AMBTICBPIB Chapter 57

The weather today was exceptionally beautiful, with bright sunshine and a gentle, warm breeze.

Chu Yi woke up late. Shen Jin wasn’t home. He remembered Shen Jin mentioning last night that he had a meeting with a business partner today and might not be back for lunch.

Uncle Wen was also out, saying he had errands to run.

After breakfast, Chu Yi wandered into the courtyard.

The courtyard had undergone a remarkable transformation. No longer a monotonous expanse of green grass, it now bursts with vibrant colors, resembling a lush garden.

The plants planted recently had all taken root, each one thriving with lush, emerald-green leaves. Spring was the season for flowers to bloom, and the flowers planted earlier were now gradually opening. Chu Yi noticed that these flowers seemed to be the very ones he had mentioned wanting to plant.

The courtyard’s vegetation was meticulously arranged according to the garden design, creating a new vista with every step. Each step revealed a different scene, and the delicate floral fragrance filled the air, soothing the soul.

After wandering around the courtyard, Chu Yi realized it was already noon.

As he headed upstairs, he turned toward his own room. Although Shen Jin had already moved most of his belongings there, some things remained in his old room.

When Chu Yi first arrived, he had only a simple suitcase with pitifully few possessions. He couldn’t understand how he had accumulated so much stuff since then.

After tidying up the scattered items, Chu Yi felt genuinely tired and sat down on the bed to rest. He had promised Shen Jin not to overexert himself.

Chu Yi couldn’t understand why he used to be able to run around all day without feeling tired, yet now even light tidying left him exhausted.

The sunlight streamed onto the spacious balcony, making it look clean and warm. Such perfect sunlight shouldn’t be wasted.

Chu Yi leaned against a large cushion on the balcony, the warm sun bathing him in comfort. Sleepiness crept up on him, and he thought he’d just take a half-hour nap.mm The moment he closed his eyes, he drifted off.

Uncle Wen had gone out that morning specifically to select fresh ingredients. Chu Yi had been vomiting severely for days, unable to tolerate any meat at all. He threw up almost everything he ate and had lost weight during this period. Feeling helpless, Uncle Wen could only focus on preparing more delicate meals to encourage Chu Yi to eat something.

When Uncle Wen returned, he personally brought back a variety of fresh ingredients. As soon as he got back, he put on his apron and began cooking, striving to make each meal light yet flavorful. Just as he finished preparing lunch, Shen Jin arrived home.

After concluding his business meeting, President Zheng warmly invited Shen Jin to join him for lunch.

Shen Jin declined, “I’m sorry, President Zheng, but I need to get home to have lunch with my little one.”

President Zheng, of course, knew about Shen Jin’s marriage. It seemed the rumors of Shen Jin being cold and ruthless weren’t entirely true; his expression softened noticeably when he mentioned his “little one” at home.

Shen Jin went upstairs to find Chu Yi, but he wasn’t in their bedroom. He checked Chu Yi’s old room, but he wasn’t there either. After a moment’s thought, Shen Jin went to the study, but Chu Yi wasn’t there either.

Chu Yi wasn’t in any of the other rooms either, nor was he in the courtyard.

Shen Jin called Chu Yi’s phone. The ringtone echoed from their bedroom, confirming Chu Yi hadn’t taken his phone with him. An ominous feeling settled over Shen Jin.

Butler Wen questioned the household staff. Aunt Wu thought for a moment. “I saw Chu Yi leave earlier.”

She had been wiping the staircase handrail at the time. When she looked up, she saw Chu Yi opening the door and stepping out.

Butler Wen pressed, “And then? Do you know where he went?”

Aunt Wu whispered, “I don’t know.”

It had been a long time since she’d seen Mr. Shen with such a dark expression. Aunt Wu couldn’t help but feel a twinge of fear. After seeing Chu Yi leave, she had simply gone back to her work. Chu Yi hadn’t mentioned where he was going.

But who could have imagined he still wouldn’t be back by noon?

Ever since the last time his phone had died and he’d gone missing, Chu Yi had always told them where he was going. Now, neither Shen Jin nor Uncle Wen had any idea where he was.

If this had happened before, Shen Jin’s first thought would have been that Gu Jin had taken Chu Yi out. But Gu Jin and the others had promised him that day they would never take Chu Yi out without telling him first.

Therefore, Chu Yi definitely wasn’t with Gu Jin and the others.

Shen Jin thought for a moment, his expression growing increasingly grave. He remembered Chu Yi mentioning that his classmates were going mountain climbing over the weekend.

But Chu Yi had assured him he wouldn’t go. Shen Jin trusted Chu Yi wouldn’t break his promise, but he had no idea where else to look for him.

Unable to overthink it, Shen Jin grabbed Chen Ye and headed straight for the mountain that Chu Yi’s classmates were supposed to climb.

Chen Ye drove at breakneck speed, and they soon arrived at the foot of the mountain.

It was a weekend, and the base of the mountain was swarming with people—so many hikers!

As soon as they got out of the car, Shen Jin rushed toward the temple on the mountain.

The peach blossoms were in full bloom, creating a stunningly beautiful landscape. Hikers stopped frequently to take photos with their phones, but Shen Jin had no time to appreciate the scenery.

Though the path was relatively smooth, climbing the mountain was still physically demanding. Shen Jin moved at a relentless pace, forcing Chen Ye, who trailed behind him, to stop and catch his breath. Shen Jin’s breathing remained steady, and he didn’t pause once.

Shen Jin climbed to the temple halfway up the mountain at top speed.

At the temple entrance, he spotted Jiang Xu and his group just as they were exiting.

Jiang Xu was surprised to see Shen Jin, then his expression cleared with understanding. *No wonder Chu Yi didn’t come with us. He must be hiking with his boyfriend.*

Jiang Xu approached Shen Jin and asked, “You’re here too? I thought Chu Yi said he couldn’t make it. Where is he?”

Shen Jin immediately realized Chu Yi wasn’t here either. But to confirm, he asked, “Chu Yi isn’t with you?”

“Of course not,” Jiang Xu replied.

Jiang Xu explained that they had originally planned to hike together today, but a few days earlier, Chu Yi had told him he had weekend plans and couldn’t join them.

If Chu Yi wasn’t here, where could he be?

Watching Shen Jin’s hurried departure, Jiang Xu felt a strange unease. *Why does he seem so anxious? It’s like something important has happened.*

Knowing Chu Yi wasn’t on the hike didn’t ease Shen Jin’s anxiety. He still hadn’t found him.

Seeing Shen Jin’s anxiety, Chen Ye wanted to reassure him. Chu Yi was an adult man who could take care of himself; he probably just went for a walk. There was no need to worry so much. But after a moment’s hesitation, Chen Ye decided against it, because he was worried about Chu Yi too.

Chu Yi hadn’t come hiking and wasn’t with Gu Jin and the others. Aunt Wu had seen him leave the house earlier. Where could he have gone?

To be honest, Shen Jin wouldn’t have been so anxious about where Chu Yi went if he had his phone. If they could just contact him, they wouldn’t be so frantic.

As they neared home, Shen Jin suddenly remembered something and immediately called Uncle Wen. “Uncle Wen, check the security cameras. Is Chu Yi still at home?”

Chu Yi always told him where he was going. Since he hadn’t said anything, he must have just stayed home, which explained why he didn’t bring his phone. Shen Jin was so worried that he hadn’t thought of this sooner.

When Shen Jin arrived home, he rushed straight to Chu Yi’s old room.

After Shen Jin’s reminder, Uncle Wen reviewed the security footage and realized Chu Yi had wandered around the courtyard all morning before returning to his old room, where he had remained ever since.

Shen Jin, frantic earlier, had rushed in and quickly searched the room, even checking the bathroom, but had completely overlooked the balcony.

Shen Jin reentered the room and strode to the balcony. When he saw Chu Yi sleeping soundly there, his tense body finally relaxed, and he exhaled heavily. In the past two hours, it had felt as if a sword had been hanging over his head.

Sitting beside Chu Yi, Shen Jin’s normally steady heartbeat quickened, all the suppressed anxiety and worry now surging to the surface.

The bright sunlight bathed Chu Yi in a warm glow. Shen Jin gently squeezed his hand, relieved to find him sleeping peacefully here. He pressed a soft kiss to the back of Chu Yi’s hand.

Quietly watching him sleep, Shen Jin couldn’t bring himself to wake him.

He never imagined he could feel such intense anxiety and concern. His gaze burned with tenderness as he stared at Chu Yi, his hand never leaving his.

About ten minutes later, Chu Yi woke up, feeling exceptionally refreshed from his nap.

He opened his eyes and saw Shen Jin sitting beside him. “You’re back?” he exclaimed in surprise. “When did you get here? Why didn’t you wake me?”

Chu Yi had just dreamt of Shen Jin, and now, opening his eyes to find him right there, he couldn’t help but hug him tightly.

Shen Jin chuckled. “Just got back. How did you fall asleep here?”

“I came to pack some things and got sleepy,” Chu Yi said, a little embarrassed. “I only meant to nap for half an hour, but it felt like I slept for hours.”

Shen Jin ruffled his hair. “You must be hungry. Uncle Wen has already prepared dinner. Let’s go downstairs to eat.”

Chu Yi patted his stomach. “You’re right, I am hungry.”

Unaware of the turmoil that had unfolded while he slept, Chu Yi had no idea Shen Jin had been frantically searching for him, nearly driven to madness.

Sensing an odd atmosphere in the house, Chu Yi asked, “Did something happen?”

He noticed Aunt Wu and the others had strange expressions.

When Uncle Wen saw him, his face visibly relaxed, as if he had been worried about something. Could something have happened while he was asleep?

Shen Jin smiled. “It’s nothing. Uncle Wen made you lots of delicious food. Eat it while it’s hot.”

Chu Yi, suspecting nothing, happily began eating.

He spotted a soup on the table, its surface dotted with yellow flowers. “Uncle Wen, what kind of flowers are these?” he asked in surprise.

“Pumpkin blossoms,” Uncle Wen replied. “Try the pumpkin blossom soup and see what you think.”

“Pumpkin blossoms are edible?” Chu Yi took a sip. “Uncle Wen, this soup is so fresh and delicious! The flowers taste good too.”

He quickly finished the bowl, his appetite seemingly much improved.

Throughout the meal, Shen Jin kept his eyes fixed on Chu Yi.

“Why are you staring at me like that?” Chu Yi asked.

Shen Jin smiled but didn’t answer. Simply watching Chu Yi eat quietly was a comforting and reassuring pleasure.