Chapter 94 - Merry Christmas

Edited by Divetus

On the cellphone, Mama Jing said without hesitation, Xiao Ran insisted on surprising you and wouldnt let me tell you. You know how that girl is, she always likes to do things grandly. I was worried shed get lostYou found her?

Afraid of Liang Ran tripping and falling, Jing Huan instinctively reached out to steady her, carrying the plus.h.i.+e with him to touch her back. En, shes next to me.

Mama Jing was relieved. Thats good.

Liang Ran felt like something was wrong and asked, Huanhuan, who are you calling?

My mom. Jing Huan hung up the phone.

Ah? Liang Ran pouted. I told auntie not to tell you Then, you already knew I was coming?

Before Jing Huan could say anything, Liang Rans hand went back and grabbed the small Xiao Xiangjing plush in Jing Huans hand.

So is this my Christmas present? Her disappointed expression only lasted for two seconds before she smiled sweetly again. NCHs devil child plus.h.i.+e?

Jing Huan subconsciously looked at the person next to him.

It wasnt like he could say that he had wanted to give it to the male cla.s.smate next to him.

However you looked at it, male students giving each other plus.h.i.+es was quite strange.

Compared to him, Xiang Huaizhi was very calm.

He looked down at the plus.h.i.+e in Liang Rans hand, and in one glance he backed off without his mouth changing or moving at all.

Liang Ran held Jing Huan for a while before finally releasing him. Seeing the person next to Jing Huan, her smile became more polite. h.e.l.lo, Im Jing Huans Jiejie.

h.e.l.lo, Xiang Huaizhi nodded at her. Xiang Huaizhi, his senior.

Liang Rans brow nearly imperceptively wrinkled, but it quickly smoothed out. She looked at Jing Huan and said, Picking me up by yourself wouldve been fine, why did you make your friend accompany you?

Jing Huan licked his lips. Although Xiang Huaizhi had already known about Liang Ran for a long time, he still felt a subtle embarra.s.sment when they stood together.

But apparently, he was the only one who felt that way.

Its okay, Xiang Huaizhi said. I just so happened to be free.

Jing Huans mouth opened and closed, but in the end, he didnt say anything.

In this way, the Christmas confession date had become a welcoming reception dinner.

Jing Huan even suspected that Xiang Huaizhi thought that he had asked him out to pick up Liang Ran.

Then, where shall we go now? Liang Ran blinked.

Naturally, Jing Huan couldnt just cast his Jie aside.

He glanced at the Xiao Xiangjing plus.h.i.+e in the womans hand and thought that well, she did already count as half your aunt, so just take it

ba

.

He sighed and said, Go eat dinner.

On the way there, Jing Huan kept looking for an opportunity to send a text message to Xiang Huaizhi, explaining that Liang Rans arrival was an unexpected event.

But Liang Ran and him hadnt seen each other for a long time, so she excitedly hung onto his arm and chatted with him the entire way.

I still like our domestic food best, foreign food is all fast food, Liang Ran pinched her own face, her delicate skin pinched out in an arc. You see, Im fat now.

Jing Huan coaxed her, Not fat, who dares to say youre fat?

They carried on like that until they got to the restaurant, and Liang Ran smiled as soon as she entered it. h.e.l.lo Kitty was my thing from all the way back in high school, how could you still remember that?

Jing Huan:

It was truly a coincidence.

He looked at Xiang Huaizhi, and the other boy was smiling with half-lidded eyes. He didnt know what he was thinking.

The three of them sat down. Liang Ran sat right beside Jing Huan, so he had no chance to send Xiang Huaizhi a message.

Liang Rans personality was very girly. Whether it was in looks or the way she talked, it was all very gentle and soft. The restaurants menu was printed with a lot of cute cartoon characters, cuddly and adorable. She liked it so much that she wouldnt let it go and stared at it for a long time. If it wasnt for Jing Huan stopping her, she even wanted to buy the shops menu.

After taking pictures of the menu, the restaurant, and the dishes, at the end, she held her cellphone in her hands and looked earnestly at Xiang Huaizhi who was sitting opposite her.

Um She asked, Could you take a picture of me and Huanhuan?

Xiang Huaizhi put down his chopsticks. Okay.

Liang Ran smiled and was about to hand over her cellphone when she saw that the person opposite had already raised his cellphone..

Liang Ran quickly put down her cellphone and leaned her face slightly onto Jing Huans shoulder. Jing Huan seemed to be used to this kind of action, and he didnt duck or anything but just pursed his lips..

Smile Huanhuan, dont purse your lips again. Liang Ran said without raising her head.

Jing Huan replied, Im smiling Not pursing them.

Xiang Huaizhi took a few photos and lowered his cellphone to send them over while saying, You two seem to have a good relations.h.i.+p.

Yep, Liang Ran said with a smile after taking a sip of lemonade, Having so many people spoil me, I cant even get married.

Jing Huan said, You dont need to get married, you can just stay home. Its not like auntie and uncle cant support you.

Forget about it. Liang Ran smiled, Although I was tricked once, I still believe in love.

Jing Huans expression was stiff for a moment, and he immediately looked up at Xiang Huaizhi.

Xiang Huaizhis smile was very slight, a very weak response.

Jing Huan was quietly relieved, but his back was still stiff.

I sent the photos to your WeChat. Xiang Huaizhi said, putting his cellphone away.

Jing Huan let out an en, put down his water gla.s.s, unlocked his cellphone, and forwarded them to Liang Ran.

Liang Ran already had her phone out, waiting for Jing Huan to send the pictures over.

The moment he unlocked his cellphone, she saw a particularly familiar app icon on the screen. Liang Rans willow-shaped eyebrows raised, and she asked, Huanhuan, did you start playing NCH again?

The other two at the table very obviously froze.

Jing Huan was stupefied, quickly opened WeChat and vaguely asked, What?

Nine Chivalrous Heroes

ah

. Liang Ran said, I saw that you have the NCH exchange app downloaded.

Jing Huan:

Jing Huan instinctively didnt want to mention anything about the game. He opened the pictures and showed them to Liang Ran. Which one do you want, or do you want them all?

Immediately, Liang Rans eyes only held these photos.

She took the phone with a smile and looked through them one by one. The more she looked at them, the more her smile disappeared.

To tell the truth.

Even her ID photos were better than these.

Andk2026; How did this Didi manage to preserve Huanhuans high face value when she looked so ugly in these pictures?

After a long time, Liang Ran asked, Huanhuan Which one do you think I look better in?

She was too embarra.s.sed to ask for a retake and could only gently ask for help from the people around her.

Who knew that Jing Huan would glance down and just take his cellphone back. You look good in all of them, Ill send all of them to you.

Liang Ran:

She curled her mouth and whispered, Okay.

Worst comes to worst, they could just take more.

Jing Huan moved his fingers to forward the photo. As soon as he wanted to lock the screen, his cellphone gently vibrated.

Instinctively, he angled the screen of his cellphone so that his Jie couldnt see it.

Xiang: [Snowman]

Something that wouldnt leave any clues, and looked like someone had accidentally sent the wrong emoticon.

Jing Huan stared at the snowman for a while, then slowly opened up the emoticon choices.

Xiao Jing

ya

: [Santa]

When the food arrived, and the soup was served, out of habit, Jing Huan helped serve Liang Ran a bowl.

Thank you. Liang Ran took the bowl of soup and suddenly said, In fact, the more I think about it, the more I regret it.

Jing Huan looked down and drank some soup. Regret what?

I shouldnt have gotten rid of my account back then. Liang Ran said.

Jing Huan nearly spat out a mouthful of soup.

Its not that I couldnt bear to part with it. Actually, it didnt cost much, its just giving it away because of some It wasnt worth it. Liang Ran wiped her hands with a wet towel and then began to tidy her hair, not noticing the expression of the person next to her. And also, I actually really liked playing NCH.

Xiang Huaizhi was holding his cellphone to look for an emoticon, but when he heard their conversation, he paused a bit.

Jing Huan rapidly blinked, and made some random noises. Did we order enough food? Should we order some more?

I cant finish it

la

. Liang Ran whispered, Ask your friend, and if theres not enough, order more.

Although her voice was quiet, Xiang Huaizhi was listening carefully and said, I also have enough.

So Liang Ran, twirling a strand of hair by her ear with her little finger, asked, Huanhuan, how about we both start playing NCH again?

Jing Huan:

Ive already thought it through; Ill play a female swordsman, and you You play a male healer, Liang Ran said with a smile, Then itd be easier to protect me!

The waiter brought up the coffee, and Xiang Huaizhi gave it a try. It was very bitter.

He picked up the creamer beside the cup.

Jing Huan said, Forget it, youre too easily tricked.

He just didnt understand.

Didnt they all say that once bitten by a snake, be afraid of

ropes

for ten years?

Why was his Jie different from others?

Thats why I want you to accompany me, Liang Ran said. Well restart our accounts and go to other servers to play, instead of spending time in Illusion server.

Xiang Huaizhi paused in his action of opening the creamer. Illusion server?

Yeah, I used to play in Illusion server before, Liang Ran looked at him. Whats the matter, do you play NCH too?

Thinking of the couples t.i.tle between Jing Huan and himself, he kept silent for a few seconds and then said, En, although not on that server. You just said you got rid of your account? Why?

?

Jing Huan was a bit confused.

Why was Xiang Huaizhi bringing up this topic on his own?

Liang Ran was also stunned, but she had been cursed out so badly by people in the forum at that time that she didnt want to elaborate.

She smiled and said in a casual voice, Nothing much, just encountered a slag guy.

Everyone knew that NCH was considered half a large-scale online dating game. Just the official forum could produce four or five

818

posts in a week, so it could be seen that there were many slag men and slag women playing it. Xiang Huaizhi could guess some things based on what she said and wasnt that surprised.

But for some reason, there was an indescribable strangeness in his heart.

Liang Ran said with a sweet smile, Speaking of that, that slag mans username was kind of like your name.

Xiang Huaizhis hand lost control of its strength, and he poured in most of the creamer.

Jing Huan hurriedly said, Wasnt that the booster What does it have to do with the original owner of that account?

Im joking, Liang Ran seemed to also feel that her joke was inappropriate and asked Xiang Huaizhi, You dont mind

ba

?

Xiang Huaizhi set down the creamer and looked at the coffee that was swimming with cream and suddenly had no appet.i.te.

After a while, he finally said, Dont mind.

Seeing the empty creamer, Jing Huan pushed his coffee over without hesitation. Gege, drink mine

ba

?

Looking up at him, Xiang Huaizhis expression remained unchanged.

Jing Huan looked at him for a few seconds. Somehow, the previous fear of being found out spread up from the bottom of his feet and made his back feel numb.

Whats the matter? He asked.

Xiang Huaizhi shook his head. Nothing.

He took up his coffee and took a sip. It really was too sweet.

After that, Xiang Huaizhi didnt listen that carefully to the conversation between those two people.

His face didnt change at all, but his fingertips kept unconsciously rubbing against the coffee cup, and until the bill came, he didnt take a second sip.

When the bill came and they had to go to the front desk to pay, Jing Huan stood up and said, Then Ill go pay first.

It wasnt much money, so Liang Ran didnt hurry to try and grab the bill to pay first.

When Jing Huan got up, his arm accidentally knocked into the paper bag behind him. The paper bag fell to the ground and made a small thud.

He reflexively bent down to pick it up, but accidentally tore the bags opening. The bag had been knocked around by him on the way to dinner, so with that tear, the opening gave way, and the bag opened with a bang.

Amaretto

roses

were revealed.

The table was quiet for a few seconds, and Jing Huan closed the bag.

It was strange for boys to give each other plus.h.i.+es, and even stranger for them to give each other roses.

So when Liang Rans puzzled eyes fell onto him, his first reaction was to hand her the flowers.

At that moment he offered it to her, Jing Huan began to regret it.

He couldve completely said that he was helping Lu Wenhao and them buy the flowers

ah

!

He nearly wanted to knock on his head to hear if there was a hollow noise.

After seeing what was in the bag, Liang Ran very lightly frowned, and without looking too carefully at it, she took the bag and put it behind her. You prepared so much?

Jing Huan gave a low en sound and gave a ghostly glance towards Xiang Huaizhi.

Xiang Huaizhis eyelids were half-lidded. He swept a glance at the roses, looked away, raised his hand and then threw away the creamer packaging next to his cup.

Jing Huan went to pay the bill, and there were only two people left at the table.

Liang Ran took out the roses from the bag, slightly lowered her head, took a sniff, and happily took out her cellphone to take some photos.

Just as she was putting a filter on the picture, the person opposite of her suddenly spoke.

It might be presumptuous of me to ask, Xiang Huaizhi looked up at her, with the corners of his mouth carrying a smile. Could you tell me your account ID on Illusion server?

After settling the bill, Jing Huan went back to the table and helped Liang Rang carry the bag. Did you already book a hotel?

Yes, its on the other side of the street, said Liang Ran. Give me the baggy, Ill go there myself.

Ill see you off. Jing Huan insisted.

Liang Ran retorted, Im not a child!

Jing Huan asked, Who lost her room card last time while on the way from the hall to the room?

When he finished speaking, Jing Huan turned his head and blinked at Xiang Huaizhi. I have to take my Jie to the hotel, you

Xiang Huaizhi had lowered his head to play on his cellphone and didnt look at him. Together.

Jing Huans lips curved up. Okay.

Jing Huan sent Liang Ran back to the hotel and repeatedly told her to lock the door ten times before starting to walk back to school with Xiang Huaizhi.

It was already nearly ten oclock. It was cold during this period of time, and at this point in the night, there were usually no people on the street.

But today was different; today was a holiday, and this time was the most lively. The entire snack street was still open and doing business.

Jing Huan pulled his scarf up a bit, wondering if he would have time to rush back to the flower shop to buy another bouquet of flowers.

The cellphone in his pocket kept buzzing. Jing Huan took it out and looked at it. It was the dorm group chat that kept @him.

He looked at it and smiled. Lu Wenhao is drunk and is acting crazy drunk. Drunk at 10 oclock, really useless.

Youre also a poor drinker, Xiang Huaizhi said.

Not really Jing Huan said.

Drink less in the future. Xiang Huaizhi said, If you can avoid it, then dont touch it.

Jing Huan didnt retort. He threw his cellphone back into his pocket, put his hands in his pocket, and whispered, Well Youre going to help me drink it anyway.

Xiang Huaizhis lips moved, but he didnt speak.

Jing Huan said, Im kidding.

There was silence between the two of them again.

The closer they got to the school, the more Jing Huan felt that something was wrong.

After a moment, he turned his head slightly and snuck a look at Xiang Huaizhi.

The boys face was as usual. Besides the fact that he wasnt talking, he couldnt see any emotions on his face.

Was he just imagining things?

For some reason he felt like Xiang Huaizhi didnt seem very happy.

This silence directly smothered his idea of going back to the flower shop, dead in the cradle.

As they were approaching the back gate, Jing Huans pace unconsciously slowed down a lot.

He looked at the old man sitting in the security booth and said, Thankfully it didnt snow today.

Xiang Huaizhi replied, En.

That restaurant was so-so, wont go again. Jing Huan said.

Okay.

Jing Huan sighed.

f.u.c.k.

The confession that he had been brewing for so long had been ruined just like that.

Then, you go in

ba

. Jing Huan said.

Xiang Huaizhis footsteps didnt stop. Go to your place first.

The little fire that was about to go out came back to life.

Jing Huan secretly clenched his fist in his pocket, pretending to calmly nod. Okay.

Forget it.

Two big men, why do so many flowery and showy things!

No fresh flowers, no plus.h.i.+es, daddy can still confess!!!

As soon as they got to the apartment area, the festive atmosphere disappeared. As always, there was no one around, and only a Santa Claus on the door of the apartment.

The design was ugly.

When they arrived at the place where they said goodbye last time, they stopped with a great tacit understanding.

So here came the question.

Should he invite Xiang Huaizhi upstairs

ah

?

After all, if he succeeded, and they were alone, he couldnt guarantee what he would do.

Jing Huans thoughts instantly went a bit crooked, and he quickly pulled them back.

So then, Gege

Your Jie is Ran Xin. Xiang Huaizhi interrupted him.

This sentence was like a cold wind that directly extinguished Jing Huans disorderly ideas.

He raised his head in a daze, and met Xiang Huaizhis gaze. Ah Yes.

Xiang Huaizhis hand hung at his side, it became a little cold from the blowing wind. After who knew how long, he asked, When did you learn that my account wasnt being used by the original owner?

A sense of unease wormed up into Jing Huans heart.

What was the meaning of this?

Do you want to settle accounts again? Right now?

Just, Jing Huans voice grew a little quieter, At the wedding.

Xiang Huaizhis eyes became half-lidded, and he declared, So, before that, you always thought I was the slag man who had tricked your Jie?

Jing Huan was thoroughly blindsided by this. I Yes, in the past I really did think that

All night, Xiang Huaizhi only had half a gla.s.s of lemonade. There was too much milk in the coffee, and it had been too sweet for him to drink.

So now, he felt his voice was a little dry. Then, you bought a female account and came to find me, for your Jiejie.

Jing Huans heart sank.

He had a bad premonition.

He clenched his teeth and said, Yes, but when I was trying to confess to you about it before, you said you already knew

Jing Huan didnt go on, and Xiang Huaizhi didnt answer.

It took a long time before Xiang Huaizhi finally said, Its my misunderstanding, I thought

Thought what?

Thought that Jing Huan had really liked him, and because of his gender, didnt dare to pursue him directly and only then came up with such a stupid plan.

Jing Huan managed to vaguely guess some of this, and his face gradually grew pale. Only now did he realize how optimistic he had been during this period of time.

Optimistic enough to think that concealing his gender and cheating others feelings were matters that were easily forgiven.

In fact, when Liang Ran had reported her ID, Xiang Huaizhi had completely understood it.

In spite of all that, he still hadnt completely given up.

Thinking back carefully, the two times that he had kissed him before, the boys face had been full of surprise and consternation.

What was all of that? Shame? Guilt? Not daring to refuse?

Xiang Huaizhi suddenly felt that it was kind of funny, no matter if it was him or Jing Huan.

Jing Huans head was blank. The draft that he had made on the way back was completely forgotten now. His lips moved, Gege

En. Xiang Huaizhi interrupted him again.

But in a few seconds, his expression had been completely tidied up. He said, These past few times were my misunderstanding, I wasnt deliberately trying to take advantage of you.

Jing Huan:

What

ah

?

Xiang Huaizhi continued, Also, all the things I said before, you dont have to pay any attention to them.

Jing Huan was about to expire from anger at himself.

He wanted to talk, but his mouth seemed to be sewn shut with a needle, and even his breathing had gotten more shallow.

Go back

ba

, he finally heard Xiang Huaizhi say, Merry Christmas.

When Jing Huan had snapped out of it, Xiang Huaizhi had already walked far away.

After what felt like aeons, Jing Huan took a few deep breaths. White mist came out of his mouth and nose and soon disappeared into the air.

He knew it.

Starting in such muddled circ.u.mstances, in the end, there could only be an ambiguous ending.

Jing Huan stood at the door of the apartment complex for a long time. When the security guard came out to inquire about him, he slowly shook his head and turned to go home.

Entering the elevator, Jing Huan looked at himself in the elevator door reflection and found that he had a lot to say.

Like Merry Christmas.

Like, h.e.l.lo Kitty was booked for you, the Xiao Xiangjing plush was hooked for you, and the roses were for confessing to you.

But he didnt have the right to say any of that, because from beginning to end, he was a liar.

Jing Huan stood there quietly for a while, until he had to address the concerned security guard on the intercom. He raised his hand and harshly wiped at his eyes.

Juurensha

: QAQ I was really upset when this chapter first came out! Huanhuan why didnt you say something?????? But never fear, this is why were doing a ma.s.s release. (Also, I know Jiejie got a lot of hate in the jjwxc comments on this chapter, but really, Jiejie didnt mean to crash their date! And its understandable she had no idea it was even a date! Shes a little oblivious, but Jiejie isnt bad.) Thank you to quivo for the ko-fis to make the ma.s.s release all happen on Monday!

Divi

: Oh man Huanhuan, did you forget that you said youd meet Jiejie at Christmas? Also, I can understand his perspective. Its hard enough to come out to yourself, but to have to admit this to your family when youre completely unsure of the outcome, thats also hard to say. Im sure XHZ also understood, but its still super sad nonetheless. Jiejie also didnt do anything wrong, because she didnt know and no one told her. I just hope that Huanhuan can learn from this and get his feelings properly out. You started wrong, but you ended up falling in love! Dying while editing this.

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