CH 28

There were nobody who was perfect everywhere in the world. Lin Chengyu always had some things he couldn’t do well, such as cooking. His talent in this was really mediocre.

Cooking was hard to do, but also easy to do. For example, some common dishes such as egg fried rice, as long as you weren’t physically disabled, you could always make a decent looking dish if you followed the recipe correctly, or let others taught you. It wouldn’t be too unpalatable, but it was only at the regular level. If you wanted to go further, it would be very difficult to make an ordinary food like egg fried rice that will be unforgettable once you tasted it. Years of practice would be necessary.

Lin Chengyu was the kind of person who didn’t have the talent to cook and it was useless to practice. The egg fried rice he made for the first time was the kind that could be eaten casually, as he hadn’t made much progress until now.

‘It was just full of grease, really didn’t know why he liked it.’ Rongjia thought.

But Lin Chengyu just happened to like it. His eyes swept over to Lin Rongjia, who didn’t dare to say anything as she lowered her head to poke the milk jelly on her plate.

At the moment, the egg fried rice in the kitchen was already out of the pan and served in a plate. Lin Chengyu sat down on the other side of the table. She saw him took a bite, and then said to himself, “It’s still doesn’t taste like his.”

Lin Rongjia heard it and looked at him suspiciously.

Like who?

Everyone has a slightly different taste when cooking something. Jiang Xiao’s cooking methods are different each time, and Lin Chengyu’s cooking would never be the same as his. But to be honest, it had been too long. He couldn’t even remember the taste of Jiang Xiao’s cooking, but he just felt that what he did was wrong and however he tried, it was not what it used to be.

Even so, he still finished the meal, bite by bite.

It was very late, Lin Rongjia couldn’t stand it anymore and slipped back to her room to sleep. Lin Chengyu was a little energetic, and after returning to the room, he called Uncle Yue. He asked about Jiang Xiao’s affairs and knew that there are no air conditioner at his house.

Dishwashers were actually available these days, but they were relatively unpopular. Don’t know if Mother Jiang could adapt to this kind of appliances now, additionally, the Jiang family’s kitchen was small, so putting another appliances in it would be even more difficult. After thinking about it, it was not suitable. Installing an air conditioner was better and more practical in the long run.

If he could, he would like to replace the entire Jiang family’s old house, but he didn’t dare. Jiang Xiao didn’t like his meddling now, it was already not easy to sneakily help him with one or two things, he didn’t even dare to admit them.

He also knew that Jiang Xiao had just finished his final exam today. The winter vacation was about to begin. It was holiday, but according to Jiang Xiao’s temprament, he would probably be too busy to enjoy them. He would definitely come to Liujiang.

Lin Chengyu was right, Jiang Xiao started to get busy the next day.

The school was on holiday and although there were other customers at the shop, there were no students nearby, so the flow of customers were affected. His small shelves would not sell well.

With such good time for winter vacation, Jiang Xiao had to be more active. Although it is said that most people didn’t like to go out when the weather was cold, many people wanted to buy new year’s goods for the Chinese New Year. They will be more grenerous when buying things.

After all, the goods Jiang Xiao wanted to buy this time were different from the past. The things he needed to use at the end of the year could no longer be small items, as he wouldn’t want to embarrass Uncle Ye, and he knew in his heart that the money that should be spent, would still be spent.

For this trip, he rented half of Uncle Ye’s truck in a legitimate manner. The other half was rented by a small factory, which was used to transport parts. Those small parts belonged to the factory didn’t take up much space. Originally, a whole truck wouldn’t be needed for this trip. Uncle Ye and Jiang Xiao were willing to split the expenses because it was a good deal. The small factory had no opinion on this.

At the end of new year, the shops in Liujiang Wholesale Market would close one after another and the price weren’t stable. Jiang Xiao had to go there as soon as possible, choosing items carefully, and reserve enough goods.

Not long after the end of the final exam, he set off with the truck. When he arrived at Liujiang, the weather was much warmer in comparison. Jiang Xiao got out of the car and stretching out in the midst of the warm weather. When he turned around, he saw Lin Chengyu standing not far away, smiling and waving at him.

This was his place and it was normal for him to come. Like how every road always facing the sky, he followed him wherever he went. Jiang Xiao just went straight to the wholesale market.

His purchasing routine has changed direction this time. He would buy some from the good shops before, but this time there were more popular items. Some parents would buy gifts for their children at this time, so he would choose some famous toys. After a while, he moved around quickly. He stayed in the wholesale market, bargaining and picking goods for a long time without feeling tired, carefully looked at every item.

He had to think about who he could sell this item to, how much of a price that would be acceptable, and how much he could earn. Every business wasn’t easy, as it wasn’t easy for everyone to make money. He always had to think clearly and do everything meticulously.

Jiang Xiao had fought from his lowest level in both of his lifetimes. Even though Lin Chengyu had been by his side at this time, the two of them probably had nothing in common in this matter. Therefore, Jiang Xiao had no time to talk to him.

So close, yet so far away.

He could see that Lin Chengyu couldn’t see clearly at the moment, but sooner or later, he would understand it one day.

In his previous life, Lin Chengyu was always busy. Busy with study and work, as he always used this excuse to avoid many interactions with Jiang Xiao. With Jiang Xiao rarely said anything at that time, Lin Chengyu didn’t realize how hurtful it was.

Jiang Xiao was really busy now. Lin Chengyu didn’t want to disturb his business, but he wanted to help. It was fine if he could say a few words, Jiang Xiao could just listen to him, no need to respond. But no matter how much he tried to find a topic, the other party acted as if he hadn’t heard at all. As if he was invisible. He was showing Jiang Xiao a few items he had selected, but Jiang Xiao just walked passed him.

When he was trying to catch him, Jiang Xiao grew more annoyed, so he spit out a few words calmly. “I’m busy,” Jiang Xiao said without looking at him. After a while, he repeated with emphasis, “I’m busy, so don’t bother me.”

Then continued to ignore him.

Jiang Xiao didn’t lose his temper, just simply stating facts in a flat manner, but after hearing this sentence so often, Lin Chengyu felt like a blunt knife were cutting into his flesh.

The phrase ‘I’m busy’ actually meant ‘you are not important’.

It was easy to imagine yourself in other’s shoes, but only when you really changed your position that you would know regret.

Things always had priorities. Lin Chengyu was very clear about his current status in Jiang Xiao’s heart, but Jiang Xiao always remind him over and over again with practical actions. He had never felt so uncomfortable, but he still refused to leave.

Lin Chengyu knew very little how Jiang Xiao start from scratch in his previous life. He was ‘busy’ studying and working at that time, so he had no experience on this. He knew that Jiang Xiao had done multiple jobs at that time, working as a part-timer here and there, as long as he could earn money.

Heavens rewarded hard work. Lin Chengyu knew that Jiang Xiao gradually became rich and had a career, yet a lot of the money was still spent on him. The irony was that Lin Chengyu didn’t know how Jiang Xiao had earned those money until this life.

Hard-earned money was real money.

At the wholesale market, you had to compete with the store owners for every penny, bargain, gifts, product selection and quality. Jiang Xiao squeezed into a group of adults with such a young face, but he was more experienced in doing business than them.

He was very good at making use of his current advantages: showing weakness when it was time to show them. At this time, there were many people who came to buy goods. He ignored Lin Chengyu, but he could communicate with others. He had a bright smile and looked lovable. Some people ignored him, their tone and face weren’t friendly, but he just smiled and passed through. Even if he didn’t manage to charm those people, he could always find someone else to chat with him, discussing about which product that were better being sold. Some people even ask Jiang Xiao joined forces to suppress the price, which also helped him plenty.

Jiang Xiao also ate lunch at the wholesale market. He didn’t eat what Lin Chengyu had brought him, so he went to eat beef noodles with other merchants, who soon became brothers with each other.

Lin Chengyu was siting at the same table and the merchant boss was also cheerful. He asked Jiang Xiao directly, “Is this your younger brother?”

Jiang Xiao shook his head and said, “No.”

“That’s right, you two don’t look the same either,” said the other party, and then glanced up and down towards Lin Chengyu, muttering, “Dressed like this…”

“We are friends,” Lin Chengyu explained, then secretly glanced at Jiang Xiao. “I just want to help him.”

Jiang Xiao was non-committal and tried to changed the topic. When he opened his mouth, it was still about business matters.

After being busy in the wholesale market for so long, there were more goods this time. The small cart that Jiang Xiao borrowed was too small and not very useful. The path in the wholesale market was narrow, cars weren’t allowed to enter, and there were places where you had to climb the stairs. Jiang Xiao had to pack the goods one by one and put them away.  He had to go to the entrance of the wholesale market, put them on the cart, and then transfer the cart inside to the large truck which was parked in the industrial park, back and forth.

Some stores would help with the delivery if they have time, while in others, you need to do it yourselves.

At this time, it was too late to hire someone on the spot. Jiang Xiao walked out with the goods on his back before he could make a phone call. Seeing this, Lin Chengy naturally took over the goods from him. Once he picked it up however, he realized how heavy the package was on his shoulders.

Lin Chengyu’s physical stregth wasn’t bad and Jiang Xiao wasn’t tired, so they walked through the alley of the market and climb the stairs. When the two of them were panting while carrying the package to its destination, Jiang Xiao wiped the sweat from his face, took off his coat and put it on his shoulders. Then he went back to do it all over again.

He was always so energetic.

Like the flowers growing on top of a cliff, like pearls in the mud, Jiang Xiao was such a person. No matter what kind of situation he was in, he could always work hard to climb up again. This kind of person had wind on his feet, with a pair of bright eyes. Like the sun, as long as there was hope, he could rise again the next day.

Lin Chengyu himself was a cold person, and had always been cold. He was warmed once by Jiang Xiao’s closeness to his heart, but he didn’t now how to cherish them at that time. When Jiang Xiao was there, everything was fine, but when he left suddenly, it’s like falling into a cold pool.

However Jiang Xiao, who was hurt to that point, was able to come back again. As Lin Chengyu saw him again, there was still a warm glow on his body.

He was attracted by Jiang Xiao like this, and he knew in his heart that it was him who couldn’t leave Jiang Xiao, not vice versa. So now, no matter whether Jiang Xiao would pay attention to him or not, he was already like a moth attracted to flames, he couldn’t help it.

Jiang Xiao didn’t care what Lin Chengyu was thinking. He didn’t have time to talk to him and always believed that in the matter of relationship, it was just between the two of them. When he was madly in love in Lin Chengyu, the other party also responded, although it was a little less, the love was not as good as his own. In all fairness, there were some moments when he felt like he was reciprocated, so went deeper and deeper.

This time, it was different. He didn’t want to respond nor didn’t want to treat him well again. No matter how much Lin Chengyu insisted, he would give up later. There was always a bottom line in peole’s hearts.

The two of them had completely different thoughts, and they couldn’t come into terms for a while, so it’s better not to talk to each other.

When Jiang Xiao stuffed all of the goods in the ware house, the 20,000 yuan he had previously was already bottomed out, there were only a few hundred yuan left on him.

Uncle Ye told him that due to the heavy snow in their direction, several intersections were closed. It would take several hours to clear the snow. “That’s alright,” Jiang Xiao was not in a hurry after hearing this, but also felt quite happy. “Uncle Ye can just wait for me here, I still have something to do.”