C104 Part5

Parsed with an automated reader. The content accuracy is not guranteed.

Late at night.

The bustling commercial district has been sparsely lit, and a few cars drove through the quiet district from time to time, making this street seem even more desolate and lonely during the daytime.

Qi Leren who was holding an unlit cigarette under a street light, pressed the brim of his hat and rejected the third hooker (1) that came up to him.

He didn’t know when Ning Zhou would come, but he’d definitely come.

Back then during the afternoon, they weren’t able to leave a message for each other, but due to the tacit understanding between lovers, Qi Leren waited near the store where they met. He was about to wait until dawn, and if Ning Zhou didn’t come, he’d leave a signal.

Ning Zhou current identity is Duccio’s illegitimate son. He’s only seven years old, but he’s about to escape from his family and sneak out to meet him, this is no less difficult than Romeo going out to meet Juliet. So Qi Leren was mentally prepared if Ning Zhou was to not come.

In comparison, Qi Leren suddenly felt that his current identity was not bad, in any case, he was a healthy adult.

Poor Ning Zhou, probably affected by his luck, actually ended up as seven year old kid.

Even if his combat sense is outstanding, once in a 1v1 close combat with an adult, the short one will surely be reduced by the other.

There was a whistle coming from the shadows, and Qi Leren instantly knew that it was Ning Zhou, he sometimes uses this to summon the eagle. Unfortunately, in this copy all the items can’t be used, so naturally the eagle can’t be summoned.

Qi Leren turned his head and he can vaguely see a short figure squeezing out of the bushes. Qi Leren was stunned.

“Why did you bring so much stuff?” Qi Leren asked in astonishment.

With a large backpack on his back and a large suitcase in hand, the blonde boy had a looked stern. He said with an unhappy expression: “Because I can’t put them in my inventory.”

What Qi Leren understood: “You don’t plan on going back?”

I brought so many things because I want to unpack them and live with you!

Ning Zhou glanced at him, and that look made Qi Leren feel like some douchebag who kicked his homeless girlfriend out after she came to his house to seek shelter.

But, but, but… he’s so cute!!!

Seven year old golden retriever boy! With blue eyes! Height only up to his waist! And baby fat! Most importantly! This is Ning Zhou!

For the first time in his life, Qi Leren realized how fainting feels like.

“Come on, let’s go home!” Qi Leren determinedly grabbed Ning Zhou’s backpack and the suitcase in his hand. Ning Zhou may complain, but a seven year old kid’s strength cannot match that of an adult. All his belongings were taken away, leaving only an empty left hand, which was firmly wrapped by Qi Leren’s right hand.

Qi Leren dragged the suitcase with one hand and Ning Zhou’s hand with the other, talking to him as they walked.

Ning Zhou calmly talked about what happened to him after entering the copy——going to school, attending classes, eating, sleeping, playing the piano under the supervision of a tutor——even almost giving himself away for not being able to play a song from this world.

Qi Leren felt that Ning Zhou was a little bitter.

Imagine an adult in his twenties, who has lived independently for many years and seen all kinds of ups and downs, actually entered the copy and started living the life of an elementary schooler. Having no freedom and constantly being followed around by bodyguards, it was really frustrating.

“My apartment is a little small, but you should be fine…. Eh, wait, what if Willow comes?” Qi Leren suddenly remembered about this matter.

Ning Zhou quietly looked at him: “Is that the person who went shopping with you during the afternoon?”

This…. how do I answer this?

Qi Leren’s palms were sweating, he was nervous for some reason.

“I’m not familiar with her! My current body is an assassin from the Irish mafia, and he’s known her his whole life, but I’ve only met her twice.” Qi Leren said nervously.

“Hm.” Ning Zhou nodded.

The street lights were dim, so it was difficult for Qi Leren to see much emotion on his chubby face. Maybe his doubt was too evident, since Ning Zhou asked: “Are we going or not?”

“Oh, right, let’s go.” Qi Leren felt a little nervous, but based on his knowledge, Ning Zhou wasn’t the type of person who’d get jealous for no reason, what is he even nervous about..

Since it was impossible to find a a new place for Ning Zhou right now, Qi Leren secretly brought him to his place and planned to go find a place for Ning Zhou to settle down somewhere nearby to avoid being caught by Gavin and Willow——In case if they find out he took the Italian mafia’s big boss’ only son, it may seem like kidnapping.

The weather wasn’t cooperating that day (2). It started raining in the middle of the night, Qi Leren who didn’t bring an umbrella took off his hat and put it on Ning Zhou’s head. Ning Zhou shook his head and said no.

“Put it on, kids are prone to colds.” Qi Leren said, he even opened his jacket and covered Ning Zhou with it to prevent him for getting wet.

Ning Zhou was obviously unwilling, but Qi Leren still managed to coax him. When they returned to the car parked in the nearby parking lot, he was still a bit stuffy.

Qi Leren drove back home in a car that wasn’t very decent. Once they got there he shoved Ning Zhou into the bathroom: “Wash up with some hot water, I’ll find you some clothes.”

“There’s some in my suitcase, I’ll grab them myself.” Ning Zhou firmly said, showing that he doesn’t need the clothes provided by Qi Leren. After all, his body has shrunk so he can’t fit in adult clothes.

While Ning Zhou was taking a bath, Qi Leren went to the kitchen to warm up two cups of milk and make toast. The sounds in the kitchen was complemented by the crackling sound of rain outside the window and the faint sound of thunder in the distance. The night was peaceful and warm.

Qi Leren took the prepared supper and was about to bring it to the dining table, when he turned around he saw Ning Zhou standing up straight at the kitchen doorway, staring at him. Even though his body is now that of a seven year old boy, the way he stands is still the same as always, perfectly straight, and never sluggishly leaning against the door like Qi Leren.

“Come eat.” Qi Leren said and place the supper down on the dining table.

The two of them ate quietly. Qi Leren didn’t eat much, but Ning Zhou seemed hungry. He ate his portion in a refined manner, leaving no spots at all, just like a well educated little gentleman. Qi Leren held his cheek in one hand and stared at Ning Zhou, his eyes were brimming with fondness and his smile was warm. That smile grew wider when Ning Zhou put down his milk glass. He took out a handkerchief and used it to wipe Ning Zhou’s milk-stained lips. He couldn’t help but laugh and said: “Milk beard.”

“I don’t have a beard.” Ning Zhou replied.

Putting this kind of poker face on the adult Ning Zhou will increase his rigorous and cold aura, but on the face of the seven year old boy, it only highlights the cuteness of a kid trying to imitate an adult. Qi Leren had to squeeze his own thighs like a maniac so he doesn’t faint because of how cute his boyfriend is, but the little devil in his heart is still trying to bewitch him: Pinch his face! His baby face! If you pass up this chance, you’ll regret it for a hundred years! Just pinch it! If you pinch it, you won’t suffer any losses!

With a bang, the distant thunder was nearing, this time it struck the electrical facilities and all the night lights in the went out.

Qi Leren stood up from his seat to go check on the situation, but Ning Zhou suddenly grabbed his hand.

In the darkness, a childish voice said in an adult tone: “Don’t be afraid, it’s just thunder.”

Qi Leren suddenly remembered the little lie he told Ning Zhou a while ago, and was hesitating on whether to come clean or not, when Ning Zhou said again: “I’ll accompany you to sleep, the thunderstorm will pass soon.”

I won’t come clean, not in this lifetime!

Thus, tonight Qi Leren experienced something he’d never experienced before——having someone to accompany/sleep with him during a thunderstorm.

Because the electrical facilities were harmed, all the lights in the house couldn’t be lit. The lightning that lit up from time to time outside the window was the only thing that illuminated the small bedroom. Qi Leren gradually calmed down from his excitement, and he even felt a little sleepy.

Ning Zhou seemed to have fallen asleep, lying quietly beside him. For a seven year old kid, staying up late until early in the morning was enough for him to fall asleep as soon as his head touched the pillow, even if the soul of an adult was living in his body temporarily.

The thunderstorm had stopped, the lightning is gradually fading, and Qi Leren’s heart is brimming with tenderness.

He felt a slight change in their relationship. Before, you can say his feelings for Ning Zhou was an intense love, there was a constant fire burning in his soul, and there was a claw constantly scratching at his heart, making him anxious. Even if they were already living under the same roof, he couldn’t help but overthink about Ning Zhou’s presence——because he was an intruder in his life, and they were in a relationship, not as a family.

But with this unexpected stormy night, with Ning Zhou’s transformation, his love had a certain tenderness in it, as if Ning Zhou suddenly became family.

Family.

Qi Leren thought of his parents. Even though during his childhood, his mother was filming outside all year around, and his father was always busy, but when the family sat down together, he could still feel their warm presence in his memory.

He also remembered Ning Zhou’s childhood.

It wasn’t a happy childhood. It only existed in bits and pieces, containing a father who didn’t even know his own name, and a mother lingering in a sickbed who could die at any time. Ning Zhou’s childhood ended when he went to Neverland at the age of thirteen.

What was Ning Zhou doing when he was seven years old?

Learning swordsmanship from Teacher Arnold (3)? Looking after his sick mother? Praying to God for his mother to recover?

It can’t be such happy memories, because those memories are forever shrouded in a layer of sunset that is destined to fall, and his mother’s condition isn’t something he can just change, no matter how faithful he is or how much effort he puts.

Qi Leren stared at the sleeping Ning Zhou. He didn’t want to reach out to pinch his cheek, scared that it’ll wake him up.

He suddenly lost his reckless impulses and became sentimental, with soft, warm, but prickling emotions flowing back and forth in his heart. A sense of duty and desire to protect filled his chest, making him eager to give Ning Zhou the warmth and love he received.

He wanted to give Ning Zhou all the love that he never got.

The beach at dusk appeared in Qi Leren’s mind. He quietly walked towards Ning Zhou, carrying the beautiful sapphire ring in his hands….

On the coast under the setting sun, it felt like home.

Translator’s Notes:

流莺, now I’m not sure if this is the correct word, if I translated it wrong/there’s a better English word for it do let me know.Chinese idiom, 天公不作美, literal translation: God/Heaven doesn’t create/do beauty. The idiom itself means bad weather.I do not know who teacher Arnold is, but that’s what was written there.

Hello everyone, I’m apologizing again for the late update, it’s been like a month since the last one probably. I’ll try to get back to the one chapter per week/2 weeks again, if I can. Also I didn’t proofread this chapter, so please let me know if there’s any grammar mistakes or anything of the sort. Thank you for always being patient [smiley face].

PS. Please join my discord server it’s really dying there.. Also I give notices there so please [shameless begging].