TAO | Chapter 60

The road home felt like a rocky, treacherous mountain path. Wei Xiaochi’s heart raced with anxiety as his steps faltered, moving like a stiff marionette. If Jiang Zhan hadn’t grabbed his arm at the right moment, Wei Xiaochi would’ve almost stepped into a construction area near the neighborhood.

Seeing how distracted Wei Xiaochi was, Jiang Zhan furrowed his brows and pulled him closer, leading him by the arm.

Wei Xiaochi, afraid that Fang Yuan might see, quickly slapped Jiang Zhan’s hand away without thinking.

The sound of it echoed clearly in the doorway. If Wei Zimo hadn’t been making such a racket, Fang Yuan would have surely noticed.

Realizing his overreaction, Wei Xiaochi nervously glanced at Jiang Zhan.

The Alpha’s expression was tense and silent, like the calm before an impending storm.

Wei Xiaochi hurriedly lowered his head.

The closer they got to home, the more anxious Wei Xiaochi became. He couldn’t pinpoint exactly what he was afraid of, but he had never brought a classmate home before. He wasn’t sure how his father and the others would react to Jiang Zhan.

More than that, he didn’t want Jiang Zhan to know how complicated his family situation was. It was too embarrassing. Really, terribly embarrassing.

Wei Xiaochi’s neighborhood didn’t have a property management team, security, or proper maintenance. The internal facilities were old, and the public areas were cluttered with junk.

The stairs were dirty, the light dim, the walls peeling in large patches, and spider webs and greenish mold stained the corners.

Jiang Zhan had never been to a place like this before. As he followed Wei Xiaochi upstairs, he couldn’t help but glance around curiously.

Wei Xiaochi lived on the fifth floor, with his door directly facing the stairwell.

Fang Yuan opened the security door, and the two kids ran joyfully toward their room.

“No more tablet time, finish your homework first,” Fang Yuan called, hanging her bag on the coat rack next to the wine cabinet. “Did you hear me? Don’t make me spank you.”

Wei Xiaochi froze at the door until Jiang Zhan gently nudged him from behind.

Coming back to his senses, Wei Xiaochi reluctantly took a step inside.

The living room was empty, as usual. When his mother used to stay here, she would sit on the sofa watching emotional dramas.

Wei Xiaochi’s mind wandered as he quietly asked Fang Yuan, “Why hasn’t my grandma come yet?”

Fang Yuan, carrying groceries into the kitchen, answered, “I think there was some trouble with her car. Your dad stayed at the auto repair shop all day and won’t be able to pick her up until later.”

Wei Xiaochi let out a relieved sigh.

“Xiaochi, there are grapes in the fridge. Can you wash a bunch for your classmate? Dinner will be ready soon,” Fang Yuan said, her back to Jiang Zhan as she washed her hands. “Jiang Zhan, is there anything you can’t eat? How about celery? Do you eat it?”

Jiang Zhan didn’t eat celery, but it was his first time visiting, so he didn’t want to be picky. He was about to speak when Wei Xiaochi suddenly stepped in front of him, covering his mouth.

Jiang Zhan looked at him in surprise.

Wei Xiaochi quickly pulled his hand away and explained to Fang Yuan, “He won’t be eating here. We just came to grab a workbook. We’re heading back to school for group training after this.”

“You’re going back to school?” Fang Yuan came out of the kitchen, holding some celery. “Will you be back for dinner?”

Wei Xiaochi quickly shook his head. “No, we’ll eat at the cafeteria.”

“What time will you be back?” Fang Yuan asked, concerned. “Don’t stay out too late. It’s not safe here without streetlights. Make sure to eat well; don’t skip meals.”

Her tone was always warm and affectionate when speaking to others, trying to play the loving stepmother role.

Jiang Zhan immediately replied, “I’ll make sure to take him back.”

Fang Yuan was surprised by his straightforwardness, but quickly smiled. “Thank you.”

Jiang Zhan, not recognizing the polite formality in her words, answered seriously, “No trouble at all, it’s my duty.”

Fang Yuan looked at him in surprise and let out a dry laugh, “Jiang Zhan is quite straightforward.”

Wei Xiaochi: …

He couldn’t stand the awkwardness anymore and found an excuse to take Jiang Zhan to his room, not wanting to let the conversation drag on.

Jiang Zhan and Fang Yuan couldn’t be more different when it came to communication.

The former was a man of action—he might have a sharp tongue, but he was kind-hearted and decisive. He spoke little but acted swiftly.

The latter, however, was the opposite—always talking more than doing.

She would tell Wei Xiaochi not to skimp on money, but if his food expenses went up, she would feel uncomfortable. She wouldn’t say anything directly, but would subtly ask questions like whether the cafeteria raised prices or if his pocket money was enough.

It was because of Fang Yuan’s emotional intelligence that she could charm Wei Dongjian into being so agreeable.

Whenever Fang Yuan and Wei Xiaochi’s mother fought, Wei Dongjian would almost always side with Fang Yuan, thinking his mother was at fault. But when it came to his own family, he would make Fang Yuan be the one to tolerate his mother’s outbursts.

Fang Yuan had learned how to manipulate the situation. During their arguments, she would subtly provoke Wei Xiaochi’s mother to say things that would anger Wei Dongjian.

The last time Wei Xiaochi’s mother moved back to her hometown was after one such argument. She had been scolded by Wei Dongjian, and in a fit of rage, she left.

Mother and son didn’t hold grudges, but the tension between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law was always present. If Fang Yuan occasionally visited with the kids, things would be fine. But if they lived together, it was guaranteed to cause problems.

That’s why Fang Yuan didn’t want Wei Xiaochi’s grandmother to visit, but she couldn’t say it outright.

Jiang Zhan, always straightforward, had no idea about all these subtle dynamics. Not only that, but he had a few layers of filters when it came to Fang Yuan, thanks to Wei Xiaochi.

Since she was Wei Xiaochi’s family, Jiang Zhan naturally liked her.

Wei Xiaochi’s room was small and the furniture was simple—just a bed, an old wardrobe, and a small desk and chair.

The window edges were rusted, and above the bed, the ceiling had large cracks that looked like spider webs. The yellowing ceiling had long lost its original color.

Although the space was cramped, it was neat.

When Wei Xiaochi closed the door, he turned around to see Jiang Zhan surveying the small room.

The Alpha, who stood at nearly 1.9 meters tall with broad shoulders, exuded a rich young master aura, which contrasted sharply with the humble room.

This was Wei Xiaochi’s room, yet he felt more awkward than Jiang Zhan did. “Sit, please.”

Jiang Zhan glanced around, walking over to the desk.

Noticing his intent, Wei Xiaochi said, “You can sit on the bed. There are no formalities at my place.”

Jiang Zhan opened his mouth, then muttered, “My house isn’t formal either. Next time, you can just sit on the bed.”

With that, he sulkily sat on Wei Xiaochi’s bed, staring at the small flowers on the sheets.

Wei Xiaochi’s sheets were plain, a light yellow with small pink flowers embroidered on them, almost like something from a girl’s room.

They were bought during a sale when Fang Yuan was buying bedding for the twins. The store had a promotion where buying three sets meant getting one free, so she chose this one for Wei Xiaochi.

Originally, Wei Xiaochi didn’t think much of it, but now, he felt a little awkward about it.

“It was on sale, and this was the only one left,” Wei Xiaochi explained.

Jiang Zhan didn’t say anything.

Thinking that he didn’t mind, Wei Xiaochi stopped talking about it and took out a few books from his bag.

He had told Fang Yuan that he was going to return to school for group study, so he had to act like he was going out with his bag.

As he lightened the bag, preparing to zip it up and suggest they leave, Jiang Zhan suddenly spoke up.

“I have the same one.”

Wei Xiaochi didn’t quite understand at first. “Huh?”

Jiang Zhan repeated, “I also have the same sheet.”

Wei Xiaochi looked from Jiang Zhan to the bedspread and awkwardly asked, “Why do you have it?”

This was so girlish!

Jiang Zhan turned his head away. “Why do you care?”

It had been a gift from Jiang Tang. The sheet was a branded one, and the gift came with a teasing intention, much like giving him pajamas.

Jiang Tang had said, “I’m not the eldest daughter of the Jiang family. You are.”

Jiang Zhan smirked, “You reminded me. We don’t even have any couple’s stuff, do we?” He quickly glanced at Wei Xiaochi and looked away. “Do you want some?”

Wei Xiaochi: …

Jiang Zhan’s ability to think in such abstract ways was impressive. He probably ranked first in terms of weird thinking.

Fearing Jiang Zhan might buy something extravagant, Wei Xiaochi quickly clarified, “I don’t want any.”

He immediately changed the topic. “Let’s go. I’ll treat you to some cold noodles, or… ramen?”

Jiang Zhan’s face dropped, and he looked at Wei Xiaochi as if hesitating.

Wei Xiaochi pretended not to notice, slinging his bag over his shoulder and opening the door.

Jiang Zhan followed, still sulking.

Jiang Zhan was tall with long legs. As they left the neighborhood, he walked ahead, ignoring the Omega behind him.

The evening heat hadn’t subsided yet, and the air was filled with the fragrant spice of cumin from a nearby kebab shop.

The spicy aroma made Wei Xiaochi’s mouth water.

He caught up to the sulking Alpha. “Are you hungry? Anything you want to eat?”

Jiang Zhan glanced at him and replied coolly, “Not hungry.”

Then he asked, “What should we eat?”

Wei Xiaochi almost laughed. Not hungry, and yet asking what to eat?

He said, “Aren’t you a fan of cold noodles? How about we get some?”

Jiang Zhan remained unfazed, “Who likes cold noodles? There’s no meat in them.”

The road was dilapidated, with run-down stores on either side. The faded signs and thick dust made the place seem forgotten.

Jiang Zhan looked around and asked, “What do you want to eat?”

Wei Xiaochi replied, “I’m fine with anything. I’m not picky.”

That was true. He wasn’t picky at all—anything that could fill his stomach was fine.

But when Jiang Zhan heard it, he took it another way. “I’m not picky either.”

Wei Xiaochi couldn’t agree. He knew no one who was pickier than Jiang Zhan.

Jiang Zhan, seeming particularly insistent on not wanting Wei Xiaochi to think he was difficult, insisted again, “I’m not picky. I eat anything.”

Wei Xiaochi nodded. “I know.”

Jiang Zhan, satisfied, continued, “So what should we eat? Don’t choose ramen. Let’s save cold noodles for tomorrow. No celery, no garlic, no fish with bones…”

Realizing he had too many “don’t wants,” Jiang Zhan paused, then added, “I’m not picky. I just prefer not to have certain things. It’s not like I can’t eat them.”

Wei Xiaochi: “… Oh.”

Jiang Zhan looked at him. “So what are we eating?”

Wei Xiaochi thought for a moment and suggested, “There’s a good bun shop up ahead.”

Jiang Zhan was quiet for a while before responding, “We shouldn’t eat buns either.”

Wei Xiaochi: …

Sighing in his heart, Wei Xiaochi asked, “Then what do you want to eat?”

Jiang Zhan took Wei Xiaochi to a private dining restaurant.

The restaurant was located on Xiangxi Road, with a朱漆梨花木门, white walls, and green tiles that gave off a nostalgic, early Republican style.

Had Jiang Zhan not brought him here, Wei Xiaochi would never have known this place was a restaurant. The entrance didn’t even have a sign.

Seated in a refined private room, Wei Xiaochi felt a little uneasy, glancing at Jiang Zhan, who seemed so at ease in this setting, and slowly looked down.

The staff were attentive, always watching them, ready to provide anything they needed.

Jiang Zhan was used to being the center of attention, having been born with a golden spoon and being handsome to boot. He wasn’t fazed by the attention.

Wei Xiaochi, however, felt incredibly out of place. Dining here felt even worse than eating cold noodles.

How did two people from such different worlds end up sitting together for dinner and even start a relationship?

Wei Xiaochi thought this might last only a week before Jiang Zhan would lose interest and break up with him. But here they were, nearly half a month later, still going strong.

After dinner, Jiang Zhan didn’t let Wei Xiaochi go back home. He took him to a luxurious private swimming club to continue their plan.

Jiang Zhan had a black card for this club, which gave him access to a private, exclusive swimming pool.

He had made the reservation the night before.

Under the guidance of the staff, Wei Xiaochi and Jiang Zhan took a private elevator to the top floor.

Inside the elevator, Wei Xiaochi felt tiny next to the tall Alpha, like a little, dirty groundhog entering the city with all the dust.

When the elevator doors opened, the staff greeted them cheerfully, “Please follow me.”

Stepping onto the thick, soft carpet, Wei Xiaochi felt as if he was entering a surreal dream. The hallway’s décor and lighting reflected the glitzy, oppressive atmosphere.

Jiang Zhan’s wealth wasn’t new to Wei Xiaochi, but tonight, he could really feel it firsthand.

The private swimming room was large, with a 25x11-meter pool in the center, a snack area with fresh fruits and desserts, and even entertainment options like billiards and arcade machines.

When the staff left, Wei Xiaochi finally spoke after keeping quiet all evening.

“You swim. I don’t have swim trunks, so I’ll just sit and watch.”

Jiang Zhan opened a cabinet in the corner, taking out something and handing it to Wei Xiaochi.

Looking down, Wei Xiaochi saw swim trunks.

The tag had been removed, and it looked like it had been washed. Based on the size, it didn’t seem like Jiang Zhan’s.

Wei Xiaochi held them up, and to his surprise, they fit perfectly. He looked up at Jiang Zhan.

“What are you looking at me for?” Jiang Zhan muttered, “It’s not like you haven’t seen me, hugged me, or know my size.”

Wei Xiaochi’s mind exploded in a whirl of thoughts, his ears burning hot.

Seen? Hugged?

He immediately remembered that mortifying incident, which made facing Jiang Zhan impossible.

Quickly turning away, he felt the heat rush to his neck, turning it bright red.

Jiang Zhan lightly nudged his back.

“What are you doing? Turn around.”

Wei Xiaochi didn’t respond. Instead, he curled up on the floor, his face burning with a sense of overwhelming embarrassment. He felt like he was reliving that humiliating moment all over again.

The Omega wrapped his arms around himself, burying his head in his elbows, like a scared ostrich with his ears flushed bright red.

Jiang Zhan slowly walked over to him.

Five minutes later, Wei Xiaochi was still crouching. Jiang Zhan hadn’t pressured him to swim yet.

Wei Xiaochi lifted his head slightly, peering through a crack.

Jiang Zhan crouched in front of him, like a patient hunter waiting for the prey to appear from its hole.

Seeing Jiang Zhan’s sharp, dark eyes, Wei Xiaochi froze.

Jiang Zhan gently cupped Wei Xiaochi’s face, tilting his head slightly before leaning in and kissing him.

Wei Xiaochi’s legs weakened, and he fell back onto the cold floor.

Jiang Zhan scooped him up and placed him on the resting bench, holding the back of his head as he kissed him again.

Wei Xiaochi stiffened, his eyelashes fluttering as if trying to shake off something.

Jiang Zhan pulled back after kissing for a while, raising his head to question, “Why didn’t you want me to go to your house?”

After his kiss, the Alpha’s complaint sounded more like a spoiled pout.

Wei Xiaochi’s face turned even redder. “No, it’s not like that.”

Jiang Zhan wasn’t easily fooled. “You definitely do! You wouldn’t even let me eat.”

From the moment he suggested going to Wei Xiaochi’s house, Wei Xiaochi had been dodging the idea. As soon as they arrived, Wei Xiaochi had hurried them to leave.

Even now, despite his overwhelming embarrassment, Jiang Zhan’s complaint about not being allowed to eat made Wei Xiaochi want to laugh.

But he held it in, knowing that laughing at the wrong moment would be disastrous.

“It’s not that I don’t want you to eat; it’s just that the house is a mess. My brother and sister are still young, and they’re nothing like your niece. You wouldn’t be used to it.”

Although Song Langlang was a bit mischievous, her table manners were much more refined than those of Wei Xiaochi’s twins. Since they learned to feed themselves, the table was never clean—bowls and chopsticks flying everywhere, grabbing food with their hands. Could Jiang Zhan handle it?

Of course, that wasn’t the only reason. Wei Xiaochi also feared what would happen if Jiang Zhan and his father met—he couldn’t even imagine what would go down.

Jiang Zhan: “Who says I can’t get used to it?”

Wei Xiaochi didn’t want to argue with him.

Although it sounded a bit narcissistic, Jiang Zhan always tried to present himself as approachable.

Anything that didn’t fit that image, Jiang Zhan refused to admit. But they were from two completely different worlds.

Jiang Zhan kept saying he wasn’t picky, but in the end, he took Wei Xiaochi to an expensive private restaurant.

He kept insisting he could handle the twins, but could he really stomach the chaos they’d cause at the dinner table? No, he couldn’t.

That was the gap between them, as wide as a chasm, impossible to bridge.

Wei Xiaochi knew this well, which was why he had never considered a future with Jiang Zhan.

Sigh.