?!"

Tang Miao was flustered and reflexively uttered, "Yes...Yes."

Qi Ming clenched his teeth, convinced that Tang Miao had infected him as his eyes stung with tears: "Who do you like?!"

"No… I won't tell you." Tang Miao lowered his gaze to his toes.

"Who is she? What do you like about her?!"

Who would have guessed that Tang Miao would lose his cool? He raised his head and yelled: "What's wrong with him?! He's fantastic! He is handsome, tall, can fight, and excels in school and sports. He also gives me sweets, coaxes me when I cry, and has always stood up for me when I was bullied since I was a child. Except for being a little inconsiderate, a little slow, and a little fierce, He! Is! Absolutely! Perfect!" [T/N: the pronoun 'ta' can refer to both a 'he' and a 'she'. I've used the one they mean.]

This roar made Qi Ming's ears ring. He held Tang Miao foolishly to keep him from becoming overly excited, and asked in a trembling voice: "Tang ShuiShui, who…who do you like?"

Tang Miao snorted, almost making him cry: "Think about it yourself."

Qi Ming was dull, not stupid. He soon understood what Tang Miao meant. He reddened unexpectedly and was at a loss for words. He pulled a candy from his pocket, peeled it, and shoved it into Tang Miao's mouth as per his MO. Before Tang Miao could say anything, he quickly kissed him on the lips, "Cough, I just wanted to see if the candy I bought is good."

Tang Miao watched Qi Ming flee, then suddenly laughed and yelled at him, "Uncle Qi said you guys are gangsters, not hooligans." He was delighted to see Qi Ming stumble.

Tang Miao smiled as he tasted the candy on his tongue; it was truly sweet.

24. To MiaoMiao

Qi Ming returned to the examination room, where everyone was studying independently. He took out a blank paper. He'd finally found inspiration for the love letter he'd been unable to write before.

He was determined to write a draft—

To Miaomiao:

I like

The pen nib came to a halt, and Qi Ming couldn't help but scoff. Wasn't he being too unromantic? But no other words could describe his current state of mind.

Qi Ming's phone rang just as he was ready to start writing again.

When Qi Ming realized it was his old man, he blocked the draft with a book and crept into the corridor to answer the phone.

"Hello? What did you say?... Mom suddenly fainted? Okay, I'll be right back," Qi Ming said, his face changing. He didn't bother grabbing his things. He leaped over the wall and rode a taxi home. He'd never heard his father sound so worried in his life.

He only remembered to inform Tang Miao once he was in the car. Otherwise, that guy would worry himself to death.

He finally sent this message after revising and editing—

"MiaoMiao, my mother has a fever and there's no one home, so I have to rush back. I'll go straight to the exam tomorrow morning. You can focus on your revision. I promise to give you the love letter tomorrow."

That kid will surely feel shy when he sees the words "MiaoMiao." I hope he doesn't cry. He wasn't good at coaxing MiaoMiao from afar.

25. Wait for me...

Tang Miao called Qi Ming as soon as the self-study session ended. He was indeed shy, but he was also worried about Aunt Qi's condition. With so many servants in the Qi household, how could they possibly ask Qi Ming to go back at this vital juncture? It couldn't be anything serious, could it?

Qi Ming took a long time to answer the phone.

"Hello?"

"Is Aunt okay, Qi Ming?"

"Nothing major, it's just her chronic issue. Do you want to speak with her?"

"Yes." Work stolen from https://chipoholictranslations.blogspot.com

Qi Ming passed the phone to his mother and listened as she advised Tang Miao to take care of his health, make more friends, and eat more because he was too thin...

Qi Ming took the phone back: "...MiaoMiao."

"Mn?" Tang Miao's surroundings were chaotic. He probably would have heard Qi Ming's voice trembling otherwise.

"Nothing, I..." Qi Ming looked down in embarrassment to hide his reddened eyes from his parents. "Wait for me to come back."

"You're acting weird... Qi Ming, you're really not hiding anything from me?" Tang Miao sensed something was awry.

"What could possibly be wrong with me? It's… it's because that candy was too sweet." He was afraid he would never be able to eat such sweet candy again.

Even Mother Qi's eyes grew red as he hung up the phone, and she patted his hand, saying, "Xiao Miao is such a thoughful child, it's a shame..."

"Have you made up your mind?" Father Qi's expression was solemn.

Qi Ming choked up and a painful sob escaped his throat. His fingernails dug into his palms fiercely. At this point, only the pain could keep him awake.

"I know that your relationship... is very good, but that's exactly why I'm suggesting that you..." In the end, Father Qi didn't cruelly define their relationship at this moment.

"I've made up my mind." Qi Ming abruptly raised his head, then closed his reddened eyes again, "...I'll leave with you."

26. Trust me

Tang Miao had a restless night's sleep and woke up before five o'clock in the morning. Qi Ming had texted him on his phone with only two words - MiaoMiao.

Tang Miao dialed Qi Ming's number, but his phone was turned off.

His phone vibrated after he completed answering a major question. Tang Miao never imagined he'd do something so out of the ordinary one day. He not only brought his phone into the examining room, but he also set it to vibrate. Tang Miao surreptitiously took it out the moment it vibrated and found it was merely a short text message - Trust me.

Qi Ming clenched his teeth and broke the SIM card in half. He was scared that if he kept texting, he would text something he shouldn't. He was both sorry and relieved that the love letter had not been completed.

For the first time in his life, Qi Ming hoped for the efficacy of the gods. He hoped that his MiaoMiao would get into A university and live the life he desired safely and smoothly.

Tang Miao's heart missed a beat. He didn't even bother to turn in his test paper before dashing out the door. The teacher called him from behind, saying that there were still ten minutes to turn in the test paper and that he shouldn't be in such a rush.

He received a text message from his mother just as he got into a taxi - Xiao Miao? Mom made some soup for you. Come home for lunch.

No, something's wrong. Just as Qi Ming's mother would not call him back if she had a minor cold, his mother would never call him back knowing he was taking an exam and had another subject in the afternoon just for a bowl of soup.

"Driver, change the address."

Tang Miao noticed police cars driving towards the Qi residence as he approached it. He had a flashback to the police officer who had passed him as he exited the school gate. At the time, he felt it was to keep order in the examining room, but now he realized it was just a mock exam, so how could police be there?!

Tang Miao's heart was thumping rapidly as he gritted his teeth to keep from crying. What was the point of crying at a time like this?

"Mom..."

"Why are you here so quickly?" Mother Tang exclaimed when she saw him, obviously flustered.

Tang Miao smiled reluctantly, "I turned in my paper early."

Mother Tang was understandably very confident in her son's grades. "That's fine, uh... Mom will go check on the soup in the kitchen." She felt a little self-conscious. In truth, she had no idea why Tang Zhan wanted their son to return home immediately.

"Is dad home?" Tang Miao asked, looking at the briefcase on the sofa.

"Yes, he is changing on the second floor."

The phone in the briefcase rang at this point, and Tang Miao yelled, "Dad, you have a call!" and took out the phone to answer it. As a result, he noticed a scrap of paper in the briefcase.

Tang Miao's eyes were bloodshot as he clutched the paper and examined it several times.

Qi Tian. It was a common name, but Tang Miao knew it wasn't by chance that Qi Ming's father bore the same name. He'd contacted Uncle Qi numerous times. The photo appeared to overlap with the person who mentioned to him the previous time they met, "In truth, Uncle is quite open-minded."

Tang Zhan. His father's name was written on the red seal in the lower right corner.

"Xiao Miao?" Tang Zhan raced downstairs, knowing it was too late.

"Is this true?" Tang Miao bit his lower lip and inquired.

"It's true. It was just handed to me this morning."

Tang Miao knew his father always honored his promises, so it had to be genuine.

It was an arrest warrant.

27. For you.

Three days later, Tang Miao was sitting at the dining table with his father again.

"Your friend..." Tang Zhan hesitated to begin.

Tang Zhan's heart twisted in a mess as he looked at Tang Miao's red and swollen eyes, "... did it for your own good."

"... I know." Tang Miao said quietly as he nodded. Just like his father called him home for his own safety, worrying that he would act rashly when questioned by the police.

"Qi Ming is a good kid, but there are some things..." Tang Zhan was also helpless. Of course, Qi Ming was innocent, but if Qi Tian fled without Qi Ming, everyone would simply question him. The stakes were too high, involving assassination of a senior official. If Qi Ming had stayed behind, it would have just made things more difficult for him. And, if Qi Ming was having difficulties, could Tang Miao be okay? In addition, the Tang family would also be implicated given Tang Miao's sensitive identity...

Naturally, Tang Zhan knew Qi Ming quite well. Despite the fact that the two families avoided meeting due to their differing positions, Qi Ming was someone he had known since he was a child. Tang Zhan was fully aware of what was going on between Qi Ming and his son.

Tang Zhan had previously only thought to take it one step at a time. But when the bureau mentioned Qi Ming and Tang Miao's calls and messages yesterday, he felt for the first time that Qi Ming was a man, and for the first time, he truly understood Qi Ming and Tang Miao's relationship.

Sometimes the best way to help each other was to leave.

If Qi Ming had revealed anything to Tang Miao that day, Tang Miao would not be able to sit at home comfortably right now.

"I'd like to return to school." Tang Miao stood up after only a few bites of the meal.

"Tang Miao."

"I'm not going to do anything dumb. I still have to take his portion of the college admission exam. After all, Qi Ming isn't dead, is he?"

Tang Miao later noted that he was arguably the most calm and direct guy to come out of the closet.

Qi Ming - these two words became a taboo subject in the Tang family from then on.

28. Big liar

"Drink some water."

Tang Miao was momentarily dazed. He looked up, but it wasn't the person he was thinking of. It was Qu Yao.

Qu Yao thought for a moment: "He wouldn't want you to be like this."

Tang Miao remained mute. He was now working on Qi Ming's workbook, not his own. He was clutching a piece of paper he'd found tucked at the back. "To MiaoMiao: I like…"

Qi Ming, you liar, you promised to give me the love letter...

Tang Miao took a sip of the warm water, swallowed all the grievances, heartache, joys and sorrows in his stomach, glanced at Qu Yao, and muttered, "Thank you."

Tang Miao sent a text message to his father after Qu Yao left—

Dad, I'm perfectly fine. You can work comfortably.

Tang Miao addressed his father as "Dad" for the first time since Qi Ming's incident.

Tang Zhan fell into a momentary trance in his office when he received this text message. His Xiao Miao had grown up, but the price he paid was far too high.

"Chief Tang?"

"Continue to look for Qi Tian's whereabouts and alert the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as soon as he is located."

"Yes, I will make the necessary arrangements right away."

"... Hold on! Re-interrogate Yao Lin to see if there are any discrepancies in his testimony."

"Yes."

29. It's over

Class 3-1 of senior high school was unusually silent as the college entrance examination approached since one student was absent.

Tang Miao used to be a Study God, but he now appeared to be a Study God who had forgotten to eat and sleep.
Work stolen from https://chipoholictranslations.blogspot.com
Qu Yao, who had risen to second place in the grade, sighed. She probably had no expectations she'd be the first in her life. Unless, as in the previous mock exam, Tang Miao fell off the top 100 list for the first time. Others, though, weren't particularly happy. What was there to be proud of compared to someone who had taken one less subject?

"Tang Miao, happy birthday!" someone exclaimed briskly three days before the college entrance exam.

"Thank you," Tang Miao suddenly realized.

Qu Yao watched Tang Miao become calmer and calmer - he could smile but no longer cry. She suddenly found herself missing the scenes of crying and cranky explosions from the past.

She wished she could relive those moments someday.

However, their senior year of high school was already over.

Previous ┃ Next

Chapter 2: Red knot

11. Going, going, I'm going

Qi Ming pleaded with his father to arrange him and Tang Miao in the same class. 

He couldn't help but purse his lips as he noticed Tang Miao's pleasantly surprised expression as he sat on his right. He didn't want to see Tang Miao at all, but if Tang ShuiShui was in a different class and cried every day, it would affect him badly, right?

"Qi...Qi Ming." A girl stood before him shyly.

Qi Ming raised his head and gave her a glance. Oh, she was one of their classmates. "Mn." He was wondering why Tang Miao, who had gone to collect test papers, hadn't returned for so long.
Work stolen from https://chipoholictranslations.blogspot.com
"Don't you recognize me?" The girl was a little disappointed.

Qi Ming gave a puzzled look and looked at Tang Miao who had just entered the door and was recording grades on the podium. He remarked impatiently: "Tang Miao, hurry up and let's go!"

"Oh! Right away." Tang Miao, a good student with excellent character and studying abilities, shoved the test papers to the monitor without any hesitation.

Class monitor: "..." Despite his desire to stop the derelict study committee member, he didn't dare to provoke Qi Ming. He couldn't run away like Tang Miao and was heartbroken.

"Let's go." Tang Miao didn't even look at the girl, "There's a newly opened candy store in the city center. I heard their candies are delicious."

"Are you a girl? You like candy so much."

"Humph! Are you going or not?"

"Going, going, I'm going… Tang ShuiShui, you're not allowed to cry!"

Behind them, the girl's heart dropped to the ground and shattered into two pieces.

12. Still drink this?

Qi Ming was very pleased with his high school experience. Tang Miao was not as much of a crybaby as before. Even though his eyes still welled up, it was much better than when he was a child.

As a result, Qi Ming roaring at Tang Miao every day was one of the wonders of senior high school class 1-1. After roaring, he coaxed him, and then urged him to drink water...

Tang Miao finished the last sip of water. The girl at the table in front of him asked curiously, "Tang Miao, don't you get full from drinking so much water every day?"

"I suppose." Tang Miao affirmed.

"How come you still drink so much water?"

Tang Miao laughed as he looked at Qi Ming, who was filling a cup of warm water for him, and chuckled, "Got used to it."

"Nonsense! What do you mean "got used to it"?" Qi Ming stroked Tang ShuiShui's head as he gazed coldly at the two whispering and felt much better.

"Do I still need to drink this?" Tang Miao was genuinely seeking Qi Ming's advice.

Qi Ming curled his lip: "I'm not the one in charge."

Tang Miao stuck out his tongue, indicating that this cup of water was for the next class.

Qi Ming gazed up towards the sky. Tang Miao was, in fact, correct. It was a habit. After all, when he was a child, he was always concerned that Tang Miao would cry every day and eventually dry up dead.

Damn it! I'm not sure how so much water can fit in such a small human body!

13. Hormones

Qi Ming made the decision to revoke his approval. He began to believe that high school was not at all a pleasant experience. Why should hormones control men and women? When another love letter mysteriously appeared on his desk, Tang Miao's face had turned ugly. 

"I..." Qi Ming was at a loss for words, so he simply stuffed the love note into the drawer.

"You should have a look at it." Tang Miao muttered as he gripped the pen in his fingers.

"It's boring."

"They are someone else's feelings." Although Tang Miao stated this, his tone was clearly considerably lighter.

"Do you want me to open it and take a look?" Qi Ming questioned as is possessed.

"I..." Tang Miao blinked, and the handwriting on the test paper became messy.

Tang Miao crumpled the test paper. "I'm going back to the dorm," he answered hastily, not wanting to look up at Qi Ming. This was despite the fact that there was still evening self-study following the break, and our student committee member rarely skipped class.

"Tang Miao." Qi Ming gritted his teeth, "Tang Shuishui, stop right there."

Someone grabbed the hem of Qi Ming's shirt just as he was going to give chase. The owner of the hand timidly let go under his angry gaze, "Qi...Qi Ming."

"What is it? Speak up or scram!" Qi Ming said rudely, ready to explode. What kind of mess was this?

The girl was terrified and sobbed: "You…you really have no recollection of me? In junior high school, I was in the class next to yours and you even encouraged me. Don't you remember? My name is Xu Jiaqi. The jiaqi in meng jiaqi." [There are many homophones in Mandarin, so Jiaqi is elaborating on the character in her name. The word "meng" means "dream" and "jiaqi" means "wedding day." What a name.]

Qi Ming furrowed his brow and stated flatly, "Impossible, I don't recall."

Encouragement? How come he didn't realize he had such boring moments?

"The essay competition at the time..." Xu Jiaqi reminded him.

Qi Ming suddenly recalled that was the competition where Tang Shuishui was bullied first!

But why would this girl call his harsh remarks "encouragement"? Qi Ming cast a strange glance towards Xu Jiaqi. Was her brain broken?

It was unfortunate that the girl who was hooked on love obliviously rambled on, "If it hadn't been for you, I probably wouldn't have had the confidence to tell my mother to let me live my own life..."

"Stop." Qi Ming was becoming dizzy as a result of her buzzing. "What exactly do you want to say? If there's nothing else, I'll return to the dorm first." So annoying, did that little crybaby Tang ShuiShui cry again?

"Qi Ming, can't you be a little more polite? Why don't you listen to Jiaqi and let her finish what she's saying?" A girl said righteously.

Qi Ming scowled. He didn't believe he had this obligation, so he said it again, "I've got it. So, what about it?"

"So… " Xu Jiaqi mustered up her courage: "I like you!"

The classroom erupted in cheers, "Hurry up and agree quickly."

"Hold her."

"Kiss her, kiss her!"

"Come on, Big Qi!"

"The class beauty confessed! Hey Qi Ming, what are you waiting for?!"

Qi Ming frowned until the classroom returned to an awkward silence. In fact, many people realized that the ending would not be as they imagined, but others refused to give up and muttered: "This fellow Qi Ming has no idea how fortunate he is. The girl has taken the initiative. What is he so afraid of?!"

"Does Qi Ming have an obligation to accept her?" a girl couldn't take it any longer and said.

"Hey, Qu Yao, are you jealous because Jiaqi looks prettier and has a better figure than you?" The heckling boy was dissatisfied and decided to step forward bravely for the beauty.

"Boring." Qu Yao ignored the farce and turned to a page of her workbook.

"Oh, I see." Qi Ming picked up his schoolbag and pulled out a new test paper from the class monitor at the front desk. Tang Miao's test paper hadn't been done yet; the teacher would check it tomorrow.

"Qi Ming..." Tears welled up in Xu Jiaqi's eyes. "What's your answer?"

Someone hastily yanked on Qi Ming's sleeve, "Jiaqi is crying. Letting a girl cry… are you even a man?"

"Exactly, exactly."

In fact, many people believed Xu Jiaqi's method was correct. Tears were the most effective offensive against Qi Ming. After all, a living example in the form of Tang Miao was right in front of them.

Qi Ming really laughed this time, "What's her crying got to do with me? Did I make her cry? Should I accept her just because she sobs?"

"Why?!" Xu Jiaqi's voice was a little harsh.

Qi Ming recalled how the uncles in the gang refused women and nonchalantly made up an excuse, "I have… someone I like." It was just that the image of a crying Tang Miao flashed through his head.

Shit! What is this?!

14. Next time

"Don't cry!" Qi Ming's head throbbed. Only he and Tang Miao remained in the dormitory after their two roommates had gone to study.

Tang Miao's quilt had gathered into a big mound. In truth, there was no sound of crying in the dormitory, but Qi Ming, who knew Tang Miao well, saw the trembling quilt and knew he had cried, and was furious.

It was pointless to say anything else. With the help of a hand, Qi Ming flipped himself over to Tang Miao's bed. Qi Ming's hand touched the quilt before Tang Miao could react, and as expected, it was damp.

"Don't cry." Qi Ming put his hand over Tang Miao's mouth.

Who would have guessed he didn't cry out loud at all, but his tears became more ferocious, drenching Qi Ming's hand.

Qi Ming pulled Tang Miao out of the quilt, but all his attempts to reason with him failed. His face flushed with rage and he punched the wall, sending plaster flying. Tang Miao instantly grasped his hand and asked, gasping: "Are you... are you stupid? Isn't it painful?"

"Are you stupid, or am I stupid?" Qi Ming sneered: "Speak up! Why are you crying?"

"So many people write you love letters." Tang Miao pressed his lips together, looking at the red mark on Qi Ming's hand and stifling his tears.

"I don't like them," Qi Ming thought of a foolproof reason to avoid calamity. "Besides, I don't know who gave it to me, so I can't reply."

Tang Miao felt the same way.

As soon as he crawled back into the quilt, he was pulled up again. Qi Ming squinted his eyes, saying: "I don't believe that's the sole reason."

Tang Miao wrinkled his nose, determined not to say anything.

"Hey, a girl confessed to me in public today."

"Tang Miao?"

Tang Miao snorted to indicate that he was listening.

"Do you think I should accept her?"

"You don't even know her name! Why do you want to accept her?!" Tang Miao suddenly pounced on him and bit him.

Qi Ming hissed. Tang Miao's teeth weren't particularly sharp, but it still hurt. "Tell me, did you hide and eavesdrop?" He knew things weren't so simple, so he wanted to trick the facts out of him all at once.

"Hey, hey, hey! I'm the one who got bitten, why are you crying?" Qi Ming stared as a certain someone bit his shoulder blade and even stained it with tears and snot.

"I... I didn't eavesdrop!" Tang Miao mumbled inarticulately, "I listened to it openly and honestly."

"Yes, yes, yes." When Qi Ming saw him in tears, he was helpless and completely forgot about how he had just refused Xu Jiaqi. "Tang ShuiShui, are you still angry?"

"Yes." Tang Miao poked the tooth imprints, feeling slightly guilty, but still angry, "Who told you to receive so many love letters."

Qi Ming suddenly pinched his cheeks to quench his rage, and snarled: "How about I write you a love letter the next Valentine's Day?!"

Tang Miao blinked, suddenly feeling that he had not been wronged, and nodded, "OK."

Qi Ming: "..."

15. Sleeping together

"Tang! Shui! Shui!"

"Wh…what are you doing?"

"You're asking me? What are YOU doing?!"

"Sleep...sleeping."

"Your pillow and quilt are damp from tears, and you still want to sleep?! Can't you use that IQ 120 brain of yours?"

"Qi Ming, you're making fun of me."

"Oh, your brain is working now?... Tang ShuiShui, don't cry again or I'll pour a bucket of water down your throat today."

"But I can't sleep without a pillow."

"You don't have a pillow, but don't I?"

"Ah?"

"Ah shit, get out of your bed. "
… …

"Qi...Qi Ming, are you asleep?"

"My name is not Qi Qiming. I'm asleep."

"Oh, Qi Qiming, you should throw away those chocolates tomorrow."

"Tang Shuishui, are you trying to rebel?!"

"Don't you also call me Tang ShuiShui?"

"Any comments?!"

"No...no, Qi Qiming, you can't eat the chocolates."

"Have you ever seen me eat those sweet, cloying things?! Only little girls eat that kind of stuff."

"Oh… "
… …

"Tang ShuiShui, are you asleep? "

"Asleep. "

"Oh, forget it then."

"No… I'm not asleep."

"Cough, that, I... they are for you. Didn't your parents stop giving you pocket money to buy candy?"

Tang Miao was a sweets addict, but unfortunately had bad teeth. Even after getting his permanent teeth, he still got a lot of cavities. All of the dentists in the area knew him. As a result, his parents only gave him enough money to cover his living expenses. Not a single cent extra. Tang Miao was an extremely finicky eater. He would rather go without than eat something that didn't taste good. So he lived a life without candy.

Qi Ming, on the other hand, believed that his tooth decay was only the result of poor brushing. He oversaw Tang Miao's brushing every day after they moved into the dormitory, which made him think Tang Miao, who couldn't eat sweets, was a pitiful little thing.

"I don't want to eat the chocolates others have given you."

"Then I'll throw them away. I also think it's a bit strange."

"Qi Ming, I will eat the ones you buy."

"..." Work stolen from https://chipoholictranslations.blogspot.com

Qi Ming turned to face Tang Miao, who was sleeping next to him. Suddenly, he felt that there was nothing to be ashamed of growing older together. He simply turned and lay on his side, putting them both in a comfortable position.

"Qi Ming..."

"I got it! Shut up and sleep!"

"I'm not a little girl."

"I know." Which little girl is as troublesome as you?
… …

"Little! Ancestor! Don't! Mess! Around! "

It was a pity that Tang Miao had really fallen asleep this time. He seemed to hear someone calling him and turned over, snoring happily in his arms.

Shit! Qi Ming stared blankly at the ceiling. Why was he thinking such rotten thoughts today?

Right. It was all because of those girls who sent love letters and chocolates, so annoying.

16. The best shield

"What's so good about Qi Ming?"

"That's right… Men who lack a gentlemanly demeanor are the most annoying."

"He's a jerk. I definitely wouldn't act like that if I were him."

"Tut! He's the last in the grade. So what if he has a nice appearance."

"Hahaha, are you jealous of him? I think his poor grades are due to his laziness in studying."

"But maybe he's actually quite proud of being chased by Jiaqi. It's really bad to pretend not to accept it."

"Exactly, otherwise how could it have spread so quickly?"

"Yes, I also think it was Qi Ming who spread it. I overheard several people in class 3 say..."

Bang! Tang Miao slammed a pile of workbooks on the podium with a dark face.

The few people in the first row who were gossiping fled like startled birds. Everyone knew Tang Miao was the most protective of Qi Ming, and didn't allow anyone to say a bad word about him. They just couldn't understand how the topper in the class could play with the last student in the class and go everywhere together.
Work stolen from https://chipoholictranslations.blogspot.com
Qi Ming, who was dozing off during self-study, was roused. He saw Tang Miao exit the classroom with a cold face: What's going on?

When Qi Ming finally got the whole story out of Qu Yao who had overheard it. The girl didn't care about the people who'd badmouthed Qi Ming staring at her and quietly changed to another exercise book. Qi Ming was ready to go to find Tang Miao when he saw Tang Miao dragging a boy into the classroom.

"Apologize!"

The boy looked away from from Tang Miao's cold gaze. He shook as he approached Xu Jiaqi and said haltingly, "I'm sorry. That day, I heard it at the door and then told others."

Xu Jiaqi's eyes reddened, feeling even sadder for a second. The guy, it turned out, didn't pay attention to her at all.

"That... I'm sorry," the youngster said again as he approached Qi Ming.

"It's okay." Qi Ming waved his hand, "As a man, you must not wag your tongue in the future."

The boy shivered. Qi Ming's eyes were terrifying.

He fled in a hurry after seeing that Tang Miao did not stop him again.

"Tang Miao, it doesn't matter to me."

To his surprise, Tang Miao didn't even glance at him. He marched up to the students who had spouted malicious things about Qi Ming and said unhesitatingly, "Apologize."

This was an outright slap in the face. Surprisingly, Qu Yao, whom they despised, questioned gently, "You dare to do it but not admit it? You even said he's not a man. I think you were talking about yourself."

"Tang Miao, you!" The boy was overwhelmed by the anger and shame in his heart and suddenly stood up. "Yes, I said it! So what? If nothing else, isn't it true that he's the last in the class?"

"Say that again."

"If you want me to apologize, you must first pass the exam. Qi Ming, you're f*cking trash. Tang Miao, you're just a dog by his side."

Tang Miao lifted his foot and kicked the water bottle on his desk. "Repeat that? Who's trash?!"

The boy became infuriated and rushed up. Qi Ming stepped forward and grabbed his wrist as he was about to land a punch. The boy couldn't struggle free no matter how hard he tried. He was only aware of a burning pain in his wrist.

"If I pass the exam, you will apologize to Tang Miao in front of the entire class!" Qi Ming was furious, but he also knew that if things got out of hand at school, Tang Miao would also be punished.

The boy stared blankly at his wrist, which had developed into a blue bruise, before realizing that he had truly messed with someone he shouldn't have.

However, that guy had already dragged Tang Miao out in rage.

17. Unbearable

"Tang. Shui. Shui. Is there something wrong with your brain?!" Qi Ming was infuriated, "Just let them talk about it. It's not like I'm going to lose anything."

"Tell me! Do you know that Jia San guy? What if he beats you? Do you think you're very capable?!"

"I can't stand it." Tang Miao turned his head away, his mouth trembling.

"Shit! Just tell me if you can't stand it. Couldn't you just sit and solve a test paper? What do you think is unpleasant? Come one, tell me."

"You dare to lay a hand on him? Your courage has grown quite large, hasn't it? If you had come to blows with him, you would've been punished. Tang ShuiShui, speak up!" 

Tang Miao opened his mouth and wailed, as if he had been greatly wronged, "I just couldn't tolerate them saying bad things about you..."

"Damn it, weren't you macho just now? Why are you crying like that?" Qi Ming had a terrible headache.

"Do you dislike me?" Tang Miao sniffed, "You're being very fierce to me."

"How dare I dislike you? Little ancestor, don't cry. It's all my fault." Qi Ming hurriedly pulled him to a sheltered spot to keep him from catching a cold in the wind.

Qi Ming persuaded Tang Miao in every way possible. He offered facts and reasoning about the entire incident in order to make Tang Miao recognize his flaws. Tang Miao stopped crying and admitted his mistakes openly, "I'm sorry, I was rash. If it happens again...I'll take him to a remote location to teach him a lesson." He was not repentant in the least.

Qi Ming: "..."

Sometimes, Qi Ming felt that he and Tang Miao were both insane. He, a mafia crown prince, was actually teaching law and warning him not to be rash or to disregard the repercussions. Tang Miao, a young master from a military and police family, was actually planning to use his fists to solve problems.

He did not, however, deny that he was touched and caught up with Tang Miao, "Tang ShuiShui, thank you."

Tang Miao glanced at him: "Beginning today, I'll tutor you. I'll check all your homework and notes."

Qi Ming: "..."

Why were people who wagged their tongues so annoying?!

18. Transcript

The results of grade one's final tests were released. The results were read aloud by the teacher on the podium. The outcome of first place was unsurprising - "Tang Miao, first in grade."

Qi Ming was overjoyed and intended to ask him about his plans for the holiday. Who knew Tang Miao would stay unmoved and stare at him, saying, "Don't cause trouble. I'm hear to hear your scores."

Qi Ming clenched his teeth. Sure enough, his courage had grown.
… …

"Qu Yao, 5th in class, 20th in grade."

…

"Xu Jiaqi, 7th in class, 30th in grade." After hearing the outcome, Xu Jiaqi surreptitiously gazed at Qi Ming. Qi Ming, however, didn't look up at all and continued to consider ways to clean up the disobedient Tang ShuiShui.

"Qi Ming, 10th in class, 45th in grade." The teacher paused, a smile appearing on their face, "Qi Ming has made significant progress and deserves praise. You must continue to work hard after the classes are reassigned."

Qi Ming was taken aback, but Tang Miao took the lead and applauded.

The two walked home together after collecting their winter holiday schoolwork. Tang Miao leaned close to tease, "Are you feeling shy?"

Qi Ming rubbed his chin and gazed up at the sky: "Shy my ass… It's because of the key points you highlighted for me."

"Then you have a guilty conscience." Tang Miao didn't give a hoot about it. "I just marked it for you. It wouldn't have worked if you hadn't memorized the material or practiced problems. If you want to say thank you, you can call me Teacher Tang."

"Shut up!"

"... "

"Stop, stop, don't cry. I'll treat you to the newly opened candy store to celebrate your first place in the exam."

19. Having a goal

There were many incidents in their first year of senior high school, but their sophomore year was much better. Everyone understood the significance of the college entrance examination, and many erroneous sentiments had been banished from the heart. Everyone focused on listening to and taking notes during the lectures. They took naps after class to recharge - late self-study was the norm, and pupils completed a large number of question papers.

Tang Miao and Qi Ming were still in the same class and sat at the same table. Nothing had changed. Tang Miao was still first in the grade, and he was more than ten points ahead of the second rank holder. Qi Ming's learning was overseen by the first in the grade, and he remained in the top fifty.

Tang Miao became entangled by their classmates because of a math problem in class. Qi Ming was unhappy, but he knew he couldn't kick them away. He simply assisted Tang Miao in picking up a stack of workbooks and handed them to the math teacher.

"Tang… Oh, Qi Ming." The math teacher was also their class teacher, and smiled when she spotted him: "Helping Tang Miao send his homework?"

"Yes, he's explaining the problem to the others in class." Only at this point was Qi Ming willing to say a few more words, simply to make it clear that Tang Miao didn't mean to avoid coming by himself. How could the teacher have predicted that a high school student would think so deeply: "That's good. Classmates should help each other."

Qi Ming was about to leave when the teacher stopped him: "Oh! Qi Ming, you did well on the final exam. If you continue to work hard, getting into C university won't be a problem."

Qi Ming's throat rolled, and his voice grew slightly hoarse, "Then…what about A university?"

The teacher glanced up in surprise. She thought Qi Ming didn't care much about the school. Now she smiled and sais, "Young man, you have a good goal. If you want to get into A university, you must work harder and at least be in the top ten in your grade."

"Mn…thank you, teacher."

20. Red knot

The sophomores had extra classes during winter vacation, but the school was concerned about putting too much pressure on the pupils, so an outing was planned before the extra sessions started.

Qi Ming was dragged away by Tang Miao when they were free: "Tang ShuiShui, where are you going?"

"There's a Taoist temple on the mountain. I've heard it's quite efficacious."

"Aren't you an atheist?" Qi Ming's lips twitched. He didn't believe in such things either.

"Are you going to accompany me or not?"

"Stop, don't cry. I'll accompany you."

Tang Miao was amused: "I wasn't going to cry. I simply didn't smile."

Qi Ming shrugged, thinking it was not his fault. "You look like you're about to cry even when you're smiling, let alone when you're not smiling at all."

"I won't cry." Tang Miao snorted, "If you don't go, I will go by myself."

Qi Ming resignedly followed him, remembering Tang Miao, who used to tug at his clothes and cry as a kid, was still the cutest.

Qi Ming gazed around the crowded temple and realized Tang Miao was correct. There was an abundance of incense offered.

But he was suffering from a headache at the moment.

Inside, he also met Xu Jiaqi. Xu Jiaqi purposefully grasped her new boyfriend's hand in hers and smiled provocatively at him.

Qi Ming found it unfathomable. He simply wanted to know where Tang ShuiShui had gone after praying for peace. He'd vanished in an instant.

Qi Ming, who had been waiting for fifteen minutes, fixed his angry gaze on Tang Miao, who was sweating profusely in the dead of winter, "Where. Did. You. Go?!"

"Let's talk outside."

They turned onto a side path. Qi Ming crossed his arms and stared at him, "Can you tell me now? Where did you run off to?"

Tang Miao reached into his pocket and pulled out a red rope, intending to wrap it around his wrist.

"What are you doing?!" Qi Ming blew up completely. "I'm not a little girl!"

Tang Miao refused to give up. Qi Ming grabbed the red rope after exchanging a few moves, saying, "I'll toss it away for you."

"You dare! " Tang Miao's mouth trembled and his eyes welled up with tears.

Qi Ming: "..." He... really didn't dare.

"Don't cry, don't cry, tell me what you're doing first."

Tang Miao snatched back the red string, tears in his eyes: "Stretch out your hand!"

Qi Ming reasoned that it would be better to coax him first and then pull it off later.

Tang Miao tied the rope around his left wrist and secured the knot seriously, "... I prayed for success in the college entrance exams."

Naturally, Qi Ming didn't see Tang Miao's slightly guilty expression. He merely thought Tang Miao was pious and no longer wished to throw the rope away.

"Eh, where's yours?" Qi Ming followed Tang Miao, patting him on his shoulders, "I'll grab one for you too."

"...How can I ask for such a thing for myself?" Tang Miao whispered.

Qi Ming: "..." Why can't you ask for the title of top scorer for yourself? It would be strange for someone else to ask for it.
… …
Work stolen from https://chipoholictranslations.blogspot.com
"Hey, do you want to get into A university?"

"Yes." Tang Miao, feeling guilty of being sneaky, was still nervous about the red rope and didn't think about Qi Ming's question too deeply.

"Will you help me with my lessons? I don't have high expectations, just being in the top ten in the grade is fine."

"Ah? OK."

Qi Ming looked at the red rope on his left wrist. Actually, it wasn't all that unsightly, was it?

It's good to pass the college entrance exams with flying colors.

He didn't want a certain crybaby to fill in the wrong choice again.

Previous ┃ Next

Chapter 1: Stop crying

1. Don't cry

"Stop crying!" Qi Ming frowned, his handsome face contorted into a brutal and domineering expression due to his thick brows and big eyes.

Tang Miao was so terrified that he hiccupped and cried even louder.

Qi Ming slammed the table with his small palm, "What's there to cry about?!"

"Wah… they snatched my candy." Tang Miao's pouted. His tooth decayed, and his parents restricted his sugar intake. But that stolen candy was something Grandpa had brought back from abroad for him, and there were only a few pieces left!
Work stolen from https://chipoholictranslations.blogspot.com
Qi Ming was irritated. He'd never seen such a cry baby. When he was frustrated, he couldn't keep his cool. But he remembered when scolding his men, his father said that the point of "killing chickens to scare the monkeys" was to teach the monkeys a lesson, not the chickens, and so he decided to find the perpetrators.

Wasn't the culprit the source of his annoyance?

Well then. Who the hell stole Tang Shuishui's candy?

2. Tang ShuiShui

Tang Miao was crying again.

Qi Ming asked with gritted teeth, "What's wrong now?"

"They call me Tang Shuishui..." Tang Miao cried while gasping for air.

Qi Ming fell silent. He called him that too, but was it worth crying over?! What else was he but Shuishui?! [水(shui) means water. Tang Miao is being teased as a cry baby. His name 淼(miao) literally means "flood" and is made of 3 水 characters, so rather apt. lol]

"You're crying just because of this?" Qi Ming wanted to punch him to shut up.

"... They also said I look like a girl..." Tang Miao's tears fell on Qi Ming's homework.

Qi Ming watched helplessly as the words smudged.

He could hear his own fists crack.

Good! Very good! Who exactly said Tang Shuishui looks like a girl?!

3. Candied hawthorn

"Tang Shuishui." Qi Ming immediately regretted calling him that. What would he do if ShuiShui cried in the middle of the street?

Who would have guessed that Tang Miao, who was gnawing on candied haws, would notice Qi Ming staring at him and reluctantly ask, "Do you want some? Here, take it."

Who wants to eat such a thing?! "You can eat it yourself," Qi Ming said, looking at the crooked tooth marks and saliva on the candied haws with disgust.

"Tang Shuishui, why didn't anyone come to pick you up today?" Qi Ming inquired after a while.

"Huh?" Tang Miao blinked his eyes and murmured softly, "I want to go with you."

It's a shame Qi Ming didn't hear him. He furrowed his brow and said fiercely, "You cried so much today, and I even called you Tang Shuishui. Why aren't you crying anymore?"

Tang Miao was startled by his ferocious appearance, and tears began to well up in his eyes.

"Don't cry!"

"Oh." Tang Miao sniffed, wiping away the moisture, and whispered: "You're different."

Qi Ming took a deep breath and patted his cheek to make himself calm down. He then bit into the candied haws ShuiShui had offered him. It had a sour and sweet flavor. He had no idea why any boy would like to eat such a girly thing.

"Why are you running?!" Qi Ming angrily roared, his brow twitching, as a car zoomed past Tang Miao.

Tang Miao stared at his hand, which was being tightly held by Qi Ming, and suddenly grinned. He still looked unhappy because of his droopy eyes.

Qi Ming looked at Tang Miao's little face, which was finally smiling, frowned and snorted. The candied hawthorn was indeed too sweet.

4. To be disappointing

"Why are you crying?" Qi Ming raised his brows and looked at his desk mate who hadn't changed from elementary school to junior high.

The girl in the front row was so terrified that she dashed to the restroom while pulling her friend who was also her deskmate.

"I'm not," Tang Miao retorted quietly.

Qi Ming let out a "hmm?" and the tears Tang Miao was trying to hold back fell again, "I'm not."

Qi Ming clenched his fist and waved it in front of him threateningly.

Tang Miao sniffed, "I got scolded by Teacher Xu."

"That old woman scolded you again? Why?" Qi Ming's eyes widened in anger.

"She... She told me to give up this essay competition."

Yes, Teacher Xu's daughter was also in their grade, in the class next door.

"And what about you?"

Tang Miao closed his eyes. He suddenly didn't dare to look into Qi Ming's eyes.

"Speak!" Qi Ming banged on the table impatiently.

"I… I agreed."

Bang! Everyone turned around to see Qi Ming, who sat in the last row, had kicked over his chair, the corner of which bent unnaturally as it hit the wall.

Qi Ming slammed his fist on the table. Seeing Tang Miao's lips quiver as he burst into tears again, his heart began to churn uncontrollably with rage: "Stupid! Can't you speak up for yourself?!"

As a result, Tang Miao tears fell even more fiercely.

Well! What was the teacher's daughter name again?!

Tang Miao stared with mouth agape at Qi Ming's aggressive back and hurried to catch up. He wanted to assure Qi Ming that he wasn't a disappointment.

Teacher Xu threatened to switch his seat with Qi Ming if he didn't give up the competition, but he didn't want to.

He felt severely wronged.

5. Don't be angry

Qi Ming was influenced by his family. He didn't look down on women, but he would never hit them either. Of course, if they wanted him to be nice, humph, perhaps they should wait until their next life.

The little girl opened her mouth wide, still not understanding why the handsome boy from next door would find herself.

At the time, tall, handsome, cool, able to fight, good at basketball type boys were the most attractive to young girls.

"Understood?" Qi Ming suspected this girl had a problem with her brain. He spoke for a long time, but all she knew was to giggle at him like a fool.

Tch! What are laughing at? Tang Shuishui's crying looks better than your laugh.

The little girl shook her head.

Qi Ming gritted his teeth, "I. Said. If you have the ability, then compete with Tang Shui…cough, with Tang Miao. Don't make people look down on you."

"Ah Ming, don't be angry." Tang Miao found Qi Ming. "I'll went to tell Teacher Xu that I'm not going to give up the competition, and I also told her that I'll continue sitting with you."

Qi Ming turned to face Tang Miao, whose eyes were still red. He twitched the corners of his mouth before taking out the tissue he always kept in his pocket and used to forcefully wipe ShuiShui's nose. "Wipe it off, it's ugly."

Xu Jiaqi recognized the boy standing next to Qi Ming. He was the topper from the next class, had excellent writing skills, seemed to cry a lot, and was even paler than her. She looked down at her arms, sighed, and for the first time began to care about her appearance.

6. Thank you

"Thank you. I'll treat you to dinner." Tang Miao's essay was awarded first place in the city. Although it wasn't the best, it was still quite good. After receiving the prize money, he dragged Qi Ming out to dinner.

Qi Ming was annoyed: "Thank me my ass!"

Tang Miao was accustomed to it, and handed him the menu as if he hadn't heard anything.

"Whatever." Qi Ming pursed his lips. In fact, the two of them were from well-off families and had eaten a variety of foods. It was just that they came out on their own to eat Western food and were a tad nervous.

Tang Miao read it over and over again until Qi Ming's started tapping the table impatiently. He began to cry and hiccup, obviously not wanting to cry, but he couldn't help himself.

Qi Ming hurriedly sat down next to him and covered the little ancestor's mouth, "Don't cry!"

Tang Miao blinked and stuffed the menu into his hands.

Qi Ming resignedly accepted the menu, wondering what evil he had committed in his past life.
Work stolen from https://chipoholictranslations.blogspot.com
Thankfully, this kid did not cry. Did he think he would beat him up if he did? Qi Ming knew he couldn't do something so stupid.

7. Talk dirty

Fighting the young master was not the most terrifying thing for the brothers of Qi Hui Tang, despite the fact that they all agreed it was a disaster. Only God knew how the young master had such great strength.
[I think Qi Hui Tang is Qi Ming's father's gang.]

So, what was the scariest thing, you ask?

They were more willing to spar with the young master than practice with his classmate, whom the young master was teaching martial arts.

It wasn't that Tang Miao was stupid; he had long hands and feet and was very coordinated, but the instructor who was training him already had a cold sweat on his back.

"Let's stop here today." The instructor let go hastily and looked fearfully at Qi Ming, who was watching from the sidelines.

"Thank you, Instructor."

The instructor thought: Tang Miao is much more polite than our young master, but please don't talk to me or smile at me.

Sure enough. A fiery gaze fixed on him the moment Tang Miao smiled politely at him.

"Instructor, are you cold?"

"Ah...Young Master is waiting for you," the instructor said quickly, shaking his head.

"Oh." Tang Miao smiled cheerfully at Qi Ming as he turned his head.The instructor instantly felt better. However, Tang Miao tripped over his right foot and collapsed the next second.

The instructor gasped - it was all over. The brother who waxed the floor today was probably going to suffer.

Qi Ming's eyebrows shot up, and he dashed over to help him, "Are you stupid?! Huh? Are you? Is your brain just for show? Speak up!" Qi Ming scolded as he carried him on his back with care.

"The cerebellum controls balance," Tang Miao said quietly to remind him that he was mistaken.

"Shut up!"

Tang Miao stared at the back of Qi Ming's head and thought: Qi Ming is so fickle. In the end, can I even speak?
… …

Qi Ming smeared medicated wine on Tang Miao's foot. "You were doing just fine! My dad came over and praised you a while ago, but I think it was all in vain!" Qi Ming's concern was brimming with sparks.

"Hsssss," Tang Miao sniffled, tears streaming down his cheeks. "It hurts."

"What 'it hurts'?!" Qi Ming scolded in an annoyed tone, but lowered his hand's strength. "Hold on."

"OK." Tang Miao watched as Qi Ming's eyes were focused on the bruises on his knees and his handsome brows were now furrowed fiercely. Tang Miao suddenly felt like laughing.

So, he laughed.

"... Crying and laughing at the same time, are you a little girl?" teased Qi Ming as he lowered Tang Miao's trouser leg.

"As if!" Tang Miao snorted unhappily, "Haven't you seen it?"

Qi Ming: "..."

Who the hell taught Tang ShuiShui to make dirty jokes?

8. Qi Hui Tang

For a time, the brothers of Qi Hui Tang led a miserable existence.

Could someone explain to them why proper gangsters like them had to obey the law and be polite?

"Come on, quickly clear out the smoke!" The level one alarm had been activated. The young master and his classmate had already rounded the corner and would be there in five minutes.

"Cough, cough..." Everyone in the room stubbed out their cigarettes, opened the window, and cleaned up the ashes quickly. Following their wife's MO, some people even took out a bottle of perfume and began spraying it wildly into the air.

They had just breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that all the evidence had been erased, when they heard a moan from the television behind them. The most senior member was enraged: "Shit! Which of you morons put on this porn? Are you tired of living?! Turn it off quickly for laozi!"

"Are we really gangsters?" a new little brother asked timidly of the big brother who had brought him into the gang.

The big brother couldn't help but look up at the sky and nodded heavily, "Knowing the law is good for your future."

As a result, thunderous applause erupted in the small auditorium where usually gang meetings were held, led by Qi Ming's impatient applause.

Tang Miao blushed and bowed ninety degrees.

Qi Ming was in a rare good mood. Tang Shuishui shouldn't be crying again after simulating the legal system speech on behalf of the city's outstanding graduates so many times, right?

9. To Like

"I don't want to go." Tang Miao's voice was soft but firm.

"Xiao MiaoMiao didn't cry this time," his second cousin, Tang Suhuo, who was standing nearby, muttered.

Tang Suqing, the eldest cousin, gave him a sidelong glance, making Tang Suhuo shut his mouth.

"But taking admission in No. 2 High School with your grades is really a waste," Tang Miao's mother said, helpless in front of her precious son.

Father Tang gave Tang Miao a thoughtful look. "Are you sure?"

Tang Miao nodded.

"Reason." Father Tang, who came from a family of military and police officers, was succinct and thorough.

"I just want to go to No. 2 High School." Tang Miao clenched his fists and fought back tears. "I promise that even if I study at No. 2 High School, I can get into the best university."

"Did I tell you that I want you to go to the best university?" Tang Zhan beckoned to his son. Tang Miao had probably taken the initiative to ask for something for the first time. He squeezed and found his son's arm to be quite strong, finally cracking a smile: "Good, that's more like a man. Fight for what you like."

"I like it." Tang Miao replied solemnly to his father.

Who knew if this "like" referred to the school or something else...

10. Stupid

The results of the senior high school entrance exam were declared. Qi Ming flew into a rage when he saw Tang Miao's admission letter, which was identical to his own: "Tang! Miao!"

Tang Miao examined the admission letter with a smug smile, busy planning where he would go to play with Qi Ming during the holidays.

Qi Ming tossed the admission notice to the ground. The little brother beside him trembled and dashed out the door. It was preferable to quickly inform the boss of the good news. The young master was admitted to No.2 High School which had a 60% rate of students getting into top universities!

"Explain your admission notice to me!"

"No. 2 High School?" Tang Miao mumbled, sucking on a candy. "The school is quite lovely. It has a large bell tower with red brick walls. Didn't we go there together?”

"Is that the point? You're ranked tenth in the city!" Qi Ming's fists were clenched so tightly they cracked. "What are you doing in No. 2 High School?"

Tang Miao actually had large eyes, but they drooped slightly at the corners, making him appear unhappy most of the time. But his unhappiness was not the same as Qi Ming's. He made himself unhappy, but Qi Ming did his best to make others unhappy. Given his frequent bouts of crying, Tang Miao's eyes often appeared teary, but right now, they looked surprisingly bright and sparkling.

"I..." Tang Miao thought of an excuse, "I filled the wrong choice?"

The happy and excited Father Qi ran over to celebrate with his son only to hear screams coming from inside—

"Ah, don't hit me."

"Why are you crying? Did I hit you?!"

"Wu wu wu..."

"Don't cry!"

"You… you hit me."

"Don't cry anymore. Take your hand away and let me see where it hurts!"

"Wu... hiccup..."

"Where does it hurt? Speak up!"

"Wu..." Work stolen from https://chipoholictranslations.blogspot.com

"Don't cry!"

"My foot hurts."

"I'll rub it for you, don't cry anymore… But did I hit your foot?"

"I... hit the corner of the table just now."

"Tang! Shui! Shui! You! Stupid! Dead! Beat!"

"You're the stupid one!"

"You dare talk back?!"

"..."

"Okay, okay, I'm stupid, I'm stupid, little ancestor. You're not allowed to cry anymore."

Father Qi turned and walked away. He couldn't help but sigh as he suddenly felt concerned. Xiao Tang Miao was quite adorable, but what if Qi Ming really found him a male daughter-in-law in the future?

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