AMBTICBPIB Chapter 47

As soon as class ended, Chu Yi and Jiang Xu made a beeline for the Third Cafeteria, specifically for one particular dish.

The Third Cafeteria’s Dongpo Pork was renowned throughout the school for its exceptional flavor. Chu Yi often remarked that it tasted just like Uncle Wen’s, which meant it was incredibly delicious.

Its popularity meant that the dish sold out quickly. If you arrived even slightly late, you’d find it gone, not even a drop of the savory sauce remaining.

On regular school days, Chu Yi and Jiang Xu never dared to hope they could snag the Dongpo Pork. But today, their classroom was conveniently close to the Third Cafeteria, so they hopped on scooters immediately after class and raced over.

By the time they reached the counter, a considerable line had already formed. Fortunately, both managed to secure their Dongpo Pork.

The Dongpo Pork was a rich, glistening cut of perfectly layered pork belly, braised in a dark, savory sauce. Paired with steamed rice, it was an irresistible combination, guaranteed to whet the appetite.

Jiang Xu excitedly gripped his chopsticks. “We’re so lucky today! We actually got Dongpo Pork. It smells absolutely divine!”

Jiang Xu took a bite, his face lighting up with satisfaction. “The chef’s skills seem to have improved even more! This is even tastier than before.”

Chu Yi had been eagerly anticipating the Dongpo pork since class ended. But now that the dish was right in front of him, the sight of the greasy meat suddenly made him lose his appetite. The fragrant aroma even made him feel slightly nauseous, and he didn’t want to eat anymore.

Seeing how heartily Jiang Xu was enjoying it, Chu Yi tried taking a bite, hoping it would reignite his appetite.

But after just one bite, Chu Yi’s brow furrowed tightly as he barely suppressed the urge to gag.

“What’s wrong? Why are you making that face?” Jiang Xu asked, puzzled. “You used to eat so enthusiastically when we ate together. Now you look like the meat tastes awful, but it’s clearly fragrant and delicious!”

Chu Yi took a sip of water to quell the nausea. “Nothing, I just don’t feel like eating.”

Jiang Xu’s eyes widened, almost thinking he’d misheard. “We went through so much trouble to get this! And you don’t want to eat it? Wasting food is shameful!”

Chu Yi pushed the plate of Dongpo pork toward Jiang Xu. “I haven’t touched any of the other dishes. It’s all yours.”

Jiang Xu teased, “You’re really not going to eat any? If you don’t want it, I’ll take it. It’s seriously delicious.”

Chu Yi nodded repeatedly. Jiang Xu happily devoured Chu Yi’s plate of Dongpo pork as well, eating his fill with satisfaction.

With the plate of Dongpo pork gone, Chu Yi felt a little better. He only ate some light vegetarian dishes and barely touched the other dishes before feeling full.

Jiang Xu looked at him with growing concern. “Are you feeling unwell?” Chu Yi’s appetite was unusually small today. Before coming to the cafeteria, he had been just as excited about the Dongpo pork as Jiang Xu.

Chu Yi shook his head. “I’m fine. I just don’t feel very hungry. Maybe I rushed here too quickly.”

After resting for a while after lunch, the uncomfortable feeling subsided.

When they returned to the villa, Chu Yi stared in disbelief, blinking repeatedly at the sight before him. If he hadn’t lived here every day, he would have thought he’d come to the wrong place.

It was no wonder Chu Yi was so astonished. The lawn, which had remained unchangingly green throughout the year, had been transformed. It was no longer the monotonous, unchanging green he remembered.

The courtyard was now filled with shrubs and flowers, and several people were planting more. What was going on?

Chu Yi wanted to find Uncle Wen, but he seemed to be out. Aunt Wu, the housekeeper, told him, “Mr. Shen sent these people. He said he wants to transform the courtyard into a garden and plant all the flowers Chu Yi likes.”

At first, the servants had called him “Mr. Chu,” but Chu Yi found it too formal, so they started calling him “Chu Yi,” just like Butler Wen.

Chu Yi suddenly remembered mentioning to Shen Jin that the courtyard felt too empty and monotonous. He recalled Shen Jin asking what he’d like to plant, and Chu Yi had casually rattled off a list.

He never expected Shen Jin to actually hire people to start planting flowers in the courtyard.

The fact that Shen Jin had remembered his casual remark and acted on it filled Chu Yi with warmth and gratitude. He couldn’t help but smile, already longing to see Shen Jin.

Aunt Wu, standing nearby, could sense Chu Yi’s happiness. She had to admit, the courtyard looked stunning with all the flowers and greenery. Mr. Shen truly doted on Chu Yi.

As Aunt Zhou turned around, Chu Yi had already dashed upstairs.

Upstairs in Shen Jin’s room, Shen Jin lay half-naked on the bed, his body pierced with numerous acupuncture needles. Dr. Meng glanced at the time; it was nearly time to remove them. He began carefully withdrawing the needles.

Dr. Meng felt particularly pleased today. During the acupuncture session, Shen Jin had shown a faint sensation, indicating the treatment was working. His confidence in his medical skills grew daily. Perhaps with another two or three years of treatment, Shen Jin could fully recover and live like a normal person.

Shen Jin’s mood was clearly improved as well. Dr. Meng could sense Mr. Shen’s voice was gentler than usual, though he suspected this was largely due to Chu Yi’s presence.

Just as Dr. Meng removed the final silver needle, the door burst open.

A cheerful voice rang out, “Shen Jin, you let them plant flowers!”

For the past few days, Chu Yi had been entering Shen Jin’s room as if it were his own, without knocking. But the scene before him froze him in place.

Shen Jin lay half-naked on the bed. Seeing Chu Yi, he immediately sat up and began dressing.

Dr. Meng, unsure how to react, simply stood rooted to the spot.

“I’m so sorry! I didn’t know anyone was in the room,” Chu Yi said, quickly closing the door and hurrying away.

Shen Jin clearly hadn’t expected Chu Yi to return so early today.

He thought for a moment, *Chu Yi’s probably didn’t see anything right?*  He didn’t want Chu Yi to see this imperfect side of himself.

Dr. Meng placed the last silver needle into its box, confirming his thoughts. “Mr. Shen, rest assured. All the needles had already been removed from your body by the time Mr. Chu entered.”

Chu Yi didn’t know how he made it back to his own room. He just felt a heavy weight in his chest and a deep sense of unease.

He knew Dr. Meng came regularly to check Shen Jin’s health, but Shen Jin’s reaction just now seemed excessive.

It was as if he was afraid something would be discovered. If Shen Jin hadn’t reacted so strongly, Chu Yi wouldn’t have found it strange at all.

And why had Shen Jin taken off his clothes this time? He never undressed during previous checkups. What could require him to undress? Physical examinations didn’t even require lying in bed. The last time Dr. Meng examined Chu Yi, it was perfectly normal and took place in the study.

They had always used the study before.

Details Chu Yi hadn’t noticed earlier now flashed through his mind one by one. When he entered the room, Dr. Meng had been leaning close to Shen Jin, and Shen Jin’s bed was disheveled.

Chu Yi knew Shen Jin always preferred things neat and tidy; his bed would never be in such a mess.

He also knew Shen Jin and Dr. Meng had known each other for a long time—longer than he had known Shen Jin, at least. As Shen Jin’s personal physician, their relationship was undoubtedly closer.

Only now did Chu Yi realize how striking Dr. Meng’s appearance was—handsome and distinguished. A graduate of a prestigious foreign university, Dr. Meng was highly skilled in medicine and an exceptionally accomplished man. Such outstanding individuals often attract admiration effortlessly.

The more Chu Yi thought about it, the more agitated he became. He didn’t yet recognize this feeling as jealousy; he was simply angry. *If Shen Jin likes Dr. Meng,* he thought, *what did all those words he said to me mean? Has he said the same things to Dr. Meng?*

Lost in his brooding, Chu Yi didn’t even hear Shen Jin knock before entering the room.

Shen Jin found Chu Yi sprawled face-down on the bed. He walked over and patted Chu Yi’s upturned bottom. “Why are you back so early today?”

Chu Yi looked up. Shen Jin’s expression had already returned to normal, as if nothing had just happened. *Is Shen Jin implying I came back too early?*

Chu Yi replied listlessly, “The professor took a leave of absence.”

Shen Jin glanced at Chu Yi. “Your complexion looks a bit pale. Are you feeling unwell?”

Shen Jin placed his hand on Chu Yi’s forehead, his fingertips warm and gentle. Chu Yi pressed his lips together and murmured, “I’m fine.”

But his expression didn’t seem to match his words. Shen Jin said, “Dr. Meng hasn’t gone far. I’ll have him come back and check you over. Are you sure you’re not feeling unwell?”

“No need, I don’t want to see a doctor,” Chu Yi immediately sat up, his reaction surprisingly strong and resistant. This made Shen Jin suspect he might be hiding an illness.

Realizing his own overreaction, Chu Yi lowered his voice. “I’m really okay. There’s no need to trouble Dr. Meng.”

Chu Yi’s temperature was normal, and he didn’t seem to be in any discomfort. His discomfort usually showed on his face.

Shen Jin raised an eyebrow. “What did you want to tell me when you came to find me earlier?”

Chu Yi: “It’s nothing now.”

Chu Yi seemed a bit down today, so Shen Jin needed to find a way to cheer him up.

“They’re planting flowers in the courtyard,” Shen Jin said. “If you want to plant anything else, just tell me, and I’ll arrange it.”

Chu Yi glanced at Shen Jin, wondering why he could still speak so gently after witnessing what had just happened.

“Whatever,” Chu Yi mumbled. “Anything is fine.”

Shen Jin couldn’t figure out why Chu Yi’s mood had suddenly soured.

By dinner, Chu Yi was still listless and ate even less than usual.

Sensing something was wrong, Shen Jin gently turned Chu Yi, who was facing away from him, to face him as they were about to sleep. “Did something happen? You seem really down tonight.”

Chu Yi shook his head. “No.”

Shen Jin looked at him intently. “Chu Yi, you promised you’d tell me if anything was bothering you.”

“Really, it’s nothing,” Chu Yi insisted. “Shen Jin, I’m tired. Good night.”

With that, Chu Yi turned his back to Shen Jin and lay still. Soon, his even breathing filled the room.

Shen Jin carefully pulled him closer into his arms.