Orange Storm chapter 69

Jealousy

Originally planning to rest for ten minutes before continuing with his studies, Fang Xing’s plans changed when this unexpected turn of events made him unwilling to leave. Jiang Zhijin paid no attention to him and lowered his head to check his WeChat messages.

Sitting cross-legged next to Jiang Zhijin, Fang Xing glanced at Jiang Zhijin’s phone screen.

Jiang Zhijin replied to the WeChat message with a simple “Yes.”

Immediately, another message came in: “It’s Gu Wenyao.”

Fang Xing took another glance.

Gu Wenyao – when Fang Xing had seen the friend request earlier, he had thought the name sounded quite pleasant.

Jiang Zhijin leaned back against Fang Xing, his hand typing another two words on his phone.

“I know.”

Jiang Zhijin’s head rested on the junction of Fang Xing’s shoulder and collarbone, and Fang Xing slightly lowered his head, just enough to rest his chin on Jiang Zhijin’s head.

Lowering his head again, Fang Xing took another look at Jiang Zhijin’s phone screen.

“Just saw the messages in the group. Have you been in Shaojiang these past few years?”

He didn’t even know where Jiang Zhijin was… chatting this late at night, couldn’t they just wash up and go to bed?

Fang Xing looked again.

“Hey—”

This time, Jiang Zhijin didn’t immediately reply. He first smiled, turning his head to look at Fang Xing.

“If you want to look, go ahead and take a good look,” Jiang Zhijin said somewhat helplessly. “Don’t keep moving around.”

“…Forget it.” Fang Xing immediately lifted his head and straightened his back, creating some distance from Jiang Zhijin. “I haven’t finished my questions yet.”

The tone sounded indifferent, very aloof, very cool, and very… sour. Jiang Zhijin could even smell the taste of vinegar.

The downside of being young should be being “too transparent.” Previously, in front of Jiang Zhijin, he could almost tell what Fang Xing was thinking with one glance.

“Oh.” Jiang Zhijin nodded. “Then, go back to your questions.”

… Why is this person so heartless? Fang Xing stared at Jiang Zhijin.

Jiang Zhijin smiled and sat up a bit, facing Fang Xing directly. He asked, “Shall I show you the chat records after finishing the review?”

“…No need.” Fang Xing suddenly felt embarrassed, and his momentum weakened a lot. “I don’t mean that. I just feel strange that after so many years, he suddenly contacts you, and it’s still so late at night… Of course, chatting late at night is not a big deal…”

Fang Xing spoke, and he laughed at himself, ending with a sigh, “Forget it, I might be a bit…”

“Jealous,” Jiang Zhijin said.

“…Yes.” Fang Xing glanced at Jiang Zhijin. “Can you not be so direct? It makes me seem quite childish.”

Jiang Zhijin looked at Fang Xing, his tone very serious.

“Childish? I think it makes you seem quite cute.”

Fang Xing stared at Jiang Zhijin for a few seconds, and finally, he relaxed his straight back slightly.

Jiang Zhijin’s unexpected confession completely dissolved his tiny bit of jealousy. Jiang Zhijin laughed and fell back on the sofa, beckoning Fang Xing’s right hand hanging by his side.

“Alright, go study. The sooner you finish, the sooner you can rest.”

“I know.”

Despite being jealous, books still had to be read. Fang Xing got up from the sofa and glanced back at Jiang Zhijin before returning to his room.

“You should rest early too,” Fang Xing said.

“I know.”

When Fang Xing returned to his room, Jiang Zhijin picked up his phone again to check. Probably due to not responding for a long time, Gu Wenyao sent another message.

“Have you slept? Let’s talk tomorrow.”

Jiang Zhijin didn’t say whether he had slept or not, just replying, “Is there something?”

After a moment, Gu Wenyao replied, “We’ve been talking in the group about organizing everyone to meet during the Chinese New Year. Originally, when you weren’t here, it was suggested that I organize it. Now that you’re back, let’s set a time and place.”

It was normal for comrades who hadn’t seen each other in a few years to plan to get together. Jiang Zhijin thought for a moment and replied, “Let the group decide the time and place. See what’s convenient for everyone.”

“Okay.”

Jiang Zhijin glanced at the phone, put it down, and went to freshen up. When he came back after his shower to pick up the phone, he noticed that Gu Wenyao had sent a “good night” half an hour ago.

Jiang Zhijin thought for a moment but chose not to reply.

Presumably, it was late, and Gu Wenyao probably thought the same. It wasn’t until the next morning that Gu Wenyao asked in the group about everyone’s thoughts. After several days of discussion, considering everyone’s opinions, they finally settled on the Saturday of the week before the Lunar New Year, gathering in Shaojiang.

As it was a rare opportunity, everyone in the group encouraged those who could attend to come and make the atmosphere lively. Some even jokingly asked, “Can we bring family members?”

Gu Wenyao probably saw it and replied, “Yes.” The replies continued in the comments, and Jiang Zhijin also copied and pasted a “Yes.” The flame of war was once again directed at him.

Someone said, “Captain, you should bring your family too.”

Jiang Zhijin, who was currently reviewing the accounts at Cloud Seven, saw the message in the group. After a moment of thought, he replied.

“My family is too busy; it may not be possible.”

Now the group was even livelier, with everyone asking him to explain the situation clearly and confess everything.

Gu Wenyao probably saw it but remained silent. Jiang Zhijin smiled, not continuing to reply.

Being in Shaojiang, Jiang Zhijin was the host, and everything needed his preparation. Many people were coming from out of town, so he shared the address of the reserved restaurant in the group.

Except for those who really couldn’t make it, many people arrived this time. It was a rare occasion to meet, so the atmosphere was quite lively. Jiang Zhijin booked a private room, went outside to wait for those who hadn’t arrived yet.

Gu Wenyao arrived at this time.

Those who came this time were comrades who had good relationships in the army and mostly had already retired. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have so much time. The only one joining the gathering directly from the army was Gu Wenyao, who said he took annual leave to attend.

Two people in the group said they were about to arrive. Jiang Zhijin stood at the door for a while, then took out his phone and sent a message to Fang Xing, saying he might be back late.

After a while, Fang Xing replied, “Got it, drink less.”

This kid was quite bossy.

Jiang Zhijin replied with a “Understood, study well.”

After sending the message to Fang Xing, Jiang Zhijin heard someone calling him from in front.

He raised his head, and in front of him was a man in a black jacket, tall with long legs, and a buzz cut. When standing in front of Jiang Zhijin, his back was very straight, a muscle memory left from long-term training. Seeing Jiang Zhijin looking over, the man showed a faint smile, nodded slightly, and spoke with a deep voice.

“Long time no see.”

It was Gu Wenyao.

“Long time no see,” Jiang Zhijin smiled back.

Fortunately, Fang Xing, the little one, was still studying at school, or else there would be another round of jealousy. Jiang Zhijin thought as he gestured towards the restaurant behind.

“The private room is on the second floor, the first one on the right. You go up first; I’ll wait for those who haven’t arrived.”

“I’ll wait with you.”

Gu Wenyao stood next to Jiang Zhijin.