Qingge Chapter 3

To those who read the story earlier: I have a confession. The naming for the protagonist made me feel really awkward. His name is Lin Qingge. Family name Lin given name Qingge, but after chapter 2 the story referred to him by just his given name Qingge. Which felt really weird when combined with the “ge” at the end. Like what is this guy? A pet? So I’ve been adding his last name in even though it’s not in the story. But that also made me feel weird like I was violating the feel of the story or something. So I kept going back and forth and as you may have noticed, his name is spelled differently throughout, even the t.i.tle of the page I felt the need to add a s.p.a.ce in between Qing and Ge. Even the original translator group added a s.p.a.ce in the t.i.tle. Maybe the author is purposefully only using his given name to show… something about our protagonist? I don’t know, whatever. I’ve been putting off translating the story because I’d get annoyed whenever his name popped up, and being a protag it popped up a lot. I’ve since reconciled with the story. I’m just gonna call him Qingge as the story dictates. That’s it. So going forward you will see him referred to as whatever the author wrote him as, mostly Qingge while other times by an affectionate endearment. While we’re on that matter I’ve also decided to Englishify all terms of endearment and addresses so you’ll see Xiao replaced by little and -ge replaced by Brother or Sister etc. while keeping all proper nouns in pinyin. I also corrected a few incorrect names. I tell you… names… they are my downfall... THEY ARE SO HARD!!! I’ve gone back and tried to correct any inconsistencies and mistakes. If you notice any… well just glaze over it and auto-correct it your mind. That’s all. Enjoy the syrup below. 

[Translator/Editor: otwentyfirst]

[Host: justreads.net]

“Yes!” Qingge was in such a good mood that he forgot there were certain things he couldn’t eat too much of.

“I’ll be back.” Duan Yujing left after tucking Qingge back under the sheets.

Qingge hummed to himself and settled under the blankets with the back of his hands on his cheeks gripping the edges of the blankets with his eyes just barely peeking out.

A few minutes later Duan Yujing reappeared with a white haired middle aged doctor. Qingge laid in bed looking at the two approach. His eyes were bright and his smile was hungry. If he had a tail Duan Yujing was sure it would be wagging right then. He was so glad he decided to take the earliest flight over. “Doctor can you check on him? Does he still need to be hospitalized or can he be discharged soon?” He walked over to help Qingge sit up.

The Doctor took a look before declaring, “The patient seems fine. He just lacks nutrition so his body will be a little weak and his emotions may fluctuate. A good exercise and diet regimen should be all he needs. He should stay away from cold and spicy foods. Some fruits are OK but don’t overdo it. Try eating warm foods. He should be careful of the cold and be sure to bundle up when going outside.” He took off his stethoscope and looked at Qingge. “You’re too young to have a body like this.”

Qingge knew the doctor would nag him about it. He hated coming to the hospital because he’d get lectured every time. He really wanted to just roar out in frustration. His body was weak because he was born that way, he had no choice in the matter. He really did try! The only thing he failed at was taking his medicine. They were bitter and he really hated them. He wasn’t sure if Brother Yujing would spoil him and let it slide.

“Stick your hand out. I’ll pull the IV out for you.” The Doctor added, “Don’t worry, I’ll be gentle,” when he saw the look on Qingge’s face.

Qingge’s arm disagreed! It was quite painful!

Duan Yujing held his hand while the Doctor pulled the needle out. A cotton swab was quickly pressed onto the spot the needle used to be by Duan Yujing. Qingge’s heart, that had just recently calmed down, began to beat frantically again at the light touch. How is this guy so alluring?!

For his part Duan Yujing listened attentively to the Doctor only asking a question every now and again when he needed clarification, such as what other types of foods to look out for and what types medicines and herbs to use. He was particularly interested because he had a friend whose family owned the Qingshi hospital, and thanks to an old mentor, this friend also had a strong interest in traditional Chinese medicine.

After the Doctor left Duan Yujing reached for the peach and a knife. Before peeling he asked, “Wait, are you allergic to peaches?”

“I don’t think... I... am.” Qingge’s answer trailed off towards the end as he tried to shrink further into Duan Yujing’s arms making himself as small as possible. It had been so long that he honestly forgot. He wanted to cry but had no tears. Could he change this body please?!

Duan Yujing grabbed a handful of peaches and put them to the side. “Why don’t we try apples first? I remember the first time I met you Auntie gave you an apple pie. You didn’t seem to have an allergic reaction to it at the time.”

“Can’t I eat the peach? It’s been so long.” Qingge tried to bargain. “Just a small bite?”

“You can try a small bite but you have to stop eating if you start to feel uncomfortable though.” Duan Yujing gave in without much of a fight and peeled the peach cutting it into small bite size pieces easily. He gave the smallest piece to Qingge.

“If I’m not allergic you have to leave the rest to me.”

“OK.” Duan Yujing couldn’t help but laugh at his determination. “Since the Doctor says you’re OK to be discharged we’ll just wait another twenty minutes after you finish eating to make sure you don’t have an allergic reaction.”

“I’ll take this entire peach then.” Qingge nodded obediently while holding a piece of peach in his hand. How great would it be to have a healthy body? Unlike him who had to worry about an allergic reaction to even simple things like peaches.

“Good.”

Duan Yujing left to get a few things. By the time he came back it was about half an hour later and Qingge had not only made his way through the entire peach but had also started in on the apple as well. Ah! He really liked peaches! He could just picture a room full of them with their fragrance filling the air. Lord knew he would never actually try something like that at his father’s house. If he had a severe reaction those relatives of his would probably pretend not to see him, instead leaving him to wherever he probably fainted, only calling for help when it looked like it was too late. Because of this his diet was usually light without much variety or change. He just didn’t feel safe trying new things there.

“Did you eat it all?” Duan Yujing looked at the empty plate on Qingge’s lap. He rubbed Qingge’s head and asked, “Do you feel any discomfort?”

“No, just tired of eating apples every day.” Qingge smiled a little when he saw the insulated box Duan Yujing held. Curious he asked what it was for.

Duan Yujing saw the look on Qingge’s face. He really does look like a cat with that spoiled smile of his! “Our flight is a little long and the food may not agree with you. I didn’t want you to get hungry so I bought some light porridge with shiitake mushrooms and scallops. See if you can handle it.”

“OK.”It’s so good to have a lover who’s observant and considerate and takes good care you! Ah! This is so wonderful! He was definitely going to hold firmly to this thigh.

Duan Yujing opened the containers and brought a small table over. “Then sit and eat. Also it’s windy outside. You should wear more layers.” He walked over the suitcase by the door. “Do you mind if I look through these?”

“It’s fine. The butler packed it for me.”

Qingge spooned some porridge out and timidly dipped the tip of his tongue into the spoon to test it out.

“What are you looking for?”

“Getting some clothes for you.” Duan Yujing smiled and began to fold the messy pile of clothes in the suitcase into a semblance of order. Out of the pile he decided on a light blue shirt, beige sweater, thin windbreaker, and a cotton pair of trousers. The other case was filled with Qingge’s computer and books. These he also packed back neatly in place.

Qingge sipped the porridge one careful spoonful at a time while he watched Duan Yujing organize his things. The more he looked the more handsome that guy became. He’d never been in such a situation before and had to keep telling himself to keep calm.

Duan Yujing was on the phone arranging their flight and transportation. His a.s.sistant booked the tickets and a car would be sent over to pick them up shortly. He looked up to find that Qingge had finished with his porridge and was now staring at him with his big shining eyes. He wondered what this little kitty was thinking. “Are you full?”

“Hm.”

Duan Yujing gathered up the dishes and cutlery and threw them into the rubbish bin, then wiped his hands clean with a wet nap.

“Are we leaving? Are we going back to your home?” Qingge grinned as he stretched out his hands so Duan Yujing could clean them.

“Oh. I’ve been negligent. I didn’t tell you clearly. Qing city's Liu Jing Corporation is a company I created. I have an apartment in a pretty good location with a few neighbors around. It’s pretty nice. You won’t be bored. My brother lives with me too. He can be a little awkward and shy around people but you’ll like him.” Duan Yujing tried to make the situation as clear as possible so Qingge wouldn’t feel shocked. “You don’t have to worry about anything. My home is your home. I love you.”

“I know. I believe you. I just finished my college entrance exams this year. I should be getting my results soon.” Qingge smiled thinking about it. “I’ve thought it through. It’s not a big problem, but I wanted you to be aware of it. My body isn’t very strong so going to a school too far from home won’t work.”

“No worries. We actually live really close to a university. You can feel the lively atmosphere even from where our house is. I’d say it’s about a two mile walk. I should be able to send you off to school before work in fact.”

“Oh that’s good!” It was so perfect Qingge couldn’t contain his laughter. Staying in school all day would be tiring but he felt that a half day was doable.

“Happy?”It made his heart flutter to see Qingge laugh so innocently. Before he knew it he’d reached over and stolen a kiss from those soft cheeks. There was a faint scent coming from Qingge. “You should change your clothes. I can help you change, or do you want me to leave and you can do it yourself? Either way we do have to leave soon.”

It was such a sudden kiss Qingge wasn’t sure how to react. His face felt really nice where Duan Yujing touched. He could still feel a lingering breath on them, making him blush. It made him feel a little awkward. “We are lovers, it does not matter.”

“So naive. Later don’t trust people so easily. You’re gonna end up getting sold.” Duan Yujing laughed as he unb.u.t.toned Qingge’s shirt and pulled it off to reveal a pale smooth torso. Since Qingge had a weak physique he rarely went out other than to go to school. As a result he was very pale skinned, completely untanned. He inherited his mother’s figure and was himself very slender. This combined with his youthful developing teenage body made him look really ethereal.

Duan Yujing just barely glanced at him though. Quickly pulling his gaze away and redressing him in the clothes he picked out earlier. Even if his lover looked fine, he couldn’t ignore his body condition. If he got sick from the cold it would be a catastrophe. Better to bundle him up quickly.

“Brother Jing.”Even if Qingge was shy he knew how things worked. He had many years of indulging in novels to know one should be frank when facing one’s lover, otherwise the potential for misunderstandings would wreak havoc on the relationship.

Aye. No! No! No! Qingge quickly shook his head and banished those novels from his mind. This was not appropriate. He used to be such a pure hearted boy in his previous life. How could he think that Brother Jing would have such thoughts, this was just changing clothes after all. He was making too much it.

“Brother Jing I’m only eighteen so you may think I’m very young. I can be headstrong, stubborn, even unreasonable at times, but don’t give up. Just talk to me about it. I really like you and I do want to go with you. You’ve been very good to me. I’ll try my best to be good to you.” Qingge sighed in relief after letting it all out. It wasn’t as hard to say as he thought it would be. He knew that he could be headstrong and difficult to deal with. He didn’t want that aspect of himself to hurt Brother Jing, so he was letting him know beforehand.