Slag Shou Cultivating Manual - Chapter 30

The bidding at the auction continued, with Jiang Jingda’s high offer causing the auctioneer to exclaim in surprise and quickly ask if anyone else wanted to bid higher.

The price was significantly higher than before, and most people felt it wasn’t worth it. They withdrew, allowing Jiang Jingda to secure the item.

Besides the white porcelain piece, He Lang also had Jiang Jingda bid on a jade bracelet for him.

The jade bracelet was the lowest-priced item at the auction. It was covered in cracks and had not been specially polished, making it appear plain and dull. Yet, for some reason, He Lang wanted it.

Uncle Li, who had been silent, finally expressed his astonishment, saying, “Young Master Jiang is very sharp-eyed for his age.”

The bracelet looked unremarkable, but only an expert would know it was top-quality jade. If used for other purposes, its value could increase several times.

As He Lang left with his acquisitions, his joy was evident, but he neglected the living person beside him. Although he was satisfied to see his younger brother happy, Jiang Jingda couldn’t help but ask, “Do you really like these things so much?”

He Lang nodded, not even looking at him, focused solely on his collectibles.

Jiang Jingda frowned, wondering if He Lang had forgotten who bought these items for him. Had he become so enamored with inanimate objects that he forgot about him? He regretted being so indulgent.

Yet, this thought was fleeting. He knew his own flaw: even if Lang Lang wanted the stars and the moon, he would find a way to get them for him.

It seemed that as long as he could see his smile, he would spare no effort. He wanted to bring the best in the world to Lang Lang and let him choose. This intense affection for his younger brother was both unfamiliar and unsettling, yet he couldn’t control it.

This somewhat exaggerated notion made him realize how obsessed he had become.

However, because of his inherent nature of not easily showing emotions, his changes and thoughts were hard for those around him to notice. While people thought he was stable or aloof, they didn’t know the turmoil within him behind his expressionless face.

“Brother?” He Lang called him back to reality, a hint of unease crossing his mind.

He felt that something had changed about Jiang Jingda without his knowledge, but he couldn’t pinpoint exactly what. He only sensed that Jiang Jingda’s attitude towards him was becoming gentler, and his usual cautious thinking seemed to disappear when dealing with him. No matter how absurd He Lang’s statements were, Jiang Jingda seemed to believe them unconditionally, even agreeing with things he himself thought were excessive. He wasn’t sure if Jiang Jingda was truly wise yet foolish or just pretending.

This attitude was completely unlike him, and as someone special to his heart, He Lang felt a subtle sense of rejection, knowing it was not a good sign.

Jiang Jingda turned and handed him a high-quality card.

He Lang took it and saw that it was a membership card for the auction house. With this card, he would have access to the premises and be able to participate in the auctions. He knew he couldn’t have obtained this card on his own due to his age and lack of stable means.

“Don’t you need it, brother?” He Lang felt a slight joy, knowing it meant he finally had a chance to enter this circle.

Jiang Jingda lowered his gaze slightly, “Brother will soon be going to college.” It should have been a joyful occasion, but his tone was somewhat subdued.

His academic achievements could certainly get him into the top universities, a dream environment for many, especially for someone as studious and ambitious as him. It was a crucial step that seemed inevitable.

Yet he said, “Stay in the city; it’s too far, and I won’t be able to see you.”

Jiang Jingda’s tone was matter-of-fact, not up for discussion but a decision. The reason was simply that he wouldn’t be able to see his younger brother.

He Lang’s eyes widened at this, refusing, “No!”

He understood how crucial education and knowledge were for success in this world. He believed Jiang Jingda knew this too, but now he was willing to forgo a prestigious university for such a childish reason.

This not only caused him guilt but also greatly affected the progress of his plans. The connections, resources, and circles at excellent universities were vital for his development, and he wouldn’t let Jiang Jingda miss out on them.

He Lang’s strong refusal dimmed Jiang Jingda’s eyes, but he eventually nodded.

He knew his younger brother meant well and had high hopes for him. Still, in that moment, he couldn’t help but feel disheartened and overthink. Why wasn’t his younger brother selfish this time and wanted to keep him close, as he always wished to do himself?

Jiang Jingda’s sigh was barely audible.

The university was still some distance from home, and with the upcoming military training, there would be a considerable time before He Lang could see Jiang Jingda again.

Honestly, He Lang felt a strong discomfort whenever Jiang Jingda wasn’t home. He would often call out “brother” and realize he was surrounded only by busy servants, making the emptiness feel overwhelming.

He had to admit that although he thought he could view the world as a task or game due to his unique status and remain detached, the people here had unwittingly affected his life significantly, especially Jiang Jingda.

Jiang Jingda’s quiet demeanor and subtle concern made He Lang increasingly comfortable. To him, Jiang Jingda felt like an ordinary part of life, something taken for granted until it was gone, making He Lang realize how much he needed him.

The ease of this world had led He Lang to relax and, unexpectedly, to feel like he was being led around by his object of affection.

Frowning, He Lang realized something was wrong with his situation and decided to shift his focus elsewhere.

Coincidentally, the school held a calligraphy competition, and He Lang won the top prize. His exceptional skill led the school’s calligraphy teacher to introduce him to some renowned calligraphers. He was also given opportunities to participate in various school and city-wide calligraphy contests, winning them all.

He Lang, a scholar of ancient arts and a leading figure in calligraphy, couldn’t possibly fail in these low-level competitions.

Several calligraphy teachers who had hoped to offer guidance were instead impressed and conceded, calling him a calligraphy genius. He Lang had hoped to further refine his skills but was disappointed.

Song Qinglian, aware of her son’s talent, immediately contacted the top calligrapher Tao Juntian in the country, requesting him to take He Lang as an apprentice. Jiang’s father was very displeased, believing these were useless pastimes and that He Lang should return and learn something practical, like Jiang Jingda, to quickly take over the company.

He Lang ignored his father’s plans, never visiting the company and even skipping classes to pursue calligraphy.

One day, while carefully examining the texture of rice paper, He Lang’s phone rang—it was Jiang Jingda’s call. He realized they hadn’t seen each other for half a month.

Jiang Jingda’s voice seemed unsteady, with a slight tremor, as if he was very excited.

He seemed to have a lot to say but struggled to express it, with He Lang only hearing a few breaths and a clear “I miss you so much.”

“Brother, are you doing well?” He Lang asked with a smile while holding the phone and grinding ink.

Jiang Jingda’s school had been strict for the past two weeks, with no contact with the outside world.

From the first day, he had been restless. On the second day, he couldn’t eat or sleep, his mind constantly echoing He Lang’s voice, even dreaming of him. He was immersed in the dream, unable to extricate himself, as it was the only way to see He Lang.

By the third day, his mood continued to deteriorate, and he struggled to maintain his usual calm and composure.

Not seeing his brother, hearing his voice, or receiving any news about him made it hard for his mind to calm down. He kept wondering what He Lang was doing, if he was eating on time, if his foster mother was making him eat dishes he disliked. Such details overwhelmed him, making him wish he could immediately rush to his side to check if he was alright.

Though separated by a hundred miles, his heart was already entangled with He Lang’s. He realized how torturous it could be to be in such a situation, caught between wanting to move forward and being stuck, relying solely on patience.

Today, he felt as if waiting for a single “brother” had driven him to madness.

Sometimes, he would despair and wonder how he would cope without He Lang. He feared that if he could make a phone call, he might end up skipping classes every day to be with him.

Fortunately, this call pulled him out of the mire.

Although He Lang’s replies were brief, Jiang Jingda was as if drinking sweet rain, chatting until the phone heated up.

He Lang moved his aching wrist and told him he had to hang up now.

There was a moment of silence on the other end, and Jiang Jingda’s low mood was palpable even through the phone.

Jiang Jingda, feeling his racing heart, tightened his throat, “Will you come back to see me, brother?” Although the holiday was tomorrow, he couldn’t wait any longer. A single glance might relieve him from the current torment.

He Lang checked his schedule, which included calligraphy practice and an antique exhibition. Besides, he could return tomorrow; there was no need to rush.

He casually replied, “We’ll see; your studies are more important.”

Then Jiang Jingda hung up without another word. He Lang frowned at the black-screened phone, wondering what was wrong with him.

**Author’s Note:** Since everyone says it’s not enough… I’ll pitifully add another chapter.

Lastly, I recommend my friend’s book, “I Reborn as My Childhood Friend’s Bodyguard,” with a strong pair and a sweet one-on-one childhood friends story. By the way, this book also has a childhood friend feel… =3= Yes, it’s a pre-sale for “Rebirth of a Contract of Life and Death” in my column. Quick, go collect it, mua!