Chapter 49
"Ah..." The doctors were all stunned. They never expected Yu Congyi to say such a thing. They looked at the patient with a puzzled expression, only to see that Tang Zefei had also opened her eyes at some point and was staring at Yu Congyi with a deep look in her eyes.
They seemed to be competing. Yu Congyi's impatience was clearly evident, and a male servant sitting next to him stood up and moved aside.
"What are you hesitating about?" Yu Congyi spoke coldly, almost angrily. "My blood is the best match for yours. I said I'd give you my blood."
“You…previously,” one of the doctors began, asking Yu Congyi uncertainly, “did you give him a blood transfusion?”
"Yes," Tang Zefei replied. He propped himself up slightly, his voice trembling slightly, "Then please help me change."
As the thick needle pierced the vein in Yu Congyi's arm, he noticed Tang Zefei staring at him. Yu Congyi glared back without hesitation, his expression remaining completely unchanged. Tang Zefei knew the source of his emotions and couldn't help but sigh helplessly.
"Please go outside and wait," Tang Zefei said, turning slightly to the side after their blood vessels were connected. Her gaze fell upon the round glass window beside the bed. From there, one could see the sea outside the ship and a bright moon hanging in the sapphire blue night sky.
The doctor and servants were dismissed, and the large, empty room was quiet for a moment. The sound of blood dripping stirred ripples in their hearts. Yu Congyi curled his fingers and leaned against the table, hesitant to speak.
"...Come sit on the bed." After what seemed like an eternity, Tang Zefei finally spoke. The stool Yu Congyi was sitting on was incredibly stiff, and a blood transfusion wasn't something that could be done in a short time.
Yu Congyi glanced at him and noticed that his gaze was still fixed on the window. Waves lapped against the corridor railing in gentle lapping, and in the utter stillness, both of them could hear the soft murmur of the tide. The moonlight generously poured its radiance onto the dark silk, a silent and desolate scene.
"Is this what you wanted?" Yu Congyi finally spoke. His voice was hoarse and soft from not speaking for so long, and his helpless tone made Tang Zefei want to turn and look at him. But he didn't. He forced a smile and said, "What?"
“Don’t think I don’t know why you brought me along,” Yu Congyi said. “Do you think I don’t know what you’re thinking? But what are you arguing with me about now?”
I'm lost and confused. I suddenly have no confidence. Tang Zefei wants to say that persistence doesn't necessarily work, but he would never agree to give up without persisting.
“I want to give up,” Tang Zefei said slowly, as if sighing. “I’m afraid I won’t be able to wait any longer. But I know I’ll regret it for the rest of my life if I do that. I don’t know what to do. Taking you to Shanghai to hide for a while was my own idea, it has nothing to do with you.”
Yu Congyi knew what he meant. His heart sank, and he almost hated himself. An awkward silence filled the space between them once again. “I talked to your mother for a while when I arrived in the evening,” Yu Congyi said. “She was very emotional when she mentioned your father.”
"I know." Tang Zefei had already guessed the outcome. He continued looking out the window. "I knew it. That's just how she is. I'm sorry you had to see that."
Yu Congyi shook his head. Actually, no, he had just developed another emotion towards Tang Zefei. It was a strange emotion that could be described as heartache. He had never felt this way about anyone before, but he still didn't say anything.
Another silence followed.
The soft, rustling sound of blood flowing past Yu Congyi's ears. He never imagined things would turn out this way.
Beside him, Tang Zefei's breathing gradually became even and calm. Yu Congyi guessed that he might have fallen asleep. He turned his head to look at him. The warm moonlight shone on his profile, obscuring his expression.
Yu Congyi adjusted his posture, intending to take a nap, but he didn't sit on the bed. Just then, he heard Tang Zefei's voice drift over, "In that case, is there any chance I'll hear your reply?"
This sound, still low and soft, was a retreat and a test, a reluctance to cross the line, something Yu Congyi knew. He seemed never to have acted like this before. A person's patience cannot last forever; if it could, one would have to endure until becoming a god or Buddha. Tang Zefei's heart was being slowly worn down by him; he didn't know how much longer she could hold on. Yu Congyi hated his ambiguity and inappropriate silence, but something gripped his heart and his vocal cords, rendering him speechless for a moment.
Seeing that he remained silent, Tang Zefei slowly sat up and finally turned her head. She gazed at Yu Congyi for a long time. Yu Congyi's expression was fully exposed in the moonlight; he lowered his head slightly, his brows furrowed almost imperceptibly. His conflicted expression caught Tang Zefei's eye, causing her to sigh.
“I really want to kiss you,” he said, “but I don’t even have the strength to do so now.”
Yu Congyi looked up, but before he could speak, he saw the other man's half-naked upper body in the moonlight, his back covered with countless scars of varying lengths. Realizing something, he hesitated before speaking, "These...were they left by your mother in a fit of anger..."
He recalled the other person's hesitant manner when they were in prison.
Why?
A wave of indescribable sorrow welled up in Yu Congyi's nose again. He took a deep breath, feeling a little breathless. His heart suddenly pounded, and even his lips trembled slightly. After Tang Zefei finished speaking, he turned and leaned against him. Yu Congyi looked up at his eyes under the moonlight, at his forlorn expression, and his emotions surged to a fever pitch in an instant.
He stretched out his other arm, which wasn't receiving an IV drip, stood up, knelt down on the other person's bed, leaned in, and kissed the other person's lips.
As Tang Zefei got up to leave, she grabbed his collar. The movement was actually very light, but Yu Congyi's body still stiffened. He leaned his head against her, and Tang Zefei moved closer, invading his lips and teeth again from below.
Tang Zefei was very happy because this was the first time Yu Congyi had taken the initiative to kiss him.
…
As Yu Congyi curled up in a chair next to Tang Zefei's bed and fell asleep that night, he had a dream.
At noon on the 26th, a heavy rain fell in the northern suburbs. By evening, the rain gradually stopped, and a sliver of light barely broke through the dark sky. The afterglow shone through Wushan Mountain and cast a golden glow onto Yuhu Lake. The clouds dispersed and the sky cleared, giving a sense of sudden enlightenment.
When Yu Congyi looked at the lake, he saw the golden shimmering waves dancing and floating right before his eyes. He smelled the damp scent of grass, trees, and groves after the rain, as if he could touch his nose and feel its wetness.
He didn't do that. Yu Congyi glanced around slightly, then turned and walked towards the bridge.
A person was standing on the bridge.
The man was very tall, with his back to him. Amidst the swirling mist, Yu Congyi felt as if everything before him was dissolving in the vapor. A raindrop fell, and the man turned around, his deep chestnut eyes fixed on him, his pale face showing a sickly weariness. Then, he looked at him and smiled.
"Tang Zefei," Yu Congyi murmured. Stepping onto the bridge, he realized how high it was. He struggled to climb, but it seemed he could never reach the top. Tang Zefei was too tall; dressed in black, he stood there, a lonely, solitary shadow. "Come down!" Yu Congyi waved and shouted, but Tang Zefei didn't move. The arched stone steps were soaked with rainwater. Yu Congyi had never felt climbing a bridge so difficult. He used almost all his strength to climb, and finally, Tang Zefei was within his reach. He reached out his hand, but then, the dream ended.
This was the last time he dreamed of Tang Zefei.
…
The passenger ship sailed at sea for three full days and finally arrived at Shanghai's Tongren Wharf at noon on that day.
After disembarking from the ship, Tang Zefei took it upon himself to return to the abandoned house he had previously fled to on Datong Road in Huangpu Beach. He arranged accommodations for his mother, and the goods awaited the merchants from the Chamber of Commerce to collect them. With this, Yu Congyi and Liu Shiping's escort mission was considered complete. Yu Congyi suggested that they report to the local military police headquarters to update them on the mission's progress so they could return as soon as possible.
Upon hearing this, Tang Zefei stopped him. He knew Yu Congyi clearly understood why he had brought him to Shanghai, yet he still wanted to leave. That was just how this man was. Tang Zefei knew he might be wavering, but ultimately, only Yu Congyi himself could drive their relationship forward. Tang Zefei had to keep him here. That afternoon, Tang Zefei went to the Chamber of Commerce; as a result, Yu and Liu, after reporting to the Military Police, both remained in Shanghai. And, inexplicably, they were both allowed to stay in Tang Zefei's guest room. This was because after leaving the Chamber of Commerce, Tang Zefei had applied to the Shanghai Military Police, requesting that, as a businessman handling important and valuable goods, someone protect his personal safety at all times during his stay in Shanghai. He had nominated Yu Congyi for this role. Since he would be accompanied by bodyguards, Tang Zefei couldn't allow himself to be out of their sight, so he decided to let them stay at his home temporarily. Liu Shiping had already heard about Yu Congyi's blood transfusion for Tang Zefei on the ship. Now, Tang Zefei inexplicably decided to stay in Shanghai for a while. As the deputy director of the police department, Liu Shiping felt that Tang Zefei's decision was too sudden and puzzling. He was about to ask Yu Congyi about his relationship with this businessman when he turned around and saw that Yu Congyi was silent and had no objection. It seemed that he had expected this. Liu Shiping felt that his superior and the businessman in front of him were even more unpredictable.
While waiting for a reply from the Military Police after returning from the Chamber of Commerce, Liu Shiping reported to Yu Congyi that he wanted to see his old friend in Shanghai. As evening approached, Tang Zefei finally persuaded Yu Congyi to take him out to stroll through the most bustling areas of Shanghai.
Yu Congyi was actually somewhat puzzled and angry about Tang Zefei's self-determination along the way, so before leaving with her, Tang Zefei couldn't help but try to persuade and fight him for a while.
The two first went to a department store. Tang Zefei made an excuse, saying that many items at home had been unused for a long time and were expired or damaged, making them unusable and requiring replacement. Yu Congyi had never spent so much time in a department store before. He watched as Tang Zefei led the way, wandering around almost every section of merchandise, buying things and carrying them in his own hands or tossing them to the servants. The packages piled up until both he and the servants could barely carry them. Finally, he told Yu Congyi to wait for him while he and the servants browsed the clothing section, then ran off to some unknown place and bought two small boxes, stuffing them into his pocket. After leaving the department store, Tang Zefei had the servants take the purchased items home. He and Yu Congyi then went to a newly opened Western restaurant on Avenue Joffre for a meal. Yu Congyi's opinion of the restaurant was so-so, but Tang Zefei promised to take him to what he considered the best Western restaurant in Shanghai next time. Yu Congyi asked him what this was, whether it was a date he had arranged on his own. Tang Zefei smiled and said, "If you think it's a date, then of course it is."
Yu Congyi realized he'd been tricked into revealing information and felt somewhat helpless. Tang Zefei raised an eyebrow at him and asked if he'd like to go for a walk with her. Since things had come to this point, there was no point in Yu Congyi saying no, so he went along with Tang Zefei's suggestion and asked where she wanted to go. Tang Zefei suggested that they definitely go to the Bund.
The car stopped on Nanjing Road, and the two walked for a while before turning onto Huangpu Beach Road and heading south. The sun was setting, and Shanghai was experiencing its most beautiful moment of the day.
As dusk settled, the lights gradually came on. Along Huangpu Beach Road, the outlines of the international architectural complex emerged one by one under the neon lights. The lines became flowing gold, stretching for miles. Under the sky, the river breeze carried the warm moisture, and this dazzling spectacle lavishly displayed its extravagant and luxurious charm in the clear indigo twilight.
The hour arrived precisely on the hour, and the customs clock rang out. In the quiet solemnity, the sound of the clock resonated along the glittering riverbank. The phosphorescent light reflected on the river surface was the most inconspicuous yet dazzlingly beautiful scene amidst the splendor.
“Everyone says Shanghai is the Paris of the East,” Tang Zefei slowed her pace, wanting to enjoy the scenery with Yu Congyi. “I’ve wanted to come here with you for a long time.”
Shanghai, a bustling metropolis, was once a vibrant hub of nightlife. The city's architecture stretches as far as the eye can see, a harmonious blend of grand classical buildings and dazzling splendor. A fusion of tradition and modernity creates a breathtaking spectacle, making one wonder if this city that never sleeps will ever truly close. It is a place that captivates and enthralls the senses.
Yu Congyi was almost astonished by the scenery of the Bund. "It's quite different from the Haihe Riverbank," Yu Congyi commented. "The level of luxury exceeds my expectations. I thought the Haihe Riverbank was more leisurely, but this place is a bit too magnificent and tense." "Let's go take a look at the riverbank," Tang Zefei said to him. He and Yu Congyi crossed the road and walked towards the long beach on the riverbank.
There was a strong wind along the river. The evening breeze carried away the daytime heat and humidity, carrying it away with the endless flow of the river. Tang Zefei looked up at the increasingly lower twilight and sighed softly. He suddenly remembered countless times last year when he walked along the Bund, imagining the other person there, strolling with him. Now, turning his head to look, he saw that person right beside him.
Looking at Yu Congyi's profile, he suddenly felt a strong urge to take the other's hand.
Yu Congyi said, "Actually, I went to Shanghai once when I was a child, with my godfather, but Shanghai at that time was probably completely different from it now."
“This place is constantly changing. Do you believe that in a few decades, not only Huangpu Beach Road, but also the opposite bank of the river will be a scene we can’t even imagine?”
I believe it.
“Let’s come together again then, okay?” At this moment, Tang Zefei finally mustered up the courage to take Yu Congyi’s hand. Yu Congyi’s right hand was held in her palm, and he paused slightly, but did not stop.
Yu Congyi didn't look at him. He turned his face slightly away and lowered his head. He tried to pull his hand back, but Tang Zefei firmly grasped his right hand in her palm, and he couldn't escape. Yu Congyi seemed to sigh helplessly, and Tang Zefei turned her face to see a faint curve on the corner of Yu Congyi's mouth in profile.
"Actually, our first meeting was destined, do you believe it?" Tang Zefei turned her face to the side, looking directly at Yu Congyi's profile.
Under the overlapping shadows of the lamplight, Yu Congyi's silhouette was fully revealed to him. Strands of hair on his forehead hung down, avoiding his eyes; the shadows cast by his eyelashes beneath his eyelids, the lines of his nose, his mouth, and his chin.
"When was the first time we met?" Yu Congyi said softly.
"I think that was when I had just started primary school." Tang Zefei smiled. He finally admitted it. He had revealed their secret, their past, the past that they both remembered but had never mentioned.
"Is that so?" Yu Congyi twitched his fingers, but Tang Zefei pulled him tighter and tighter, almost making his fingers unable to move. There were very few pedestrians on the street, and no one was watching the two of them, but Yu Congyi felt a strange burning sensation on his face, starting from his ears. He finally turned his head to look into Tang Zefei's eyes.
As the city lights began to twinkle, Tang Zefei's dark pupils shimmered with a golden light, and his eyes seemed to be smiling. Yu Congyi's vision blurred for a moment, and he quickly looked away, unable to make out Tang Zefei's features clearly. Under the dim light, Tang Zefei's handsome profile and the shape of his features were unbelievably beautiful. The harsh angles and aggressive bone structure softened under the warm glow of the light, and Yu Congyi's chest suddenly trembled as he felt a surge of warmth slowly welling up inside him.
Tang Zefei tightened her grip on his hand, almost causing him pain. Yu Congyi finally clenched his fist back. For a moment, something in his mind seemed to crumble.
“I don’t know why I’m so obsessed with you,” Tang Zefei’s voice rang out beside me. “Maybe it was from the very beginning, from the moment you rescued me from those bad kids. I became hopelessly infatuated.”
"As I said before, the most important person in my life, besides my mother, is you."
Yu Congyi closed his eyes. He didn't want to believe it until he heard the other person actually say those words. He had thought that everyone could live without someone else, but Tang Zefei's level of attention towards him made him almost doubt himself.
He didn't deny that he was prone to overthinking and had a certain degree of inferiority complex. Hearing such words from such a person, Yu Congyi wondered if he was dreaming.
“Look at me,” Tang Zefei said to him at that moment.
Yu Congyi looked into his eyes.
"I really want to be with you."
Yu Congyi's eyes felt a little sore for some reason.
Whether their persistence was meaningful was perhaps an unknown to both of them. Yu Congyi still remembered that day at the door of cell 107 in the Tianjin detention center, when Tang Zefei looked into his eyes and told him that his persistence was meaningful.
Since he believed it so much, Yu Congyi suddenly gripped Tang Zefei's fingers tightly, squeezing them back with even greater force. Then, he reached out a hand, cupped the other's cheek, and, under the lamplight, looked up and kissed her.
They had both had a few drinks at dinner, and after that kiss, something suddenly erupted. Tang Zefei intertwined her fingers with his, and with her other hand, she quickly reached out and pressed Yu Congyi's head, pushing him closer to her. She kissed him deeply, biting his lips as if she wanted to devour him whole.
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