Slag Shou Cultivating Manual - Chapter 38

He Lang, with his hand held by Jiang Jiao, felt his temples throbbing. He forced a smile, and withdrew his hand decisively.

“There’s no need.”

“Why? Is the boss not good?”

“It’s very good…” He Lang’s “but” was left unsaid before Jiang Jiao, unable to suppress his emotions, became slightly agitated.

“You like men, but you don’t have anyone you like. So why can’t it be me? Why can’t you give me a chance to try?” Jiang Jiao’s eyes, previously playful, now held seriousness as he looked directly at He Lang.

Unexpectedly, as the conversation turned back to this topic, He Lang averted his gaze slightly and spoke the truth, “I won’t love anyone again.”

Jiang Jiao didn’t believe it, thinking it was just an excuse. Seeing that he didn’t immediately reject him, he found a glimmer of hope and took the opportunity to hug He Lang, “It’s not true. As long as you don’t reject me, give me a chance to be good to you. Please don’t always refuse me. It hurts too much…”

Jiang Jiao’s affectionate tone made He Lang frown slightly, pushing him away and stopping him, “Don’t do this.”

Jiang Jiao’s eyes dimmed as he released his hold and looked down. After thinking for a moment, he mustered up the courage to express his feelings.

“Anyway, even though we’ve known each other for a short time, I like you. From the first day, it was because I had feelings for you that I started a conversation with you. Every day we’ve spent together has made me like you more. Now, I can’t keep it to myself anymore.”

His tone was light, and He Lang listened without showing any reaction.

Jiang Jiao came closer and spoke seriously, “I’m not forcing you; I just wanted to tell you how I feel.”

He Lang felt a bit awkward and could only nod in response.

Even though Jiang Jiao had confessed, after collecting himself, their interactions continued as usual, with work remaining natural. Even when Jiang Jiao made a few jokes, He Lang simply ignored them.

In an effort to have He Lang stay at his place, Jiang Jiao went through considerable effort, initially bringing antiques home under the guise of working late, then showcasing his collection of books, and finally inviting a calligrapher to bring his paintings and calligraphy to his home. He Lang, tempted by these displays, slowly agreed to stay.

He Lang had been away from his own place for a long time, and the caretaker felt something was amiss, so she called him.

“Young master, why haven’t you been home for several days? Do you still need me to prepare meals?”

He Lang then realized he hadn’t informed the caretaker in advance and apologized, “No need. I’m staying at a friend’s place.”

The caretaker, puzzled, glanced at her phone. A friend? Her young master, being unfamiliar with the area, couldn’t possibly have any friends. Then she remembered that a man had been picking him up and dropping him off every day.

Recalling that the young master was sent abroad because of his preference for men, the caretaker started to speculate and remarked, “Could it be the man who picks you up every day?”

He Lang responded with a simple “yes,” confirming it.

After ending the call, the caretaker thought about what Mr. Jiang had said about taking good care of the young master. She worried that this situation might be seen as a dereliction of duty.

After some anxious thinking, she called Mr. Jiang to report that the young master was not returning home and was living with a man.

At that moment, Mr. Jiang was at the office, with Jiang Jingda by his side. When Mr. Jiang heard the caretaker mention “cohabitation” and “dating every day,” he jumped to conclusions, throwing his phone in anger. His face turned red and he cursed, “This damned kid! Finding a boyfriend abroad! I sent him overseas to reflect, and now he’s doing this kind of nonsense! The Jiang family’s reputation is ruined!”

Jiang Jingda froze in shock, hearing that Langlang had found a boyfriend. A burst of emotions surged within him, and for a moment, Jiang Jingda felt his heart beating fiercely, as if flames were igniting. He even wanted to rush abroad to confront He Lang.

Mr. Jiang, clearly agitated, was breathing heavily in the quiet office, eventually collapsing from the stress. Jiang Jingda, unable to ignore the situation, immediately called for employees and an ambulance.

On the way, Jiang Jingda informed Song Qinglian of the news. Upon learning about it, Song Qinglian rushed to the hospital while calling He Lang abroad, scolding him sharply and demanding his immediate return.

When He Lang learned about his father’s hospitalization, he was in the morning abroad. After being scolded by Song Qinglian, he quickly woke up, packed his things, and got ready to return home.

He left a note for Jiang Jiao, explaining that he was going back to his country and offering to discuss any compensation if needed.

He Lang rushed back to the country and went straight to the hospital. He saw Jiang Jingda and Song Qinglian waiting in the ward.

Since Mr. Jiang was resting, He Lang didn’t want to disturb him and instead asked anxiously about his father’s condition.

With tears in her eyes, Song Qinglian informed him that his father was out of immediate danger but still in a serious condition.

His father was already elderly, having been a late child, and had various age-related health issues. Due to overwork from his younger years, his immune system was weakened and his recovery slow. He would need a long hospital stay to recuperate.

He Lang felt guilty, realizing that while he had thought his father’s condition was just minor illnesses, it was actually much more serious.

Seeing her son downcast, Song Qinglian’s anger dissipated. She patted his shoulder and told Jiang Jingda, “Take Langlang back to rest. I’ll stay here.”

Jiang Jingda agreed and, noticing He Lang’s luggage, decided to help him. He grabbed He Lang’s luggage and took his hand, guiding him away.

He Lang followed silently, taking the passenger seat in the car. The two brothers were quiet during the ride.

Jiang Jingda seemed to want to say something but hesitated.

He Lang took the initiative and asked, “Brother, is there something you want to tell me?”

Jiang Jingda turned the steering wheel, hesitating for a moment. “You have a boyfriend abroad?” Although his tone was flat, He Lang could detect a hint of caution.

“No, just a friend,” He Lang replied, then wondered how Jiang Jingda knew about this. Reflecting on the caretaker’s call, he guessed that her character might have led her to misinterpret his relationship with Jiang Jiao.

Jiang Jingda sighed with relief at He Lang’s answer, feeling a burden lift from his heart. This sense of relief was more profound than he had expected.

Despite this, Jiang Jingda remained uneasy, much like how he had investigated Meng Lun, Langlang’s former deskmate, over a mere watch gift. This time, who would it be?

“What’s he like? Is he good to you?”

He Lang thought about Jiang Jiao. Aside from being clingy and glib, his overall impression was positive, so he nodded.

Jiang Jingda fell silent, pressing the accelerator a bit harder, causing the car to speed up noticeably.

The increased speed startled He Lang, but when he glanced at Jiang Jingda, his face was expressionless, not showing any signs of trouble.

Jiang Jingda drove in silence, unsure of what to say.

Ever since Langlang had expressed his preference for men, Jiang Jingda had been imagining what Langlang’s future partner might be like, and who could possibly be worthy of him. The thought of anyone else being favored by Langlang made him envious.

He hoped that Langlang’s partner would be devoted, honest, and deeply in love with him, providing him with a carefree life and unparalleled happiness.

Yet, no matter how he thought about it, wasn’t it true that he himself was the one who loved Langlang the most? He was confident that his own affection could not be surpassed by anyone else.

So why… why couldn’t he be that possibility?

This sudden realization, like a blooming flower, illuminated his thoughts and opened up possibilities.

They had no blood relation and had been together for decades; in every way, he was the person who understood and loved Langlang the most.

Jiang Jingda glanced at the rearview mirror, slammed on the brakes abruptly. He Lang thought he was about to fall forward but was stopped by Jiang Jingda’s solid chest. The car door was opened, and Jiang Jingda lifted him out of the car.

He Lang’s eyes widened in disbelief as he hit Jiang Jingda, “Brother, why are you carrying me?”

“You’re tired and need to rest,” Jiang Jingda answered calmly, quickly carrying him to the front door.

He Lang found this explanation unreasonable, frowning, “Even if I’m tired, I can walk a few steps.”

Jiang Jingda didn’t comment but continued to hold him, carrying him into the room and gently placing him on the bed. Despite this, he didn’t let go, holding him close.

Jiang Jingda cradled him as if he were still a small child.

He Lang, feeling awkward being held like this at his age, kicked Jiang Jingda’s stomach and reminded him, “Brother, I want to go to sleep.”

Jiang Jingda’s expression remained unchanged. “Go ahead, brother will hold you while you sleep.”

He Lang couldn’t help but complain, “Brother, you’re being too clingy today…”

After a sigh, Jiang Jingda’s embrace tightened, his voice trembling slightly, “Don’t ever leave brother again… Brother can’t take it.” It was a miracle he had managed to hold on until today.

He Lang lowered his gaze, looking at him, and replied, “I won’t leave anymore.”

“Really?” Jiang Jingda’s voice was low, seeking confirmation again.

He Lang, eager to appease him, quickly agreed.

Only then did Jiang Jingda let go, keeping He Lang’s promise in his heart, allowing it to take root and grow.

**Author’s Note:** Are you all lurking? I feel like no one is reading…orz

Brother is still the original match =3= Ready to find out his true feelings?