After The Flower Of The High Mountain Meets The Rough Man Ⅱ Chapter 20

Chapter 20: Extra. Little Ji Shen? “First, let me check your…”

After this day, the relationship between the two transformed from an agreement couple to a genuine couple.

However, their interactions remained largely the same as before.

In the mornings, Ji Shen still woke up early. After returning from his morning run and workout, he would prepare breakfast and then call Shen Jixun to wake up.

Since S City had entered winter, Shen Jixun, like a cat, was increasingly prone to sleeping in.

So, Ji Shen always had to go to the room to help him up, and only after helping him get dressed would he be willing to get out of bed.

After breakfast, Shen Jixun would go to work.

Ji Shen would stay home to clean, or go to a nearby library to study. Closer to noon, he would return home to prepare lunch and deliver it to Shen Jixun at his company. Then, he would stay with Shen Jixun at the company until they went home together after work in the evening.

The time they spent apart was less than six hours.

In Shen Jixun’s words, their relationship was more intense than couples in the throes of new love.

The following Monday, Shen Jixun had to go to Guangzhou for a business trip, and even though Ji Shen was reluctant, there was nothing he could do.

That evening, Shen Jixun sat on the bed with his laptop resting on his knees, handling work.

Beside him, Ji Shen patiently packed his luggage for the trip, even down to his intimate apparel.

“Ge, the weather in Guangzhou is very cold right now. Remember to wear more layers so you don’t catch a cold,” Ji Shen reminded him while organizing the clothes.

Shen Jixun’s attention was on his computer, but he managed to spare some thought to respond to Ji Shen, “I know.”

“I remember your hometown is Guangzhou, right? Do you have any recommended foods?” Shen Jixun asked.

Ji Shen thought for a moment. “I left my hometown with Ji Mu when I was eight, after my dad went to prison. As for food, it’s been so long, I don’t remember much.”

Then he added, “But I can check online later. If you plan to stay there for two days, should I make a simple little guide for you?”

Ji Shen didn’t know that Shen Jixun had professionals to handle such things.

Shen Jixun didn’t dampen his enthusiasm, smiling, “That sounds great.”

“Do you want to come with me?” Shen Jixun asked again. “This could be our first trip together since we started dating, right?”

Ji Shen’s tone was dejected: “Ge knows I can’t go, so don’t tempt me anymore.”

Unfortunately, Ji Shen’s exam was scheduled for those two days.

Shen Jixun chuckled. He knew Ji Shen couldn’t go, so he deliberately said it to tease him.

“Then just stay home, clean yourself up, and wait for me to return.”

“Mmm…” Ji Shen grew even more dispirited.

Watching his crestfallen back, Shen Jixun felt his previous guess was confirmed: Ji Shen was indeed like a high-maintenance puppy.

He needed to be by his side constantly, and if he wasn’t, he would likely send him a message every half hour or so.

For anyone else, this might be annoying, but Shen Jixun found it intriguing.

He tacitly allowed all of Ji Shen’s possessiveness toward him.

After all, he was equally possessive of Ji Shen, even personally selecting his intimate apparel.

“Ji Shen,” Shen Jixun called out.

Ji Shen immediately turned around and looked up at him. “What is it?”

He walked toward Shen Jixun.

Shen Jixun raised a hand and rubbed his head. “Come here and let me kiss you.”

Ji Shen obediently leaned his face toward Shen Jixun’s lips. Shen Jixun held his head and left a kiss on his cheek. “When I get back, I’ll give you a surprise.”

“A surprise!” Ji Shen’s eyes immediately lit up. He sat down next to Shen Jixun. “What kind of surprise?”

“If I tell you, how can it be a surprise?” Shen Jixun raised a hand and tapped his head.

“Then I’ll wait for you to come back!”

Due to the company’s heavy workload recently, the two hadn’t been intimate for quite some time.

Now that the company matters were settled, Shen Jixun had to go on a business trip, which meant they would be apart for nearly half a month in total.

Shen Jixun narrowed his eyes, recalling the time he had Ji Shen use his mouth, something he hadn’t allowed him to do since.

He decided to test his progress tonight.

He coaxed him, saying, “A’Ji, bring me the things from the bedside table over there.”

Ji Shen quickly complied.

Opening the drawer, he found a stash of condoms and lubricant that Shen Jixun had stocked up at some point.

Ji Shen immediately understood Shen Jixun’s intention.

He turned back to Shen Jixun and said, “But Ge, your flight is tomorrow morning.”

Shen Jixun was unconcerned. “I can catch up on sleep on the plane. Why are you being so hesitant? Are you going to do it or not?”

Ji Shen simply couldn’t refuse any of Shen Jixun’s requests. He quickly grabbed a box of condoms and the lubricant, then turned and sat back down next to Shen Jixun.

Shen Jixun raised his hand and rubbed his thumb against Ji Shen’s lips. Under Ji Shen’s intense gaze, he slipped his thumb into Ji Shen’s mouth, pushed past his teeth, and gently played with his tongue between his fingers.

Then, he withdrew his hand and said:

“First, let me check if your oral skills have improved.”

He said this while spreading his legs slightly.

Ji Shen obediently knelt before him and lowered his head.

…

*

After they officially became a couple, Ji Shen obtained his driver’s license, so Ji Shen drove Shen Jixun to the airport that morning.

Shen Jixun was currently regretting the boast he made last night.

He had a soft pillow propped behind his waist and looked unwell.

Even now, he felt a foreign sensation in his lower abdomen.

Shen Jixun was slightly annoyed, thinking that despite the small age gap, even if he was out of shape, he shouldn’t have been nearly drained dry by that kid, Ji Shen.

“Ge, are you alright?” Ji Shen drove slowly, and the ride was smooth.

Shen Jixun was thin-skinned and naturally embarrassed to admit his current state. He parted his lips and said faintly, “I’m fine.”

Then, he didn’t forget to tease Ji Shen. “Though, your oral skills have definitely improved.”

He had wanted to say it last night, but Ji Shen was too rough, scattering the words on his lips so he couldn’t utter a single sentence.

Ji Shen’s face flushed crimson. “Ge, don’t say things like that in public…”

Shen Jixun let out a soft laugh.

He knew Ji Shen was sensitive, so he didn’t press the matter further.

Shen Jixun took a short nap in the car on the way to the airport.

During that brief time, he even had a dream.

He inexplicably dreamed that he and Ji Shen had adopted a child.

It was Ji Shen who eventually woke him from his sleep.

“Ge, Ge, we’re here.” Ji Shen gently held and squeezed his pinky finger, his voice tender.

Shen Jixun slowly opened his eyes. A handsome, clear face gradually came into focus.

He gestured for Ji Shen to lean closer, then leaned forward and kissed Ji Shen’s forehead.

“How much time until boarding?” Shen Jixun finally asked.

Ji Shen checked his watch and replied, “A little over half an hour.”

“Then we should go in.” Shen Jixun unbuckled his seatbelt and opened the car door.

Ji Shen followed suit, unbuckling his seatbelt and getting out of the car.

He trailed behind Shen Jixun, pulling the suitcase, continuously reminding him: “Ge, you must remember to wear more clothes when you’re there alone. You don’t like drinking water, but remember to drink plenty of water. Don’t overwork yourself every day, and make sure to rest well…”

Ji Shen’s stream of advice was endless. Shen Jixun smiled faintly and said, “I know.”

“Assistant Li is coming with me, so you don’t need to worry about me.”

At this moment, no matter how much Ji Shen hated to see Shen Jixun go on a business trip, he had to compromise.

Under Ji Shen’s reluctant gaze, Shen Jixun and his assistant walked into the airport security check.

Once on the plane, he received a message from Ji Shen on his phone.

It was still a string of nagging reminders.

Shen Jixun simply replied that he knew.

It was strange. It wasn’t a permanent separation, just a few days apart. Why was Ji Shen acting as if they wouldn’t see each other for a long time?

After arriving in Guangzhou, he quickly immersed himself in work. In his free time, he would share some of his observations with Ji Shen.

His work was mostly finished within two days.

Shen Jixun had originally planned to return home immediately, but then he remembered that Guangzhou was Ji Shen’s birthplace.

So, he decided to take a day to visit the place where Ji Shen had lived as a child.

The next afternoon, he sent a message to Ji Shen.

[Shen Jixun: Do you still remember the place you lived when you were little?]

Ji Shen replied almost instantly: [I remember it, but it was an old neighborhood. After all these years, it’s probably been demolished. It might be some other building now!]

[Shen Jixun: Send me the address.]

Ji Shen immediately realized: [Ge, are you planning to go check it out?]

[Shen Jixun: Yes, I’m going to see where my boyfriend lived as a child.]

Seeing the words “my boyfriend,” Ji Shen’s heart fluttered and his face flushed again. He immediately sent the address of his childhood home.

Shen Jixun drove to the address. Amidst a cluster of luxurious buildings, an old and dilapidated neighborhood was nestled.

Shen Jixun took a few photos and sent them to Ji Shen: [Does this look like how you remember it?]

Ji Shen was very surprised when he saw the photos, and quickly replied: [I can’t believe this place hasn’t changed at all after so many years!]

He noticed an advertisement board at the entrance of the neighborhood in the photo.

He added: [Even that advertisement board is still there!]

Shen Jixun found it a bit odd, too, because the products on the billboard were from over a decade ago, and that company had long since gone out of business.

However, he didn’t dwell on it.

After walking around the neighborhood for a few minutes, he sent another message to Ji Shen: [Where did you used to play when you were little?]

[Ji Shen: There wasn’t much to do in the neighborhood, but after school, I would do my homework in the park behind the complex. By the time I finished, my mom would usually be off work, and I’d take a different small path home.]

So, Shen Jixun followed Ji Shen’s directions, circled around to the back of the complex, and found the park.

The park was easy to find, with road signs pointing the way.

Shen Jixun walked slowly because the wind in Guangzhou was quite strong today.

He wore a black woolen coat over a loose black turtleneck sweater and light-colored denim trousers. His long hair was not tied up, resting on his shoulders, gently stirred by the wind.

In this old, rundown neighborhood, Shen Jixun became a fresh and striking sight.

Along the way, he drew the attention of countless passersby.

Following the signs, Shen Jixun soon arrived at the park.

The park was small. At the entrance plaza, there were some dilapidated playground facilities, many of which were rusted. He hadn’t expected this park to look so ancient.

Shen Jixun still took a photo of the scene and sent it to Ji Shen.

Seeing the photo, Ji Shen couldn’t help but exclaim excitedly: [I can’t believe the equipment here hasn’t been removed either! It looks exactly the same as before. It feels like going back to childhood!]

Even through the screen, Shen Jixun could imagine Ji Shen’s excited expression.

He smiled and sent a message to Ji Shen: [Now that I’ve visited the place where you lived as a child, I’ll take you back to my hometown someday, too, and we can visit my grandmother.]

Ji Shen immediately replied: [Is this meeting the parents?! Ge, you really love me!]

[Shen Jixun: …]

He ignored Ji Shen and continued strolling along the bluestone path inside the park.

After walking around, he followed Ji Shen’s description and found the small path he used to take home.

As the weather turned cold, the green plants in the park gradually lost their leaves.

Walking on the small path, there was a strange sense of desolation.

There were wild cats meowing in the bushes.

The rustling sound of leaves in the wind.

He walked slowly, as if retracing every step Ji Shen had taken.

After descending the small steps from the park, there was a pedestrian walkway outside.

To the left was a small alley leading into a hutong.

Just as he reached the alley entrance, he heard children’s voices coming from inside the hutong.

Shen Jixun followed the sound.

He saw three or five children of similar age surrounding and bullying a small, thin boy.

They looked to be only second or third graders. They had cornered the small boy against the wall, hitting him one punch at a time, while also saying derogatory things.

Shen Jixun’s usually relaxed brows subtly furrowed.

He didn’t understand why children these days enjoyed bullying.

Even though he wasn’t one to meddle, he actively stepped into the small hutong.

Since he was an adult, the children stopped their assault when they saw him.

“Which school are you from? Who is your homeroom teacher? Bullying a classmate in a group—get ready for me to report you to your teacher.” To deal with children, one naturally had to use methods that worked on children.

As soon as the mischievous kids heard Shen Jixun threaten to report them, they scattered like their feet were greased, running away as fast as they could.

Shen Jixun then slowly approached the bullied child.

The boy didn’t seem severely hurt, but his face was dirty and his hair was messy.

It was already winter, but his clothes were quite thin.

Out of kindness, Shen Jixun crouched down and offered him his handkerchief, saying gently, “Wipe your face.”

The boy’s face was so dirty that his original features were obscured, but his eyes were exceptionally bright and lively. He stared at Shen Jixun, who felt a strange sense of familiarity in those eyes.

The boy took the handkerchief with both hands.

He unfolded it, placed it on his face, and rubbed vigorously with both hands.

Shen Jixun gently pulled his wrist away.

“Doesn’t that hurt?” Shen Jixun was a little helpless. He took the handkerchief back from the boy and carefully helped him wipe the dirt from his face.

Once the dirt and grime were wiped away, a fair, delicate little face was revealed underneath.

He looked at the boy’s physique.

He wasn’t overly skinny; he seemed to be within the normal range for his age.

So, he said, “One of those people was much smaller than you. If you fight back hard and target just him, it will definitely make the others fear you.”

The boy lowered his head, his voice very soft: “I can’t hit people…”

“Why not? Weren’t they bullying you?” Shen Jixun was clearly puzzled.

The boy slowly explained, “Because I can’t cause trouble for my mom. If I hit someone, we have to pay compensation, and we don’t have extra money at home.”

To have such thoughts at this age, Shen Jixun didn’t know whether to pity him or what.

He suddenly thought of Ji Shen. With Ji Shen’s muscles and physique, he looked intimidating just standing there. Even if he didn’t actively fight, his presence alone was imposing.

Most people wouldn’t dare provoke him. Even when Shen Jixun went to the bar to catch him, he had brought several professional bodyguards.

So, he reached out and smoothed the boy’s messy hair, saying gently, “Then you should work hard to make yourself taller and stronger, so you look like you’re not easy to bully, okay?”

The boy stared at him with shining eyes and nodded heavily. “Okay!”

Shen Jixun patted his shoulder with a sense of relief.

For some reason, he felt an inexplicable closeness to this boy.

Looking at the boy’s clothes, Shen Jixun took out the remaining few hundred yuan in change from his pocket and gave it to him. “To become tall and strong, you need to eat well, drink well, and dress well. Take this money, buy some good food, and get a thicker coat. Try to grow up quickly.”

He spoke with a tenderness as if talking to his own child.

The coldness between his brows completely vanished, replaced by boundless warmth.

The boy stared blankly at him, taking a moment before refusing. “No, I can’t take this money.”

Shen Jixun thought it was normal for him to be wary, so he patiently explained, “Don’t worry, Gege is not a bad person, and my home isn’t here. I won’t come back to ask for the money, so just take it.”

The boy then explained, “No, it’s because of my dad. My dad likes to gamble. If he knows I have this much money and don’t give it to him, he’ll hit me and my mom.”

Shen Jixun felt a pang of pity. He frowned and thought about it, realizing it was indeed unwise to give a child so much money.

So, he put the money back in his pocket, extended his right hand to the boy, and said, “Then Gege will take you to eat something good.”

The boy looked at the beautiful hand, hesitated, and slowly reached out his own.

Shen Jixun led him out of the hutong. After walking along the road for a while, they saw a roadside stall selling oden.

He felt that roadside food wasn’t hygienic and hadn’t planned to take the boy there.

But the boy couldn’t hide his feelings; he practically had “I want to eat” written on his face.

So, Shen Jixun led him by the hand to the oden stall.

“Auntie Wu!” the boy greeted the stall owner.

“It’s Pengpeng. Are you here for oden?” the stall owner replied with a smile.

The boy nodded, then introduced Shen Jixun beside him: “This is a Gege of mine.”

“Hello, hello,” the stall owner politely greeted Shen Jixun.

Shen Jixun nodded slightly and returned the greeting.

Then, he released the boy’s hand and said, “Tell the owner what you want to eat. Gege can afford to buy everything you finish.”

The boy didn’t ask for much, but he asked the owner to cook three portions.

“Is one for me?” Shen Jixun asked.

The boy nodded.

Shen Jixun said, “Gege won’t eat. You eat yours.”

Then he asked, “Who is the other portion for?”

The boy smiled at him and said, “For Mom.”

Shen Jixun rubbed his head and didn’t say anything more, only telling the owner, “Please pack a little extra.”

The oden was ready shortly.

Shen Jixun accompanied the boy to eat on a nearby bench.

Seeing the boy’s complete lack of guard around him, Shen Jixun patiently instructed him, “Even though Gege means no harm to you, it doesn’t mean others don’t. If anyone tries to take you away or gives you good food in the future, you must not accept it, understand?”

The boy ate and spoke at the same time: “Actually, my mom always told me not to go with strangers or eat anything they give me.”

Shen Jixun smiled and teased him, “Then why did you still follow me and eat the food I bought you?”

The boy’s cheeks were rosy, perhaps from the wind or something else. “Because I feel a kind aura from you, and you are very beautiful. My mom is also beautiful, so I think beautiful people are good people.”

Shen Jixun laughed, rubbed his head, and whispered, “You little rascal.”

After they finished eating, the school nearby suddenly rang the dismissal bell, and the boy immediately stood up.

He looked at Shen Jixun with reluctance. “Gege, I have to go home because Mom will be off work soon. If she comes back and finds I’m not home, she’ll worry about me.”

Shen Jixun nodded and said, “Go ahead. Remember to study hard, go to a bigger and better city, and give your mom a better life, okay?”

“I will, Gege!” The boy waved as he left, looking back every few steps.

Shen Jixun thought about sitting there for a while to enjoy the evening breeze before heading back, but the stall owner suddenly approached him.

“That boy has a tough life. His father is a gambler who treats his wife and child badly. At best, he curses them; at worst, he beats both mother and son. When they call the police, they just say it’s a domestic dispute and can’t do much. We neighbors can only watch, unable to do anything about his father.”

“He’s smart and kind, greeting everyone he sees. It’s just a shame he ended up with a father like that.”

Shen Jixun slowly asked, “Where is his father now?”

“He lost a game of cards recently and punched the person who won. Now he’s hiding somewhere, and that person is looking for him.”

Shen Jixun nodded thoughtfully.

Perhaps because the boy reminded him of Ji Shen, Shen Jixun was unusually inclined to see the matter through.

After returning to the hotel, he immediately asked his assistant to investigate the boy’s father and find the person who was beaten, offering to help them put the man in jail.

However, the next day on the flight back, Assistant Li reported to him: “The person who was beaten is a relative of his. They have already settled the matter privately.”

Shen Jixun felt a headache coming on, thinking he might just have to use money.

At this point, Assistant Li continued, “However, we found out that he has a habit of theft.”

“Then find someone to keep an eye on him for now. If we can catch him once, send him in. Let him be locked up for as many years as possible.”

Assistant Li didn’t know why Shen Jixun was bothering with such a small matter.

But he noticed that since meeting Ji Shen, Shen Jixun’s personality had clearly changed.

The former Shen Jixun was always cold-faced and indifferent to people and events, but now he had gained a touch of human warmth.

After landing, Ji Shen had been waiting at the airport entrance for a long time.

He first drove the assistant home, then returned home with Shen Jixun.

When he saw Ji Shen, Shen Jixun suddenly realized why he felt an inexplicable closeness to that little boy.

It turned out that the boy strongly resembled Ji Shen as a child.

But he didn’t dwell on the matter, so he didn’t mention it to Ji Shen.

That evening, Ji Shen cooked a large feast to welcome Shen Jixun home.

Looking at the table full of dishes that barely fit, Shen Jixun watched Ji Shen, who was still wearing an apron and serving the last dish, and teased him with a smile: “Whose boyfriend is so domestically skilled?”

Ji Shen didn’t pretend to be modest. He placed the last dish on the table, took off his apron, and sat down next to Shen Jixun.

He tilted his head and rested it on Shen Jixun’s shoulder, proudly saying, “Of course, it’s your boyfriend, the most beautiful, gentle, and thoughtful one!”

“I compliment you, and you start boasting for me.” Shen Jixun smiled, using his index finger to push the head on his shoulder away slightly. Then he picked up his chopsticks and said, “Let me taste if your cooking skills have improved in the past two days.”

“They definitely have! I’ve been watching tutorials every day!” Ji Shen said confidently.

Shen Jixun chuckled, a little spoiled. “Do you remember I said I’d give you a surprise when I got back?”

Ji Shen quickly nodded: “Of course, I remember!”

“I’ve been looking forward to it for days!”

Shen Jixun: “Then close your eyes first.”

Ji Shen obediently closed his eyes.

Shen Jixun then took a square black velvet box from his pocket.

Inside, two diamond rings lay quietly.

They shimmered with faint rainbow light under the lamp.

Shen Jixun took Ji Shen’s hand, which was resting on his knee, picked up the slightly larger diamond ring, and carefully slipped it onto Ji Shen’s ring finger.

The cool sensation on his knuckle immediately made Ji Shen realize what it was.

He instantly opened his eyes.

Seeing the diamond ring already on his hand, Ji Shen’s eyes immediately turned red.

He hadn’t expected Shen Jixun to give him such a big surprise.

“Ge, why are you so good to me!” Ji Shen looked at Shen Jixun with red eyes, his voice inexplicably hoarse.

“You’re crying over just one diamond ring? How pathetic are you?” Shen Jixun teased.

Ji Shen tried hard to defend himself: “I’m just too touched! It’s normal to cry when you’re deeply moved!”

Shen Jixun extended his right hand and said, “Don’t be so quick to be moved. Put mine on for me, too.”

Ji Shen took the other diamond ring from the box, held Shen Jixun’s hand, and carefully slipped it onto his ring finger.

With both diamond rings now on their respective ring fingers, Shen Jixun turned his hand and looked at the ring.

“I’ve given you the diamond ring. Now remember, no matter where you go, you belong to someone. No flirting or playing around.”

Ji Shen immediately hugged Shen Jixun, burying his head in his neck. “Master, how could I ever do that…”

“To me, you are the savior who rescued me from the depths of despair.”

Because in his darkest hour, Ji Shen couldn’t find anyone to help him, so he prayed to the gods, despite never believing in them.

He wished for the gods to relieve him of his current predicament. He didn’t know if the gods heard him, but soon after, Shen Jixun burst into his life.

He didn’t believe he was saved by the gods, yet he also believed he was saved by the gods, and that soft-hearted deity was Shen Jixun.

“Good to know.” Shen Jixun raised his hand and pinched the ear of the head resting on his shoulder.