Orange Storm chapter 61
Offering Flowers (Major Overhaul)
Jiang Zhijin was awakened.
Before he could fully wake up, he felt a tingling sensation in his left arm, as if someone was pressing down on it, making it difficult to move. Turning his head, he saw Fang Xing sleeping soundly, with half of his body pressed against his shoulder.
Jiang Zhijin immediately stopped moving, took out his phone with his right hand, and glanced at the time: exactly 4 o’clock in the afternoon.
Putting down the phone, the sun began to slant westward, casting a darker hue over the mountains. He looked at the distant scenery for a while to clear his mind, then turned to look at Fang Xing.
Because Fang Xing buried his head in his shoulder, Jiang Zhijin could only see half of his face, which was partially obscured. His eyes were closed, eyelashes dense enough to cover a small patch of skin underneath. His brows were slightly furrowed, as if sleeping was a profound and troubling experience, with worries that were hard to fathom.
But Fang Xing did indeed have a lot to worry about – grades, college entrance exams, parents, and… him.
Thinking about this, Jiang Zhijin’s initially relaxed mood also sank a bit.
On a certain night before, Fang Xing asked him about his ex-boyfriend, and he had shared some details, albeit briefly. He didn’t delve into the fact that his ex was only a bit older than Fang Xing, not even 19 yet. At that time, Jiang Zhijin was older, just past 21.
During their relationship, it seemed like everyone could maintain an attitude of “Heaven and earth may separate us, but I don’t dare to break up with you.” Age and status differences weren’t issues. However, half a year after Jiang Zhijin’s discharge due to injury, his ex hesitated for a long time before finally suggesting a breakup.
At that time, Jiang Zhijin was working at Cloud Seven, feeling exhausted every day as if he were on the verge of death. The breakup didn’t seem to have much impact on him; after agreeing, he promptly deleted his ex’s contact information.
It’s hard to say who was right or wrong in such matters. One was discharged at 23 due to injury, while the other was preparing to enter a military academy, a visible age gap that would only widen with time.
If the previous gap was a river, the current situation between a 28-year-old bar owner and an 18-year-old high school scholar was like an abyss, unfathomably deep.
However, what Jiang Zhijin didn’t expect was how seriously Fang Xing took their relationship.
He had thought about it many times and had been straightforward with Fang Xing, suggesting that the attraction and love at eighteen might just be hormonal illusions. But Fang Xing’s answer was always resolute.
No, love is love, whether at eighteen or any other time, it’s no different.
This intense emotion had been absent from Jiang Zhijin’s life for a long time. Seriousness doesn’t always guarantee longevity, especially when there are complexities and uncertainties between two people. Nevertheless, he couldn’t deny that he was moved by Fang Xing’s sincerity.
It was like encountering a blazing fire during a freezing cold, wanting to get close for warmth but fearing getting burned. And above all, he feared extinguishing such a bright flame – that would truly be a sin.
Jiang Zhijin sighed.
After about twenty minutes, he felt it was time. His arm, if left immobile any longer, would probably go numb. He gently pulled his hand away, whispered, “Fang Xing.”
“Wake up.”
Perhaps due to his usual habits of going to school, Fang Xing woke up quickly. Within seconds, he opened his eyes.
He blinked in confusion for a moment, realizing where he was. When he noticed he was leaning on Jiang Zhijin’s shoulder, he immediately sprung up, like a coiled spring, startling Jiang Zhijin.
Jiang Zhijin withdrew his hand and shook it a bit, then pinched his shoulder, asking, “What’s with that reaction of yours?”
Fang Xing stared at him for a while, cleared his throat, and said, “I didn’t do it on purpose.”
“When I fell asleep, I was still in my own spot. Really, it’s probably because I slept too soundly and didn’t notice—”
“I didn’t say you did it on purpose.” Jiang Zhijin laughed. “I’m just curious about your reaction.”
“I was afraid you’d think I did it on purpose and threaten to hit me again.” Fang Xing glanced at him, a bit helpless. “It’s become a reflex now.”
Jiang Zhijin laughed while standing up. “Alright, let’s go.”
The hotel hosting the wedding was at the mountaintop, a garden hotel with a beautiful view. When the two arrived, it was exactly five o’clock. As Jiang Zhijin entered, several people greeted him. When introducing Fang Xing, he referred to him as “my younger brother, currently in his senior year of high school.” He then smoothly diverted the conversation to other topics, presenting no hint of his usual lazy demeanor while gaming in the living room.
Fang Xing was quite impressed by this side of Jiang Zhijin.
Even if he was lazy and reluctant to socialize privately, in public, Jiang Zhijin adeptly applied adult social skills.
The wedding ceremony had just begun, and the decorations were beautiful, adorned with bouquets of white and pink roses. The bride, escorted by her father, walked towards the groom while guests observed from below.
Jiang Zhijin and Fang Xing arrived late, standing towards the back. Fang Xing didn’t know anyone, but Jiang Zhijin seemed genuinely attentive. He even complimented, “The bride looks beautiful.”
Fang Xing glanced at him but remained silent.
After the ceremony, during the time for the bride to throw the bouquet, there was a sudden burst of excitement below. The two stood towards the back, probably thinking the bouquet wouldn’t reach them. Jiang Zhijin turned to Fang Xing and handed him a box of candy obtained from the entrance.
“Lemon flavor.”
Just as Fang Xing reached for it, something flew directly towards his face. Amid the gasps of the crowd, Fang Xing instinctively reached out and caught it.
It was a bouquet half-wrapped in white veil, composed of champagne-colored roses.
Before he could react, laughter, cheers, and applause erupted around them. Someone who had greeted Jiang Zhijin earlier joked, “Jiang Zhijin’s little brother is just starting his senior year of high school, so he won’t need this. It’s better to give it to Jiang Zhijin.”
“Isn’t the bouquet thrown to determine who will get married next? It seems like your little brother’s love life is about to flourish. Don’t you understand?”
Laughter echoed around them.
After the ceremony came the feast, and everyone headed to the dining hall. Although the wedding ceremony was Western-style, the dining was a Chinese-style banquet with abundant dishes. By the time dinner was over, it had gotten dark, and fireworks were prepared. They were set off even before the sky turned completely black.
Fireworks burst in the air, large and dazzling. Many people stood in the courtyard, most of them near the bride and groom, chatting, taking photos, or recording videos.
The courtyard was spacious, and Jiang Zhijin and Fang Xing stood where the wedding ceremony had taken place. Since things like veils and balloons hadn’t been cleared away yet, their view of the fireworks was not great due to obstructions. It seemed only the two of them were there. Jiang Zhijin watched the fireworks for a while, then turned to look at Fang Xing.
Fang Xing was also looking up at the sky. Sensing Jiang Zhijin’s gaze, he met his eyes.
Perhaps not knowing where to put the caught bouquet, Fang Xing had been holding it all this time. Jiang Zhijin glanced at it, then recalled the moment Fang Xing caught it and jokingly said, “It looks like your romantic luck is really flourishing, Xiao Xing.”
“What do you mean?” Fang Xing asked.
“Getting the bride’s bouquet means you’ll soon be liked by someone and might even get married – never mind that part; you still have a few years.”
“I won’t get married.” Fang Xing immediately replied, his face expressionless but appearing serious.
“…You’re quite something; I just said it casually.” Jiang Zhijin looked at him, sighed, and then smiled.
“Well, then I wish you luck in attracting someone’s favor, alright?”
“Attract who?” Fang Xing asked.
This time, Jiang Zhijin didn’t step on a landmine. He omitted the word “girl” and answered, “Attract boys.”
Fang Xing caught on, smiled, and continued to watch the fireworks. After a moment, he suddenly asked, “Are you considered a boy?”
“…You’re quite bold.” Jiang Zhijin was taken aback by Fang Xing’s question, clicked his tongue, and said, “I’m considered a man.”
Without cleaning up the ceremony site, the scene plunged into darkness. The wedding’s pink and white veils and flower baskets were artistically arranged, appearing soft and dreamy in the dim light. Fireworks in the sky lit up one after another, illuminating half the night sky and reflecting perfectly in Fang Xing’s eyes.
Fang Xing smiled for a while, then suddenly handed the bouquet to Jiang Zhijin.
“Never mind, I don’t need to attract boys or girls anymore.”
He paused for a moment, then continued, “And neither do you.”
Jiang Zhijin was about to take the flowers but paused when he heard this, inexplicably amused.
The spirit of revenge was strong; Fang Xing, a true Scorpio.
“Why?” Jiang Zhijin asked.
“Someone already likes you enough.” Fang Xing said.
“Boom—”
A firework exploded. The courtyard was poorly lit, and the brief burst of fireworks illuminated their faces, then quickly faded, only to be followed by another firework rising.
Amidst the changing light and shadow, Jiang Zhijin looked up at Fang Xing, silent for a moment, then suddenly chuckled.
“Who?”
Since they had come this far, adding one more word didn’t seem like a big deal. Not being brave isn’t Fang Xing’s style at eighteen.
In the interplay of light and shadow, Jiang Zhijin heard Fang Xing speak.
“Me.” he said.