Lu Ji didn’t sleep well the previous night, and although Zhou Chenxi didn’t want to wake him, he still woke up.
In the early morning, as usual, Lu Ji went for his exercise routine.
Zhou Chenxi had seen his home gym, a place where diligent and hardworking young people might enjoy, but he was more of a lazy type.
So, he used the excuse of needing to wash his face and brush his teeth to sneak back into Lu Ji’s bedroom.
Lu Ji’s bedroom had a separate bathroom.
Lu Ji was a neat freak, and his entire house was spotless, not to mention the bathroom.
The bathroom was well-equipped with all the facilities, and the floor was spotless.
Zhou Chenxi could tell that the bathroom connected to the bedroom was the one Lu Ji usually used. His toothbrush, cup, and shaver were neatly arranged on the vanity, and two towels were hung in an orderly fashion on the towel rack.
Because the towel rack had a towel dryer, it emitted a gentle humming sound. Zhou Chenxi noticed that one of the towels was brand new and still had its price tag attached.
Lu Ji had just said that he had prepared toiletries for Zhou Chenxi, so these must be the items he was talking about.
Zhou Chenxi happily squeezed toothpaste onto the toothbrush, turned on the electric switch, and started brushing his teeth. It buzzed as he brushed.
After brushing his teeth, Zhou Chenxi began washing his face.
AdvertisementAs a meticulous and pretty boy, he had to wash his face thoroughly. The vanity was stocked with various men’s skincare products bearing the Lu family logo. Zhou Chenxi picked up a facial cleanser, lathered up his face into a snowy white foam, rinsed it off, and then faced a dilemma when it came to the two razors on the vanity.
Lu Ji’s razors included both electric and manual ones, and Zhou Chenxi only knew how to use the electric one. His facial hair wasn’t particularly heavy, so a quick pass with the electric razor usually sufficed. However, he didn’t know how to use the manual one.
Zhou Chenxi walked out of the bedroom.
“Lu Ji! Lu Ji!” Zhou Chenxi called as he walked.
Lu Ji had just finished a set of stretching exercises and was preparing to take a break. He heard Zhou Chenxi’s voice and came out of the gym with a towel around his neck, asking, “What’s the matter?”
Zhou Chenxi looked at his slender tank top, his well-defined arms partially exposed, and the glistening sweat running down his arms.
Lu Ji didn’t sleep well the previous night, and although Zhou Chenxi didn’t want to wake him, he still woke up.
In the early morning, as usual, Lu Ji went for his exercise routine.
AdvertisementZhou Chenxi had seen his home gym, a place where diligent and hardworking young people might enjoy, but he was more of a lazy type.
So, he used the excuse of needing to wash his face and brush his teeth to sneak back into Lu Ji’s bedroom.
Lu Ji’s bedroom had a separate bathroom.
Lu Ji was a neat freak, and his entire house was spotless, not to mention the bathroom.
The bathroom was well-equipped with all the facilities, and the floor was spotless.
Zhou Chenxi could tell that the bathroom connected to the bedroom was the one Lu Ji usually used. His toothbrush, cup, and shaver were neatly arranged on the vanity, and two towels were hung in an orderly fashion on the towel rack.
Because the towel rack had a towel dryer, it emitted a gentle humming sound. Zhou Chenxi noticed that one of the towels was brand new and still had its price tag attached.
Lu Ji had just said that he had prepared toiletries for Zhou Chenxi, so these must be the items he was talking about.
Zhou Chenxi happily squeezed toothpaste onto the toothbrush, turned on the electric switch, and started brushing his teeth. It buzzed as he brushed.
After brushing his teeth, Zhou Chenxi began washing his face.
AdvertisementAs a meticulous and pretty boy, he had to wash his face thoroughly. The vanity was stocked with various men’s skincare products bearing the Lu family logo. Zhou Chenxi picked up a facial cleanser, lathered up his face into a snowy white foam, rinsed it off, and then faced a dilemma when it came to the two razors on the vanity.
Lu Ji’s razors included both electric and manual ones, and Zhou Chenxi only knew how to use the electric one. His facial hair wasn’t particularly heavy, so a quick pass with the electric razor usually sufficed. However, he didn’t know how to use the manual one.
Zhou Chenxi walked out of the bedroom.
“Lu Ji! Lu Ji!” Zhou Chenxi called as he walked.
Lu Ji had just finished a set of stretching exercises and was preparing to take a break. He heard Zhou Chenxi’s voice and came out of the gym with a towel around his neck, asking, “What’s the matter?”
Zhou Chenxi looked at his slender tank top, his well-defined arms partially exposed, and the glistening sweat running down his arms.
He felt a bit embarrassed and his gaze wandered around. “I don’t know how to use a manual razor.”
Lu Ji didn’t quite understand but said in resignation, “Don’t act cute.”
“I’m serious!” Zhou Chenxi quickly defended himself. “I really don’t know how to use a manual one. I’m afraid of cutting myself, and then I’ll ruin my appearance!”
Zhou Chenxi had cut himself once on the face before and was too scared to use a manual razor again.
Finally, Lu Ji understood and said, “Wait a moment.”
He removed the towel and wiped the sweat off. He put on a sporty jacket and walked over, asking, “Do you want me to help you?”
Zhou Chenxi asked, “Could you teach me instead?”
Lu Ji playfully asked, “Are you sure you don’t want me to do it for you?”
Zhou Chenxi hesitated and thought that could be an option.
AdvertisementHis eyes brightened, and he followed Lu Ji back to the bathroom. Lu Ji helped him change the razor blade and gestured for him to come closer.
Zhou Chenxi went over and stood beside him.
Lu Ji reached out and wrapped his waist, lifting him up onto the sink.
Zhou Chenxi exclaimed in surprise as he realized that he was now seated on the edge of the sink.
Their positions were just right.
Lu Ji carefully examined his face.
Zhou Chenxi indeed didn’t have much facial hair, but there was still some stubble on his lips and chin.
Lu Ji gently stroked his chin, like teasing a cat.
Zhou Chenxi squinted his eyes slightly, feeling his hand trace a circle near his lips, as if checking where he needed a closer shave. The warmth of his fingertips brushed against the corners of his mouth, and Zhou Chenxi instinctively stuck out his tongue, following the path his finger had traced and licking it, saying, “If I don’t shave today, I’ll turn into Uncle Zhou.”
Lu Ji chuckled and squeezed out some shaving foam. He carefully spread it around Zhou Chenxi’s face, saying, “Right now, you’re Uncle Zhou.”
Zhou Chenxi, with a circle of “white beard,” shook his head and said, “No, I’m Grandpa Zhou now. Can you tell me, if I get old, will you grow old with me?”
Lu Ji, seriously preparing the razor, replied, “Of course.”
Zhou Chenxi joyfully exclaimed, “Then you’re Grandpa Lu!”
Lu Grandpa’s gaze flickered, and he reached out to touch Zhou Chenxi’s chin, saying, “Don’t move.”
Zhou Chenxi quickly complied, not daring to make any move.
Lu Ji leaned in closer, and the small manual razor began gliding over Zhou Chenxi’s face.
The sound of Lu Ji’s breathing reached Zhou Chenxi’s ears, and he suddenly felt a slight warmth all over his body.
Lu Ji, who often used a manual razor, was known to be sexier, and Zhou Chenxi really wanted to see how Lu Ji shaved.
As he thought about it, his thoughts began to wander, and his gaze shifted from the warm light above his head to the bathroom wall. Eventually, it settled on Lu Ji’s soft lips.
Lu Ji’s lips were warm and soft, and Zhou Chenxi had tasted them once, so he knew how delightful they were.
Zhou Chenxi’s throat moved involuntarily.
“Stay still,” Lu Ji reminded him. “Don’t risk cutting your face.”
Zhou Chenxi had to forcefully control his wandering thoughts.
An actor’s face indeed needed careful protection. Lu Ji meticulously finished shaving Zhou Chenxi’s cheeks and the area around his lips, using his fingers to gently lift Zhou Chenxi’s chin.
Zhou Chenxi cooperated, raising his face as his neck curved into a graceful arch.
The razor gently passed over the tip of his chin, then circled around the area between his chin and his Adam’s apple.
That was the most vulnerable part of the human body. Zhou Chenxi’s entire sensory system became sensitive, and Lu Ji slowed down. The sharp blade glided over the area between his chin and his Adam’s apple.
Zhou Chenxi couldn’t resist swallowing hard and finally asked, “Is it done?”
Lu Ji’s gaze slid over his exposed fair neck that extended towards himself. He withdrew his hand, concealing the hidden emotion in his eyes, and took a nearby towel to gently wipe Zhou Chenxi’s face. “Done.”
Unfortunately, the slight hoarseness in his voice couldn’t be hidden.
Zhou Chenxi pulled down the towel, extended his legs, and brought Lu Ji in front of him.
“Don’t joke around,” Lu Ji tried to sound serious. “I’m all sweaty.”
Zhou Chenxi said, “I don’t mind.”
Lu Ji couldn’t hold back any longer and lowered his head to kiss him.
Zhou Chenxi responded passionately. The facial hair on his face had been completely shaved, leaving it smooth and exuding a faint, refreshing scent of aftershave, merging with the light sweat scent from Lu Ji’s body.
Zhou Chenxi said that he didn’t mind, and he genuinely didn’t. He placed his hands on Lu Ji’s shoulders and passionately kissed him.
After a while, Lu Ji couldn’t resist any longer and pulled away, saying, “I’ll go take a shower.”
Indeed, the morning was the easiest time to get irritated. Zhou Chenxi, being so close to Lu Ji, could feel the changes in his body.
Zhou Chenxi tugged at his shirt and said, “You helped me, so let me help you too.”
Lu Ji’s morning workout routine was completely disrupted. When he came out of the bathroom, more than half an hour had already passed, and he had also taken a shower, so there was no time for exercise. He had to go to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.
Zhou Chenxi had no self-awareness about disturbing Lu Ji’s normal schedule. He came out of the bedroom and followed behind Lu Ji, deliberately showing his growling, hungry stomach.
Lu Ji, having to deal with the persistent and clingy Zhou Chenxi, said, “Go sit down; it’ll be ready in no time.”
Zhou Chenxi added, “The scrambled eggs need some tomato ketchup.”
Lu Ji carefully attended to Zhou Chenxi’s request, thankfully having learned how to make scrambled eggs from his aunt. After a while, he brought out the scrambled eggs, two cups of hot milk, and a plate of delicious buttered toast.
Zhou Chenxi ate to his heart’s content. He was thinking about whether to stay a little longer at Lu Ji’s place today when suddenly Lu Ji’s phone rang.
Lu Ji answered, and in no time, his expression became serious.
Zhou Chenxi initially thought it was a work call, and he was disappointed that they couldn’t spend more time together. But he heard Lu Ji saying, “Alright, I’ll go over there in a bit.”
Lu Ji hung up the phone and looked at Zhou Chenxi.
Zhou Chenxi asked, “What’s wrong?”
He suddenly had an uneasy premonition.
Lu Ji said, “Luo Xinghe suddenly fell into a coma last night, and he’s in critical condition. He’s been taken to the hospital.”
Zhou Chenxi was extremely surprised. After finishing breakfast, he and Lu Ji hurried to the hospital.
In the hospital, Lu Ji’s lawyer was waiting for him.
Seeing Lu Ji approach, the lawyer initiated the conversation, saying, “I asked the people at the detention center. They mentioned that he wasn’t in a good mental state yesterday, continuously talking nonsense, saying something like ‘I can finally go back.’ The detention center staff wanted to notify his family, but considering that Luo Xinghe was also in prison, they called me this morning. Unfortunately, when I arrived, he had already passed out.”
Lu Ji asked, “What did the doctor say?”
“The doctor mentioned that he’s in a coma, and they don’t know the cause. There are no apparent external injuries, and a preliminary examination didn’t indicate poisoning. The detention center staff said that he had normal meals yesterday. However, his mental condition was different than before.”
The lawyer continued, “Given Luo Xinghe’s previous behavior after being released on bail, the detention center staff recommended that we promptly assess his mental condition. If there’s an issue… it might be best to transfer him to a mental hospital.”
Lu Ji remained silent, looking into the hospital room.
After a while, he said, “Have all the routine examinations been completed?”
“There are still a few test reports pending.”
“Then, let him stay here for a few more days, have someone keep an eye on him to prevent him from running away.”
The lawyer responded, “Understood, Mr. Lu.”
Lu Ji and Zhou Chenxi walked aside.
Zhou Chenxi asked, “When Luo Xinghe said, ‘I can finally go back,’ does that mean he, like me, initially believed that the celestial event from yesterday could send him back to his original world?”
Lu Ji expressed uncertainty.
Zhou Chenxi continued, “Do you think he has gone back?”
Lu Ji asked, “What does ‘going back’ mean?”
Zhou Chenxi pondered for a moment and said, “Based on what I’ve seen in those stories, when someone travels to another world, the original world’s existence should be ‘dead.’ If it’s not dead, it means that their consciousness is still there. If the story foreshadowed this possibility, then the person who traveled will surely return to the original world later.”
Lu Ji said, “You lean toward him not having left?”
Zhou Chenxi nodded and said, “There should be some logic and principles to this. This is the world within the book. If we follow the logic of the book, he probably hasn’t left.”
Lu Ji responded, “Since you believe he hasn’t left, we’ll just treat it as if he hasn’t. We’ll continue having someone watch over him.”
Zhou Chenxi remarked, “He’s in the hospital, and someone needs to cover his medical expenses. It’s truly an undeserved calamity.”
Lu Ji said, “It’s alright. As long as he doesn’t suddenly come out and cause problems for you, what’s a little medical expense?”
Zhou Chenxi wondered about the other Lu Ji from the original world. Is he still alive?
The thought tangled him up. He discreetly reached out, took Lu Ji’s hand.
He didn’t want Lu Ji to die, but he also didn’t want him to leave.
Lu Ji sensed his thoughts and enveloped his hand with his strong and reassuring grip.
“Don’t be afraid,” Lu Ji said in a low voice. “Trust me.”
Zhou Chenxi nodded.
Perhaps all the accumulated misfortunes before had been exchanged for the fortunate encounter with Lu Ji?
Thinking this, Zhou Chenxi found himself filled with newfound courage.
The author had a message to convey: Thanks to “Olga” for the rocket! Thanks to “Tian Liao” for the landmine! Thanks to “You Lookin’ At Me Floating” and “Bitter Biscuits Sweet” for the nutrient boost!
1TL: YSIAD “You can support me if you like my translations by leaving a comment below, or by sending me a Ko-fi. Thank you ️”
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