Chapter 16 I promise, I will never touch you.
After studying that night, Jiang Ran did indeed gain a lot of insights.
The most important thing is to deeply reflect on my major mistake. I was so focused on working hard that I exhausted myself and fell into a deep sleep afterwards, completely neglecting the crucial step of comforting and caring for myself afterward.
This was categorized as an attitude problem and a lack of basic care, which are fundamental errors that must be corrected.
As for the specific technical details in between, he did want to analyze them during the review, but his memory was somewhat blurred by excitement and a certain primal impulse, leaving only scattered, intense fragments.
In short, there's just one sentence to sum it up: there's so much he needs to learn and improve upon.
Based on the fact that all the learning materials Su Mu shared were about male pregnancy, Jiang Ran naturally and even more firmly believed that Su Mu really, really, really liked children.
Even when privately discussing this topic, they focus intently on having children; their preferences couldn't be clearer.
This realization weighed heavily on his mind, yet he also found Su Mu incredibly adorable.
On the other side, Su Mu heard Jiang Ran brazenly mention the word "technology".
No wonder Jiang Ran was making little rustling noises next to him last night; it turns out she wasn't having trouble sleeping, but was secretly studying.
Looking into Jiang Ran's eyes, which were filled with earnest reflection and a desire for improvement, he hesitated for a long time before finally unable to hold back and commented, "You don't need to go to so much trouble reflecting on your skills."
Jiang Ran's eyes lit up, thinking that Su Mu was going to comfort him or affirm his talent in some aspects.
Su Mu's next sentence was like a bucket of ice water poured over him, with ice shards still clinging to it: "It's really not very good."
Jiang Ran: "!!"
From anticipation to astonishment, then to disbelief, his expression finally settled into a complex mix of shock, resentment, and intense defiance. He opened his mouth, wanting to refute, to defend himself; he believed he could still sense some of the underlying emotions reflected in his actions…
How can it be described as "bad"?
Before he could even gather his thoughts, Su Mu glanced at him again and dropped irrefutable evidence: "I even developed a fever later."
This sentence is even more damaging than those three words just now.
Jiang Ran's shoulders slumped, her head drooped, and she looked like a wilted eggplant, utterly dejected, yet with utmost sincerity: "...It's my fault."
Looking at Jiang Ran's guilty expression, Su Mu's embarrassment and resentment from the past strangely dissipated, replaced by a sense of pity. With a tone of appeasement, or even understanding, he said softly, "It's your first time too... never mind."
He only realized what he had said after he had already spoken.
Wait, Jiang Ran's first time... she... hit the target on the first try?
He subconsciously looked up and quickly glanced at Jiang Ran. She had broad shoulders and long legs, and a great physique. She probably exercised a lot, but was she really that good in that area?
The thought made his cheeks flush again, and he quickly looked away.
Jiang Ran was immersed in the double blow of her poor skills and causing someone to get a fever, and felt deep self-blame. When she heard Su Mu's lighthearted "never mind," it was like hearing heavenly music.
He felt that his Mumu was truly the kindest and most generous person in the world. He quickly pressed his advantage, his tone more solemn and sincere than ever before, as if he wanted to swear to the heavens: "I'm sorry, Mumu, I'm really sorry. It was my fault, I was too reckless, too inexperienced, and too careless. In the future... I will definitely improve, I promise."
Su Mu was both amused and speechless at his earnest repentance. Listening to his confident assurances, for some reason, an old grudge suddenly came to mind: "Then why didn't you use a condom back then?"
Jiang Ran was taken aback by the question: "I don't have any at home."
"Besides, the situation was too urgent at the time, and I didn't have time to buy it."
"How urgent could it be?" Su Mu asked almost instinctively, then froze as soon as the words left his mouth.
How urgent can it be?
The scene was dimly lit, chaotic, and... a blurry yet intensely passionate image of entangled limbs.
He seemed to remember that he could barely stand, his arms were around Jiang Ran's neck, and he was almost hanging on him. Their breaths mingled, and reason had long since flown to the winds, leaving only the most primal instincts to drive him.
In that situation, let alone Jiang Ran, even he himself probably wouldn't have thought of any safety measures.
"……never mind."
Jiang Ran watched as Su Mu turned his face away, revealing a beautifully sculpted neck, his skin appearing exceptionally fair in the sunlight. The sun slanted down, landing precisely on his profile and the soft tips of his hair, gilding them with a soft, warm golden edge.
Su Mu is a really gentle person.
It's not the kind of gentleness that's deliberately displayed or superficial, but a deeper, almost all-encompassing softness.
Even when the topic of that first experience, which could be described as an accident, came up, and when it came to his terrible skills and oversights, Su Mu didn't really get angry or blame anyone. This made Jiang Ran even have a slightly rebellious thought. He felt that Su Mu was shrouded in a faint, almost divine halo at this moment, which was tolerant, silent, and carried a calming power.
Having never tasted it before, never been this close, I could barely suppress the longing in my heart, passing the days on imagination and memories.
But things are different now. Now the person is right in front of me, I can hear their breath, I can touch them, and they're still in the place where Su Mu grew up.
That urge to get closer, to touch, to hold someone tightly in his arms was like wild grass after a spring rain, growing wildly and uncontrollably, making his heart itch and his fingertips burn.
Jiang Ran had to exert a lot of effort to force herself not to be so beastly.
Su Mu felt that Jiang Ran was sometimes quite stupid, and her mind seemed unable to think outside the box.
Wasn't my intention in sharing information about male-to-male pregnancies yesterday obvious enough? Wasn't it to prepare him mentally in advance, to let him know that such a possibility does exist in this world?
But this young master completely misunderstood the situation and didn't consider the child's perspective at all.
Back in the day, Jiang Ran was a key member of their school's debate team. She was logical, quick-witted, and sharp-tongued, leading the team all the way to the national finals, where she was the undisputed star.
Why does it become so...ineffective when it comes to reading comprehension questions? Su Mu was speechless, feeling a sense of inexplicable frustration.
Su Mu couldn't help but mutter under his breath, his tone carrying a hint of reproach and helplessness that he himself didn't realize: "Jiang Ran, so you're not that smart after all."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Ran paused for a moment, but didn't refute it. Instead, he leaned forward a little more. The distance between them instantly shortened, so close that they could see each other's reflections in their pupils. Jiang Ran reached out and naturally grasped Su Mu's hand, which was tugging at his sleeve. His fingers intertwined with Su Mu's, their grip a little tight, but not painful, as he spoke gently.
"I'm already quite stupid around you."
Otherwise, they wouldn't have dared to do it for so many years.
If he had known earlier that Su Mu wasn't completely indifferent to him, or even repelled by his advances, he would definitely have had a campus romance.
We'll walk hand in hand along the sycamore-lined avenue, squeeze into the library together to save seats, hand him water by the basketball court, and openly declare to everyone...
Su Mu was also despicable back then. He laughed heartily amidst everyone's boring and vulgar jokes about him keeping his integrity for his future wife.
He glared at him, but Su Mu still smiled obliviously.
Jiang Ran was so angry and helpless.
Su Mu wanted to take Jiang Ran into the city.
Originally, Su Mu had planned to buy a car for commuting, but his rented apartment was just steps from his workplace, so there was really no need to drive. Plus, he was constantly working overtime, so even if he bought a car, it would probably just sit there collecting dust. With that in mind, his car purchase plan was indefinitely postponed.
Just imagining this pampered young master having to squeeze onto that shaky, smelly rural bus with him, and possibly having to stand the whole way, made Su Mu's scalp tingle. The image was too horrible to contemplate.
So he thought of borrowing a car.
Su Mu's family has a minivan, which Su's father used to use to transport goods. It hasn't been used for a long time and is parked in the yard. It wouldn't be very polite to let Young Master Jiang ride in the minivan.
Su Mu took Jiang Ran to the Meng family and explained their purpose.
Meng Lingxuan laughed: "What a coincidence! I was just about to go to town too. Jiaojiao's school needs to buy some supplementary textbooks, but the bookstore in town doesn't have them. I promised her I'd go to town to buy them today. Let's go together, it's on the way, and my car can fit everyone."
As he spoke, his gaze naturally fell on Jiang Ran beside Su Mu, with a hint of curiosity and scrutiny: "This is... your college classmate?"
Jiang Ran gave a polite and appropriate smile, stepped forward half a step, and extended her hand: "Hello, I am Jiang Ran, sorry to bother you."
Meng Lingxuan's gaze lingered on Jiang Ran for a couple more seconds, and he sincerely exclaimed, "Joke, so handsome."
This praise comes from the heart.
Meng Lingxuan always thought that his childhood friend Su Mu was quite outstanding in appearance. He had fair skin and delicate, clean features. He was the kind of person who was praised by the neighbors for his good looks since childhood.
But Jiang Ran's "handsomeness" is a completely different feeling. It's a more radiant, distant kind of handsomeness.
With deep, defined features and a natural air of ease between his brows and eyes, he wore simple casual clothes, yet exuded an almost palpable air of nobility, a result of his privileged upbringing and refined manners.
Standing in this simple farmhouse courtyard, I don't look like a guest; I really do look like... a leader coming to the countryside to inspect work, and a particularly young and handsome one at that, the kind that makes you want to take a second look.
At this moment, Meng Lingxuan's daughter, Jiaojiao, also ran out of the house. With two pigtails and wearing a floral dress, she was at an age when she was just beginning to have a vague sense of beauty.
The moment she saw Jiang Ran, her eyes lit up like two little stars, and she turned and shouted into the house, "Mom! Mom, come out and see! There's a handsome guy here!"
Jiang Ran smiled at Jiao Jiao and nodded slightly: "Hello, Jiao Jiao."
The group got into the car.
Meng Lingxuan drove, and Jiaojiao insisted on sitting between Jiang Ran and Su Mu. The car drove onto the highway leading into the city.
Jiaojiao, being a child, couldn't sit still. Her big eyes darted back and forth between Su Mu and Jiang Ran in the back seat. Finally, her gaze settled on Jiang Ran, and she cupped her rosy cheeks in her hands, her voice filled with undisguised amazement and admiration: "Brother Jiang, you're even more handsome than the stars on TV! You're like...like a prince from a fairy tale!"
Su Mu, sitting next to her, couldn't help but chuckle when he heard this. He reached out and gently poked Jiao Jiao's forehead: "Jiao Jiao, you clearly said last time that I was the most handsome man in the world in your heart. How come you changed your mind so quickly?"
Jiaojiao wasn't annoyed when her forehead was poked. She just wrinkled her little nose and made a very troubled expression, looking at Su Mu and then at Jiang Ran, as if she were making an extremely difficult choice.
Finally, she sighed like a little adult: "Brother Su, you are very good, but I'm sad that you're not with our Chinese teacher."
Jiang Ran was listening with a smile to the little girl's innocent and cheerful praise, but when he heard Jiao Jiao's next words, the smile on his face froze for a moment.
The Chinese language teacher? Teacher Chen?
Even such a young child is being used as a matchmaker for Su Mu?
Jiang Ran turned her head without making a sound and looked at Su Mu beside her. Su Mu was waving at her awkwardly, with a helpless smile on his face, seemingly quite embarrassed by the topic.
Luckily, I arrived in time.
Jiang Ran thought to herself, this place seems to have simple and honest people and a peaceful environment, but she never expected that potential dangers were everywhere. Su Mu has lived here for so many years, and he is good-looking and has a good temperament. She wondered how many people had secretly or openly set their sights on him.
That's far too dangerous.
Meng Lingxuan is a very good conversationalist.
Although his educational level wasn't top-notch, he had a wealth of social experience and was a cheerful person. He kept talking the whole way, from the steering wheel to the roadside, chatting about everything under the sun, from family matters to everyday life.
He considered himself Su Mu's closest childhood friend, knowing Su Mu's past and temperament inside and out. But seeing Jiang Ran now, he felt an inexplicable sense of crisis.
He recounted their childhood anecdotes with a laugh in his voice: "Su Mu, that kid, looks quiet, but he's actually quite playful. But he's also pitifully timid, the kind of person who has the desire to steal but not the courage."
"Once, a few of us egged him on to skip class. He hesitated for a long time, but finally came along. Halfway there, as we passed the back gate of the school, he suddenly turned around and ran back, faster than a rabbit, saying he was afraid of being caught by the headmaster and having his parents called in, hahaha..."
Su Mu was a little embarrassed by his laughter and retorted irritably, "That's because you lied to me and said you were going to the bookstore to buy a new workbook! But halfway there you said you were going to an internet cafe. How could I not run away?"
When this came up, Su Mu explained to Jiang Ran, his tone tinged with a mix of helplessness and amusement at the memory: "Back then, the internet cafes near the school were all called 'black internet cafes.' They were secretly run and had terrible conditions. To keep me from going, my mom lied to me, saying that the internet cafe owners would specifically target students who were alone, lock them in a small dark room, and sell their kidneys for money."
Su Muji also thought this claim was outrageous: "I was young back then and actually believed it. Nine out of ten boys in my class had secretly gone there, but I would always take a long detour whenever I passed by the street with the internet cafe, for fear of being caught and taken in."
As Jiang Ran listened, imagining the young Su Mu carrying his schoolbag, looking nervous, and quickly walking past the internet cafe without looking to the side, as if a man-eating monster was hiding inside, she couldn't help but laugh out loud.
The car quickly entered the city. The streets widened, and the flow of vehicles and pedestrians became denser.
Meng Lingxuan parked the car at a pre-arranged intersection and engaged the handbrake: "Alright, let's split up here. I'll take Jiaojiao to the bookstore, you two can shop around. We'll meet back here at four o'clock this afternoon, okay?"
Su Mu and Jiang Ran both nodded in agreement.
Jiaojiao leaned against the car window, waving goodbye to Jiang Ran with reluctance: "Goodbye, Brother Jiang! Goodbye, Brother Su!"
Stepping off the bustling city, the vibrant atmosphere immediately enveloped them. Su Mu, familiar with the area, led Jiang Ran directly to the city's most bustling commercial district.
This scene is quite different from the tranquil countryside.
Instead of picking out gifts for his parents, Su Mu pulled Jiang Ran into a clean and bright-looking chain fast food restaurant. He ordered two signature Big Mac burgers and two large cups of iced Coke.
While waiting for his food, his eyes lit up: "Everything at home is great, but there's no takeout, so I can't get this."
The meal was ready quickly.
Su Mu held the hamburger piled high with meat patties, vegetables, and sauce, took a big bite, his cheeks immediately puffed out, and his eyes squinted in satisfaction. He didn't even notice that some sauce had gotten on the corner of his mouth.
Jiang Ran barely touched his portion. He rested his chin on his hand and quietly watched Su Mu sitting opposite him.
Watching Su Mu's eyes light up slightly as he ate his favorite food, watching him immerse himself in a simple, direct, and undisguised joy.
Jiang Ran took a tissue and wiped his mouth. Her smile was incredibly gentle, and deep in her eyes was an overflowing, intense affection: "You're dirty."
Su Mu met Jiang Ran's unblinking, overly focused eyes. Her gaze was so direct that it seemed particularly blatant in the bustling fast food restaurant.
Su Mu's heart skipped a beat, and his cheeks flushed uncontrollably. He subconsciously raised his hand to wipe his mouth and muttered softly, "We're outside...you, you shouldn't look at me like that."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Ran blinked, said "Oh," and poked at the almost untouched box of fries in front of her. She looked just like a large dog that had been scolded by its owner and had to retract its claws, exuding obvious disappointment.
Looking at him like this, Su Mu felt a little guilty: "This place... is not a big city after all. People's lifestyles and ideas are still quite traditional and conservative."
The diners at the surrounding tables were mostly families or groups of friends, behaving in an ordinary manner.
Jiang Ran lowered her head and didn't reply, but instead poked a French fry to pieces.
After they finished eating, they walked out. Just as they passed a small round table by the window, a conversation that was deliberately kept low but couldn't be completely controlled due to excitement clearly drifted into Su Mu's ears.
It was the voice of two young women.
"Look, look! Aren't those two over there a couple? My god, they're both so handsome!"
"Absolutely! The way that taller guy looked at the other one was absolutely drooling. I never thought I'd see such good-looking gays here."
Su Mu: "…………"
"They're so handsome! The guy eating the hamburger is good-looking too, with such fair skin and bright eyes. They look amazing together, they're such a perfect match."
Jiang Ran clearly heard this as well.
Su Mu took a deep breath: "Let's go, I'll take you to see other places."
The two walked slowly along the commercial street. Su Mu said, "My old high school was not far from here. It was the best high school in the county, and its college entrance examination pass rate was among the best in the surrounding counties and cities."
Jiang Ran: "That's amazing."
Su Mu smiled and said, "Yes, the conditions are limited. The teachers are very dedicated, and the students are even more dedicated. Evening self-study often goes on until after 10 p.m., and even after the dormitory lights are turned off, some people are still reading in bed with flashlights. It's really not easy."
Jiang Ran looked at him, and her heart suddenly felt as if it had been struck by something soft yet heavy. He recalled his high school days, with the best teachers, the most complete facilities, and even a dedicated college counselor to plan his path.
For Su Mu, the effort and sweat he put in to get into a key university like Jiangzhou from this small county town probably far exceeded his imagination.
“Su Mu,” Jiang Ran looked at him earnestly, “you are really amazing.”
What's impressive isn't just the results, but also the resilience and strength to persevere and emerge stronger even in a relatively impoverished environment.
Jiang Ran is such a gentle person.
As Su Mu walked beside him, the thought kept flashing through her mind. He came from such a privileged family, and had had a smooth and successful life from childhood, yet he lacked any of the overt or covert arrogance commonly found in wealthy people.
When Su Mu first arrived in Jiangzhou, he was unfamiliar with the place and the people. It was Jiang Ran who taught him how to use the complicated campus card system, showed him the library's layout, and quietly helped him out of any predicament. Su Mu himself wasn't entirely in control either; only he knew the anxiety and clumsiness he felt when he first arrived in the big city.
Jiang Ran's gentleness, like a fine and soft net, silently supported him, preventing him from falling.
Su Mu lowered his eyes, watching the hands that were so close yet so far between the two of them, swaying gently with each step. Then, he moved his fingers quickly and subtly, using his fingertip to gently hook Jiang Ran's fingers hanging at her side.
Jiang Ran paused in her steps.
Su Mu didn't look up, his voice was very low, with a bit of nervousness like he was doing something wrong and a bit of reckless courage, he muttered: "Okay, it seems that everyone is not as conservative as I thought, we can... hold hands."
He was wearing a loose white sweatshirt today, with wide sleeves that almost covered half of his palm.
Jiang Ran almost immediately reached out and grasped Su Mu's outstretched fingers, tightly enveloping the slightly cool hand in her warm palm. Her fingers slid into Su Mu's wide sleeve, and under the soft fabric, their ten fingers intertwined tightly.
The two held hands through their sleeves, and Su Mu's hoodie sleeve bulged slightly.
They went to pick out gifts for Su's parents. Jiang Ran used only one hand the whole time while picking things out. Su Mu was initially puzzled as to why Jiang Ran's movements looked a little awkward, but then he suddenly realized that they had actually been holding hands all the way.
Su Mu then pulled his hand out of Jiang Ran's palm and sleeve.
Jiang Ran was taken aback by his sudden action, turned her head to look at him, and looked at him with a questioning look in her eyes.
Su Mu didn't dare to look at him, but just lowered her head and pretended to tidy her cuffs: "I'm outside, okay, okay."
Jiang Ran looked at him for a few seconds: "Okay, I'll hold your hand when we get back."
Su Mu just nodded haphazardly.
Finally, they bought quite a lot of things: fresh seasonal fruits, nicely packaged tea, health supplements suitable for Su's mother and good for her joints, and several boxes of delicate pastries. The bags and packages they carried were quite heavy.
Jiang Ran suggested, "Why don't we rent a car and drive back? We have a lot of stuff, it'll be more convenient."
Su Mu was taken aback, and hesitated for a moment: "But you're not staying long, are you? Renting a car..."
Jiang Ran's reasoning was quite sound: "You can drive then. Didn't you say you'd take me sightseeing? We can also bring Uncle and Aunt along to visit nearby attractions. We can't keep borrowing Brother Meng's car; it's too much trouble for him. Having a car will be much more convenient."
Su Mu thought about it and felt that it made sense.
The two then went to a car rental company in the city. The formalities were completed quickly, and Jiang Ran chose a clean and spacious-looking SUV. Su Mu stood beside the car, watching Jiang Ran skillfully inspect the vehicle and communicate with the staff about the details.
Once everything was settled, Su Mu remembered to call Meng Lingxuan.
When the call connected, Meng Lingxuan could vaguely hear Jiaojiao's chattering voice. Su Mu said somewhat embarrassedly, "Xuanzi, we're going back now. We've bought everything and rented a car."
Meng Lingxuan laughed heartily on the other end: "Okay, you're pretty quick. Be careful on the road. By the way, bring your classmate over for dinner in a few days."
Su Mu agreed and hung up the phone. He got into the driver's seat, fastened his seatbelt, and sat next to Jiang Ran. The back seat was piled high with gifts for his parents.
Jiang Ran truly wants to be with him.
Moreover, it's not the kind of fleeting, impulsive goodness; it's the kind of goodness that carries the future, the aftermath, and a serious intention to incorporate into one's life plan.
From the moment he traveled thousands of miles to this small village, from the moment he humbled himself to dig ditches and turn over soil to please Su's parents, to the moment he carefully selected those gifts that were both respectable and practical.
Su Mu wasn't stupid; he could sense it. All the formalities, all the effort, even that slightly clumsy yet incredibly sincere eagerness, all revealed the seriousness of meeting the parents, indicating a long-term commitment.
Their relationship, which began in a chaotic night, changed completely from the moment Jiang Ran arrived, travel-worn and exhausted.
"Mumu, before the end of the year, I'll take you to meet my parents, okay? Then, we can arrange for both families to go on a trip together and have a formal meeting, or..." He seemed afraid of scaring Su Mu, so he slowed down his speech, but became even more serious, "If you think it's too fast, we can get engaged first."
So fast?
End of the year?
At the end of the year... at the end of the year, the baby in his belly will be born.
As expected, you can hide it from the first day of the month, but not from the fifteenth.
Yes, how can we hide it?
Should I go to meet Jiang Ran's parents with a big pregnant belly? Or should I take the newborn baby on a trip with both families?
He looked at the straight road ahead, his tone gentle and persuasive, trying to once again awaken this eccentric person with a phobia of education.
"Young Master Jiang, did you really read through everything I shared with you yesterday, carefully and thoroughly, from beginning to end? Didn't you come up with anything else?"
His implication was clear enough, wasn't it? Male-to-male reproduction! The key word is childbirth!
Jiang Ran was taken aback by his question, a hint of confusion flashing across her face, seemingly not understanding why Su Mu had suddenly brought this up again. He recalled the alluring images on his phone screen last night, his cheeks flushing slightly, his eyes darting around for a moment, then, with a mixture of determination, he answered solemnly.
"...I've read it, and the conclusion is that until my skills...are good enough that I won't make you...well, uncomfortable again, I promise I will absolutely not touch you."
Su Mu: "…………"
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A note from the author:
This couple's writing really gives me a sense of peace and security in everyday life. [Good luck][Good luck][Good luck]
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