ABSTIWTVMST Chapter 129

Xu Chenghao remained completely unresponsive, sound asleep in his nap. Not to mention Jing Yicheng’s gentle teasing or light scolding, even the obnoxiously loud alarm clock failed to disturb his deep slumber.

Instead, it was Jing Yicheng who opened his eyes to the alarm clock’s noise, ready to end their nap and head to the hospital for a follow-up appointment. However, the person in his arms wasn’t cooperating at all. When called, Xu Chenghao buried his head under the blanket, stubbornly refusing to get up.

Jing Yicheng glanced at the time. It was already two in the afternoon. Sleeping any longer would disrupt his sleep at night; he couldn’t let this continue.

Jing Yicheng’s expression turned slightly serious. He got up first, and a moment later returned to the bedside with a damp towel, determined to wake Xu Chenghao by wiping his face.

Xu Chenghao was annoyed. He slapped his hand away and tried to roll over to the other side. Jing Yicheng quickly pulled him back. “Haohao, it’s time to get up.”

Xu Chenghao played dead.

After wiping his face and hands, Jing Yicheng lifted him up forcefully. “We need to go to the hospital for your follow-up this afternoon. If we don’t, there won’t be time tomorrow when we go meet your parents. Be good and get up now.”

Without even opening his eyes, Xu Chenghao started acting. He said in a melancholic tone: “Jing Yicheng, I think we’re not right for each other. Let’s not meet the parents—let’s break up.”

“In what way aren’t we right? Is it the size?”

“……”

“Get lost!”

Jing Yicheng chuckled and coaxed him, “Be good, Haohao. Open your eyes first.”

Xu Chenghao opened his eyes unhappily. “Jing Yicheng, you’ve really changed.”

Jing Yicheng asked, “How have I changed?” as he mercilessly started dressing Xu Chenghao.

Leaning against Jing Yicheng’s arms, Xu Chenghao pouted, “See, you’ve started forcing me to get up.”

“That’s because sleeping too long isn’t good for you. Be good, stop fussing.”

“And you’re even making dirty jokes.”

“That’s just because you’ve taught me so well.”

Xu Chenghao firmly denied it. “Nonsense, I never say things like that.”

Jing Yicheng, amused, patted his back. “Of course, Haohao never says things like that. Haohao is the best.”

Xu Chenghao was satisfied: “Sweet talker—just like me.”

Jing Yicheng: “Mm, because everything about Haohao is sweet. I’ve kissed you so much that now I’ve become sweet-mouthed too.”

After hearing a string of compliments, Xu Chenghao’s annoyance at being woken up completely disappeared. He left the house in a good mood and headed to the hospital.

After two months, returning to the hospital felt familiar—it was the same doctor, the same procedures. The examination results were better than ever, and even the doctor praised Xu Chenghao’s excellent recovery. His leg injury had healed well, and it no longer interfered with his daily life.

Xu Chenghao silently complained to himself: How could it not be good? Jing Yicheng has been worrying himself sick over these legs of mine every day. Aside from the regular recovery exercises, he even gets angry if I stand for too long. If my leg didn’t recover well, it’d really be letting down all of Jing Yicheng’s care.

After repeatedly confirming that Xu Chenghao wouldn’t have any lingering issues, Jing Yicheng finally breathed a sigh of relief. As they left the hospital, a rare smile appeared on his lips, drawing curious glances from the driver in the front seat, who seemed to suspect his boss had been swapped with someone else.

Xu Chenghao also found it amusing. He pinched Jing Yicheng’s face and said, “This matter is completely behind us now. Aren’t you very happy?”

Jing Yicheng placed his hand on Xu Chenghao’s knee and explained, “I’m happy because your body has recovered well. But this matter isn’t over—it’s a warning bell, constantly reminding me to protect you.”

Xu Chenghao didn’t know whether to feel happy or distressed. He withdrew his hand from Jing Yicheng’s face and murmured, “Why are you so hard on yourself… Look, compared to Ruan Chenxuan, aren’t I much better? If I’d lost my memory and forgotten three years of my life, I’d probably be chasing after An Rouyu right now, volunteering to be her child’s godfather.”

As he spoke, Xu Chenghao’s imagination started to run wild. “And then, after you left for those two months, if I’d lost my memory and didn’t even know you, I might’ve been glad you were gone and gone around looking for An Rouyu. By the time you came back, it probably wouldn’t have helped—mmph…”

The rest of his words were silenced by Jing Yicheng’s kiss. Xu Chenghao had to push him several times before he managed to break free and catch his breath. “Why are you biting me? I was just pointing out how things are better now in comparison.”

Jing Yicheng buried his face in Xu Chenghao’s shoulder. “None of it is good. Haohao, don’t say these things anymore.”

Xu Chenghao silently closed his mouth, reflecting on his poor choice of approach. He patted Jing Yicheng’s shoulder to comfort him and changed the subject. “Alright, let’s not talk about it anymore. It’s all in the past anyway. Instead of dwelling on this, we should focus on preparing for tomorrow’s meeting with my parents.”

“This time, it’s not a drill—it’s the real thing. A very formal, important meeting with my parents that will determine how things progress in the future!”

Xu Chenghao deliberately used an exaggerated tone near Jing Yicheng’s ear, finally prompting Jing Yicheng to lift his head. He was now visibly nervous. “Haohao, say it again—you can’t abandon me if your parents don’t approve.”

Xu Chenghao found it strange. “Why do you keep making me say that?”

Jing Yicheng replied, “Because I’ve recorded it. When you regret it and don’t want me in the future, I’ll buy up every billboard in the city and play your promise on loop.”

Xu Chenghao: “???”

What the hell? You can still play like this?

Xu Chenghao was dumbfounded and surprised. “How did you record it?”

Jing Yicheng pointed to his first button. “This.”

Xu Chenghao: “……”

He stared at it silently for a long time but saw nothing wrong with it. Finally, he pushed Jing Yicheng away with a weary expression, saying he wanted some peace.

Jing Yicheng coaxed him, “Haohao, say it one more time.”

“No.”

Jing Yicheng looked aggrieved. “Haohao, are you planning to go back on your word? Otherwise, why won’t you say it again?”

“Your pity act won’t work. Go away.”

Jing Yicheng: “Haohao…”

“Get lost.”

The two bickered all the way home. In the end, Xu Chenghao was forced to surrender under Jing Yicheng’s oppressive “strength” and grudgingly repeated it one more time, finally putting an end to the quarrel.

Xu Chenghao was angry and decided he wouldn’t speak up for Jing Yicheng tomorrow when they met his parents! Hmph!

However, when the actual meeting happened and Xu Chenghao saw how nervous Jing Yicheng was, his heart softened. He took the initiative to lead Jing Yicheng to greet his parents.

Normally, if it were a son-in-law, the father would size him up at the table, judging his abilities and character. If it were a daughter-in-law, the mother would chat with her to gauge her personality.

But when Jing Yicheng arrived, he stumped both of Xu Chenghao’s parents. The two exchanged glances, silently signaling to each other with their eyes: You go first.

Mother Xu: “He’s a man; why should I go first? Obviously, it’s your turn.”

Father Xu: “Weren’t you always saying my observational skills are inferior to yours and that you wanted to evaluate our son’s partner yourself? Here’s your chance.”

Mother Xu: “Are you sure this is a daughter-in-law and not a son-in-law?”

Father Xu: “I’m sure. Didn’t you see how obedient Jing Yicheng is to our son?”

Mother Xu: “I didn’t see that. I feel like Jing Yicheng is domineering and is the one controlling our son.”

Father Xu: “I think you’re just making excuses.”

Mother Xu: “No, I think you’re the one making excuses.”

The two smiled politely, but their eyes exchanged silent and fierce blows.

In the end, Father Xu lost the battle and was forced to step up. He began, “I didn’t expect Mr. Jing to go out of his way to gather porcelain. That was very thoughtful of you.”

Jing Yicheng: “You’re too kind, Uncle.”

Father Xu: “Speaking of which, you must know a bit about porcelain yourself, Mr. Jing. Why don’t we head to the study and discuss it in more detail?”

Jing Yicheng: “Of course, I’d be happy to.”

As the two prepared to move to the study, Xu Chenghao immediately got up to follow them.

Mother Xu: “Why are you following them? Your dad and Mr. Jing are having a conversation; what are you going for?”

Xu Chenghao replied confidently, “Why wouldn’t I? We’re all men, so we’ll have more to talk about. You take a rest; we’ll come back down later.”

Mother Xu glared at him angrily, while Father Xu added, “There’s a set of teacups missing upstairs. Chenghao, go to the storage room and fetch my blue and white porcelain cups with the delicate lattice pattern. I’ll have tea with Mr. Jing.”

Xu Chenghao froze in his tracks, casting a worried glance at Jing Yicheng. “Don’t bully him.”

“What are you saying? Hurry up and go.” Father Xu waved him off dismissively and then turned back with a polite demeanor, leading Jing Yicheng to the study.

As soon as Jing Yicheng left Xu Chenghao’s side, his restraint slipped, and his previously gentle demeanor disappeared completely. Even though he deliberately held back and sat silently in the chair, the habitual aura he exuded was enough to make others feel uneasy.

If Father X hadn’t been sure that Jing Yicheng’s gaze held no malice, he might have thought the man was throwing a tantrum. After a long pause, Father Xu finally spoke, “Let’s not beat around the bush. Mr. Jing, you probably know what I want to talk to you about.”

“Mm.”

Perhaps realizing that wasn’t enough, Jing Yicheng added, “I understand. Uncle, you can rest assured.”

Father Xu: “……” Rest assured about what? Can you give me an actual guarantee?!

Father Xu felt a headache coming on and deeply regretted the inherent challenges of marrying “up.” With someone like Jing Yicheng, who had a strong background and a difficult temperament, there would be no scolding or confrontation if issues arose in the future. He couldn’t even guarantee he’d be able to stand up for his son if something happened. Just thinking about it made him feel frustrated.

He really didn’t like Jing Yicheng.

Feeling his initial approach had failed, Father Xu tried again after a moment. “You’ve been together for a long time. When are you planning to settle down?”

Jing Yicheng replied, “Whenever Haohao is willing, I’m ready.”

This answer wasn’t bad, and Father Xu grudgingly felt a little satisfied. “Oh. Has Haohao met your parents?”

Jing Yicheng’s aura seemed to grow heavier. “They passed away many years ago.”

Father Xu was stunned, realizing he might have touched on a sore subject. He quickly said, “I’m sorry.”

“It’s alright. It’s been so long I’ve almost forgotten about them.” Jing Yicheng curved his lips into a smile, but his eyes remained cold and icy, with an unsettling hint of something eerie.

Father Xu frowned. The more he observed, the more he felt that Jing Yicheng’s personality wasn’t ideal.

Putting aside his family background and other factors, if the two decided to settle down, it would be a lifetime commitment—decades of close companionship with no breaks.

Given Jing Yicheng’s peculiar and difficult-to-control temperament, things might seem sweet and fun now, but what if, someday, he got bored and exploded, deciding he wanted to break up? If Jing Yicheng was the one who grew tired, Xu Chenghao would suffer heartbreak. If Xu Chenghao was the one to initiate a breakup and Jing Yicheng didn’t take it well—what if he became extreme…

No matter how he looked at it, Xu Chenghao was the one who would get hurt the most. Father Xu felt deeply uneasy!

While he was still deep in thought, he suddenly heard the sound of the study door opening with a click. Accompanied by a cheerful “I’m here!” Xu Chenghao, like a little sun radiating light, instantly dispelled all the awkwardness and coldness in the room. He went straight to sit beside Jing Yicheng, flashed him a smile, and said softly, “I’m back.”

Jing Yicheng responded with a low “Mm,” and the icy chill in his eyes melted instantly. Without realizing it, he followed with a smile of his own. The once eerie and cold atmosphere transformed into one of warmth and tenderness in less than two seconds.

Father Xu: “……”

He didn’t know what to say—he just kind of missed Mother Xu.