Try Again chapter 33

Good Taste

Jiang Lin hadn’t eaten much that night, but he had drunk two bottles of alcohol. Earlier in the car, Ji Minglun had faintly smelled alcohol on him, but his eyes still looked clear.

“What do you want to eat?” Ji Minglun asked.

“How about dumplings? There’s a place that’s supposed to be a must-try around here.”

Jiang Lin got out of bed, and as he sat on the edge to put on his slippers, his loose shorts rode up to the tops of his thighs.

Ji Minglun glanced again at the slight rise in Jiang Lin’s shorts, then averted his gaze and said, “Change your clothes. I’ll wait outside.”

While outside, Ji Minglun smoked a cigarette. Then Jiang Lin came out, and they headed toward the elevator. Once downstairs, Jiang Lin opened the map on his phone to navigate. At a crossroads in front of the Bell Tower, he asked a local for directions, and after crossing two streets, they finally arrived in front of the De Fa Chang restaurant.

The brightly lit building was a famous old establishment, with a large traditional sign reading “De Fa Chang” at the top. Massive red lanterns hung in front of each floor-to-ceiling window, giving the place an air of grandeur and nostalgia.

The second-floor dining hall was filled with tables large and small, and even though it was past eight, the place was still bustling with diners. A waiter led the two to a small table, and Ji Minglun scanned the menu code, handing his phone to Jiang Lin to ask what he wanted to eat. Jiang Lin didn’t take the phone but leaned over the table, resting his elbow on the edge, bringing his upper body closer to Ji Minglun.

It was a small table, so when Jiang Lin leaned in, Ji Minglun caught a whiff of the scent from Jiang Lin’s hair.

It wasn’t the gardenia scent from last night, but the sandalwood cedar shampoo Ji Minglun used. His gaze trailed from the nape of Jiang Lin’s long neck to his collarbone. He wondered if Jiang Lin’s body carried the scent of his own body wash as well. While he was lost in thought, Jiang Lin tapped the screen and turned to him, saying, “Let’s order this ’24 Solar Terms Dumplings.’ Looks good…”

Before Jiang Lin could finish his sentence, he turned his head a little too closely, and suddenly, Ji Minglun’s face was right in front of him. They could feel each other’s breath.

Jiang Lin pulled back his arm an inch, returning his gaze to the menu, trying to act natural. Ji Minglun set the phone down in front of him and poured them both some tea.

After that unexpected moment, Jiang Lin avoided looking directly at Ji Minglun. He drank tea in silence, his eyes focused on the gap between the tables nearby.

The table next to them was by the window, and the entire view of the brightly lit Bell Tower could be seen through the floor-to-ceiling glass. After watching for a while, Jiang Lin couldn’t help but turn to Ji Minglun and say, “The night view here is really beautiful.”

Ji Minglun was also looking in the same direction. “Yeah, it’s completely different from Xiamen.”

Jiang Lin smiled, holding his teacup. “I’m glad we came. Otherwise, we would’ve missed this.”

“You used to think ancient capitals were boring,” Ji Minglun replied with a smile.

His smile seemed casual, but Jiang Lin felt it was necessary to clarify the misunderstanding from that time. “Actually, it was just that your timing was wrong. I had just finished arguing with my dad about that woman, and then you brought it up in the afternoon.”

“So it wasn’t that I didn’t want to, I just wasn’t in the mood at the time.”

Not long after Jiang Lin’s mother passed away, Jiang Jianchen remarried, which had a devastating effect on Jiang Lin, almost as painful as his mother’s death. This was the main reason his relationship with Jiang Jianchen became irreparably strained.

Ji Minglun asked, “What were you arguing about back then?”

Jiang Lin shook his head. He didn’t want to recall it. “I don’t remember.”

“Then don’t think about it anymore, let’s eat dumplings.” Ji Minglun quickly changed the subject, and Jiang Lin looked up to see the waiter bringing the dumplings and soup they had ordered. Jiang Lin picked up a crab roe dumpling, and Ji Minglun, holding his chopsticks, watched him. After Jiang Lin swallowed, he asked, “How does it taste?”

“Not bad.” Jiang Lin picked up another dumpling and offered it to Ji Minglun. “You try it.”

Ji Minglun looked at the dumpling held out in front of him, the chopsticks glistening with food oil under the light. Unlike last time at the congee shop, this time he didn’t hesitate. He opened his mouth, and as the chopsticks and dumpling entered his mouth, Jiang Lin realized that they were sharing utensils again, and this time he had initiated feeding Ji Minglun.

“It’s pretty good,” Ji Minglun commented calmly, the thin skin and fresh filling of the dumpling getting his approval. “You should also try the ‘24 Solar Terms’ dumplings.”

Without giving Jiang Lin time to react, Ji Minglun picked up a colorful dumpling and held it out for him.

Jiang Lin was still focused on his own overstepping when the dumpling brushed against his lips. His instinct was to open his mouth, and the dumpling, along with the chopsticks, touched his tongue.

After feeding him, Ji Minglun didn’t ask how it tasted. He simply picked up another dumpling for himself and ate it.

“Hmm, this one’s good too,” Ji Minglun remarked, tapping the vibrant dumpling with his chopsticks. Then, he took a sip of tea and called the waiter to bring the sweet-scented osmanthus rice wine.

The rice wine, a specialty of the place, was a pale yellow liquid with floating osmanthus petals. Its floral aroma was strong. When the waiter brought it, Ji Minglun poured Jiang Lin a cup and asked, “How is it?”

“It’s good.” Jiang Lin nodded, nearly offering the cup to Ji Minglun again but managed to stop himself in time.

Ji Minglun took a sip as well. The wine was sweet, somewhat like rice wine. Soon after, the walnut crisps and crispy chicken they ordered were also brought to the table. Jiang Lin couldn’t stop eating, and while he was breaking apart the crispy chicken, both of his hands were coated in grease. Ji Minglun, seeing his more relaxed demeanor compared to his usual careful behavior in front of others, felt his mood lift as well.

After they finished eating, the two of them headed toward the hotel.

Earlier, Jiang Lin had indulged, drinking two whole pots of the sweet-scented osmanthus rice wine because he liked the taste. Now, tipsy, he walked unsteadily. Ji Minglun, walking beside him, found himself getting bumped occasionally, so he put an arm around Jiang Lin’s shoulder to help him walk straight.

Jiang Lin didn’t resist. He turned to look at Ji Minglun, his gaze bold and direct, not considering whether it might make Ji Minglun uncomfortable.

Unable to avoid his stare, Ji Minglun kept his eyes fixed straight ahead. Fortunately, after a while, Jiang Lin looked away. However, as he took a step with his left foot, he unexpectedly kicked a low stone stump.

The sudden pain sobered him up instantly. He sat down, clutching his left foot, rubbing it without even taking off his shoe.

Ji Minglun removed his hand and carefully took off Jiang Lin’s sneaker and sock to inspect his foot.

Jiang Lin’s big toe and index toe were noticeably red. Ji Minglun barely touched them before Jiang Lin hissed and cried out “ouch” three times.

In just a few moments, his toes had turned a deeper shade of red, though nothing serious seemed to be wrong. Jiang Lin lowered his head, looking sullenly at his swollen toes, waiting for the pain to subside before trying to stand up. But Ji Minglun lifted him up first, handed him his shoes, and then crouched down in front of him.

Jiang Lin, holding his shoes, didn’t notice that the soles were pressing against his T-shirt. He just stared blankly at the person in front of him.

Ji Minglun turned his head and urged, “Get on.”

Jiang Lin hesitated for a moment before climbing on. Ji Minglun wrapped his arms around Jiang Lin’s thighs, lifting him up. Jiang Lin held one shoe in his hand and rested the other hand on Ji Minglun’s shoulder, watching him carry him forward.

The night on South Street was lively and bustling, with the ancient city wall lit up by beautiful lights on one side, kites and glowing children’s toys swirling in the sky, and people strolling through the nearby park. The two of them walked against the flow of pedestrians on the wide sidewalk. After walking for a while, the weight on one of Ji Minglun’s shoulders shifted.

Jiang Lin had rested his head on Ji Minglun’s shoulder, gazing at the street scene ahead, and mumbled something.

His voice was unclear, more like a murmur. Ji Minglun didn’t catch it, so Jiang Lin repeated, “Can you not immigrate?”

Ji Minglun didn’t stop walking. “Even if I immigrate, we can still stay in touch online.”

There was no response from Jiang Lin. The hand resting on Ji Minglun’s shoulder gripped a little tighter, then relaxed again. When they finally reached the intersection, there was the sound of something dropping behind them. Ji Minglun turned around and saw that Jiang Lin’s shoe had fallen to the ground.

The steady breathing on his shoulder told Ji Minglun that Jiang Lin had fallen asleep. Knowing that he had drunk alcohol at both meals that night, Ji Minglun helplessly crouched down to pick up the shoe, though it took him two tries. Luckily, a little girl passing by with her hair in a bun kindly picked it up for him.

After thanking the cute girl, Ji Minglun adjusted the person on his back again and crossed the street when the light turned green.

By the time they got back to the hotel, Ji Minglun was sweating profusely. He gently placed Jiang Lin on the bed, first checking his left foot. The two toes were still red and swollen, so Ji Minglun took some ice from the mini fridge, wrapped it in a towel, and applied it to Jiang Lin’s foot. Then, he wiped the sweat from Jiang Lin’s neck with a washcloth.

When it came time to take off Jiang Lin’s pants, Ji Minglun tried not to look at places he shouldn’t. After taking them off, Jiang Lin rolled over, lying on his side atop the blanket.

The snug-fitting boxer briefs accentuated the rounded fullness of his butt, making even the invisible seam in the middle subtly visible. Ji Minglun turned his face away, rubbed his finger under his nose, and forced himself not to think about anything. He put on Jiang Lin’s pajama pants.

After settling him down, Ji Minglun took a shower before lying in bed. He originally planned to check his phone before sleeping, but unexpectedly, Jiang Lin turned over, stretching his arms and legs over him, bringing his face close.

Ji Minglun resisted the urge to move and quietly turned his face to look at the person so close to him, confirming that Jiang Lin was still sound asleep.

The memories of that night a year ago came rushing back, as his body seemed to recall the thrilling sensation of their lips and tongues intertwining. Thinking of the fragrant osmanthus wine, he couldn’t help but lean forward slightly, stopping just before their lips were about to touch.

Jiang Lin’s peaceful sleeping face reflected in his pupils, making him realize how inappropriate his desire was.

He had also drunk a bit tonight; while he was far from drunk, he was indeed tipsy.

Turning off the bedside lamp, he placed his phone on the nightstand. Despite pulling the blanket up, he still couldn’t resist and gently lifted Jiang Lin’s head, resting it in the crook of his arm. He closed his eyes, holding him close.

The next morning, when Jiang Lin woke up, Ji Minglun was already dressed and standing by the bed.

He had a slight headache and couldn’t clearly remember how he got back last night. However, he noticed he was wearing pajamas and realized Ji Minglun had carried him back.

After finishing the breakfast brought to his room, they both arrived at the hotel lobby on time at noon to meet everyone.

That day’s itinerary was around the Tang Dynasty Furong Garden. Just like yesterday, everything was outdoors, and by three in the afternoon, it was unbearably hot. They all found a nearby tea house to sit down and have snacks, then went for barbecue, finishing the evening by watching the performance at the Tang Dynasty Night City.

They left Qujiang New District just after eight-thirty. That night, Deng Yi didn’t suggest going to a bar, probably because they had been drinking for two nights straight. By evening, she had started yawning repeatedly.

Two taxis pulled up to the hotel, and as everyone got out and walked into the lobby, Shen Ran checked the time and asked Ji Minglun and Deng Feng if they wanted to go play billiards since it was still early.

The three of them could play, while Wang Shi, who wasn’t good at it, stayed out of it. Deng Yi, who had taken a nap in the car, was feeling more energetic and wanted to join as well. Shen Ran asked Jiang Lin if he wanted to come along, and Jiang Lin thought about how he still hadn’t picked out Ji Minglun’s birthday gift, so he decided to take a look tonight.

As they talked, the elevator reached the first floor, and Shi Xiaomin and Wang Shi got in. The others went back to the hotel entrance, and Shen Ran pointed to the right, saying there was a billiard hall over there. They all walked over, while Jiang Lin walked to the left.

Nanda Street had several luxury boutiques. After walking just a few steps, Jiang Lin entered the first store and began to browse the exquisite jewelry displayed in the showcase. A sales sales assistant approached him enthusiastically, asking if he needed help. He raised his left hand and said, “I’d like to pick out a bracelet suitable for a guy.”

The last gift he gave was also a bracelet, and he should have avoided this option this time, but after thinking it over, he still felt that a bracelet was the most suitable.

By replacing the old one, Ji Minglun would still wear a bracelet gifted by him in the future.

After he described what he wanted, the sales assistant showed him two options, but he was unsatisfied with both. She then led him to a counter near the door and pointed out a bracelet displayed on black velvet.

This bracelet was completely different in design inspiration and style from the one he had given Ji Minglun. The previous one was more unique, matching Ji Minglun’s usual hip-hop style. This new bracelet leaned towards versatility, being simple and elegant without being too flashy, suitable even for shirts or suits.

That was the feeling he wanted. After all, Ji Minglun would graduate in a year, and he hoped this bracelet could witness the transformation of his clothing style.

Such thoughts were indeed extravagant, but he had returned this time to pursue Ji Minglun. Though the road ahead was difficult, he couldn’t let himself lose heart.

He asked the sales assistant to take the bracelet out for him to try on, and just as he fastened the clasp, he heard someone call his name.

It was Deng Feng’s voice. He turned to see the four people who had originally planned to play billiards all staring at him inside the store.

As soon as Ji Minglun noticed the bracelet on him, Jiang Lin immediately asked the sales assistant to help him take it off. Deng Yi stepped inside first, exclaiming, “This bracelet is really unique! Jiang Lin, your taste is impressive.”

Deng Feng walked to the other side and compared his wrist to Jiang Lin’s, agreeing, “It really is nice.”

Ji Minglun and Shen Ran entered last. Shen Ran leaned in curiously, while Ji Minglun glanced over. When he looked at the bracelet, Jiang Lin was looking at him too. Their eyes met for a brief moment before Jiang Lin quickly looked away, and Ji Minglun remembered that Jiang Lin had mentioned wanting to make up for a birthday gift.

Jiang Lin wouldn’t wear accessories, so the fact that he was here trying one on meant it was probably a gift for him.

Thinking of Jiang Lin’s excited expression while trying it on, Ji Minglun suppressed a smile, continuing to examine the bracelet.

Jiang Lin saw that Ji Minglun was trying not to smile, and he felt a twinge of annoyance that his surprise had just been ruined. He decided to leave the group and head outside first.

Deng Yi followed him, asking, “If you like it, why not buy it? The price is quite reasonable.”

“I didn’t, I was just looking around,” Jiang Lin hurriedly explained. When he stepped out, he didn’t notice the shop’s threshold was quite shallow and ended up stumbling down two steps.

Deng Yi tried to reach out to catch him, but before she could, another arm beat her to it. Deng Feng quickly stepped forward and grabbed him, and after Jiang Lin steadied himself, Deng Feng didn’t let go of his arm, asking, “Are you okay?”

Deng Yi’s hand was still in the air, and seeing Deng Feng’s suddenly tense expression, she realized something and lowered her arm.

Jiang Lin felt embarrassed and, after pulling his arm back, replied that he was fine. He then changed the topic, asking, “Weren’t you going to play billiards? Why are you here?”

“It’s all Shen Ran’s fault,” Deng Yi joked about the person behind them, “He got the direction wrong and led us to a public restroom.”

Thinking of that scene, Jiang Lin couldn’t help but smile a little, while Deng Yi said, “Do you want to go with us?”

“No, you guys go have fun,” he replied.

“Alright then, we’ll go ahead.”

Deng Yi pulled Deng Feng away, and Ji Minglun and Shen Ran followed. As they walked past him, Ji Minglun glanced at him again.

Once the four of them entered the building ahead, Jiang Lin looked back at the store they had just left, realizing he wanted to find a different gift.

He headed in another direction and turned into a shopping mall. 

….

About half an hour later, Deng Feng returned to the luxury store during his trip to the restroom.

The store was about to close. Deng Feng walked up to the counter where Jiang Lin had been leaning and asked the sales assistant to show him the bracelet.

It was the same sales assistant who had assisted Jiang Lin. Deng Feng inquired if Jiang Lin had returned to purchase it, to which she replied no, explaining that there was only one bracelet left.

Thinking of Jiang Lin’s happy expression when he tried it on earlier, Deng Feng asked the sales assistant to wrap it up. After paying, he left the store.