AMBTICBPIB Chapter 58

Over the weekend, Shen Jin moved all of Chu Yi’s belongings into their room, so Chu Yi wouldn’t need to come back to retrieve anything later.

Shen Jin’s room was already spacious, and even after Chu Yi’s things were moved in, it remained quite roomy. The addition of Chu Yi’s belongings transformed the once austere space into a more lived-in, cozy environment.

Even on the balcony, Shen Jin set up a small tent—though it was small, it could comfortably accommodate two people lying down. This allowed Chu Yi to relax comfortably on the balcony, whether sitting or reclining.

Watching Shen Jin help him move his things and set up the tent, Chu Yi spent the weekend happily, completely unaware of the minor commotion he had caused while sleeping.

On Monday, when Chu Yi returned to school, Jiang Xu handed him a protective amulet.

“I got this amulet for you,” Jiang Xu said.

Chu Yi accepted it carefully and tucked it into a compartment in his wallet. “Thank you,” he replied. “How was your trip that day? Did you make it to the summit?”

“Of course, we made it to the summit,” Jiang Xu said. “We had a great time that day, and the scenery was beautiful. But the hike was exhausting. My legs were so weak coming down the mountain that Zhou Huaixiao had to help me home. Even after a full day of rest, I still haven’t fully recovered.”

Jiang Xu added, “My calves are still sore.”

Seeing Jiang Xu’s exhausted expression, Chu Yi understood why Shen Jin had been so anxious when he heard about the hike. If Shen Jin had attempted it, he probably would have been half-dead by the time he reached the bottom.

As Chu Yi sipped his yogurt, Jiang Xu thought for a moment and asked, “What were you doing around noon on Saturday? We were at the temple then.”

Chu Yi recalled, “I think I was sleeping at home.”

Jiang Xu sighed, “You were smart to stay home. Hiking is way too tiring.”

He still didn’t mention seeing Shen Jin that day. He figured Chu Yi probably didn’t even know Shen Jin had come looking for him. Jiang Xu sensed there was something he didn’t understand, and his intuition told him it was best to keep quiet.

Lost in thought, Jiang Xu was startled when Chu Yi leaned closer. “Could I ask you for a favor?”

Jiang Xu clicked his tongue. “If you keep being so polite, I won’t help you.”

Chu Yi smiled sheepishly.

Whether it was Jiang Xu’s imagination or not, Chu Yi’s smile seemed brighter and more radiant than before, carrying a newfound charm that made him even more beautiful.

Jiang Xu felt a surge of confidence. “Whatever it is, I’ll definitely help you.”

Chu Yi pursed his lips and took a sip of his yogurt. “The yogurt your boyfriend brought last time was really good. Could you ask him where he bought it?”

Jiang Xu froze for a few seconds. “That’s it?” He had expected Chu Yi to need help with something serious, only to find it was such a trivial matter—and he had even used the word “please”?

Chu Yi looked at him earnestly. “Mm-hmm.” This was genuinely important to him.

The yogurt Zhou Huaixiao had brought last time was the best he had ever tasted. Though he had yogurt at home, Chu Yi couldn’t stop thinking about the one Zhou Huaixiao had brought.

He had even searched for that particular brand in supermarkets, but couldn’t find it anywhere, leaving him no choice but to ask Jiang Xu for help.

Jiang Xu nodded. “No problem. I’ll have him bring you some next time.”

Chu Yi smiled. “Thank you. And thank your boyfriend too.”

Jiang Xu grinned. “You can thank him, but if you try to send me money, we’re done.”

Chu Yi silently put away his phone, and Jiang Xu smiled at him.

After class, Zhou Huaixiao came to find Jiang Xu, carrying a large bag filled with yogurt for Chu Yi.

Chu Yi was surprised. Jiang Xu explained, “We’re going out to dinner together tonight, so Zhou Huaixiao brought it over when he came to meet me. It was just a convenient thing.”

Chu Yi knew Jiang Xu had asked Zhou Huaixiao to bring it specifically.

Though thanking Jiang Xu and Zhou Huaixiao felt too formal, Chu Yi still thanked them repeatedly. He felt incredibly lucky to have met Jiang Xu on his first day of school.

Chu Yi was curious. “This yogurt is so delicious! Why haven’t I seen it in any other supermarkets?”

Zhou Huaixiao sighed. “Because the company that makes it is about to go bankrupt.”

“Ah?” Chu Yi exclaimed.

Zhou Huaixiao explained that the yogurt brand was an old one, known for its genuine quality and refusal to add artificial ingredients. However, due to poor marketing and competition from other brands, sales had declined steadily for years, resulting in consecutive losses. This year’s losses were particularly severe, forcing the company to close down. It was likely that this yogurt would never be available again.

That’s why Zhou Huaixiao brought so much for Chu Yi this time, knowing it might be the last chance to enjoy it.

Chu Yi felt a pang of regret. He might never taste this delicious yogurt again.

The large bag of yogurt was heavy. Jiang Xu offered to carry it for Chu Yi to the school gate, but Zhou Huaixiao immediately took the bag from Jiang Xu’s hand without a word.

Jiang Xu asked, “Is your boyfriend picking you up?”

Chu Yi nodded. “Yeah.” Shen Jin had been personally driving him to and from school lately.

As the three of them reached the school gate, they spotted Shen Jin waiting by the roadside.

Shen Jin took the heavy bag of yogurt from Zhou Huaixiao.

Once they were in the car, Shen Jin asked, “Why did you buy so much yogurt? We still have some at home.”

“Zhou Huaixiao bought it,” Chu Yi replied.

“Hmm?” Shen Jin raised an eyebrow. Zhou Huaixiao was buying snacks for him now?

“Last time Zhou Huaixiao brought snacks for Jiang Xu, he shared some yogurt with me too,” Chu Yi explained. “I really liked it. It even helped with my nausea.”

“Then we’ll only buy this kind from now on,” Shen Jin declared immediately.

Chu Yi sighed. “We might never get to drink it again.”

Shen Jin inserted the straw into the carton and handed it to Chu Yi. “What’s wrong?”

“Because the company that makes this is going bankrupt,” Chu Yi explained, summarizing what he had heard from Zhou Huaixiao.

The more he talked, the more Chu Yi felt regret. “It really does taste good. I won’t be able to drink it anymore.”

Chu Yi held the yogurt carton to Shen Jin’s lips, watching as Shen Jin lowered his head to bite the straw, took a sip, and his Adam’s apple bobbed.

“Is it good?” Chu Yi asked.

Shen Jin savored the taste. “It’s definitely good.” If Chu Yi said it was good, it must be.

Seeing Chu Yi’s wistful expression, Shen Jin reassured him, “Don’t worry, I won’t let you go without it.”

Chu Yi blinked, and Shen Jin chuckled, ruffling his hair without elaborating.

“Dr. Meng has already scheduled our hospital checkup for next week,” Shen Jin said.

Chu Yi nodded. “Okay.”

“No need to be nervous,” Shen Jin added. “I’ll be there with you.”

“I’m not nervous,” Chu Yi replied.

After Chu Yi went inside, Shen Jin pulled a yogurt carton from the bag and handed it to Chen Ye. “Have them contact this manufacturer immediately. I want information by tonight.”

*How could I let my little one go without his favorite yogurt?*

“Understood,” Chen Ye said. “I’ll handle it right away.”

In his office, Factory Director Zhou wore a deeply troubled expression. The factory’s performance had been steadily declining, leaving it mired in debt. After struggling to stay afloat, it had finally reached the point of collapse.

Fortunately, they could still scrape together enough to pay the employees their final month’s wages. The factory might close, but the workers’ salaries would not be delayed.

Factory Director Zhou felt a pang of sorrow. His brand of yogurt would soon vanish from public consciousness, gradually fading from memory.

After more than twenty years, the brand had become like his own child. He couldn’t bear to let it go. His weary face was etched with reluctance. Failing to adapt to the times meant being swept away by them.

He gazed wistfully around the office, the place where he had worked for so long, now destined to disappear.

Just as Factory Director Zhou was drowning in despair, an unfamiliar number rang.

“Hello, is this Factory Director Zhou? I have something I’d like to discuss with you. Is this a good time?”

After hanging up, Factory Director Zhou couldn’t believe what he’d heard.

When the accountant entered the office, he noticed the director’s bright eyes. Assuming it was from grief, he took a closer look and realized it was excitement.

Factory Director Zhou’s eyes welled with tears. “Our factory is saved!”