IMPGS Chapter 66

Xiao Cheng knew perfectly well how jealous Luo Jingshu could get; he hated hearing about others. Wasn’t their earlier fight because of Xie Zhao?

Yet Xiao Cheng deliberately brought up those names. It was hard to say he wasn’t doing it on purpose.

Luo Jingshu felt both sour and upset but didn’t dare say much. All he could do was silently sip from a bottle of old vinegar, swallowing his jealousy.

Xiao Cheng was intentionally provoking him. Understanding Luo Jingshu’s flaws didn’t mean he would so easily forgive being toyed with.

Even if he ultimately gave in, he didn’t want to do it too quickly. Letting Luo Jingshu get his way without a fight would make him seem too easy to please.

Xiao Cheng sighed quietly to himself.

Not too long ago, he had vowed never to forgive Luo Jingshu.

How much time has passed since then? How was he already wavering?

But five years of love—over two lifetimes—wasn’t so easily erased.

Luo Jingshu had become his obsession. In taming Luo Jingshu, Xiao Cheng realized he had been tamed in return.

Still, he wouldn’t give in so easily.

Suddenly, Xiao Cheng recalled something Luo Jingshu had said: he wanted to be Xiao Cheng’s dog. Maybe he should test that.

Not as some intimate roleplay but to teach Luo Jingshu a lesson.

Feelings weren’t always fair, but a relationship should at least start from a place of equality.

He couldn’t be Luo Jingshu’s canary, and he wanted Luo Jingshu to realize how absurd that desire was.

Unaware that Xiao Cheng’s heart had softened, Luo Jingshu was terrified of Xiao Cheng falling for someone else.

He would never let Xiao Cheng go, but he also didn’t want to force him unless necessary.

What he wanted was Xiao Cheng’s burning love, not his resentment or cold indifference.

But if that day ever came, Luo Jingshu wasn’t sure he could bear it.

Would his Brother Cheng use those gentle, smiling eyes to look at someone else?

Would he call someone else “baby,” treating them like fragile treasure, carefully nurturing and adoring them?

Luo Jingshu clenched his fists tightly, his expression hardening. No, he couldn’t let Xiao Cheng love anyone else!

He wanted to be Xiao Cheng’s boyfriend again, to hear Xiao Cheng’s soft voice call him “Nian Nian” just once more.

“Brother Cheng, they’re no good. Don’t like them.”

Luo Jingshu’s voice was both pitiful and cautious, though his dark eyes glimmered like a lurking beast.

“What’s wrong with them?” Xiao Cheng asked, half-teasing but curious about Luo Jingshu’s determination.

Luo Jingshu answered quickly, as if he had prepared his arguments in advance:

“Bai Yiheng is too old; he doesn’t share any interests with you.”

“Xie Zhao’s family would rather see him marry a woman to carry on the family line.”

“As for the twins, they’re your cousins. If you’re with them, that’s… incest.”

Xiao Cheng: …

“Let’s leave Xiao Xi and Xiao Nan aside,” Xiao Cheng said, raising an eyebrow. “Mr. Bai isn’t old—he’s mature and steady, with a unique charm refined by time. And he understands young people well; I’ve never had trouble communicating with him.”

Before Luo Jingshu could argue, Xiao Cheng continued, “As for Senior Xie, he’s warm and kind, and his family dynamics are harmonious. Who’s to say they wouldn’t accept him having a boyfriend?”

Luo Jingshu went silent for a good ten seconds, his breathing growing heavier.

He’s not crying, is he? Xiao Cheng thought, briefly alarmed.

But before he could dwell on it, Luo Jingshu’s raspy voice broke the silence:

“Brother Cheng, you’ve really thought about this?”

Xiao Cheng’s quick answers and glowing praise for those two were filled with genuine admiration.

Luo Jingshu’s heart twisted with jealousy. In Xiao Cheng’s eyes, everyone seemed good—everyone but him.

“This is your fault for asking,” Xiao Cheng replied, his weariness returning.

Ever since their breakup, he hadn’t spoken this lightly to Luo Jingshu.

Xiao Cheng wouldn’t admit it, but he had a soft spot for Luo Jingshu.

He had firmly rejected Xie Zhao’s advances, never giving the man any hope, no matter how persistent he was.

But Luo Jingshu was different.

Xiao Cheng had loved him for so long that kindness toward him seemed instinctive.

Even though Xiao Cheng knew Luo Jingshu wasn’t as innocent as he appeared, he never felt deceived.

What he truly resented was Luo Jingshu’s manipulation—acting like he loved Xiao Cheng while secretly playing with his feelings.

His anger and hurt were laced with confusion. What had he done to deserve such cruelty?

Now he finally understood the reason.

Though Xiao Cheng couldn’t forgive Luo Jingshu’s games, the explanation had eased some of his bitterness.

“Brother Cheng.”

Just hearing Luo Jingshu say his name sent a wave of warmth through Xiao Cheng’s heart.

Luo Jingshu repeated it silently to himself, his expression softening into a gentle, blissful smile, as if envisioning something beautiful.

Drunk and slightly chilled by the air conditioning, Luo Jingshu unconsciously tugged at his clothes. He murmured softly, “Brother Cheng?”

It seemed he wanted to see Xiao Cheng.

Xiao Cheng would never have known that earlier that afternoon at the mall, Luo Jingshu had been standing on the upper floor, watching him for a long time.

He saw Xiao Cheng smiling so happily, his eyes curving as he spoke to the person beside him.

He also saw how, even when Xiao Cheng was clearly annoyed, he still didn’t push Xiao Yixi away.

Never had Luo Jingshu felt as envious of someone as he did at that moment.

Even more so than when he was six years old, beaten black and blue by his adoptive father, watching from a distance as another child was lovingly lifted into the air by their dad.

Back then, he knew that kind of fatherly love would never belong to him.

But Brother Cheng… Xiao Cheng’s love and tenderness had once been his.

To have something and lose it is always more painful than never having it at all.

Murmuring incoherently, tears began to glisten in Luo Jingshu’s eyes.

Xiao Cheng’s ears grew warm. Perhaps it was because the surrounding environment was so quiet, but Luo Jingshu’s voice, coming through the phone, felt as though it were whispered directly into his ear. Xiao Cheng even imagined he could feel the warmth of Luo Jingshu’s breath.

Along with his increasingly heavy breathing.

When he thought about it, they hadn’t had many intimate moments together. Aside from that one time before they officially got together, even kissing had been rare.

Xiao Cheng frowned slightly, holding back his irritation as long as he could before finally snapping: “Can you stop panting?”

Anyone who didn’t know better would think Luo Jingshu was doing something indecent on the other end of the line.

Luo Jingshu let out two pitiful whimpers, the kind that would leave anyone struggling to resist him.

With a face that could rival the most stunning characters in fiction, and a raspy, soft voice tinged with a childish plea, he said, “Brother Cheng, I feel awful.”

Though Xiao Cheng couldn’t see what Luo Jingshu looked like at that moment, he could picture it clearly in his mind.

“If you feel awful, go wash your face with cold water,” Xiao Cheng said.

Luo Jingshu was just drunk, after all.

As he spoke, Xiao Cheng yawned.

He was already very tired. He probably would have fallen asleep long ago if not for being lost in thought earlier, momentarily forgetting his drowsiness.

“I don’t want to move,” Luo Jingshu said, his tone unusually relaxed, perhaps because Xiao Cheng had been so gentle tonight.

Under normal circumstances, Luo Jingshu wouldn’t have dared to act so spoiled with Xiao Cheng.

On any other day, Xiao Cheng wouldn’t care about him and might even tell him to get lost.

“Then just sleep,” Xiao Cheng said, rubbing his temples. “I’m tired.”

Before Luo Jingshu could respond, Xiao Cheng was ready to hang up.

But Luo Jingshu anticipated this and spoke his last words before Xiao Cheng could end the call.

“Brother Cheng.”

“Happy New Year.”

After leaving the mall, he had said the same thing to Xiao Cheng earlier in the day.

The exact same words, but Xiao Cheng’s feelings upon hearing them now were entirely different.

During the day, Xiao Cheng felt no guilt toward Luo Jingshu. Hearing those words back then didn’t stir him in the slightest.

At the time, he had even hoped Luo Jingshu would leave quickly. With Luo Jingshu around, the twins wouldn’t settle down.

But now, hearing the words again, Xiao Cheng couldn’t deny that he was moved.

It was Luo Jingshu’s fault for painting himself as so pitiful—a man who, in his past life, had ended up all alone, with no reason to continue living after taking revenge on his enemies.

In this life, he no longer seemed so lonely, but even in the festive atmosphere of the New Year, he still had no one by his side.

Xiao Cheng was silent for a long moment before replying softly, “Happy New Year.”

This time, he didn’t hesitate. After speaking, he ended the call without giving Luo Jingshu a chance to say more.

Luo Jingshu heard the faint beep of the disconnected call, followed by a heavy silence. He loosened his grip on the phone, his fingers twitching slightly as if trying to grasp Xiao Cheng’s presence.

“Brother Cheng…”

How could he be so gentle and softhearted?

Luo Jingshu had done so many terrible things to him; Xiao Cheng had no obligation to help him at all.

Yet after learning about the past, Xiao Cheng had still softened toward him.

Luo Jingshu sighed, thankful that he loved such a kind person. Reconciliation was not entirely out of reach.

At the same time, an ache of guilt and regret rose within him.

His Brother Cheng was always so easy to appease. Even after being deceived once, he was still willing to offer his genuine heart.

How heartless had Luo Jingshu been before, to so recklessly manipulate someone so passionate and pure?
Luo Jingshu’s fingers curled slightly, as if grasping something fragile.

Closing his eyes slowly, he vowed to himself:

This time, he wouldn’t let Xiao Cheng down.

He would win the young man back, ensuring that all of Xiao Cheng’s gentleness and forgiveness belonged solely to him.

That night, Xiao Cheng didn’t sleep well. While the first half of the night was peaceful, he began to dream in the second half.

The dream felt like a memory from long ago, though Xiao Cheng couldn’t pinpoint when it had happened.
It felt strangely familiar, as if he weren’t alone but surrounded by others. They seemed to be seated in a dining room, eating together.

At first, he couldn’t make out their faces, but then he heard He An’s voice and finally saw the scene clearly.

He An was speaking to him: “Cheng Cheng, when will you bring your partner home to meet Mom?”

Beside her sat Xiao Yu, smiling warmly at Xiao Cheng.

Xiao Cheng wanted to reply, but he found his body unresponsive, as though he were merely an observer watching it all unfold.

He heard himself answer, “It’s too early.”

His voice in the dream was deeper than it was now, and his face looked more mature.

“It’s not that early anymore—you’re almost 24,” He An said with a laugh, adding, “Of course, I’m not rushing you to get married so soon, but you should at least start dating someone.”

This time, dream Xiao Cheng remained silent for so long that he thought he wouldn’t answer at all. But just as the silence felt endless, he finally heard his own voice respond:

“Just give me a little more time. Half a year.”

Xiao Cheng suddenly woke from the dream, his heart pounding. The curtains were tightly drawn, and the room was dim, making it impossible to tell what time it was.

A thin layer of sweat clung to his forehead as his chest heaved, struggling to catch his breath.

He tried to recall the details of the dream. What had seemed blurry while dreaming now felt vivid and real, as if the scene had unfolded right before him.

What stuck with him most was what his dream-self had said.

Half a year?

He frowned. Why half a year?

He An had said he was almost 24, so this must have been something from his past life.

As he calculated the timing in his head, he realized that Luo Jingshu had died when he was almost 24 as well.

Could there be a connection between the two?

Xiao Cheng had only ever loved Luo Jingshu. The only person he’d want to bring home to meet his mother was Luo Jingshu.

But why had his past self been so certain that things would change in six months?

No, it wasn’t certainty—perhaps it was just a guess his past self had made at the time.

But why that specific timeframe?

A bold idea suddenly came to Xiao Cheng’s mind. What if his past self had already suspected something?

If what Luo Jingshu said about the truth was accurate—that his past self had been restricted by the story’s plot, wanting to save Luo Jingshu but unable to do anything—then could the “half a year” mark have been when the original plot concluded?

He remembered a female classmate once telling him about the novel. She’d said the ending wasn’t particularly happy, but hadn’t gone into details.

Perhaps his past self had observed that the original storyline would end in six months.

If that was true, his past self might have hoped that once the story ended, he’d be free of the plot’s constraints.

Whether it was true or not, his past self would have held onto that hope.

That’s why he’d given He An a timeline. He also gave himself a deadline.

Six months.

His past self must have planned to wait until then to confirm his theory. Whether it turned out to be true or not, at least he had never given up on loving Luo Jingshu.

Xiao Cheng pushed aside the blanket and let out a heavy sigh.

Maybe his past self hadn’t been entirely oblivious to Luo Jingshu’s true nature.

Otherwise, how could he have been so sure that Luo Jingshu wouldn’t end up with Jiang Ying six months later?

But Xiao Cheng quickly dismissed that line of thought.

Maybe he wasn’t much of a good person himself. Perhaps he had intended to wait six months before stealing Luo Jingshu back.

Whatever his past intentions, one thing was clear: he had planned to act after six months.

But his past self likely hadn’t anticipated that Luo Jingshu would choose to end his life.

Xiao Cheng didn’t know if his past self had ever confirmed his theory about being free from the plot’s constraints after six months. Perhaps Luo Jingshu had taken his life before that could happen.

A stifling sense of frustration welled up inside Xiao Cheng, so intense that he could almost smell the acrid scent of smoke.

Luo Jingshu had left that world in such a decisive and straightforward manner. Had he ever considered that the person who had refused his pleas for help so many times might never have given up on him?

Perhaps they had simply missed their chance.

If Luo Jingshu had waited just a little longer, would Xiao Cheng have been able to save him?

Could they have had a happy ending?

The thought stung Xiao Cheng’s nose, as if all those years of unrequited love hadn’t been entirely fruitless, but had been thwarted by cruel coincidences.

Xiao Ziyue had once said he often dreamed about a great fire. Perhaps his past self had died in that fire.

He had wanted to save Luo Jingshu from the flames, only to perish alongside him.

Xiao Cheng drew in a sharp breath, his fingers brushing against his cheek. Suddenly, he felt something damp. Only then did he realize he’d shed tears without even noticing.

He shook his head, forcing himself to stop dwelling on the past.

What’s done is done.

His past self had been a complete failure, unsuccessful in love, friendship, and family.

So, was this second chance at life meant to help him make amends?

After his death, his family must have been devastated.

Xiao Cheng’s greatest regret was towards his family. Whether in his past life or this one, he had knowingly or unknowingly hurt those who loved him.

He owed the greatest apology to his loved ones.

Wiping away the tears on his face, Xiao Cheng’s restless heart settled back into his chest.

No matter what had happened, his belief remained unchanged.

He had to live well and cherish everything he had.

After composing himself, Xiao Cheng quickly finished his morning routine. When he checked his phone, it was only 8:30.

Since it was the New Year holiday, no one had to work, and people usually didn’t get up to eat until around 9 AM. Xiao Cheng was actually up earlier than most.

When Xiao Cheng left his room, the hallway was quiet, and he didn’t see the butler until he reached the downstairs.

“Young Master is awake,” the butler said. “Shall we start breakfast now?”

“No, let’s wait a bit longer.”

Xiao Cheng sat down by the sofa, where fresh fruit was placed on the table. He picked up a grape and squeezed it in his hand, and suddenly, memories of going to the fruit orchard with Luo Jingshu flooded his mind.

He had previously been able to avoid recalling the little moments of his relationship with Luo Jingshu, but yesterday’s events had been like a surging flood, breaking through the dam, and all his emotions poured out uncontrollably, unable to be stopped.

Xiao Cheng couldn’t help but think of the sweet memories from months ago, now mixed with the betrayal and indifference from Luo Jingshu.

These complicated emotions made Xiao Cheng’s expression particularly interesting. It was as if he wanted to laugh but also felt a hint of gritted teeth.

He An was the second one to wake up.

“Cheng Cheng?”

She sat down beside him. “Why are you up so early?”

“I went to bed pretty early last night.” Xiao Cheng had just eaten a grape, and the taste still lingered in his mouth. He lazily leaned back on the sofa, his whole body exuding a sense of comfort.
Seeing that he seemed to be in good spirits, He An felt relieved.

“By the way, I might need to ask you for a favor.” He An smiled. “Last night, Ziyue told me she wants to keep a dog at our house.”

Behind the Xiao family villa, there was a large lawn, making it a perfect place for a dog.

However, He An and Xiao Yu both had busy jobs and didn’t have time to care for a pet. They both believed that if they were to have a dog, they should personally raise it and give it enough attention.

Since both of them often traveled for work, they couldn’t meet this requirement.

“Why suddenly want a dog?” Xiao Cheng, for some reason, suddenly thought of someone.

His tone carried a subtle awkwardness, but He An didn’t notice it.

He An sighed. “This is Ziyue’s New Year’s wish.”

Xiao Ziyue had always wanted a large dog, but her studies kept her too busy to care for one.

“She’s in her senior year. Where would she find the time to raise a pet?”

He An had clearly already discussed this with Xiao Ziyue. “After the New Year, my work won’t be as busy. I’ll help take care of it for a while, and once she finishes her high school exams, she can take over.”

“Then why not just wait until after the exams to get one?” Xiao Cheng didn’t understand.

He An couldn’t help but chuckle. “Which kid doesn’t want their wish fulfilled right away?”

“When you were little, you asked me to take you to see snow after watching cartoons in the summer.”

Xiao Cheng’s face flushed, as he had no memory of that request.

But the fact that he had forgotten it made him feel a bit regretful.

He An must be such a gentle mother, as seen from her attitude toward both Xiao Cheng and Xiao Ziyue.
She never contradicted her children’s innocent desires, even if some of them seemed overly naive to her.
Xiao Cheng had received the most encouragement and support from her.

He An was protective but never blindly so.

She had a strong sense of right and wrong and her own principles.

Xiao Cheng was incredibly grateful for the people around him, each giving him endless strength.

Being transmigrated seemed like a gift from the heavens.

Because he had been so lonely in his past life, in this new life, he was surrounded by love—a gentle mother, a strict but not harsh father, and a lively, lovely younger sister.

On top of that, he had met many people who treated him well.

Xie Zhao, Bai Yiheng, even the twins.

Xiao Cheng never really considered himself a brave person because before he was transmigrated, he had so little and was afraid to lose his warmth.

When he found the plane ticket and photo in the apartment, Xiao Cheng doubted whether he could love someone fearlessly for five years.

It was a love with no clear future.

But at that moment, he suddenly understood why he had become so brave.

Because, after being transmigrated, he was surrounded by love. He grew up in a world full of love, and no matter how many times he failed, there would always be someone who loved him.

He would never be alone.

Xiao Cheng’s eyes stung, almost bringing him to tears.

He An turned to look at her son, who had red-rimmed eyes, and was startled.

“What’s wrong?”

Could it be that talking about his embarrassing moments made him feel shy to the point of crying?

“I ate a sour grape earlier,” Xiao Cheng rubbed his eyes. “Mom, what did you want me to do again?”
“Right, I want you to take Ziyue to buy a puppy.”

He An patted Xiao Cheng on the shoulder. “Your dad and I have something to do this morning, so we can’t go with you.”

“It’s okay. I’ll take her.”

Xiao Cheng said, then suddenly remembered something.

“Are Xiao Yixi and Xiao Yinan going too?”

He An hesitated for a moment, showing a slightly awkward expression. “Are you not willing?”

If nothing went wrong, the twins were supposed to come along.

“I don’t mind. I was just asking.”

Xiao Cheng had already guessed it. It wasn’t a big deal to bring them along. Xiao Yixi was lively and fun when he wasn’t being a troublemaker.

Xiao Cheng thought about how Xiao Yixi had dressed last night, and his head began to hurt again.
Later, when he was too tired, he forgot to ask Luo Jingshu about it.

Xiao Yixi had sneaked into his room, and Xiao Cheng wondered if it had anything to do with Luo Jingshu.

“Then you can all go together.”

When Xiao Yixi learned that he would be going out with Xiao Cheng again, he almost jumped for joy.

At home, he couldn’t always stick to Brother Cheng, as Xiao Cheng often hid in his room.

But it was different outside. He could walk right next to Xiao Cheng. Xiao Cheng usually didn’t ignore him in front of others, unless he was being really difficult.

When they left, Xiao Yixi instinctively reached for Xiao Cheng’s arm, but suddenly stopped.

Xiao Cheng paused, immediately on alert. “What’s wrong?”

He thought Xiao Yixi was up to something again.

Xiao Yixi’s expression was subtle. He forced himself to change the direction of his arm from holding Xiao Cheng’s to putting it around Xiao Cheng’s shoulders.

Xiao Cheng: ??

“This is more comfortable,” Xiao Yixi cleared his throat and glanced back at Xiao Yinan. “Brother, don’t you think so?”

Xiao Yinan hesitated, then lightly nodded.

He didn’t say anything, but Xiao Yixi’s position looked a little strange.

Although Xiao Yixi had told him to show a more dominant side in front of Xiao Cheng, he was still a few centimeters shorter than Xiao Cheng. Wasn’t this position uncomfortable?

Xiao Cheng felt a chill down his spine and suspected that Xiao Yixi was up to something. Why was he acting so strange today?

Today, Xiao Cheng didn’t need to drive. After they got in the car, the twins exchanged glances and tried to grab the spot next to him.

“Ziyue, come here,” Xiao Cheng waved to Xiao Ziyue.

Under the twins’ watchful eyes, Xiao Ziyue sat down and sighed dramatically. “Oh no, there’s no space in the car, you two will have to take the other car.”

The bodyguard was sitting in the passenger seat, and the twins stood there for a moment before reluctantly going to the other car.

Xiao Cheng chuckled. “Why are you arguing with them?”

“They always try to steal you from me.” Xiao Ziyue leaned back comfortably in her seat when she suddenly heard a notification sound.

She turned to Xiao Cheng. “Brother, your phone rang?”

Xiao Cheng pulled his phone out of his pocket, and there was a text message.

He clicked delete, but his fingers instinctively opened WeChat, and the top message was from Luo Jingshu.

After waking up from drinking, Luo Jingshu remembered what happened last night and shamelessly started messaging Xiao Cheng.

When Xiao Cheng didn’t reply, Luo Jingshu sent several more messages, one every few minutes.

[Xiao Cheng: …]

Xiao Cheng was speechless. He had never been this bombarded while dating.

It wasn’t like he didn’t reply to his messages right away, did it really warrant this level of bombardment?

Had he been too kind to Luo Jingshu last night? Luo Jingshu seemed to have forgotten that they weren’t back together yet.

Luo Jingshu must have been waiting on his phone, and as soon as Xiao Cheng replied, he immediately sent two more messages.

[Luo Jingshu: Brother Cheng, good morning!]

[Any plans for today?]

With a cute emoji, the same set of stickers Xiao Cheng had once saved from him.

Xiao Cheng thought for a moment, then seriously replied:

[Going to buy a puppy.]