Song Jianchu lowered his eyes and suppressed a smile. He playfully imitated his boyfriend’s occasional childishness and said, “Sure.”
Mu Ye seemed to be in a great mood. He gently touched his forehead and asked, “Are you hungry? Shall we eat something before continuing to play?”
Song Jianchu nodded.
If they hadn’t made an appointment in advance, they would have had to wait everywhere. Song Jianchu found a Malaysian restaurant with a relatively short waiting time on his phone.
The two of them sat down in the waiting area. Mu Ye leaned against Song Jianchu’s arm and played a game, while Song Jianchu casually glanced up and met the gaze of a person sitting beside them, who had been staring at them.
Surprisingly, it was the same couple they had encountered earlier.
Song Jianchu quickly averted his gaze and looked down at Mu Ye’s phone screen.
The person whispered into his boyfriend’s ear, “Honey, look next to us, it seems like the cute guy we met earlier.”
The boyfriend was engrossed in playing a mobile game and didn’t seem to care. He absentmindedly replied, “Hmm.”
The person stole another glance and said hesitantly, “Why do I feel like they look so familiar?”
The boyfriend was focused on the game and simply responded with a “Hmm.”
The person got annoyed and pouted, “You’re so annoying. Whenever we go out, all you do is play games and don’t spend time with me.”
The boyfriend replied, “Hmm, after this round.”
The person became silent, sulking and no longer looking in their direction.
Song Jianchu breathed a sigh of relief.
Mu Ye clicked his tongue and furrowed his brow, handing his phone to Song Jianchu. He said, “I can’t pass this level, can you help me play?”
Song Jianchu took the phone and swiped the screen a few times, successfully clearing the level.
Mu Ye leaned comfortably against him and continued to the next level, saying, “You’re amazing.”
Song Jianchu took out his own phone and started scrolling through Weibo. Mu Ye turned his head and whispered, “Play with me.”
Song Jianchu put his phone in his pocket and continued watching Mu Ye play the game.
The person beside them looked pensive, glanced at this side, and then leaned against her boyfriend, acting coquettish. She said, “Honey, bring me one. I also want to play with you.”
The boyfriend replied, “Be good, don’t cause trouble.”
The person’s face turned gloomy.
A waiter approached with a small basket of snacks and stood in front of the young couple. “Hello, here are some snacks for you while you wait.”
The person picked up the last pack of Pop Rocks from the basket and said, “I want this Pop Rocks. What would you like to eat, honey?”
The boyfriend was still immersed in the game and replied indifferently, “Anything.”
The person randomly picked a pack for him.
The waiter then approached Song Jianchu and asked, “Hello, would you like some snacks?”
Song Jianchu looked at the person beside him and asked, “Do you want any?”
Mu Ye glanced at the basket, then looked at the snacks in the person’s hand, and said with regret, “I also want those candies.”
That voice?
The waiter’s heart inexplicably skipped a beat and said, “I’m sorry, we only have one pack of Pop Rocks left.”
Song Jianchu saw a candy store just across from them and said, “That’s alright, thank you.”
The waiter cast a few more glances at the two of them and walked to the next table with snacks.
Song Jianchu stood up and said, “Wait here for a moment.”
“Where are you going?” Mu Ye put away his phone and stood up as well.
“To the candy store.”
Mu Ye held his hand and said, “I want to choose myself.”
Song Jianchu led Mu Ye to the candy store. Mu Ye rarely had the opportunity to buy snacks in a place like this, so he felt excited and happily picked several kinds of candies. He said, “I also want to have dried plums.”
Song Jianchu replied, “Get another portion of dried plums.”
The store clerk had a big smile on her face but was internally screaming.
Ah, this is too sweet!
The person ate Pop Rocks and scrolled through their phone. Feeling bored and unable to resist, they glanced to the side and saw that the other couple’s table was filled with various snacks, including more than a dozen packs of Pop Rocks.
The taller one, with a hat covering his eyes, leaned against the guy in the white suit, eating dried plums while watching the guy play on his phone. Occasionally, he praised him and even fed him snacks.
The person silently turned their head and looked at their boyfriend, who sat farther away, playing games without being disturbed. They thought to themselves that being in love and watching others in love was even sweeter.
The restaurant had great food. Since Song Jianchu was admitted to the hospital, his appetite had been poor, but today he managed to eat a little more.
While eating, Mu Ye kept feeding him and found it satisfying to see him regain his appetite. Mu Ye lazily rested his chin on his hand, looking at him and smiling. He said, “Chu Chu, I’m so happy to have a date with you.”
Song Jianchu was also very happy and replied, “We can play a little longer before leaving.”
“Are you able to walk?” Mu Ye held his hand. “Won’t you get tired?”
Song Jianchu smiled and said, “I’ll be fine.”
Mu Ye observed Song Jianchu’s face and couldn’t see any signs of discomfort except for his slightly pale complexion.
Mu Ye knew that Song Jianchu was pushing himself.
His boyfriend had a strong personality and never backed down from a challenge, even when it came to his own body. He never wanted to show any signs of weakness in front of him.
“Let’s go,” Mu Ye squeezed his hand and smiled contentedly. “Today’s date is halfway done. We can continue another day.”
Song Jianchu and Mu Ye locked eyes for a few seconds, and obediently, he replied, “Hmm.”
As they left, it was clear that Song Jianchu’s condition had deteriorated. His steps were slower as they walked from the mall towards the parking lot, and he had to rest three times in less than ten minutes.
Mu Ye let go of his hand and knelt down in front of him, smiling gently and saying, “Come up.”
People passing by in the mall turned their heads to look.
Song Jianchu was so exhausted that he could barely keep his eyes open. After hesitating for a few seconds, he shyly closed his eyes and rested his head on Mu Ye’s back.
Mu Ye effortlessly carried him on his back, ignoring the onlookers as they walked through the mall.
They attracted a lot of attention along the way.
Song Jianchu leaned against Mu Ye’s shoulder, smelling the familiar scent on his clothes, feeling drowsy. Through his blurred vision, he saw Mu Ye’s scarf fall down.
He didn’t have the strength to help, so he reminded him with a weak voice, “Teacher Mu, cover your face properly.”
Mu Ye replied, “Don’t worry, if we get recognized, I’ll run away.”
Song Jianchu couldn’t hold on any longer and slowly closed his eyes. “Then run faster.”
Mu Ye chuckled softly. “Okay.”
Listening to the gradually steady breaths by his ear, Mu Ye’s steps slowed down a bit.
When they arrived at the parking lot, Mu Ye carefully placed Song Jianchu in the car. Song Jianchu remained sound asleep, worn out from the morning.
Mu Ye drove to the hospital.
Coincidentally, Yin Chi came to the hospital to visit and found the bed empty. His heart sank, but then he saw Mu Ye carrying Song Jianchu inside.
Yin Chi helped lay Song Jianchu on the bed and asked in surprise, “You took him out?”
Taking someone out in this condition? Aren’t you afraid of worsening his condition?
Mu Ye gently removed Song Jianchu’s scarf and calmly replied, “Can I wait outside for a moment? I need to change his clothes.”
Yin Chi glanced at the weak and sleeping figure on the bed and furrowed his brow.
After changing Song Jianchu into hospital clothes and wiping his hands and face, Mu Ye gently brushed aside the bangs that were covering the guy’s eyes and kissed his forehead. He then covered him with a blanket.
Once everything was in order, Mu Ye left the ward.
“Teacher Mu, I know you’re afraid of seeing Chu Chu…” Yin Chi couldn’t help but say, “But in this condition, it’s too risky to take him out of the hospital.”
Mu Ye lowered his gaze. “I know.”
Yin Chi let out a sigh and understood. He didn’t say anything more.
After a moment of silence, Yin Chi asked, “Has the bone marrow matching result for Song Yan come out yet?”
“No.”
Yin Chi clicked his tongue in annoyance.
“Teacher Mu,” Yin Chi said, “you’ve worked hard during this time. If it weren’t for you, I don’t know how we could have encouraged Jianchu to hold on.”
Mu Ye seemed absent-minded and said, “I need to go home for a while. Can you take care of him for a few hours?”
Yin Chi replied, “Don’t worry, you can go ahead and take care of your business. I’ll watch over him, no need to rush.”
Mu Ye nodded. “Thank you.”
Yin Chi entered the ward and sat by the bedside. Mu Ye glanced at the room and quietly left with a set of clothes and the scarf in his hand.
Not long after Mu Ye left, Song Jianchu woke up.
Seeing a different person beside him, he was taken aback. “Where’s Teacher Mu?”
“Your partner went out for a while.” Yin Chi smiled and said, “Now it’s brotherly bonding time.”
Song Jianchu chuckled lightly.
“Brother,” Yin Chi said, “once your illness is treated, consider going public with Teacher Mu. He’s such a good partner, you have to hold onto him.”
Song Jianchu sat up with the support of Yin Chi.
Yin Chi sighed and said, “Having a lover who can accompany you through difficult times is not easy.”
Song Jianchu fell silent for a few seconds and said softly, “Yin Chi, do me a favor.”
Yin Chi smiled. “Tell me, there’s nothing your brother can’t do.”
Song Jianchu calmly said, “I want to arrange my own funeral.”
Yin Chi’s eyes instantly turned red, and he quickly turned his face away. “F*ck…”
Song Jianchu calmly comforted him, “There’s no need to be afraid. Death is something that everyone will experience sooner or later. It’s just a natural process, not something to fear.”
Yin Chi choked up, closing his eyes and listening quietly.
“I know Song Yan went for a bone marrow match, but the chances of success aren’t very high,” Song Jianchu said calmly. “If there’s only one result in the end, I want to choose how it all ends.”
“Brother, it’s all up to you now.” Song Jianchu smiled faintly, looking at Yin Chi. “In the end, I’ll trouble you one last time to play along with me.”
Yin Chi and Song Jianchu locked eyes for a few seconds before bursting into laughter. “Song Jianchu, you truly live up to your reputation.”
“F*cking hell,” Yin Chi cursed, his eyes red with tears. He laughed and said, “If we’re doing this, let’s make it the most extravagant funeral in history. Firmly maintain your public image and make them all amazed!”
“Our company’s newcomers are now all popular. You are currently the top sponsor of the entertainment industry, the new generation godfather. Your funeral must be top-notch,” Yin Chi playfully said, “All the A-list celebrities must attend and shut down the entire entertainment industry for a day!”
Song Jianchu felt much lighter in his heart and said, “Don’t let Teacher Mu know about this for now.”
“Rest assured,” Yin Chi raised an eyebrow. “This is our plan, brother.”
…
Mu Ye went to his studio and, together with Gu Jiaming, prepared for an upcoming concert as they finalized some long-pending matters.
After confirming everything quickly, Gu Jiaming sighed and said, “If Song Jianchu doesn’t get discharged by March, he might not be able to see your debut concert. It’s a pity.”
“What illness does he have, anyway?” Gu Jiaming finally couldn’t resist asking, as he had been hesitant all along.
“Handle the remaining matters yourself,” Mu Ye didn’t say much. He put on his clothes, grabbed the car keys, and patted Gu Jiaming’s shoulder. “You’ve worked hard this time.”
“Don’t say that to me,” Gu Jiaming chuckled. “Say hello to your partner for me. I’ll visit him when he’s feeling better.”
Mu Ye smiled and said, “Okay, I’m off.”
Mu Ye drove home, picked up a few sets of clean clothes, and then went to the mall to buy some props. He didn’t spend too much time shopping and quickly arrived at the hospital.
When Yin Chi saw Mu Ye, he stood up and said, “Teacher Mu is here, so I’ll leave.”
Mu Ye put down the shopping bag and said, “Thanks.”
“Brother,” Yin Chi gave Song Jianchu a meaningful look, “if you miss me, message me anytime.”
Mu Ye was taken aback for a moment and raised an eyebrow.
Song Jianchu chuckled disdainfully and said, “That’s enough. Let’s go.”
Yin Chi left.
Mu Ye took off his jacket and hung it in the wardrobe. Seemingly nonchalant, he asked with a sour tone, “What did he say?”
“Nothing,” Song Jianchu saw the shopping bag and asked, “Did you go home? How was it?”
Mu Ye sat on the edge of the bed wearing a black sweater, gently kissed his face, and smiled. “Do you miss our son? I’ll let Xiao Pei video call you later.”
Song Jianchu admitted, “A little.”
Mu Ye ruffled Song Jianchu’s slightly obstructing bangs and said gently, “Your hair has grown long. Can I trim it for you tonight?”
Song Jianchu hesitated in his gaze and asked with a hint of uncertainty, “Can you?”
“I’ll just cut it shorter,” Mu Ye said. “Search for a tutorial. It shouldn’t be too difficult. We can give it a try.”
Song Jianchu looked unusually uneasy.
Despite his usual maturity, Song Jianchu was still an eighteen-year-old boy, and he felt a bit burdened about his image in front of his lover.
Mu Ye observed the guy’s guarded expression that seemed to say “don’t come near me” and couldn’t help but soften his heart. He chuckled and said, “I won’t make you look ugly, I’ll be careful. Otherwise, should we find a professional hairstylist?”
After considering for two seconds, Song Jianchu calmly said, “It’s better if you do it.”
Before going to bed, Mu Ye found a tutorial video and watched it repeatedly. He set up a chair in the hospital bathroom and placed a cloth around Song Jianchu’s neck.
Picking up the scissors, Mu Ye also felt a bit nervous. He looked at himself in the mirror and reassured himself with a smile, “Shall I start cutting?”
Song Jianchu lowered his eyes and remained silent for a moment. “No need to cut it anymore.”
Mu Ye put down the scissors and ran his fingers through Song Jianchu’s soft hair. “It looks good even without cutting it. It’s handsome with a bit of length.”
Song Jianchu said, “Just push it aside.”
Mu Ye’s eyes momentarily froze, but he quickly regained his smile. “The doctor said not to push it all back.”
Song Jianchu met Mu Ye’s gaze in the mirror and casually said, “Push it aside. It’s troublesome to keep dyeing it.”
Mu Ye looked at the mirror and furrowed his brow slightly. “…”
After chemotherapy, although Song Jianchu didn’t experience as much hair loss as other patients, he did have less hair. Mu Ye helped him wash his hair in the hospital, and Song Jianchu found it troublesome.
Mu Ye’s Adam’s apple rolled slowly as he forced a smile and said, “Then we won’t test my skills.”
Mu Ye switched to an electric clipper and gently kissed a strand of hair, saying reassuringly, “We look handsome no matter what, don’t we, darling?”
After trimming his hair, Mu Ye helped Song Jianchu put on a warm knitted hat.
After all, his superior facial features were still there, and the guy in the mirror looked handsome, even cleaner and neater.
Mu Ye raised an eyebrow. “Looks cool.”
Song Jianchu hooked his lip and felt quite satisfied. “Yeah.”
Mu Ye clicked his tongue, feeling a bit worried. “It seems like you’re more attractive to young boys now. From now on, don’t casually talk to Sheng.”
After a pause, Mu Ye added softly, “And don’t chat with the nurses either.”
Song Jianchu found it amusing but didn’t bother with this person’s inexplicable jealousy.
In the evening, Dr. Zhao came with a nurse for a check-up, and they were both stunned.
They had never seen a patient who still looked so good after shaving their head.
Previously, they would comfort the patients and praise them, but this time the nurses genuinely praised Song Jianchu, their excitement barely concealed.
“It looks so cool,” a petite nurse blushed and said, “It feels like you look even more handsome than before.”
Another nurse nodded vigorously. “You look great! Super handsome!”
Dr. Zhao couldn’t help but look a few more times and smiled warmly. “You look much fresher this way.”
Mu Ye took a deep breath and smiled softly, “It’s all thanks to my skills.”
The family was busy admiring handsome guys and ignored him.
After the doctor left, Mu Ye wiped Song Jianchu’s face and went to the bathroom to take a shower.
Taking the opportunity, Song Jianchu took out his phone and leaned against the hospital bed to read the messages Yin Chi sent him.
Yin Chi, being efficient, had pushed the official WeChat accounts of several top-tier funeral service companies in the industry to him.
As times changed and society progressed, the funeral industry had also become highly competitive. As long as one had money, various customized funerals and memorial services were available. The industry even had professional funeral planners who provided comprehensive customized services. One could even pre-book and plan their funeral, with the planning options being preserved until decades later.
Many open-minded individuals didn’t want their future funerals to be too somber, so they sought out companies that offered such services and customized their funerals in advance.
From choosing a burial site to designing personalized coffins to Western-style funeral styles, as long as the clients had imaginative ideas and the budget allowed, there were no limitations to what they could achieve.
Song Jianchu had always been interested in this matter.
On his bucket list, the last wish was to design his own funeral.
Song Jianchu added a funeral planner named Kevin on WeChat. It was said that this teacher had planned the funerals of many superstars, and of course, the cost was also very high.
Yin Chi had informed in advance that the planner would strictly keep personal information confidential.
[Kevin: Hello, Little Devil. I’m your exclusive funeral planner, Kevin. I’m at your service!]
[Song Jianchu: Hello.]
[Kevin: Brother Yin Chi told me about it. Are you interested in pre-booking and customizing your own funeral?]
[Song Jianchu: Yes.]
Kevin had been in this business for a long time, and many wealthy young individuals were curious about this service. They sought him out to pre-book and customize their funerals decades in advance. Therefore, he didn’t find it strange at all when he heard that this client was the wealthiest person on Weibo. He even thought it was reasonable.
[Kevin: Alright, this is a very interesting matter, and it’s also an open and honest communication. First, I hope you can free yourself from outdated concepts and not feel burdened or emotional when designing your funeral. If you’re ready, please describe to me your imagination of this wonderful journey of life coming to an end.]
…
Mu Ye finished showering and walked out of the bathroom. He saw Song Jianchu chatting with someone on WeChat and smiled, “Who are you talking to?”
Song Jianchu put away his phone. “Yin Chi.”
Mu Ye turned off the light and lay down next to Song Jianchu, pulling him into his arms.
Mu Ye adjusted his embrace so as not to put too much pressure on him and lightly rubbed against Song Jianchu’s ear. However, he didn’t feel the soft strands of hair. The texture of the knitted hat felt somewhat unfamiliar.
Mu Ye’s movements paused, still feeling a bit uncomfortable.
By the dim light of the humidifier, Mu Ye observed the clearer contours of Song Jianchu’s profile. Without the covering of his bangs, his face appeared lighter and closer to his age, exuding a determined temperament that his peers didn’t possess.
Yet, somehow, because of these subtle changes, he also seemed a bit unfamiliar.
Mu Ye’s gaze slowly swept over Song Jianchu’s eyebrows, the line of his nose, and lingered on his familiar lips, searching for that sense of familiarity.
It felt as if a thin thread pierced through his heart, simultaneously itching and burning when pulled.
Song Jianchu, on the verge of falling asleep, felt the warm, soft lips touch his earlobe.
“Darling,” Mu Ye whispered in his ear, “talk to me.”
Mu Ye usually wouldn’t disturb his rest, and Song Jianchu reluctantly opened his sleepy eyes.
Song Jianchu turned his head slightly and glanced at him. “What do you want to talk about?”
Mu Ye stared at him for a few seconds and said, “Anything. I just want to hear your voice.”
Song Jianchu blinked, unsure of what to say.
Mu Ye leaned closer, pressing his nose against Song Jianchu’s cheek. With his eyes closed, he sniffed his scent and said softly, “Tell me a story.”
“You look different,” Mu Ye held him a little tighter and whispered, “I’m not quite used to it.”
I’m crying and i cannot stop crying!!!
My heart is breaking 😭💔