Chapter 48: A Little Awkward
Yang Jiabo sobbed quietly as Wei Jing comforted him in a gentle voice. "It's okay, it's okay. Everything will get better."
"But the past hurts can't be erased. Every time I think about them, it feels like my heart is being torn apart. I get so angry I want to smash things, there's this suffocating rage inside me that I can't release or suppress. If it weren't for Dad, I might have really... you know. I know it's wrong to think like this. I should stay calm, face problems head-on, not run away. But I can't. I hate myself, I feel worthless, like a useless piece of trash. What's the point of living?" Yang Jiabo's voice grew more agitated as he spoke.
"Jiajia, listen to me. Calm down." Wei Jing held him tightly, whispering in his ear, "Jiajia, you're amazing. You're smart, capable, hardworking, a good son who cares for your dad. You're good-looking, likable, and you cook like a professional chef. And you're brave. Remember? You saved me from those traffickers. You got us both away from those criminals. Without you, who knows where I'd be now? You care about family, about friends. You act tough, but you're soft-hearted, always thinking of others, rarely yourself. Jiajia, sometimes it's okay to be a little selfish."
"Wuwu I'm not... not as good as you say." Yang Jiabo sniffled.
"You are. You have to see your own strengths, not just your flaws. You're outstanding, better than most people. And you'll only get better, so much so that others will have to look up to you."
Wei Jing’s warm smile slowly soothed Yang Jiabo’s turbulent emotions. Curled up like a child, he clung to Wei Jing, his sobs gradually quieting until he fell asleep. Wei Jing looked down at him, brushing away the teardrops clinging to his lashes.
The two slept nestled together. The next morning, when Yang Jiabo woke up, the memory of crying pitifully in Wei Jing’s arms last night hit him with a wave of embarrassment.
Oh god, oh god, how am I supposed to face him? Why couldn’t I hold it in?
"Morning. What’s with the daze?" Wei Jing opened his eyes to find Yang Jiabo sitting there, eyes still red, staring blankly - like a silly little rabbit. He couldn’t resist tugging at the messy strands of hair sticking up on Yang Jiabo’s head.
"Ah, m-morning. You, uh, sleep a bit more. I’ll go make breakfast." Yang Jiabo stammered, kicking off the blanket and darting out like a startled rabbit.
Wei Jing chuckled, knowing he was just shy. He’d probably retreat into himself for a bit before returning to his usual self. Frowning slightly, Wei Jing wondered how to coax this little rabbit out of its burrow, to face him openly, without layers of pretense. He wanted Jiajia to feel free to laugh or cry in front of him.
In the bathroom, Yang Jiabo stared at his reflection - messy hair, slightly swollen red eyes, a pink nose. He looked pitiful. Crying so hard last night had been humiliating, but this morning, he actually felt lighter. And Wei Jing’s embrace had been so warm… he couldn’t help craving it.
He splashed cold water on his face, shaking off the thoughts. After a quick wash, he changed into loose casual clothes. By the time he returned to the bedroom, Wei Jing had already left to freshen up.
For breakfast, Yang Jiabo skipped instant noodles and took the time to make two bowls of hand-pulled noodles. He loved wheat-based dishes, and his noodles were fragrant and chewy, far better than store-bought ones.
"If I get used to this, I’ll really suffer when I go abroad," Wei Jing remarked between bites.
"When are you leaving?" Yang Jiabo asked.
"In two days." Wei Jing didn’t have much time left. "What, trying to kick me out?"
"No! I just thought… if you have time, I could teach you a few home-style dishes. Then you can cook for yourself later."
"Sounds good. Let’s go grocery shopping after breakfast, then you can teach me." Wei Jing liked the idea.
"Deal. But fair warning, I’m a strict teacher."
"Don’t worry, I’ll be a good student."
After breakfast, Yang Jiabo went to water and weed the fledgling fleeceflower plants behind the bamboo house, then checked on the thriving orchids and cordyceps. Wei Jing eyed the rows of orchids. "Jiajia, you’ve got a real talent for these. These are high-quality specimens. When are you planning to sell? I hear orchid prices are skyrocketing, and they’ll keep rising. The two mutated lianban orchids you sold, their value has tripled. Maybe you should hold onto these a bit longer."
"Brother, if it’s not too much trouble… could you help me sell some? I’m worried the farm’s funds might run short," Yang Jiabo said sheepishly.
"I’ve got some savings, you can use them if needed. As for the flowers, I’ll help arrange sales. Once my dad’s back from his business trip, you can send the orchids to him."
"I still have some money, but… won’t this be too much to ask of Uncle?" Yang Jiabo hesitated. A high-ranking military hospital director helping him sell flowers, wasn’t that overkill?
"It’s fine. He’ll just pass them to my grandpa. And if you pick out a nice orchid for Grandpa, he’ll happily handle the rest." The old man was still mad at Wei Jing, so he planned to rope his dad into this.
"Alright. Same as before, half the profits go to you."
"The farm needs the money. This time, just gift Grandpa the flowers, no splitting. Next time, when you’re better off, we’ll share." Wei Jing didn’t actually want the money, but Yang Jiabo would never agree otherwise.
"That’s not right. Don’t you have expenses abroad too?" Yang Jiabo felt guilty.
"You’ve given me plenty before. It’s settled, I’m your brother, so you have to listen to me." Wei Jing insisted firmly.
"Brother… thank you." Yang Jiabo’s gratitude was sincere. Without Wei Jing, even if he grew priceless flowers, he’d have no way to sell them.
"You’re calling me ‘brother’ now, no need for thanks." Wei Jing ruffled his hair affectionately.
"Tch, getting cocky just because I called you that? Don’t mess up my hair!" Yang Jiabo dodged, swatting his hand away.
"Your hair’s so soft. They say soft hair means a tender-hearted personality."
"Who fed you that nonsense? Total misinformation." Yang Jiabo refused to admit he was soft.
"It’s a general observation, not absolute." Wei Jing didn’t argue further, humoring him.
Yang Jiabo wheeled out his bicycle for grocery shopping. Wei Jing eyed his slender frame and took control. "I’ll ride. You sit behind." Yang Jiabo didn’t protest, watching Wei Jing’s long legs pedal effortlessly.
"Jiajia, where are we shopping?" Wei Jing asked.
"West City Market, it’s close, has a good selection, and prices are fair."
"Isn’t that near my dad’s hospital?" Wei Jing tensed slightly, wary of bumping into his mom.
"Yeah. Why? Homesick?" Yang Jiabo teased.
"Pfft, I’m too old for that." Wei Jing forced a laugh.
"Age has nothing to do with missing home." Yang Jiabo rolled his eyes.
"Speaking of groceries… whatever happened to Bai Cheng, that kid you used to sell veggies with?" Wei Jing swiftly changed the subject.
"He wasn’t great at school. After middle school, he became a vendor. Selling vegetables in the mornings, doing construction work in the afternoons. His grandma’s still hanging on, but medical bills are steep. He’s got a younger brother who does well in school. Between the old lady’s treatments and the kid’s tuition, it’s rough." Every family had its struggles. Bai Cheng’s family doted on the younger son, treating him like garbage.
But despite his simple-minded appearance, Bai Cheng knew he could only rely on himself. His hard work was likely saving up for a house and marriage.
Annoying, he’s already planning for a wife at his age?
"He’s diligent. If he keeps at it, he’ll build a decent life." Maybe not riches, but stability.
"Yeah. Rumor is his business is doing well. Never thought I’d mentor a professional veggie seller." Yang Jiabo grinned. "Oh, we might run into him today."
Chatting and laughing, they reached the market quickly. Yang Jiabo spotted crayfish and bought two pounds, then picked up seasonings, side dishes, a chicken, and some veggies and fruit.
Soon, the bike was laden with bags. Just as they were leaving, they ran into Bai Cheng. His stall was packed with seasonal produce. Thrilled to see Yang Jiabo, he shoved a bag of mountain cucumbers at him. Chilled cucumbers paired well with spicy crayfish. Laden like refugees, Wei Jing and Yang Jiabo headed home.
That day, Wei Jing spent most of his time learning to cook under Yang Jiabo’s guidance. By dinner, Yang Jianjun and Yang Qing were greeted with a table full of dishes. Some fragrant and delicious, others oddly flavored or slightly burnt.
The failures ended up as dinner for Dahei and Xiaohei, much to Yang Qing’s dismay. Wei Jing was sheepish, who knew cooking required so much precision? Heat control, timing, seasoning… He could manage "edible," but "tasty" was a stretch.
Three days passed in a blink. Wei Jing left. After days of constant companionship, his absence felt stark. But the farm kept Yang Jiabo busy. He contacted Wei Changdong and sent over most of the mutated orchids for sale.
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