Chapter 61 The Past "I just felt it was unfair."...
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Lu Jin felt extremely uncomfortable, as if he had been completely exposed, but in reality, as a man, he experienced an embarrassment he would almost never feel in his life. It was all because of Sang Li calling him "brother," which made him feel both hot and ashamed.
Lu Jin sneered: "I see you call me 'brother' quite fluently."
Sang Li asked incredulously, "Don't you see an orthopedic doctor?"
Lu Jin: "My legs are fine."
Sang Li: "..."
Lu Jin: "I can tell, it's your anime/manga slang."
Sang Li: "..."
Why does this word sound strange here?
It's like being pointed at by a stranger and told, "Oh, so you're a 2D ape."
Suddenly I felt embarrassed and itchy all over.
"I'm not a fan of anime, thank you. Please don't use such unprofessional terminology. You might as well say I'm an anomaly; after all, normal humans don't know about anomalies, and that might make us both seem like we have chuunibyou (middle school syndrome). Now, let's do some background research: incest is like siblings—no, it could also be brothers, or step-siblings, basically related. Anyway, this theme is very popular in novels, TV dramas, and movies; everyone loves it."
Lu Jin imagined it for a moment, his facial muscles twitching: "So what's so good about it?"
Sang Li clapped her hands: "A sense of taboo."
Lu Jin said thoughtfully, "I've noticed that you really like this kind of relationship that society can't allow."
Sang Li became somewhat excited by what she was being said, her tone rising: "That's because only love that has withstood the test of time can be considered true love. Without that test, it's merely 'within limited conditions, you are my best choice, so I choose to love you.' Love, while I myself don't want to experience trials and tribulations, going through fire and water, this sense of taboo gives me a resolute 'even if I'm against the whole world, I will be with you.' Of course, I won't be against the whole world; I'm an exceptionally cunning person."
"..."
Lu Jin remained silent.
She used this word to describe a love that breaks the rules and crosses boundaries.
He suddenly realized that these two words were surprisingly apt.
She is an anomaly, a "non-human being" that the Administration Bureau must monitor and study.
And he himself was a human being, the one who brought her back to the detention center, the one who sat in the monitoring room countless times, flipping through reports and interrogation records of her abnormal reactions.
If they actually get together, what would that mean?
It is a relationship interwoven with surveillance, obedience, danger, and dependence.
Even he himself couldn't tell the difference.
But it seems like it could be considered a type of "orthopedics"?
He had to break numerous rules and falsify countless pieces of information to get Sang Li out of that prison-like detention center.
But one thing he was very clear about was that Sang Li had a very strong sense of insecurity.
Therefore, she really liked this kind of plot.
She lacks love and longs to be loved, but she never says it.
She likes to be taken care of and enjoys indulging in affection. She will be wholeheartedly good to whoever is kind to her, but only if... she is paid a normal amount of social insurance and housing fund contributions, is not starved, is taken out to play, is not scolded, has her emotions taken care of, is bought delicious food, is given in-game purchases, and has a cup of hot milk before going to bed.
Sang Li was in a good mood and still nuzzled Lu Jin: "Lu Jin?"
"Um?"
"what's on your mind?"
“I was thinking,” he reached out and took the shopping bag from her arms, “that we could have some red bean milk tea later.”
"Oh, you actually want something sweet!" Sang Li found it intriguing.
“You don’t like alcohol or sparkling water, so bring milk tea with you when we go out to eat later,” Lu Jin said.
They shopped at the mall until very late, but to be honest, Sang Li wasn't a materialistic person.
She spent all her money on a bunch of "junk," like overpriced leftovers from livestream sales or export-quality dresses. She had piles of clothes, but never anything expensive; after all, given her shopping habits, anything over 500 yuan was considered exorbitant. Initially, when Lu Jin bought her clothes, she felt uncomfortable, as if she had to give something in return, like sex, to get the gift. But gradually, she accepted Lu Jin's generosity without feeling guilty.
After all, Lu Jin said that buying things was something he wanted to do, treating her to a meal was something he wanted to do, and making her happy was something he wanted to do too.
Lu Jin said he had already made a reservation at a restaurant on the top floor of the mall.
It's a French restaurant.
It was already evening.
The city's neon lights spread out the window like melted candy. The restaurant is located on the top floor of the mall, quiet and elegant, without the noisy chaos of the outside world. It's as if the world's volume has been deliberately turned down, and the faint fragrance in the air smells expensive.
Sang Li was led by the waiter to a seat by the window. The tablecloth was clean and pure white, and the candlelight flickered in the crystal candlesticks. Outside the floor-to-ceiling window on one side was the city's nighttime skyline, with lights and traffic flowing like an inverted Milky Way.
This place looks expensive, but it's packed. The seats by the beds look like they can only be booked in advance.
At 6:30 p.m., only their table had empty seats left.
It was clearly prepared in advance.
She turned to look at Lu Jin: "You had this planned all along?"
Lu Jin nodded, pulled out a chair for her to sit down, and said casually, "There happens to be a restaurant nearby, so let's go."
By the way?
If this is "incidentally," then there are many things he can "happily" do.
Sang Li suppressed a laugh and accepted the menu and drinks list from the waiter.
The prices on the menu were also not very convenient.
A foie gras tart can be prepared in three ways, costing 380 yuan.
The chef's recommended pan-fried cod fillet costs 460.
However, the bread served before the meal is free.
She glanced at Lu Jin.
The latter remained calm: "Order whatever you like, anything you want."
That expression was exactly like that of the Treasury Minister personally hosting a dinner party.
Since it wasn't his own money he embezzled, he didn't feel any remorse.
Sang Li held the menu, a slight smile playing on her lips: "You must have spent quite a bit today."
"Don't I often treat you to meals?" Lu Jin glanced at the wine list, his voice flat. "Occasionally, we can have a quieter meal together."
"...You've spent all your money on me, how are you going to get married in the future?" she blurted out instinctively.
Lu Jin paused for a moment, then looked up at her.
In the candlelight, the man's eyes were frighteningly dark and bright, reflecting her image.
"Will you get married in the future?"
"Huh?" Sang Li didn't react for a moment.
"Don't marry."
"oh……"
"Let's order."
“…” Sang Li’s ears suddenly turned red.
She looked away, pretending to look at the menu carefully: "I... I'll just order one steak, so as not to waste it."
“Okay.” Lu Jin’s lips curled up slightly. “This place has a lot of delicious food. Take your time looking around.”
Sang Li asked, "Have you been here before?"
Lu Jin: "When we took in an S+ two years ago, I treated them to a meal here, but I haven't been back since."
Sang Li sighed, "Actually, this kind of boss is pretty good."
The night is enchanting, and thousands of lights illuminate the city.
She glanced down at the sneakers she was wearing today and couldn't help but mutter to herself, "I should have worn heels today."
Lu Jin was slowly twirling his water glass with his fingers when he heard this. He looked up at her and said in a very natural tone, "Wear it if you want. I can keep a pair in the trunk so you can change into them anytime."
He spoke so casually, as if the car was jointly owned by Sang Li and him.
Sang Li bit her lip, remaining silent. Something inside her stirred gently, like a whirlpool forming in a glass of freshly stirred mint syrup. Perhaps it was because Lu Jin was so natural, so indiscriminate, that she felt somewhat at a loss.
The waiter approached in a gentle voice, smiling as he asked, "Would you like some drinks? The wines we pair with our dishes are specially selected and have a perfect flavor."
Sang Li hesitated for a moment.
She didn't really want to drink, but as her gaze swept over the gentle and romantic restaurant and then looked out at the city skyline under the moonlight, she smiled and said to Lu Jin, "Such a beautiful view... it seems a shame not to have some drinks."
Lu Jin paused for a moment, then finally took the Housewine wine list and ordered a drink.
After all, he didn't want to drink too much.
But he didn't want to spoil the fun.
"Won't you have a drink?" Lu Jin asked.
Sang Li: "I'm afraid you'll beat me to death if I drink too much, and if I do something bad, I'll be guilty of a thousand deaths."
Lu Jin smiled.
The appetizers were served very quickly.
The red wine was served shortly afterward, the amber liquid swirling gently in the stemmed glass, as if sealing the entire night within the glass.
It's very romantic.
French cuisine is perfect for dates.
French cuisine is slow-paced, with each dish serving as a prelude, and the atmosphere gradually softens.
The candlelight flickered. Lu Jin was putting down his knife and fork when he looked up and saw Sang Li leaning back in her chair, staring at him with unwavering eyes: "What have you thought of this time?"
She always tends to overthink.
“You know me very well,” she suddenly said, her tone soft but serious.
Lu Jin raised an eyebrow: "Hmm?"
“You have my files, my medical records from when I was a child, and even,” she paused, her eyes unreadable, “my physical data.”
Lu Jin didn't speak, but silently took a sip of wine.
“But what about me?” Sang Li continued, her voice not loud, but like a taut thread, “Besides knowing your name is Lu Jin and some trivial details about your life. I’ve been sleeping with you for a long time now, but I don’t know anything else.”
The moment those words were spoken, even the air seemed to freeze for a second.
It seemed as if everyone around them was turning their heads to eavesdrop.
What kind of canary story is this?
That's a bit exciting.
Lu Jin paused, his hand holding the cup tightening, his gaze darkening: "So?"
Sang Li looked at him, a hint of weariness in her eyes, "I just feel it's unfair."
“I’m desperately trying to understand this world, to understand the identity of the abnormal, to understand whether I am even human. And you? You always look at me from a higher place, as if you already know the answer.” Sang Li said with some dissatisfaction.
Lu Jin looked at her, his gaze sweeping from her eyes to her hands holding the cutlery.
"What do you want to know?" he asked in a low voice.
Sang Li raised her eyes and blinked: "I really don't know anything about you. Shouldn't we be talking about things like this when we're eating in a restaurant like this? These issues buried between us need more attention, at least that's what I think."
Lu Jin said frankly, "My name is Lu Jin."
Sang Li blinked: "I know, but why this name? My mother said she hoped I would be as optimistic, healthy, and kind as the rising sun, as bright as the daytime. That's why I have this name. But your name sounds like burning out, like a moth drawn to a flame; it doesn't sound like a name parents would give their child."
Lu Jin held his wine glass but didn't speak immediately.
The night outside the window was dark, and his profile was reflected in the floor-to-ceiling glass window.
After a long silence, he finally spoke softly, "I originally had no name."
Sang Li froze, her hands instinctively softening their movements.
“I’m an orphan,” Lu Jin said softly. “I grew up in an orphanage. There were too many children there, and they couldn’t take care of everyone. They just gave me random names. I changed my name when I grew up.”
Sang Li suddenly felt sorry for Lu Jin.
He spoke without any emotional fluctuation, as if he were narrating someone else's story.
"Later, when I grew up, I had a bad temper and was always fighting. I was sent to a military correctional center and then directly from there to a military academy." He paused, as if recalling something. "I didn't have a good time at the military academy either. I broke my bones a few times, but I still ended up in the Administration Bureau."
Although it was described in a casual way, Sang Li knew that those working in the Administration Bureau were all top-notch talents, or rather, geniuses.
Otherwise, how could we possibly catch the anomaly?
Lu Jin must have been an outstanding person since childhood, and he must have been very strict with himself.
"...And what's your name now?" Sang Li asked.
"I gave myself that name." He finally turned to look at her, his eyes calm and serene.
“Lu means to land,” he said softly. “Jin means ashes. I thought back then that no one would remember me and that I would turn into dust after I died, so this name fits my feelings at the time.”
But things are different now.
When he enters the house, Sang Li always turns on the lights before he does.
The word "warmth" has gone from unfamiliar to familiar.
Sang Li stared at him blankly.
Lu Jin looked out the window, his tone calm: "Actually, it's nothing. Life is about coming into this world alone and leaving alone. There are plenty of people worse off than me. I'm lucky; at least I have a job, the ability, and..."
He wanted to say "and you too," but then seemed to realize it was too explicit and gently stopped himself.
Sang Li didn't reply, but just looked down at the candle flame on the table.
"Lu Jin".
"Um?"
Sang Li looked dejected and said slowly, "I shouldn't have asked this question today. I don't want to ask it anymore."
Lu Jin didn't take it to heart: "Knowing about the past is good. Anyway, you're not the only one who's miserable."
Sang Li took a bite of steak: "Then I must treat you well, I will never exploit you again."
Lu Jin laughed: "When have you ever exploited me? Money is just an external thing, there's no use in keeping it."
Sang Li: "Oh, then give them all to me."
Lu Jin: "Then we'll be starving next month. We'll only be able to get leftovers from the cafeteria."
"Don't even mention it, the tomato and egg stir-fry in the cafeteria is better than yours. I'd be willing to get it to go every day!"
"???"
As the two were talking, a thunderclap suddenly struck the sky outside the window.
At the same time, he looked out the window.
The rain poured down like a waterfall, and the sound of raindrops pattering against the glass windows filled the air.
This rain is so unlike the geographical environment of Beijing; it just starts raining whenever it wants.
The weather this year has been so unpredictable.
Lu Jin glanced down at his phone. A system notification popped up on the screen: [The Municipal Meteorological Observatory has issued a blue rainstorm warning. Please be aware of the risks of heavy rainfall and its potential secondary disasters.]
"Holy crap." Sang Li's eyebrows twitched, as if she suddenly remembered something, "I hung the clothes out to dry this morning, and I forgot to close the living room window!"
"..." Lu Jin glanced at her, his tone helpless and gentle, "Let's go back and check after we finish eating. It's too late now. It's not easy to do housework all the time."
"Ugh, really!" Sang Li stabbed at her plate with her fork, as if criticizing her mistake. "What a waste of such an expensive French restaurant environment. I'm eating here and now I have to feel sorry for the sofa and the floor."
“We can come back to the restaurant,” Lu Jin said softly. “I’ll just go back and mop the floor. I’ll call a designated driver to take me home.”
I had been drinking.
Lu Jin planned to flirt with Sang Li here for a while.
He took out his phone and started calling a designated driver.
Then.
wait.
"No rush, you eat."
Sang Li: Awoo awoo.
However, after a full twenty minutes, the screen still displayed: "No drivers available to accept orders at the moment. Please try again later."
He tried ordering a ride-hailing service again, but it still showed: "No vehicles available nearby."
Lu Jin frowned, put his phone on silent on the table, and said in a lower voice, "The rain is too heavy, some lines may be down."
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