The Withered Tree Always Welcomes Spring chapter 19

It was a call from the lawyer. Shen Jixue guessed it was about progress in Chen Xian’s divorce. He asked the lawyer to hold on and raised his voice toward the direction of the bathroom.

“It’s the lawyer calling.”

Chen Xian “Ah-ed,” his hand shaking, accidentally hitting the faucet. Water splashed everywhere, soaking a large area of his chest. But he didn’t have time to change clothes. He wiped the water onto his clothes and hurried out.

“Hello? Lawyer Zhao, this is Chen Xian.”

On the phone, Lawyer Zhao updated Chen Xian on the progress of the divorce case, using many legal terms and clauses. Chen Xian was actually confused by it all, but he didn’t want to admit it, so he forced himself to focus on what Lawyer Zhao was saying.

Even in summer, wearing soaked clothes was uncomfortable, especially the fabric against his stomach, chilling cold. Chen Xian wanted to take off his short sleeves, and he glanced at Shen Jixue subconsciously.

Shen Jixue was leaning on the armrest of the sofa, listening intently to the sound leaking from the receiver. Chen Xian didn’t know how much he could hear. He looked so focused, as if he were more serious than him, the party involved.

Maybe it was because Shen Jixue was too delicate and obedient, or maybe it was because Shen Jixue kept touching him lately, but Chen Xian always had an inexplicable hurdle to overcome, unable to treat him like the other colleagues on the ship.

But then Chen Xian thought, they were all men, and Shen Jixue couldn’t see anything anyway, so he didn’t need to worry so much.

Once he convinced himself, Chen Xian took a deep breath and pulled off his short-sleeved shirt, throwing it aside, then continued listening to Lawyer Zhao.

Chen Xian’s gaze remained fixed on Shen Jixue. An inexplicable sense of shame suddenly rose in his heart, feeling an awkwardness akin to being shirtless in front of an innocent girl. This secretive sense of embarrassment made him break out in a sweat.

“Mr. Chen, if possible, I’d like to meet with you today.”

Chen Xian was still staring absentmindedly in Shen Jixue’s direction, completely oblivious to what Lawyer Zhao had just said.

“Mr. Chen?” Without receiving a response, Lawyer Zhao couldn’t help but call out to him again.

The voice on the other end was so loud that even Shen Jixue could hear it. Not knowing what Chen Xian was doing, he softly reminded him, “Chen Xian, Lawyer Zhao is talking to you. He said he wants to meet today.”

“Ah?” Chen Xian suddenly stood up. Staring at one spot for too long had strained his vision, and as he stood up, he felt dizzy and lightheaded, stumbling backward a couple of steps. His heel hit the edge of the sofa, and he fell back onto it.

Hearing the commotion, Shen Jixue quickly stood up, worried about Chen Xian. He reached out based on the noise and accidentally grabbed Chen Xian’s chest.

“Hiss,” Chen Xian hissed in pain.

The slippery texture surprised Shen Jixue, leaving him momentarily confused, but still concerned, he asked, “What happened?”

Chen Xian looked down at the red mark Shen Jixue had made. He knew it was unintentional, but this kid’s grip was really strong, even scratching his skin a bit, leaving a red mark.

“It’s nothing.” Chen Xian felt like this was karmic retribution for his secret thoughts. Not wanting Shen Jixue to notice anything, he said, “I’ll go meet with Lawyer Zhao now.”

Although he was still puzzled, Shen Jixue didn’t press further as Chen Xian’s divorce was urgent. “Okay.”

He heard Chen Xian go to the bedroom and open the wardrobe. After some rustling of fabric, Chen Xian returned to the living room.

“I’ll try to be back before lunch. If I can’t make it, I’ll have Wu Bie bring you lunch.”

Shen Jixue wanted to say it wasn’t necessary. Wu Bie disliked him for burdening Chen Xian, and he didn’t want to interact too much with anyone other than Chen Xian. But Chen Xian left quickly, not giving him a chance to refuse.

“Alright, don’t see me off. Close the door and go back inside.”

Chen Xian glanced back as he walked down the hallway. Shen Jixue was still “watching” him from the doorway. Only after he urged him several times did Shen Jixue reluctantly close the door and go back inside.

How could someone be so clingy, like a pet at home? Chen Xian shook his head and quickly ran downstairs, hoping to return early.

After closing the door, Shen Jixue stood still for a while. It was quiet around him, with only his own breathing. He realized Chen Xian had gone.

A sense of loneliness overwhelmed him. He sighed lightly, and after finding his direction, he wanted to sit on the sofa. His fingers touched the sofa cushion, and he slowly moved forward, wanting to sit where Chen Xian had just sat.

Finding the single sofa, he felt a surge of joy. He slowly sat down, his hands on the edges of the sofa, curling up. His fingers touched something like fabric. Hesitant, he grabbed it.

By touch and shape, Shen Jixue recognized it as a short-sleeved shirt, still slightly damp. Chen Xian was a neat person, especially since he took care of everything for Shen Jixue: he tried to keep everything tidy. Why was there a piece of clothing here? Was it Chen Xian’s?

Something flashed in Shen Jixue’s mind. Was it what Chen Xian had changed out of? Did he accidentally grab him earlier? Why didn’t Chen Xian mention it?

This feeling was strange, like something was about to sprout deep inside him, captivating yet making Shen Jixue feel lost.

An urgent feeling surged in his chest. He clung to Chen Xian’s shirt, not letting go. His hand gradually covered the shirt, feeling every detail from the collar, as if exploring Chen Xian through the shirt. He wanted to capture Chen Xian’s essence through this shirt.

Feeling empty inside, he hugged Chen Xian’s shirt for a long time until someone knocked on the door.

“Open up!” Even through the door, Wu Bie’s impatient voice was clear.

Was it already noon? Shen Jixue had forgotten about Wu Bie bringing lunch. He didn’t want to open the door and wanted to pretend he didn’t hear it, but Wu Bie knocked loudly, as if he would break in at any moment.

If he didn’t open the door, Wu Bie would definitely call Chen Xian. Chen Xian hadn’t returned by noon, so he must be busy. Shen Jixue didn’t want to interfere with his divorce.

Having no choice, Shen Jixue got up to open the door. As soon as the wooden door opened, Wu Bie’s rough voice became more prominent.

“I knocked for so long, I thought you fainted inside.”

If it weren’t for Chen Xian’s request, Wu Bie wouldn’t bother bringing lunch to this blind kid. He didn’t want to go in, so he handed the lunch box through the gap in the iron door.

“Hurry up and eat. Don’t let Chen Xian come back and say I mistreated you.”

Shen Jixue took the lunch box with both hands and softly said, “Thank you.” He didn’t want to disturb Chen Xian but was curious about the progress of the divorce, so he asked Wu Bie.

“Did Chen Xian take so long because Jiang Ying changed her mind again?”

Still worried, Wu Bie was about to leave but turned back when he heard this. “Ask him yourself.”

“He said he would try to be back by lunch. Since he didn’t make it, he must be busy. I don’t want to bother him.”

This kid had some sense. Wu Bie casually said, “If you really understand, stop clinging to him.”

Remembering Chen Xian’s request, Wu Bie reconsidered. He knew Shen Jixue had no place to go. Forcing him out would be pushing him to the edge. He softened his tone, “Chen Xian’s divorce is almost settled. Jiang Ying is afraid of going to court and is negotiating. The lawyer you helped Chen Xian hire is quite reliable. It should be done in a few days.”

Chen Xian’s divorce was going smoothly. Shen Jixue was genuinely happy for him, but now what should he do? There was still no news from his father.

Wu Bie glanced at Shen Jixue, who looked lost and despondent. “Looking for someone is like finding a needle in a haystack. Chen Xian means well, and I also promised to help you look, but once his divorce is finalized, he’ll definitely have to board the ship. How long can you delay him? What if you never find your father? Even if Chen Xian were a saint, you can’t expect him to support you forever. You need to find a way to support yourself.”

The food was still hot, but holding it for too long was burning his hands. Wu Bie’s words were harsh but true, and this was the first time he had spoken so earnestly.

Shen Jixue didn’t respond as stubbornly as before. “I know.”

It was indeed pitiful, so Wu Bie decided not to say more. He waved his hand and said, “You eat. I’m leaving.”

That day’s meal was hearty, but Shen Jixue felt a lump in his throat, unable to swallow. He forced himself to eat a few big bites, but ended up leaving more than half of it.

He wasn’t fretting over Wu Bie’s words. Instead, he was wondering what he could do to support himself, not just rely on Chen Xian.

The footsteps in the hallway became frequent, and the aroma of food spread around. Shen Jixue belatedly realized it was already afternoon. Chen Xian had been gone for a long time…

The sound of the door opening came from outside. Shen Jixue quickly stood up. As the wooden door opened, he heard Chen Xian’s excited voice.

“Xiao Shen,” Chen Xian was so thrilled that even his breathing was filled with laughter. “Jiang Ying returned the money to me, seventy thousand.”

Seventy thousand wasn’t a small amount. It couldn’t be withdrawn in one day. Jiang Ying and her current man scraped together enough to finally repay Chen Xian.

Chen Xian’s excitement was palpable as he grasped Shen Jixue’s hands. “Although it’s not the full amount, I’m still very happy to get this much back.”

He had been prepared to get nothing back, so this was a pleasant surprise.

The sweat from Chen Xian’s palms rubbed off on the back of Shen Jixue’s hands, damp and warm. He liked this feeling, clearly sensing Chen Xian’s excitement.

It’s great. Someone like Chen Xian deserves good things.