ACBAM 53: Hangover Soup

Su Shijin realized he was gradually losing track of Jian Lexin’s train of thought.

If Jian Lexin’s earlier guesses were at least based on the information he had revealed, then his last remark was nothing more than a wild shot in the dark.

Su Shijin let out a helpless little laugh. “Don’t overthink it. It was only after we got our marriage certificate that I realized Mr. Gu might actually have feelings for me.”

Jian Lexin said, “Given your personality, if you knew the other person liked you but you didn’t like him back, even if it was just a marriage of convenience, wouldn’t you have brought up separating right away?”

Since talking about this on the street might draw attention, Jian Lexin led Su Shijin into a café.

Because the prices there were on the expensive side, and most of the people hanging around the area were students with limited pocket money, they generally wouldn’t come in. As a result, the café wasn’t very crowded.

Jian Lexin went in and ordered two sweet drinks, then pulled Su Shijin over to a quiet corner and sat him down, lowering his voice to ask what he really thought.

In truth, when Jian Lexin had said that, given his personality, he would have insisted on breaking up even in a marriage of convenience, Su Shijin had already been at a loss for how to explain.

From the very beginning, his plan had been to act as if he knew nothing, as if he hadn’t noticed a thing.

After all, Su Shijin believed that in this marriage, he could return everything Gu Weiyang gave him in equal measure.

The two of them each took what they needed from the agreement. As long as love wasn’t involved, Mr. Gu was just like another roommate, and Su Shijin was confident he could live with him for a year.

Yet when Jian Lexin asked so bluntly, Su Shijin’s mind suddenly went blank.

He realized that when he made his carefully thought-out decision back then, he had only been considering it from his own point of view.

He thought he could pretend not to notice Gu Weiyang’s feelings for him, and that he could repay everything Gu Weiyang gave.

But he had overlooked the emotions behind everything Gu Weiyang had done for him.

In their daily life, Mr. Gu truly hadn’t done anything earth-shattering.

All of Mr. Gu’s special care for him was hidden in the little details of daily life. Maybe in the gentle way he looked after him when he hurt his ankle, maybe in how he held himself back during his susceptible period rather than making things difficult for him, maybe in how he still went downstairs to make him breakfast even while sick, or maybe in the way he always tried to make him feel at ease when they were alone together in a private room…

In short, when Su Shijin took a moment to quietly think it over, he realized he had overlooked so much of what Mr. Gu had given.

Especially the emotions intertwined in everything Mr. Gu did.

Su Shijin felt that right now, even though he clearly knew Mr. Gu liked him, he was pretending not to know, and because of the agreement, he naturally let himself enjoy Mr. Gu’s kindness.

When the drinks were brought over by the server, Su Shijin held his cup, his fingertips lightly tapping against the rim, his thoughts drifting.

Jian Lexin saw him like this and didn’t say anything to disturb him. Instead, he nervously sipped his drink, wondering if he had said something he shouldn’t have.

The atmosphere between them suddenly grew quiet.

“I understand.”

After a while, Su Shijin let out a slow breath and lowered his head to take a sip of the sweet drink.

Maybe because he had too much on his mind, even the sweetness on his tongue tasted like nothing.

Jian Lexin swallowed the drink in his mouth and quietly straightened up, testing the waters as he asked, “What do you mean you understand? Did I ask something I shouldn’t have?”

“No.” Su Shijin gave a faint smile. “In fact, I should thank you for pointing it out to me.”

Jian Lexin’s face twisted in shock. “What did I point out?”

You just got married! Don’t tell me you’re about to get divorced already!

Jian Lexin thought to himself and said, “You’d better think it over again!”

Su Shijin gave a quiet “Mm,” and said, “I’ll give it serious thought.”

Jian Lexin muttered, “…The last time I told you to think it over, you gave me the exact same answer.”

The result was that Su Shijin and Gu Weiyang went straight to get their marriage license, and Jian Lexin only found out when he saw it on his social feed.

Su Shijin couldn’t help but laugh. “Relax, it’s probably not as bad as what you’re imagining.”

Jian Lexin asked, “You know what I’m imagining?”

Su Shijin replied, “It’s practically written all over your face.”

Jian Lexin didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. He really was a little too relaxed around Su Shijin, to the point that he didn’t even bother to hide his emotions.

“Alright, as long as you’ve really thought it through, whatever the outcome is, I’ll support you,” Jian Lexin said.

“If he ends up taking you to court, I can help you find my boss!”

Su Shijin understood his good intentions. “Thanks, but you really don’t need to worry so much. I probably haven’t even thought as far ahead as you have.”

Jian Lexin said, “It’s fine. Whatever decision you make, I’ll support you.”

He gave Su Shijin a little cheering gesture, then boldly downed the rest of his iced sweet drink in one go.

—

Once they were rested enough, Jian Lexin followed the plan he had chosen earlier and took Su Shijin to the trampoline park.

Since they had eaten breakfast late, the plan was to hit the trampoline park first, then the haunted house, and finally find a place for lunch.

Su Shijin wasn’t really the energetic type, but he still went along with Jian Lexin and tried everything the trampoline park had to offer.

What left the deepest impression on him was the high platform jump—falling backwards into a pit full of foam blocks. That moment of weightlessness as he sank into the foam was something he actually quite enjoyed.

The rainbow slide and indoor zipline were pretty good too, and for the first time, Su Shijin realized he actually enjoyed those kinds of more thrilling attractions.

After finishing everything at the trampoline park, he and Jian Lexin headed off to the haunted house.

Jian Lexin wasn’t exactly timid. He had tried bungee jumping, skydiving, and all sorts of extreme sports but the one thing he couldn’t handle was ghosts.

He knew perfectly well that ghosts didn’t exist, but his mind would always conjure up monsters in the darkness. Every little sound of wind or movement made him scare himself, and especially in haunted houses with actors playing ghosts, his hair would stand on end and his screams would hit dolphin-pitch. For the most part, he clung to Su Shijin the entire way and refused to let go.

By the time they came out of the haunted house, Jian Lexin’s eyes were vacant, his face pale, and his legs had gone weak.

Even so, he still wanted to go again.

Terrible at it, but he loved it anyway.

So Su Shijin took him to another haunted house to once more experience the soul-scaring thrill. After screaming and running until they had burned through the last of their energy, the two of them found a restaurant with a shorter line and settled in for lunch.

After lunch, once they had more or less finished exploring the entertainment street, the two of them went to a nearby cinema, picked a movie with decent reviews, and spent two hours watching it.

When the movie ended, they headed to the mall to browse shops and buy some clothes.

With the weather growing hotter, the racks in the stores had shifted from heavy coats to all kinds of lighter tops.

Su Shijin didn’t really need many outerwear pieces. After all, he spent most of his time in hospital uniforms. A few short-sleeved shirts for layering and some comfortable loungewear for home were enough.

Since comfort was the main priority for both, he simply picked out a few pieces and was done.

Jian Lexin, on the other hand, needed outfits for all sorts of occasions and client meetings, so his requirements for clothing were much higher. After wandering from the first floor to the third, visiting every clothing store in the mall, he finally picked out a few casual-style suits that gave him a sharp and energetic look.

Since they had lunch late, it was nearly nine by the time they opened an app and found a highly rated clay-pot hotpot place for dinner.

This was Su Shijin’s first time trying a clay-pot hotpot. All the ingredients were laid out in the main hall with prices marked, so you just picked what you wanted and paid by the plate in the end.

He ordered a yuan-yang pot, but still thought the spicy side tasted the best.

In that simply decorated shop covered with graffiti-style art, Su Shijin couldn’t help but feel that Mr. Gu might actually like the flavor of this hotpot too.

When he got home tonight, if they could clear some things up between them, Su Shijin thought he might invite Mr. Gu here for a hotpot meal.

After dinner, it was already close to eleven.

Jian Lexin still wanted to keep the night going, but since he had to wake up early for work the next day, he could only agree with Su Shijin to save the fun for next time.

Since it was already so late, and Su Shijin’s way home wasn’t really in the same direction, Jian Lexin didn’t let him see him off and just booked a taxi online himself.

Su Shijin watched him get into the car, noted down the license plate, even took a photo of the information posted on the windshield, and only then waved him off, reminding him to stay safe on the road.

Jian Lexin felt that, in some ways, Su Shijin was a lot like his mom. The type who looked a bit distant and didn’t show much emotion, yet was unfailingly gentle and considerate toward others.

Su Shijin stood there watching until the taxi’s taillights disappeared from sight, then finally got into his own car and drove home.

By the time he arrived, it was already past midnight, yet the lights in the living room were still on.

Changing into his slippers, he stepped inside and saw Gu Weiyang sitting on the sofa. The TV was still playing a drama, its background music echoing softly through the living room.

Su Shijin was a little surprised that Gu Weiyang was still downstairs at this hour instead of resting. As he stepped inside, he greeted softly, “Mr. Gu, I’m back.”

Gu Weiyang, seated on the sofa facing the TV, didn’t respond.

Something occurred to Su Shijin, and he instinctively lightened his steps. 

When he walked closer, he saw that Mr. Gu’s head was leaning against the sofa, eyes closed, freshly washed hair falling smoothly across his forehead. The warm yellow light cast over his face, softening the sharp lines of his features.

He had fallen asleep.

Su Shijin froze in his tracks, unsure for a moment whether he should move forward or retreat.

In those few seconds of hesitation, Gu Weiyang’s brows faintly furrowed, as if sensing something. He slowly opened his eyes.

When Su Shijin’s figure came into view, Gu Weiyang still looked a little dazed.

He quickly came to his senses and sat up from the sofa. “You’re back. What time is it?”

“Half past twelve,” Su Shijin said after checking the time. “It’s cooler at night—be careful not to catch a chill.”

Gu Weiyang glanced down at the short-sleeved shirt and shorts he was wearing, let out a quiet “Ah,” and said, “I felt hot after my shower, didn’t expect to fall asleep here. I’ll be more careful next time.”

Su Shijin caught the faint smell of alcohol on him and keenly noticed that it was slightly different from the scent of his pheromones. “Mr. Gu, did you drink?”

“Mm, had a little with some friends tonight.” Gu Weiyang rubbed his temples, then lifted an arm to sniff at himself. “There’s still an alcohol smell? I already showered, I thought it was gone.”

“Maybe I’m just more sensitive to it.” Su Shijin watched the way he rubbed his temples and said, “I’ll make you some hangover soup. It’ll help you sleep better and keep you from waking up with a headache.”

Gu Weiyang quickly followed after him. “No need, it’s late. You should get some rest. A cup of warm milk is enough for me.”

“It’s fine. Go sit down for a bit. If you’re not sleepy, I actually have something I want to talk to you about.” Su Shijin stopped him at the kitchen door, not letting him come in.

Gu Weiyang stood outside the doorway, looking down at the omega in front of him, unable to guess what he was about to say.

From Su Shijin’s expression, he couldn’t tell whether it would be something good or bad.

“I’ll go wash my face first,” Gu Weiyang said.

Su Shijin nodded, then went into the kitchen to cook a bowl of hangover soup.

After washing his face, Gu Weiyang sat down at the dining table outside the kitchen, watching through the glass door as Dr. Su busied himself with his back turned.

Hangover soup didn’t take much work. Su Shijin made a fruit-based version with just a touch of honey.

He didn’t have to wait long before Su Shijin came out carrying the bowl.

“Careful, it’s hot,” Su Shijin said as he set the bowl in front of him.

Gu Weiyang carefully took it with both hands, using the small spoon to cool each sip before drinking.

Su Shijin sat down across from him, watching the alpha seriously drink the hangover soup, his fingertips lightly tapping against the table.

Gu Weiyang could feel Su Shijin’s gaze on him. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed those fingertips tapping against the table, yet he kept his head lowered, sipping the soup slowly, mulling over what exactly Dr. Su wanted to say. It seemed like something serious.

When Gu Weiyang finally finished the hangover soup and set down the spoon, the ceramic made a crisp sound against the bowl. Only then did Su Shijin straighten up.

Meeting his eyes fixed firmly on his face, Gu Weiyang couldn’t help but grow a little tense. He licked his lips and also sat up straighter. “You said earlier you had something you wanted to tell me?”

“Mm, actually I spent the afternoon thinking about how to bring it up without seeming abrupt or impolite…”

“Wait.” Gu Weiyang pressed a hand to his chest, cutting him off, and asked softly, “Let me ask first—this isn’t about divorce, is it?”

Su Shijin said, “Mm… if that’s what you want, then it can be.”

Gu Weiyang: ??!

No!! He had only gone out for one day!!! Why!!!??

Gu Weiyang felt like he was about to have a heart attack.