Life-Saving Days by the Husky’s Side

There were stairways on both ends of Mingying’s main building with a vacant classroom’s length corridor separating them, which took up the entire area. Floor-to-ceiling windows were installed to form a leisure area and an elevator was also nearby.

Right now, the school was on a long recess break. When Zhou Li pushed Ji Shaoyan over, there were already three groups of people sitting around, one bunch next to another without a single gap to spare. He slowly came to a stop.

Ji Shaoyan held the juice he gave earlier and reminded, “Let’s go upstairs.”

Zhou Li also thought of going upstairs just as Ji Shaoyan began to speak. He pushed the other into the elevator and went up one floor. When they reached the resting area, he found that it was clean all around so he found a place for them to sit.

Ji Shaoyan knew that although Zhou Li had several pits in his brain, it was unlikely for him to have a bout of insanity for no reason.

However, it made him very happy that Silly Fool could say such things in public. He smiled and asked, “Did you find me for something, or do you really miss me?”

Zhou Li subconsciously wanted to answer “there’s something”. He raised his head and met the other’s smiling appearance, then felt the entire scene of them messing around in the car flood into his mind in an instant. The words in his mouth changed on the spot and he replied, “Both.”

Ji Shaoyan didn’t expect this answer at all and was naturally caught off guard.

He suddenly felt his heart skip a beat and couldn’t help leaning forward, reaching out behind Zhou Li’s head to pull him down, trying to kiss him.

Zhou Li wasted a lot of time in the milk tea shop just then. Feeling that the class bell would interrupt them if they delayed things any longer, he held onto the other boy’s shoulder and pushed the person back into his wheelchair, saying, “Wait, let’s talk business first.”

Ji Shaoyan: “……”

Can’t we let this atmosphere last a bit longer?

Young Master Ji held the plastic cup and took a sip of juice, mentally persuading himself to get used to it as he lovingly asked, “En, what’s the matter?”

Zhou Li said, “I have a feeling that your brother also has something to do with the Zhonglian petals.”

Ji Shaoyan hands paused their movements, his expression changing as he focused on the topic.

Zhou Li brought him to date about the milk tea shop encounter.

Ji Tianyang’s sketching accuracy wasn’t bad. It was definitely impossible that he had just casually glanced at the jade pendant at some point in time. Moreover, the characters carved in the wood were different from those on Zhou Li’s jade pendant, so either Ji Tianyang owned a jade petal himself, or he had managed to get his hands on the jade some time in the past and carefully observed it. 

As the second young master of the Ji family, Ji Tianyang wasn’t lacking money at all.

If he really owned a jade pendant, he wouldn’t have gotten a wooden substitute to hang on his phone. There was a high chance he would have just used the real thing, so Zhou Li leaned towards the latter hypothesis.

This problem was bigger than his usual matters.

The plot happened to have gone off the rails because of Ji Tianyang’s actions and Ji Shaoyan also felt his brother has been acting a little weird lately, not to mention how his search for the other party’s mastermind has not made any progress… Add up the clues together, they can easily come to an answer.

Ji Shaoyan seriously reflected Ji Tianyang’s recent behaviour and realised that apart from a decrease in maliciousness towards him, there were no other flaws at all. “If that’s true, then his acting is far too good.”

Not only could he not see it, but even his stepmother and grandfather couldn’t see any problems.

Zhou Li said, “I don’t think he’s read the book, or he doesn’t have this book in his original world, otherwise he wouldn’t have bothered looking for you.”

Ji Shaoyan hummed, chewing over this line of thought.

Ji Tianyang wanted to find him and bring him back, but unfortunately everything went downhill along the way. Lin Ye and his lackeys were angered by him and beat up his dog body, causing him to return directly to his original body. Ji Tianyang knew he had offended him, and perhaps also understood this matter won’t be easy for them to make peace over. Seeing that Ji Shaoyan and Zhou Li were on intimate terms, he began to approach Zhou Li with a purpose. Maybe he investigated Zhou Li’s profile and suspected that Zhou Li also transmigrated.

He said, “He may have intentionally let you see the woodcarving.”

Zhou Li also thought about this possibility. After all, his personality change had gone through a rather sharp turn.

He asked, “Say, should I pretend to be a fool, or should I drag it out for a while, see what his motives are?”

Ji Shaoyan replied without thinking, “I want you to stay far away from him.”

They haven’t read the other ancient book yet and didn’t know if the Zhonglian had any other side effects. What if two transmigrators coming together leads to nothing good? What if something unexpected happens?

He cannot afford to gamble.

Zhou Li understood his fears but hesitantly suggested, “I’ve already played basketball with him a few times, I should be alright ba?”

Ji Shaoyan refuted, “No.”

“We’re in the same school and the same circle. It’s impossible for me to avoid him completely.” Zhou Li reasoned with him, “Judging from the current situation, it doesn’t matter if he and I have short periods of contact. How about this, I’ll pretend to be stupid and have a chat with him, see what he did in the past. Don’t you want to know?”

Ji Shaoyan remained unmoved. “I do not.”

Zhou Li silently looked at him.

Ji Shaoyan surrendered to the little display of resistance and compromised, “Let’s drag things out first. Wait until we finish reading the other ancient book, then we’ll discuss from there.”

Zhou Li had no objections this time, nodding in agreement.

Ji Shaoyan knew that Silly Fool wouldn’t go back on the promises he makes and was able to put his heart at rest. Leaned backwards, he said, “Now that this topic is over, let’s move onto the next one.”

There was an 80% chance his little brother’s soul had been swapped out. This young master had no other opinion on this matter.

Zhou Li was very convinced and asked, “What do you want to talk about?”

Ji Shaoyan smiled slightly. “Let’s talk about how you missed me.”

“Ring——!”

At almost the same time, the class bell rang and covered his words.

Zhou Li: “……”

Ji Shaoyan: “……”

Zhou Li laughed inhumanely. Seeing that the young master was in a sour mood, he stood up and rested his hand on the wheelchair armrest, then leaned in and kissed him.

“……” Ji Shaoyan immediately calmed down*.

[T/N: literally, put out the flames]

Two words flashed in Zhou Li’s brain: really fragrant*.

[T/N: when an arrogant person refuses at first but agrees not a second later because they were tempted; is there an English equivalent?]

Before, he thought his little sister was muddled in her ways of thinking, mind filled with trash all day, but before he knew it, he had turned his head and took her advice.

Ji Shaoyan was pushed forward and slowly returned to reality.

Silly Fool has caused him to make too many mistakes today, making him feel a little unreliable*. He asked, “Zhou Li, are you okay?”

[T/N: insecure, since things weren’t going how he planned]

Zhou Li was puzzled. “Yes? What do you mean?”

Ji Shaoyan replied “Nothing” but the corners of his lips betrayed his emotions, beginning to lift up spontaneously. When he was pushed back to his classroom, he held Zhou Li’s hand for a moment, reluctant to give up, before letting him go, smiling as he made his way to his seat.

The brain-dead fans in the class pretended not to see this, comforting themselves in their hearts how they were ‘just acting, wait ‘til sooner or later, hmph!’

Zhou Li had PE at this time. After sending Ji Shaoyan back, he went downstairs and thought about what to do at noon as he walked.

After all, he agreed to continue playing basketball with those boys yesterday. Even if he had to cancel his plans because something came up, it wasn’t very polite to just sit in the cafe with Ji Shaoyan, otherwise he’ll just be labelled as someone who values his lover over his friends.

Thus, after heavy consideration, he decided to go out shopping.

This was his first relationship and he has no experience, but since he’s come to the realisation that he actually cares for Ji Shaoyan and has already taken this step, then he should have a good consultation.

As the saying goes, one who’s never eaten pork has at least seen a pig running*. When dating, giving each other small gifts from time to time seems to increase the quality of the relationship. The question now is, what gift shall he send?

[T/N: you still have knowledge of something even if you’ve never personally experienced it]

Zhou Li silently contemplated. When he saw the class monitor and her small group sitting around, he stepped forward and said, “Ai.”

The class monitor and her group paused their conversation immediately. “Zhou-shao, need something?”

Zhou Li asked, “What do you guys buy for your partner when you’re sending gifts?”

“…none of us have partners.” The class monitor’s small group thought for a while before replying, “Just…phones, outfits, purses, lipsticks, limited edition accessories or shoes, stuff like that ba?”

Zhou Li said, “My lover is a man.”

He seemed to come to a sudden realisation as he said this and waved his hand, “It’s fine, I have no use for you guys anymore*.”

[T/N: literally “不用你们了/no use for you guys”, not sure whether ZL was unintentionally rude or if the meaning is less harsh in Chinese]

He ran to find Tang Zixin.

After hearing his intentions, Tang Zixin paused for a few seconds.

Although she won the bet, she still felt that their relationship development was a little delusional. Thinking back to the rumours she heard in class today, she curiously asked, “Are you guys for real?”

Zhou Li said, “Real ah.“

Tang Zixin didn’t understand. “Why did you guys get together?”

Zhou Li also didn’t understand. “Why can’t we be together? It’s not like he’s lacking in anything.”

This was the reality.

No one knows of Ji Shaoyan’s true character except for the handful of people closest to him. In the eyes of the public, he is cultured and refined, intelligent and powerful, and a very charming person. An all-around impeccable man.

Tang Zixin moved her lips without a single answer coming out.

Zhou Li glanced over her twice and suddenly realised, “Oh, you want to ask if I’m lacking in anything?”

Tang Zixin hurriedly denied, “I’m not!”

Regardless of her pleas, Zhou Li continued, “What am I lacking? I, a second-year school grass, equally beautiful and wise, the chivalrous embodiment of heroic deeds, a trophy husband to show-off, a house husband* who can bake desserts, make ice cream, and even arrange flowers…”

[T/N: an idiom describing a man or woman who dresses up nicely to take to social events, but also takes care of the house]

Tang Zixin knew he was about to switch on his boasting mode and interrupted, “That’s enough, let’s talk about what gifts to send ba.”

After a pause, her strength immediately crumbled as she questioned, “No, wait, why do you know flower arrangement?”

Zhou Li smiled and said, “I have a wide range of hobbies. If you’d like, I can arrange a vase for you someday.”

Tang Zixin: “No need, thank you!”

She didn’t want to discuss this subject anymore and continued, “Common gifts for boys are things like cufflinks, tie clips, watches, and so on.”

Zhou Li: “I’ve already thought of all these things, do you have any other ideas?”

Tang Zixin: “Nope, I usually give stuff like this.”

Zhou Li: “And your boyfriend doesn’t dislike you for sending the same things over and over?”

Tang Zixin was pissed off. “I don’t have a boyfriend!”

Zhou Li kindly consoled her, “Don’t rush it. You can think about things now, lest you don’t know what to give after one round of presents in the future.”

“……” Tang Zixin pressed her chest to ease her heavy breathing, feeling as if her blood pressure skyrockets every time she holds a conversation with him.

She didn’t understand. How could such a good person like Ji-shao find such a boyfriend? It seems that the saying is right; no one is perfect. Ji-shao was perfect in every aspect, that is, everything but his vision.

She weakly proposed, “How about this ba, just wrap yourself up and deliver yourself to him.”

Zhou Li blinked twice and considered this idea seriously. “That could work.”

Tang Zixin: “…what?”

Zhou Li: “I just thought of a brilliant idea, thanks ah.”

What’re you thanking me for? Thanks for telling you to take the initiative to send yourself to Ji-shao’s bed!?

Tang Zixin saw him go stand in line and walked away with a devastated face.

The morning classes were over quickly. At noon, Zhou Li had lunch with Ji Shaoyan.

Ji Tianyang and his sharp eyes noticed them together. Holding his meal tray, he went forward to greet them. Seeing Zhou Li nod in reply but not giving him another look, he realised the difficulty in sounding out the other’s thoughts, so he reminded, “Zhou-ge, don’t forget to come play basketball later ah.”

Only then did Zhou Li look at him, apologising, “Oh, I forgot to tell you guys, I have something to do at noon so I won’t play today. Let’s reschedule ba.”

This wasn’t quite right ah. Under normal circumstances, shouldn’t you try to have more contact with him a few times, try to suss him out with a sentence or two?

Was it because he was so shocked at seeing the jade petal come out of nowhere and wanted to calm down, or rationalise his theories?

Ji Tianyang made a few guesses in his heart. Seeing that his brother was looking at him with such a gentle expression, he controlled his own appearance and acted with his usual attitude, randomly finding a spot to sitting down and eat, waiting for Zhou Li to come to his own conclusions and come find him to ‘make acquaintances’. 

Zhou Li naturally didn’t know of the other boy’s thoughts. After lunch, he pushed Ji Shaoyan into the cafe.

Young Master Ji disliked that the main teaching building was too noisy during noon and was unwilling to stay inside. Most of the time, he liked to sit in the cafe or library. Zhou Li sent him over, preparing to leave by himself.

Ji Shaoyan stopped him. “You really have to do something?”

Zhou Li: “En, going out to buy something.”

Ji Shaoyan: “I’ll come with you.”

Zhou Li: “No need, I can do it myself. I’ll be back soon.”

With this final sentence, he waved his hand and left.

This so-called ‘soon’ lasted until just before afternoon classes were about to start.

Ji Shaoyan looked at the notification on WeChat, then at the time, not sure what this silly fool went out to buy.

Liang Jingxiu and Yan Yunhui also stayed here, as usual, chatting from time to time, or using the break to relax.

After a while, Liang Jingxiu glanced at the clock on the wall before heading over to his friend’s side.

Ji Shaoyan pressed down on the wheelchair’s wheels in time. “What are you doing?”

Liang Jinxiu replied matter-of-factly, “Going to class ah.”

Ji Shaoyan looked back at him with very gentle eyes. “I have a lover.”

Liang Jingxiu: “……”

Yan Yunhui: “……”

As he said this, they heard the bell hanging from the cafe’s door ring lightly.  Zhou Li wandered in slowly with a bag in his hands. 

Liang Jingxiu was suddenly stuffed with a mouthful of dog food. He threw this friend of his aside, grabbing Xiao-Yan and pulling him out, swearing he would never give a damn about him from now onwards.

Ji Shaoyan didn’t mind this at all. Looking at Zhou Li and seeing the other handing over the bag, he took it into his hands and asked, “What did you buy?”

Zhou Li smiled and said, “Open and take a look. It’s for you.”

Ji Shaoyan didn’t react for a moment, having been rendered speechless for two seconds before saying, “Did you go out today, just to buy a gift for me?”

Zhou Li: “That’s right ah.”

Ji Shaoyan stared at him. “Zhou Li, are you really okay?”

Zhou Li finally understood his meaning this time and was stuck between laughing or crying. “The jade is locked in the bank, what can I do?”

Ji Shaoyan quickly went through all recent activities and really couldn’t think of what mess the other could be up to. So this meant, the silly fool really just wanted to buy him a gift?

He subconsciously remembered that Silly Fool always bought him some weird-ass things back then, even planting small bonsai in bottle caps, so he no longer doubted the other and opened the bag in a good mood, finding a phone case lying inside.

The phone case had a white base colur, with big golden letters on the back. The characters “Zhou Li” were written in flamboyant cursive calligraphy*. The font was truly elegant and unrestrained.

[T?N: literally, dragon flies, phoenix dances (free and unrestrained)]

His breathing tightened slightly. “Did you write this yourself?”

Zhou Li confirmed with an “en”.

Tang Zixin had given him inspiration. Nowadays, people never leave their phones alone and take them wherever they go. He wanted to make a mobile phone case and give it to his person. He smiled and said, “I will give ‘myself’ to you.”

Ji Shaoyan’s heart had already melted by his words.

This silly fool had a huge hole in his brain and was strong when taking action. If he doesn’t want to fall in love, that’s final. Once he falls in love, he invests in the relationship instantly. For him to take this initiative was extremely simulating, and also very sentimental.

He couldn’t help but support himself up on the floor with one leg, standing up and pulling the other person into his arms in a warm hug, saying, “I like it very much. Which shop did you go to? I will make one for you, too.”

Zhou Li said, “It’s okay, I’ve already done it for you.”

After he said this, he took out his own phone, which already had a new phone case on the back.

This phone case’s base colour was black, and the back had a circle drawn on the centre in white and light gray ink. It looked rather mengmeng.

“……” Ji Shaoyan asked, with all hopes lost, “What’s this?”

Zhou Li: “Egg.”

Ji Shaoyan: “……”

He wanted to eat back the word ‘sentimental’.

The author has something to say:

Zhou Li: Look at this egg, isn’t it cute?