Wilderness Vegetation Chapter 43

Chapter 43

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Xu Yan put the camera back in the office, his phone glued to his ear, continually responding to the drunken ramblings on the other end.

"I made the hot search again, did you know? They said I was smoking... What's wrong with smoking?! I was on my own fucking balcony!"

"Mhmm, I saw it, they took pretty good photos of you."

"Of course... What have you been up to lately? I miss you, Hubby."

"Get a grip," Xu Yan said with a laugh, taking a sip of water. "If Mr. Lin finds out you keep calling me that, he'll have me killed sooner or later."

"Who knows how many lovers he has outside," Yu Xue's voice was soft, but her words were sharp. "What's wrong with me calling you hubby a few times?"

Xu Yan couldn't do anything about her and could only laugh helplessly. There were always many unexpected things in the world, just like he hadn't expected the glamorous flower shop owner next door to become today's hottest star.

Yu Xue graduated from the Film Academy. It was said she once dreamt of breaking into the entertainment industry and even acted in a few web dramas that flopped. At a party, she overturned a table because she refused the greasy advances of an investor, which led to the abrupt end of her career. Giving up on acting, she opened a flower shop. Over two years ago, Lin Yan, the president of Modeng Entertainment, walked into that flower shop and fell in love at first sight with Yu Xue, who was lying barefoot on a chair, her chest half-exposed, blowing bubble gum.

Mr. Lin was a straightforward man. During his pursuit of Yu Xue, he secured her a supporting role in a period drama and sent the script directly to her home. Yu Xue wasn't naive, who would refuse a well-connected, wealthy suitor? From supporting roles to lead roles, from period dramas to urban dramas, Yu Xue carved out a niche for herself in the industry with Lin Yan's backing and her unique charm, becoming a hot star.

"Your life is like a feel-good novel," Xu Yan commented when he saw Yu Xue surrounded by cameras at a Paris fashion show.

"I only read scripts, not novels, what's a feel-good novel?" Yu Xue asked. "A very satisfying story? Isn't that porn? Oh, Lin Yan is pretty good in bed, I do enjoy it."

Xu Yan's expression was complicated. "Don't say things like that outside."

"Of course, I'm not stupid, otherwise how would I have made it this far?" Yu Xue playfully stroked his chin and smiled seductively.

"So, why did you call me?" Xu Yan asked.

"I told you, I miss you." Yu Xue took another swig of her drink. "Are you coming to that charity gala next week?"

"Yes, I'll be there to take backstage photos of the artists." Xu Yan picked up his car keys and left the office. "I'm off work now, about to drive. If there's nothing else, I'll hang up. Don't drink too much, alright?"

"Okay, bye Hubby." Yu Xue made kissing sounds over the phone before hanging up with a click.

Xu Yan opened WeChat, found Yu Xue's assistant, and sent a message asking her to keep an eye on Yu Xue to avoid another hot search scandal tomorrow.

The assistant replied with several crying emojis: I'll do my best!

Xu Yan liked to park his car at the company entrance for convenience. Today was Ji Huai's birthday, and since everyone was back in the same city, they planned to have dinner at Ji Huai's place – Lu Sen would be there too.

In fact, it was Xu Yan's idea. He thought that since Ji Huai and Lu Sen had met a few times and were around the same age, they might get along. As for what else he had in mind... Xu Yan couldn't say. When he asked Ji Huai if he wanted to invite Lu Sen, Ji Huai replied: I'll contact him.

Mhmm, indeed, it made sense for Ji Huai to invite someone to his own birthday. Xu Yan thought Ji Huai was very considerate.

Xu Yan asked: Do you have his WeChat? Should I send it to you?

Ji Huai: I have it.

Mhmm, that's good, it must have been from when they exchanged contacts in Paris. Xu Yan thought.

Descending the steps while looking at his phone, Xu Yan pulled out his keys to unlock his car when he heard someone call his name, "Xu Yan."

It had been a long time since he had heard his name called in that voice. Xu Yan looked up and saw Shen Zhi standing by the car a few steps away. "Something wrong?"

It was summer, the sun set late, and the sky was still bright. The hot wind blew in waves. Shen Zhi stood in the wind, wearing such elegant pants and a shirt, but Xu Yan thought he looked utterly dejected, his face devoid of colour.

"The person who just called you..." Shen Zhi's Adam's apple bobbed as he paused before continuing, "who was it?"

He knew he was in no position to ask this question. No one knew it better than he did. But he was desperate to know, unable to wait even a second, only Xu Yan could give him the answer.

Xu Yan, realising Shen Zhi's intent, laughed rather mockingly. "We haven't seen each other for years, and you start by asking about my private matters?" He pressed the button to unlock his car and walked forward. "I have no obligation to report my personal affairs to an outsider."

"Xu Yan." Shen Zhi reached out to block him, wanting to say many things but not knowing where to start. Xu Yan's use of the word 'outsider' was enough to break his defences. Looking at Xu Yan, his voice trembled slightly, "Are you... in a relationship?"

Since the question was so blunt – Xu Yan looked him in the eye with a half-smile. "What, am I not worthy of a normal, healthy relationship?"

He emphasised the words 'normal, healthy', as if deliberately reminding Shen Zhi how twisted and unbearable their past had been. Xu Yan didn't want to dig up old wounds, it was pointless. He had spent so much time moving forward, so far ahead, with no reason to look back, nor could he.

Looking back would only bring exhaustion.

Shen Zhi's eyes reddened instantly as he stared at Xu Yan. For three years, he had dared not disturb him, dared not get close, filling his time with work, running like a machine to avoid any downtime that might foster emotions. When he learned of Xu Yan's return date, he felt his heart beat again, but he hadn't expected such a blunt blow – He hadn't had time to say anything, to do anything.

Xu Yan's words left no room for hope.

The wind passed between them as they stood face to face, seemingly close but still separated by an ocean of distance from the past three years. Xu Yan looked away, walked around Shen Zhi to his car, and got in.

As the car passed by Shen Zhi, Xu Yan glanced at him.

So pathetic.

But seeing his expression brought Xu Yan no satisfaction.

Hurting Shen Zhi also meant hurting himself. That relationship had always been a double-edged sword. The closer they got, the deeper the wounds when the truth was revealed, and Xu Yan had been the one who bled more.

But it was all in the past.

When Xu Yan arrived at Ji Huai's house, Xu Nian and Lu Sen were already there. Ji Huai was washing vegetables, and Xu Yan tied on an apron – he was the only one who could cook decently.

"A few more friends will arrive later," Ji Huai said.

"Do I know them?"

"Probably not."

Xu Yan nodded.

He prepared two dishes and a soup, everything else would be takeout. As Xu Yan stared into the pot, lost in thought, Lu Sen came into the kitchen and squeezed his shoulder from behind. "How have you been?"

Xu Yan snapped out of his daze. "Not bad."

It was really not bad. Those years of shooting on location, climbing rocks, hiking through forests, enduring wind, rain, and snow, compared to that, the fast pace of indoor work now felt easier.

"Seeing you so absent-minded, I thought you'd gone silly from exhaustion." Lu Sen looked at Ji Huai, who was chopping vegetables, and asked, "Do you have a charger? I forgot mine."

"In the room," Ji Huai said, drying his hands. "I'll get it."

Xu Yan picked up a piece of meat with his chopsticks and turned to Lu Sen. "Taste this, is it too salty..."

He stopped mid-sentence – Lu Sen was already gone, probably having followed Ji Huai to the room for the charger. Xu Nian was still on the balcony, busy with work calls. Xu Yan was silent for a few seconds before eating the piece of meat himself.

"Do you enjoy playing with this?" Lu Sen leaned against the table, looking at the Harry Potter LEGO set. It seemed to have been opened recently, with only Hedwig assembled, and the rest untouched.

"I play when I have free time." Ji Huai fetched the charger from the bedside and handed it to Lu Sen.

Lu Sen took it, but instead of leaving the room immediately, they stood facing each other. Lu Sen asked casually, "Is there something you want to say?"

"Thank you for the other day," Ji Huai said.

"Which day? The day I saw you drunk at the bar?" Lu Sen chuckled. "I just took you home. No need to be so formal about it."

Ji Huai nodded and reached for the door, but Lu Sen spoke again, "Do you know what you said when you were drunk?"

With his hand on the doorknob, Ji Huai turned his head and calmly asked, "What did I say?"

"I thought you remembered." Lu Sen wound the charging cable around his fingers. "But you forgot, huh."

Ji Huai remained silent, lowering his hand and turning to face him.

"It's normal to forget, you drank too much." Lu Sen tilted his chin up as if recalling something. "I kindly helped you into the room, and then you kissed me."

He looked at Ji Huai again and to the right corner of his mouth, a smile in his eyes. "You kissed me here and called a name."

"You called me..."

Before Lu Sen could finish, the door was knocked on. Xu Nian's voice came from outside, shouting, "What are you two doing in there? Ji Huai, your friends have arrived. Hurry up and come out."

"Perfect timing." Lu Sen released his grip, the charging cable unravelling from his fingers. He opened the door and glanced back at Ji Huai. "Let's talk about this another time."

The friends arrived one after another, three men and two women. Shortly after, the takeout was delivered. Xu Yan served the dishes while Xu Nian sat at the table, rubbing his hands together. Seizing the moment when only Lu Sen and Ji Huai were around, he flattered, "Ge, you're so domestic. I wonder who'll be lucky enough to marry you."

Xu Yan's face darkened as he pretended to smash the bowl on Xu Nian's head. Xu Nian screamed, hugging his head, "Ge, Ge! Don't do it, don't do it!"

During dinner, conversations were sporadic. The woman sitting opposite Xu Yan was Lan Qiuchen, in her thirties, a friend of Ji Huai's. Despite looking very young, she was a psychologist at a top-tier hospital and also had her own private practice.

"Do people who come to see you for therapy look different?" someone asked out of curiosity.

"No," Lan Qiuchen replied. "They look just like anyone else."

"People see doctors when they have a physical illness, some have mental health issues and come to see a psychologist."

Xu Yan slowly turned to look at Ji Huai. Ji Huai casually remarked, "I'm not her patient, we used to live in the same apartment building in London."

Lan Qiuchen laughed. "Don't worry, I've tested Ji Huai, he's very mentally healthy."

After dinner, Xu Yan asked Lan Qiuchen for a business card. Yu Xue frequently called him drunk and crying. Xu Yan couldn't tell if she was just being melodramatic or if there was a real problem, so he thought it wise to keep an eye on her.

———

The author has something to say:

Shen Zhi: Darling, why don't you keep an eye on me?

Xu Yan: ? Do you need something?

‿︵‿︵ʚ˚̣̣̣͙ɞ・❉・ ʚ˚̣̣̣͙ɞ‿︵‿︵

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Translator Notes

Please feel free to comment any mistakes I made so I can improve and do better as I go through the book.

Translated: July 29, 2024 by Angel

Edited: September 28, 2024 by Angel