Translator: Dj2203
Editor: Dj2203
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The heart had just been torn open and was bleeding profusely, when the sudden pain vanished without a trace in that kiss, and all the wounds miraculously healed. Si Ming’s eyes reddened, yet he couldn’t help but smile.
Life is never perfect; there are always gains and losses. If having ALS was the price of meeting Xiao Curly, then he felt it was the best arrangement of fate.
“I’m not afraid,” he whispered cheerfully.
“Okay, I’m going to do my experiment. You go home right away and find your grandfather. Tell him to investigate the past thoroughly. Call me afterwards to let me know you’re safe. You have to go to class first tomorrow, and you can only come to see me after school.” Zhuang Li gently rubbed his lover’s head and earnestly instructed him.
Si Ming was filled with reluctance and had no desire to go to class. Seeing the Curly-haired Boy every morning gave him the motivation to live for the rest of the day. If he wasn’t allowed to come in the morning, he didn’t know how he would get through those twenty-odd hours.
Zhuang Li completely understood his feelings, so he slipped a small magnetic card into his shirt pocket, and whispered in his ear, “Come over after school in the afternoon, I’ll tutor you. If it gets late, you can sleep with me, this is the room key. I’ll be eighteen in two months, then we’ll both be adults, you understand?”
He chuckled softly as he rubbed his lover’s burning ears.
Si Ming stood at attention and quickly said, “I, I’ll come over every night from now on!” He quickly added, “I promised you I’d study hard. I’ll have classes during the day and tutoring at night. This schedule is perfect.”
“Good boy.” Zhuang Li smiled and kissed his lover’s lips, coaxing him again, “If you improve quickly, I’ll give you a reward.”
“What reward?” Si Ming’s eyes lit up.
“If you pass all your subjects in the next monthly exam, I’ll give you a reward. You’ll see then.” Zhuang Li kissed his lover’s expectant eyes, his faint smile carrying an indescribable meaning.
Si Ming covered his nose and stared at him blankly for a while, then picked up his schoolbag and strode out, saying energetically, “Then I’m going back. I’ll come back tomorrow night. You have to keep your word, okay?”
“When have I ever lied to you? When you get into Q University, I’ll go with you to study. Wherever you go, I’ll go. We’ll never be apart.” Zhuang Li waved with a smile.
“Yes, I will try my best.” Si Ming stood at the door for a long time, reluctant to leave, until the security guard came to urge him to leave, and he left with many turns back.
He, who had once lost all hope in life, was now filled with anticipation for the future. The road hidden in the darkness, where only a vague target could be seen, seems to have become brighter and wider.
….
After returning home, Si Ming told his grandfather everything that Xiao Curly had said.
Grandpa Si sat stiffly on the sofa, his aged face gradually tightening, then contorting into an unusually cold expression.
He composed himself, then looked at his grandson and asked affectionately, “Zhuang Li said he didn’t do anything unnecessary?”
“Yes.” Si Ming held the small magnetic card tightly, his ears turning red, lost in thought.
“Good, good, good. This child is a good one. Grandpa likes him very much. When will you bring him home to have a meal with Grandpa?” Grandpa Si affectionately stroked his grandson’s head.
Si Ming nodded happily, “I’ll tell him tomorrow, Grandpa, we’re going to get married in the future.”
“We must surely get married, we can’t let him run away. Grandpa supports you.” Old Master Si waved his hand, agreeing to everything.
He was willing to pay any price as long as his grandson could be saved.
Si Ming pressed his advantage: “Grandpa, please call Lawyer Zhao over. I want to make a will and leave all my property to Curly Hair.”
Grandpa Si: “…Alright, I’ll contact Lawyer Zhao tomorrow.” Everyone says girls are money-losers, so why was his grandson such a money-loser[1]?
Si Ming left happily, and then Old Master Si called Zhong Xingyun in and recounted what had just happened, his tone unusually cold: “Zhuang Li said he didn’t do anything unnecessary, do you understand what that means?”
Zhong Xingyun solemnly replied, “I understand. By not allowing the Ministry of State Security to conduct a thorough investigation, he is giving us room to operate on our own. If the law doesn’t intervene, we can resort to extraordinary measures.”
Old Master Si waved his hand wearily: “I’m old, and my heart isn’t as ruthless as it was when I was young. I don’t like to use extreme measures. If the truth is found out, I’ll make sure whoever did it gets this disease and is bedridden for life. Send someone to take back all the businesses in Xiu Zhaotian’s hands. Xiao Ming is already eighteen years old. How long does he want to pretend to be stupid?”
“He is, after all, Xiao Ming’s father. After I’m gone, he will have to take care of Xiao Ming. That’s why I’ve let him have his way all these years. Now that Xiao Ming has Zhuang Li by his side, he’s no longer needed.” Old Master Si sighed, “I trust Zhuang Li. He’s capable and resourceful, and he’s more than enough to protect Xiao Ming for the rest of his life.”
“Xiao Ming is luckier than his mother!” At this point, Old Master Si couldn’t help but feel extremely fortunate.
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[1] The traditional Chinese belief that “girls are money losers” is a reflection of deep-seated patriarchal societal norms and historical economic practices. While this perspective is rooted in a traditional context and does not represent modern Chinese attitudes, its historical basis comes from several factors:
Dowry system: In traditional Chinese culture, the family of a daughter had to pay a substantial dowry upon her marriage. This financial requirement led many to view daughters as a drain on family wealth.
Patrilineal wealth transfer: The traditional system of inheritance was patrilineal, meaning property and wealth were passed down through the male line. Daughters were not considered heirs and would leave to join their husband’s family, so any investment in them would be viewed as a loss for the family of origin.
Male-centric labor: Historically, China was an agrarian society where men were seen as providing more significant physical labor for farming. This gave sons a perceived economic advantage over daughters in an agricultural context.
Ancestor worship: The tradition of ancestor worship is performed by male descendants. Families without sons were seen as having no one to perform these important rituals, which was considered “unfilial” and would bring bad luck.