Love Late Vol. 1 NSFW warning
Chapter seven finally! For those who don't follow my other blogs, I updated the translation for part one of the drama, filling missing translations and fixing mistakes.
Chapter Seven
I didn't think that Ke Luo would really
come the next day just because he had said so.
When I slept with pretty boys, I’d be
in high spirits and would always say I’d pluck the moon for them.
I had gotten fed up of eating so much
of the food yesterday that I lost interest in those takeouts with the same old
taste and suddenly began to miss the taste of home cooking.
When I came across the supermarket, I
went in and picked up some groceries. It
had been so long since I’d bought grocery food.
I had no idea what side dishes to pick.
I looked east and west. Anything
that I may possibly use, I bought. In
the end, I carried two very large bags.
Back home, as I crammed them into the
fridge, I felt a bit troubled. I
currently couldn't afford to hire someone. If I wanted to eat, I could only make it myself. So I crouched down in front of the fridge,
racking my brain for recipes.
Don’t look down on me. Of course I can cook. I wasn't a young master born with a silver
spoon in his mouth. There’s no sense
that I wouldn't know the basic survival skills.
I just had no interest in it.
Cooking is a survival instinct for when there’s no money to eat
out. There’s nothing fun about it. A rancid smell rose from the hands I had used
to cut the meat. Smelling it made me
uncomfortable. Although I had washed my
hands several times, I couldn't disperse that smell. And when I wanted to stir-fry green peppers, I couldn't decide for a while how many I should put and whether I needed ginger
and scallions.
The shrimps jumped about wildly in
the bag. Leaked water dripped down the
table, making the kitchen floor wet and tempting me to kill them quickly. But I hadn't figured out what to do with
them.
I blindly prepared some side dishes
and didn't pay any particular attention to whether they looked good or not. Placing the pan, I waited until it
was hot to pour some oil. After the oil
heated up, I threw every bits and pieces in.
Then when it crackled, I hastily began stir-frying.
Hearing the noise from the pan made
me panic. Because the hot peppers and
garlic were overcooked, the kitchen filled with smoke. The kitchen exhaust hood was useless.
I’m a man whose body should emit the
smell of decent cologne or the faint smell of cigarette smoke, not a man who
would make people recall from a sniff green pepper and shredded meat.
So I had come prepared to guard
against the invasion of the smoke odor by wearing an old bathrobe that I would
later change out of and a shower cap on my head. I stood on full alert as I cooked.
The activity in the kitchen was so
hectic that I couldn't hear any outside sound.
When someone suddenly spoke in my ear, “Are you preparing dinner?” I nearly tossed the pan as well.
“Did I scare you?” Ke Luo chuckled. “I greeted at the door, but you didn't hear
me.”
He had just come back from the
company: fresh white shirt, black woolen
suit, no accessories, yet very simple and handsome; he still had the impression
of a big boy.
“Hah, no.” My chest pounded. I laughed dryly and continued to cook the
stuff in the pan as if nothing had happened.
My face revealed a composed demeanor, but inside I wished I could do
Munch’s scream.
He actually saw me with a shower cap
in the silly appearance of wearing a shoddy bathrobe!
I blindly cooked the last portion and
forced a calm composure as I put the green pepper and shredded meat together
into a dish. I tried to discreetly take
off my shower cap and quickly tidy my hair.
Displaying a carefree posture, I asked, “Why are you here?”
“Didn't I tell you that I’d be coming
here for dinner? Did you forget?” Ke Luo gazed at me for a moment with
searching eyes. “Yeah, it seems
like…it’s…very aromatic. What dish will
you make next?”
“Shrimp and fish.”
“How do you plan to make it?”
“…by cooking it thoroughly.”
Ke Luo looked at me, smiling. “I’m hungry.
Perhaps I’ll have a go at it then.
Quick. Once sauced, one steamed,
alright?”
From watching his posture as he
clutched the pan, he appeared very experienced.
Ke Luo swiftly rinsed the pan clean and wiped it dry. Then he took the bag of shrimp over, poured
some boiling water, de-veined the shrimp, and drained them.
He took two of the mushrooms I’d
bought and cut them into thin slices.
Next, he poured two spoonfuls of oil
into the pan, added hot pepper and smashed garlic, and then the slices of
mushroom. He quickly stir-fried them and
put in the shrimp, followed by the soy sauce and cooking wine, going in one by
one.
His hands and feet were much swifter
than mine. I watched him pour into the
pan and stir. His motion of lifting the
pan was precise and orderly. Although he
was quick, he carried it out in a poised manner. Even the crackling sound of the contents in
the pan sounded pleasant to the ear.
Before making the shrimp, he had
already smeared the store-processed turbot fish with table salt and cooking
wine on both sides, sprinkled it with scallion, hot pepper flakes, and ginger,
and placed it into the microwave.
Not long after the cooked shrimp was placed
onto a plate, the microwave dinged.
It was a great success. The time used wasn't even half as much as the
time I had used.
“Your cooking skills are pretty
good.”
In fact, even if he blew up the
kitchen, I would still praise him.
Ke Luo smiled as he started to
sprinkle some soy sauce on the steamed fish.
“Shu Nian taught me. He’s the one
that’s really skilled at cooking.”
I gave out a cough.
Well, I can cook, but only the kind
that involves cooking it thoroughly, eating it the way someone who’s poor eats
and just to fill the stomach of someone who’s lazy. It wasn't until later, when I had the
financial capability and became particular about dishes and the taste that I
refused to do it myself again. So
naturally my culinary skill can’t compare with that of Shu Nian’s.
And I don’t need to make comparisons
with him either.
My dish looked a bit ugly, but the
flavor was okay. It reached the standard
of being edible and capable of filling the stomach. Ke Luo’s was much better. It suited well with both the rice and
wine. In two, three servings, I had
eaten clean one side of the fish. I then
picked at the remains.
“Here, there’s more on this
side.” Ke luo pulled out the middle fish
bone. He tapped his chopsticks. “Don’t be picky. You have to eat the fish skin too.”
I stiffly forced a laugh and watched
him put the delicate meat of the fish’s belly and the heap of slippery fish
skin together into my bowl, as if he was
my uncle. Sometimes there would be a feeling
of role displacement between us.
After finishing a suitable homemade
meal early, before the sky was entirely dark, I somewhat didn't know what to
do. If we were lovers, we’d directly
whisper sweet nothings to one another and then tumble between bed sheets.
We were so awkward, but I couldn't bear to let him go.
Ke Luo sat beside me for a
moment. He then suddenly said, “Lee,
want to go see a concert together?”
“Ah?”
“I have two tickets.” He drew out neatly-folded tickets from his
coat pocket. “It starts at 7:30. It’s not far from here. Do you want to go?”
I looked up in surprise. My gaze shifted from the tickets to his face,
and our line of sight met head on. I
felt somewhat shy.
I didn't know whether this could be
considered as asking me out, but I felt happy.
I couldn't control the expression on my face. “Okay.”
***
I didn't know much about young
people’s popular music. Ke Luo liked the
singer, Xu Yan. I could only recall his
good looks. I had fantasized with his
poster before. That was all. I didn't entirely understand it.
However what matters wasn't what
we’re going to see, but who I was going to see it with.
After entering the venue, I realized
why Ke Luo had asked me to wear comfortable shoes before coming out. I originally thought we’d sit and enjoy the
concert. I had no idea everyone would be
standing.
As soon as the lighting effect came
on, before even Xu Yan’s figure appeared, the crowd seethed with excitement,
screaming.
In this sort of atmosphere, it really
was difficult to sit still. Everyone was
standing. If my seat was any closer, I’d
still only be able to see someone’s back while sitting.
The concert seemed pretty good. The stage design and performance both had
great momentum. Xu Yan was, after all, a
male beauty who exudes hormones all over with irresistible charisma. A man like me, who was out of loop here, was
watching in high spirits as well.
Discarding my sense of shame, I joined the yelling.
No matter how infatuated I was with
the sexy idol, my leg strength couldn't measure up to adrenaline-pumping young
people in their teens and twenties.
Gradually, I couldn't stay standing any longer.
Knowing that Ke Luo was standing and
tilting ever so slightly behind me, I, to some extent, leaned toward him with
half of my back against his chest. Ke
Luo didn't move out of the way. Instead,
he slightly straightened his body and supported me.
In a flash, the figure on stage that
had the look of the number one handsome idol was thrown to the winds by me.
The vivid stage lights beamed on the
practically-boiling venue, and I was only aware of the young man bracing me
from behind. It was a somewhat hot where
we touched. I felt the strength
contained in his chest, which has yet to show itself, and the rhythm of his
heartbeat. This really was the best
concert I had ever seen.
After the concert, I staggered along
with my head in the clouds. Ke Luo, who had
made himself hoarse by fervently yelling “encore” along with everyone before
the end of the concert, was so adorable.
I didn't see him as childish. I
only saw him as being full of vitality, letting himself go with such
undisguised enthusiasm. It’s the
privilege of a young man like him.
I didn't want us to split up and go
home just like that, so I plotted to secretly slip my wallet or cell phone with him. Once he realizes, he’ll naturally
take me home. In that case…
Before I could pull my hand out of
his coat pocket, he sensed it somewhat and looked down, seeing that sneaky hand
of mine. “What’s the matter?”
“…”
No matter how fast my mind turned, I couldn't think of any rubbish. “Heh, I thought it was my pocket…”
Ke Luo chuckled. “I don’t really have anything for you to steal.” Then a hand squeezed in and wrapped around
that fist of mine, which was gripping the cell phone in an unsuccessful
attempt. “You’re cold, right?”
The palm of his hand was warm. I wasn't the least bit cold. Right now, I was thoroughly warm inside.
Keeping my hand in his coat pocket,
we walked on for some distance until we reached the parking lot and drove out
together. I really had the urge to push
him down on the driver’s seat and kiss him.
But seeing the contours of his rather tall, refine profile and the
slight trembling of his fine, long eyelashes, for some reason I felt a lack of
confidence and short of breath.
“It’s still early. If you don’t have anything else, come to my
place and sit with uncle.”
I knew why I lacked confidence. It’s because I was like an unhealthy
pedophile.
“Yeah, okay.” He thought for moment. “The water heater at my place broke
today. I don’t know if it’s fixed yet. Let me borrow the shower at your place
later.”
I suddenly felt like a donkey. He’s just like a visible carrot that I can’t
eat, dangling before my eyes. Swaying so
much that my head became dizzy and my eyesight blurred.
Before Ke Luo went into the bathroom,
he took off his outer clothing to avoid getting them wet. After he stripped off his shirt, I saw, from
behind his bare upper body, the smooth, powerful lines of his back. It was hard to restrain the beast
inside. I couldn't help but stare.
Ke Luo turned around and saw my
expression. He slightly blushed, but
still took off his pants. He roughly
wrapped the bath towel around his waist, obstructing my view.
Somewhat bringing contempt to myself,
I said, “Kid, you’re not very generous.
In life, doesn't everyone have to experience having their bare ass seen
by their elders?”
He actually wrinkled his nose at
me. “The last person who lusted after my
rear is still lying in the hospital to this day. “
Hard-mouthed, I said, “Don’t
worry. I’m not planning on doing
anything. It’s not like I've never seen
it before.”
He turned into the bathroom, not
immediately shutting the door. Even
though I knew from the bottom of my heart that I shouldn't be so short of
resistance, I was still mysteriously propelled to follow him in.
Ke Luo held the shower nozzle to
adjust the water temperature. He turned
around and saw me standing behind him.
His expression changed to what seemed like a smile, yet not a
smile. “Uncle Lee…”
“Don’t get me wrong. I’m just coming for the toilet.”
With the shower nozzle in one hand,
Ke Luo watched me sit my behind on the toilet.
“Uncle Lee…if you’re using the toilet, granted that you’re embarrassed
to take off your pants, whatever the outcome, you should still lift the toilet
lid first.”
“…actually…I don’t want to
go all of a sudden.”
“Huh?” Ke Luo smiled and seemed to be waiting for my
next words.
We both clearly knew very well what I
was thinking and what I wanted. But I couldn't now say out loud something like “help me resolve my need.” There’s a moral to the phrase, “suffering
defeats in every battle.” I didn't have
much confidence in being able to overpower him.
And forget about openly begging him to let me top him. If what I’m asking him was to let him top me,
then wouldn't that be putting myself too low?
Pride and lust were fiercely struggling
with each other, and in just a few seconds, I held back rather insufferably
while Ke Luo remained smiling. Seeing
him there waiting for me to justify myself as if intending to laugh at me, my
blood suddenly started to boil.
“It’s nothing. Go wash up.
I’m leaving.”
Don’t wish to, then don’t. What’s so funny about leaving me suspended
like that? I’m not that starving.
Ke Luo called out from behind, “Uncle
Lee.”
I knew he was sorry and wanted to
make it up, but the chest had been jabbed in one breath. I slammed the bathroom door shut.
I don’t need him. Having sex is a matter of entertaining each
other. I suffered in pain on his behalf
each time I saw him so charitable. It’s
not like I’d die if I don’t do it with him.
Why should I pester someone again and again in something so futile?
“Lee.” Ke Luo opened the door and poked his head out
from the bathroom. He looked at me. “Did I make you mad?”
“No.”
I gave a cough. “Hurry up and
shower.”
“Well, um…” Ke Luo kept his head tilted. “Don’t you want to shower with me?”
“…”
Is it so fun to tease me by holding a
visible meat bone that can’t be eaten, making me run around in circles? I was suddenly aggravated. “Wash, my ass.”
Yet Ke Luo gave out a chuckle. He walked up to me and squatted down.
“You…” His hands held my face. “Being difficult when you’re at such an age.”
I thought my face definitely swelled
into the color of a pig’s liver. “Go
away. Kid’s spouting nonsense.”
I wasn't being difficult. He wasn't understanding me at all.
I was about to have a fall out with
him. Ke Luo, on the contrary, seemed to
think it’s amusing. He kissed me hard on
the lips. After that, he wanted to kiss
yet again a second time. I pushed him
away.
I should stand firm in return. I can’t be like a hungry shameless dog that
looks longingly at a meat bone every time I see him, with only a share of
disgrace.
“Wash quickly and go home. I’m going to bed.”
Not overlooking, nor sparing, Ke Luo
grabbed both my arms. “I’m not going
back tonight.”
“Then go sleep on the floor.”
Ke Luo laughed. “Ah, can you bear it?”
I faced the little beast’s shiny
white teeth and my blood boiled yet again.
He knew I couldn't bear it either.
No matter how I ignored and concealed
it, he still saw it clearly and thought it amusing.
But that pitiful ego of mine wasn't a
funny thing.
There seemed to be a fire burning in
my chest. I gathered my strength and
fiercely shoved him away. Ke Luo only
slightly swayed, and then effortlessly grabbed my arm. He pressed me onto the sofa and kissed
me. His lips retreated back a little, as
if he wanted to see my delirious reaction.
“What the heck are you doing?” I bared my fangs. “I don’t
want to do it. Get off.”
Ke Luo still smiled, not the
slightest bit stirred. He just pinned my
four limbs down hard and pursed his lips.
Then lowering his head, he kissed my neck. After a steamy kiss, his moist hot breath
blew into my ear, “This is beyond
your control, Uncle Lee.”
As he sucked on my ear, my back couldn't help but tingle.
It had always been me who coerced
others in bed. I still hadn't experienced being coerced. It’s so strange.
It was truly unexpected that he would
be so active in taking the initiative. I
had thought that, to him, I was only an inconsequential chicken rib. A chicken rib that he would only be forced to
gnaw on if shoved into his mouth.
The spacious sofa under my body was
soft, while, on the other hand, the tightly-pressed bare chest on top was
sturdy and powerful. I could still feel
that vivid heat even through our clothes. To say my heart wasn’t stirred, would be a lie
of course, but I still cursed from my mouth. “Get the fuck off me! I don’t
have any interest in you.”
Ke Luo turned a deaf ear and firmly
pushed down on me. He kissed from top to
bottom and licked me part forcibly and part teasingly while leisurely looking
up at my expression. He was just full of
confidence.
But as I was kissed to the navel by
him, I quickly lost the strength to voice out.
The member between my legs had already risen up.
He definitely had confidence in his
assets. There was no way I could produce
antibodies against him. His inevitable
victory was quite clear in his heart and in mine.
My lower body was itchy and hot from
being teased by those skillful fingers of his.
My vision turned hazy. Suppressed,
I was wrapped around and fiddled with between my wide-open legs. My breathing was unbearably coarse and heavy,
and my waist tensed up. I instinctively pressed
close to him, seeking for a little more intense friction.
It wasn't until I had finally
stimulated to my peak and released into his palm that my legs weakened all at
once. With perspiration down my back, I
was numb and could only lie there, waiting for him to top me. My body was burning and my face flushed red. There was nothing but the shameful feeling of
throwing away my shield and armor.
Ke Luo’s smiling face magnified
before my eyes, and then became fuzzy.
My waist was embraced by him and raised high. Something rigid pressed against my rear
entrance, insisting on squeezing in.
I was somewhat unable to take much
more and blurted out, “S-softer, damn you.”
Ke Luo briefly stopped. As soon as I took one breath, he all of a
sudden drove in. My scream choked in my
throat. “Fuck…”
With no time to adjust my breathing,
his pace became more fervent. Sweaty
bodies overlapped, rocking and colliding.
Every sound became indistinguishable as the gasping and moaning
gradually thickened. It was strangely scorching
hot where we joined.
Our uncontrollable movements. The heavy, rough breathing. The sex organ that was thrusting repeatedly
inside was a little too ruthless. Ke
Luo's desire seemed to surge up as he tightened his grip around my waist and rammed
into me. After being so wanton, he still wasn't satisfied. “Open your legs
wider.”
What did he say!? I firmly glared at him, stubbornly
unmoving. I had to defend my dignity as
a senior.
Ke Luo simply spread open up my legs
while he lunged more deeply. I couldn't help but open my mouth and curse out, “You want to fucking kill me…”
My lips were blocked up once again. The deeply penetrating kiss devoured my
remaining words. I sensed that he was
really exerting all his strength on hand.
I was afraid that my muscles would be torn off. I was about ready to scream. But my legs were successfully pushed to the
angle of his satisfaction, almost close to the side of my head.
Surprisingly, Ke Luo seemed to give
out a sigh. “You’re so soft…” Then he pressed up his entire weight,
penetrating in exceedingly deep.
Fuck.
You think my body’s made of rubber that you can fold however you want to fold? I’m almost forty years old!
But I couldn't emit a full sound. Under his movement, there was a powerless feeling
of being controlled, as well as an inability to hold back. Pleasure surged.
Ke Luo and I were compatible in this
aspect. And it was quite relaxing. It’s rare for the agreement level of two
bodies to be so high. This may be the
only driving force for him to maintain a physical relationship with me.
Our patterns for making love were undeniably
a lot. Some positions made even my
shameless thick skin blush. I believe
that there would never be so many shameful positions if he was with Shu
Nian.
He wouldn't be able to bear letting
him feel shame. Not to mention, what
would he do if his body was folded into a thirty-degree angle and was injured
by the strain?
Well, it’s nothing bad. Men love from sex. To this kind of one night stand population,
if the feeling in bed is good, then there’s a greater possibility to take one
step further in the relationship. Maybe
there would certainly be a day when he would abide by the choice of his physical
instinct.
After tossing and turning a number of
times in the living room, we returned to the bedroom bed.
In the end, I lacked the physical
strength. And as so, I was in the
position of lying on his body as I was penetrated, focusing on gasping for breath
and covered in sweat.
But I didn't call for him to stop.
Even though I didn't say it, he
already knew how infatuated I was of him.
My senses were sharp amidst the
intense rhythm, yet my consciousness was hazy.
I vaguely heard him call out, “Uncle Lee.”
“Huh?” I forced out a reply.
“Uncle Lee…”
The voice came out from the depths of
his throat, carrying moist, hot breaths.
I looked down and saw his fiery black eyes-- half-narrowed, beast-like
fervent eyes. He didn't have anything to
say. He was merely calling me.
My insides were fiercely rammed
into. Bursts of spasms still continued. I suddenly couldn't restrain myself any longer. I tightly clutched him, and my
lips stuck to him.
After the madness reached the
breaking point, we both lay down with our strength shed off. Each of us adjusting our breaths and
steadying our heartbeats. I waited until
there was some strength in my body, and I struggled to climb off. I chose to sit properly, leaning against the
headboard of the bed.
Despite being topped, I still had to
be handsome and charismatic. I took out
a cigarette to smoke contentedly, creating the kind of scene of having a
cigarette in heavenly bliss after X.
Just as I smoked about a half of it, two fingers crossed over and seized
my cigarette.
“Smoking too much is bad for you
body.”
The damp hair scattered on his
forehead looked really sexy. The upward curve
of his lips was also very mouth-watering.
“But if I don’t smoke, my mouth will feel
idle.”
Ke Luo chuckled. His lips drew near and blocked up that “very idle”
mouth of mine. A twisting and turning, tender
kiss. The inside of my entire mouth was
warm with his breath. I was actually
kissed until my old face was thoroughly red.
Damn, this little demon was a little too captivating. Ke Luo moved his lips away and embraced
me. “Let’s shower together? I’ll rub your back.”
“Uh-huh.”
He was in fact a bit too passionate toward
me today. I couldn't help but indulge in
fantasy.
The both of us soaked in the bathtub,
pouring water on ourselves every once in a while. We did a lot of things that had nothing to do
with bathing to the extent that the water turned cold. We had no choice but to refill the water once
more.
We finally began to seriously
bathe. Ke Luo grabbed one of my legs and
helped me massage the leg that nearly pulled a tendon. Drowsiness pleasantly swept over me.
Not knowing whether it was because I
was easily lightheaded from being wrapped by the heat, I gradually became
careless.
Although there were some questions
that were better off not asked, I wanted to hear the answer. If I don’t ask, who would say it for me to
hear?
Just think of this as a gamble on my
fortune today. There would be a day when
I would need to ask for clarification anyway.
I poked him with my other foot. “Ke Luo.”
“Uh-huh?” Ke Luo slightly smiled and used his toes to
catch me.
“Doing it with me, compared with
doing it with Shu Nian, which is more comfortable?”
His expression paled. It couldn't be considered grave, but it wasn't far from it. In unbearable
silence, he bowed his head and scrubbed, without uttering a word. A moment passed, and he said, “Shu Nian is
always the best.” I brought my hands to
the back of my head. Damn it. This is just great. Why do I always love bringing disgrace to
myself? If I don’t endure a couple slaps
in my face, my entire body would suffer then?
“Uncle Lee…”
I pretended not to hear as I hummed a
song. I stood up and attentively smeared
the body wash on myself.
“Uncle Lee.”
“What?”
“I’m sorry.” He was a little hesitant in his apology. “I didn't know if you’d mind.”
With my throat a little itchy, I gave
out a “ha.” I washed off the foam on
my chest. “Mind about what?”
“Uncle Lee, although it’s impolite, I
don’t think we should have an ambiguous relationship. I also don’t want to trouble you. To be clearly honest with you, I will always
love Shu Nian, even though he won’t love me back.”
“…”
I snorted. “I know.”
“I’ll accompany you, but my feelings
for Shu Nian won’t ever change. You and
I aren't in love. We’re only friends with
benefits. If you feel uncomfortable,
just tell me then. We’ll change to a
different way of getting along.”
When he spoke, his eyes were very
open and clear. They weren't reflecting
me at all.
I washed my chest clean and laughed
out loud. “You're thinking too
much.”
His young, honest face. Those clear black and white eyes.
Sitting in the bathtub, lukewarm
water swept over my chest. The water
pressure was too high, so my heart ached somewhat. I smiled and flicked his forehead.
***
Afterwards, for a long period of
time, I didn't invite Ke Luo to my house again.
I only saw him at the firm for
business, nodding my head in greeting.
“Uncle Lee.”
He handed over a steaming hot cup of
tea. Ke Luo had helped me brew tea. He even placed a small dish of hazelnuts on
the side.
I smiled. “Thank you.”
I liked to slowly grind the nuts between my teeth. It’s good for the mind, stomach, and teeth. If you don’t want to get old, then you have
to be active everywhere.
Ke Luo was quite friendly toward
me. Every few days, he would bring me
something. Sometimes it would be a few
sweets, sometimes a small box of shrimp dumplings, or coffee in a heat
preserved cup. Sometimes a polished
apple was set on my desk. Children’s
plaything.
Actually our relationship was pretty
good. It was merely pushed outside of
the ambiguous line.
“Pretty, right?” A light-colored plum blossom was delivered
before me.
“Eh?”
“It’s from the garden
downstairs. It unexpectedly bloomed, so
I brought you a flower.” Ke Luo's smile
dazzled. Then he smoothly inserted it
into the flower vase that only contained, after an immeasurable number of
years, two leaves.
“…”
I couldn't help touching my chin.
There’s nothing better in the south
of the river than a twig of spring bloom to send. So cultured.
Giving me these small trivial things,
it’s as if to win me over or to compensate me.
And it couldn't be helped that they were a bit too cheap-looking. To him these were all obtained in passing. If he tasted an unexpectedly delicious
chocolate, he’d just get two for me in passing.
If the recently obtained walnuts he cracked were very tasty, he’d just
place some on my desk. That was all.
I just didn't know what his mindset
was with these kinds of action “in passing.”
Ke Luo still didn't have anything to
do, so he leaned against the edge my desk, idly looking to me for conversation. “I wonder if it’ll be nice
and warm these next two days.”
“Why?
Does it matter?”
“I invited Shu Nian over to
play. If it’s too cold, I’m afraid he
won’t bear it.”
I gave out an “oh” and continued to
slowly grind the hazelnuts between my teeth.
“Uncle Lee, are you free this
weekend?”
“What’s going on?”
“Want to see a game together? I have tickets.”
“I've invited someone to play golf.”
Ke Luo looked at me. “If you want to play golf, you can call me.”
I laughed. “I dare not trouble your gracious presence.”
If by any chance, half-way into the
game, Shu Nian whizzes him away with a phone call, how would I muddle on.
Being with Ke Luo was just like
eating a sugar-coated pill. A sweet
feeling turning so concentrated and then all of a sudden, gives off a bitterness that
caught one unprepared.
How can someone old eat it? My mouth wouldn't be able to stand it.
Ke Luo looked at me for a while. “Uncle Lee, you’re mad at me.”
He said it as if he was stating a
fact. I didn't want to put on an act either. I looked up at him and said, “Is it very
important to you whether I’m angry or not?”
Ke Luo suddenly felt a little awkward. “You’re my senior.”
Fuck.
“Just remember I’m your senior.” I smiled as I tapped away on my laptop
keyboard. I began to bustle about, no longer talking to him.
----------------------------
When Lee received a plum blossom from Ke Luo, he had quoted lines from a poem written by the poet Lu Kai to Fan Ye. The entire poem is translated here.
Interesting tidbit from wiki: The plum blossom, which is known as the meihua (梅花), is one of the most beloved flowers in China and has been frequently depicted in Chinese art and poetry for centuries. The plum blossom is seen as a symbol of winter and a harbinger of spring. The blossoms are so beloved because they are viewed as blooming most vibrantly amidst the winter snow, exuding an ethereal elegance, while their fragrance is noticed to still subtly pervade the air at even the coldest times of the year. Therefore the plum blossom came to symbolize perseverance and hope, but also beauty, purity, and the transitoriness of life.
My comment: lol. Ke Luo is like a big puppy dog in this chapter, playfully teasing his master. There are noticeable differences in how he treats Lee here in comparison to how he had treated him in LA. He clearly sees that the man he's sleeping with this time is Lee. This is shown when he calls out Lee's name during sex. Unfortunately, his mind hasn't caught up with the fact that he's already falling in love with Lee. Ke Luo, hurry up and fall deeper in love with Lee!
Thank you!!!! its very interesting chapter/ Ke Luo just seems to be the type of man who enjoys to be denied ( the more you push him away the more he is interested in you) ?
ReplyDeleteIt does seem like it, doesn't it? XD Oh, gosh, and he definitely knows that Lee can't deny him for long! And you're welcome :)
DeleteYay! I was wondering when you'd update ^^
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting. There's definitely a change in the relationship but still. It's still pretty physical to me. Maybe it's because it's not from Ke Luo's perspective.
Anyways, thanks for updating! :)
Heh. The physical attraction is certainly there, but you can also see that there's an emotional attraction at work as well. The book seems to hint that Lee's previous relationships were more physical. But with Ke Luo, he's beginning to feel the need for more than just the usual physical relationship, even though he's still in a bit of denial because of insecurity.
DeleteWhen it comes to Ke Luo, I believe that he's starting to really get to know Lee. While in LA, it was a superficial relationship: he had treated Lee like how he would treat Shu Nian. But now he enjoys talking and hanging around with the real Lee (ie. the dinner, concert, etc.). Since Ke Luo is blinded by his devotion to Shu Nian, he isn't aware of this steady growing attraction.
Okay, I'll stop rambling for now XD ..and you're welcome~<3
This is such a lovely chapter. Thank you so much for an awesome read.
ReplyDeleteThank you and you're welcome! :)
DeleteYaay! Thank you for another chapter! >.<
ReplyDeleteHehe. You're welcome! XD
DeleteThank you so much i've been waiting for ages for this new chapter...well i have'nt reed it yet will post another comment when done have a nice day.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. I look forward to your comment. ^u^
Deletewhooaaa..... cool. thank you....
ReplyDeletecan't wait for the next chapters.... update please..... :)
lol. You're welcome. 8D
DeleteSo good to see a new chapter. Can't wait to see what is going to happen next.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
You're welcome. >u<
DeleteMy poor poor Lee I feel so bad for him with his "one sided love" It seems like he's always getting his heart stumped in every chapter.
ReplyDeleteCome on Ke Luo don't you see my Lee have so much love to offer. Hurry up and fall in love with him already cuz I kno I did. I hope Ke Luo will have a love rival soon so he can be jealous and finally realize how much my Lee means to him.
Thank You so so much for another wonderful chapter!
Yes, every time he gets his hope up high, it's dashed. QAQ
DeleteI totally feel the same way. Oh, gosh, how many more chapters until Ke Luo realizes that Lee is the one!
And you're so very welcome~<333
you are right about kuo falling for lee..
ReplyDeletehe needs a punch and a wake up call..this dude keeps on telling him about nam whilst not wanting to let him go or look for others..
just realise it already..
and thank you for the chapter
and my fav part was when lee said 'fuck' it sorta made me laugh out loud..
Yeah, Ke Luo is sooo slow when it comes to love. His actions toward Lee are basically what someone does when trying to woo another. >//w//<
DeleteLol. Lee's manner of "speaking/thinking" amuses me too. XDDD
...and you're welcome~<3
Thank you for another chapter. I was crazy waiting for this novel. And i wrote 3 times in the section of links writing a page and didn't published, is weird... (If you have to view first the messages in that section feel free to delete the another 2 messages.)
ReplyDeleteOh? That really is weird. I didn't see those other comments you've posted, but thank you for trying to post again. ; w ; ...and you're welcome! >//u//<
DeleteBeen coming here everyday to check for updates has become a daily routine. Can't wait for the next chapter. Keep up the awesome work!
ReplyDeleteD'aaw, thank you for the encouraging words. >u< /
DeleteOh gosh, I love how he is a disaster in cooking n' when he's caught at the clothing
ReplyDeletehes wearing hes try to keep a straight face 'bout it. Haha, what a scene. I love Lee!! :)
Aw my heart breaks every time, Ke Luo mention Shu Nian & Lee always try not to let it get to him. :(
Damn you, Ke Luo for hurting Lee :(
But the concert was so sweet. <33 And last scene was hot. :D
This is so sad. D: Yes, Lee push him away, he doesn't deserve you. I like it.
Haha. D:
Thank you so much for the translation.
It's definitely one of Lee's moe points that he tries to act cool no matter what situation he's in! hehe. >//u//<
DeleteYes, I love their little dates and their smexy, yet amusing, bed scenes. XDDD
Pity that Ke Luo has to ruin it in the end with his stubborn persistence to stick to his first love. DX
And you're welcome! :)
You're the best >;D
ReplyDeletelove you for ur amazing work~<3
D'aaw, thank you~ >//u//<
DeleteHhjhhhh really poor lee
ReplyDelete; A ; ~<3
ReplyDelete