Chapter 56
To thank them for the cake, the owner’s young son gave them a firework called “Night Pearl” before they left. Turns out they had these in the South too. Jiang Mu had played with them when she was little, but it had been ages since she’d seen one.
She held the firework like it was a rare treasure. Seeing how eager she looked, Jin Chao drove the car to the dam by the edge of the field.
Back when fireworks and firecrackers weren’t fully banned yet, Jin Chao would always use his New Year’s money to buy some with his classmates and set them off in front of their houses. The boys loved the loud ones. Jiang Mu was scared but still wanted to follow him around. Every time, she’d hide behind him, flinching at every bang. And of course, the boys were mischievous, the more frightened she was, the more they delighted in tossing the firecrackers near her feet. Jin Chao would always yell at his friend, “Don’t scare my little sister! If you make her cry, you better be ready to comfort her!”
Jiang Mu never dared play with those loud firecrackers. Jin Chao would buy her sparklers, the kind girls usually played with. She was okay with fireworks that didn’t make noise, but she never dared to light them herself.
Even now, nothing has changed. As soon as she got out of the car, she hovered around Jin Chao, urging him to light the Night Pearl. Jin Chao pulled out a lighter and did it for her, glancing sideways at her tense yet excited expression as she clutched the tube with both hands, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
While waiting for it to go off, Jiang Mu remained unusually quiet. But Jin Chao knew she wasn’t calm. She was concentrating, because the first burst always startled her.
Sure enough, when the first colorful spark shot out, Jiang Mu’s arm jerked in surprise. But by the third or fourth spark, she had adjusted, and she turned to Jin Chao with a big smile.
Jin Chao, eyes twinkling, looked back at her and said, “I thought you’d give up.”
“What?”
After asking, Jiang Mu realized Jin Chao was referring to the guzheng. She thought of how she used to cry and throw tantrums during practice as a child and laughed. “I thought I’d give up too. When I was preparing for Level 4, I almost quit because I couldn’t master the tremolo technique. Then at Level 6, I kept messing up the transition from D major to G major. Mom said if I really couldn’t manage it, she wouldn’t force me anymore. I stopped for three months… then picked it back up myself. Practiced for years, just so I could finally play for you…”
Tiny colored pearls shot into the night sky before bursting into dazzling blooms, painting the darkness with vibrant hues. The flickering light danced across Jiang Mu’s fair, serene face, casting an almost dreamlike glow.
She gazed up at the sky and he gazed at her. There was still so much childlike wonder in her, how a simple little firework could fill her heart with such joy. The purity she carried was the only piece of untainted peace Jin Chao had encountered in his 24 tumultuous years.
After leaving Suzhou, he often wondered: What if someone bullied Mu Mu? She was short, not very strong, and without him around to stand up for her, she’d probably just cry silently when wronged.
Sometimes, he’d catch himself thinking about the kind of life he wanted in the future. There was never a clear image, only that her small figure was always there. And now that she was really by his side, everything felt so peaceful and smooth that it almost seemed unreal, like these fireworks soaring into the night, dazzling but fleeting as if they might vanish into the darkness at any moment.
The fireworks had ended, but Jiang Mu kept holding the tube up for a long time, waiting to make sure no more sparks would burst forth. Only then did she lower her arm. Before she could even turn around, she was pulled into Jin Chao’s embrace. He wrapped his arms around her from behind, drawing her close as he held a small black box in front of her. His breath brushed against her ear.
“Happy birthday.”
Jiang Mu stared at the understated yet luxurious box in her hands. She lifted the lid to reveal an elegant, gleaming Parker fountain pen in pure silver, with an arrow-shaped clip and three gold bands. The exquisite craftsmanship made it look more like a work of art than a writing instrument. She almost didn’t dare take it out to use.
Jin Chao’s voice was slow and deep, “That old one’s too worn out. From now on, use this one.”
He had given her two pens at two different stages of her life. The first had accompanied her through the long years of school. The second came as she stepped into adulthood and was about to enter the most prestigious university. To Jiang Mu, they held profound, irreplaceable meaning.
She turned around in his arms and looked up at him. “The one I gave you last year… I bought it with the money I earned from performing, not with Mom’s.”
Her head dropped slightly, and her voice grew softer. “But… it seems like you never use it.”
“How do you know I won’t use it in the future?”
The night breeze stirred, and the stars shimmered.
Jiang Mu looked up. Reflected in his eyes were the remnants of the night’s fireworks, the most beautiful colors she had ever seen.
…
When the car pulled up to the garage, San Lai was sprawled lazily on a lounge chair in front of the pet shop, cooling off. Seeing the two of them return, he lifted his eyelids slowly and called out in a sarcastic tone, “Are you two even human? Out wandering this late?”
Jiang Mu hugged the leftover Night Pearl fireworks and grinned at San Lai. Jin Chao was carrying the big gift box, so large it practically covered his whole face. San Lai raised an eyebrow in curiosity and asked, “What’s that thing? A foldable bed?”
“…”
Jiang Mu widened her eyes and glared at him. “This is the gift I gave to Jin Chao! Who gives someone a foldable bed for their birthday? Honestly.”
San Lai drawled lazily, “Hard to say… you two could use an extra bed.”
Then he noticed the Night Pearl fireworks in Jiang Mu’s arms and, without hesitation, snatched them away. “I’m taking these. Consider it compensation for my lonely, miserable existence.”
Jiang Mu asked, “What are you even going to do with those?”
San Lai stood up lazily and tossed out a line, “None of your business. I’ll use them to impress some girl.”
Then, completely unashamed, he tossed the fireworks straight into the trunk of his car.
Jiang Mu rolled her eyes at him, then turned and followed Jin Chao back into the garage.
Once inside the lounge, she watched Jin Chao eagerly as he set the box down and began unwrapping his gift. After peeling off the packaging, he revealed a large LEGO set, and on the box was a rocket labeled “China Aerospace.” Once fully assembled, it would become a detailed model of a launch center and ground control station.
The gift clearly piqued Jin Chao’s interest. He pulled out the instruction booklet and studied it for a long while. Then he looked up, one eyebrow raised, and said, “Do you have any idea how much work this is? I’m starting to think you’re just trying to give me a headache.”
Jiang Mu chuckled as she looked at the countless tiny plastic bricks scattered in bags.
Back when they were kids, they used to pass by a toy store after school, often pressing their faces against the display window to admire the intricate Lego models inside. For them at that age, owning a big set like that felt like an unattainable luxury. Even though this one would take a lot of time and effort to complete, Jiang Mu figured they had all the time in the world now. They could build it slowly, piece by piece, whenever they had free time. One day, they would finish this grand project, just not tonight.
Jin Chao put away the instruction manual and then looked thoughtfully at Lightning, the dog, who was pacing around. He called Lightning into the backyard and began filling a basin to bathe him.
Jiang Mu asked curiously, “Why are you giving Lightning a bath so late at night?”
Jin Chao lowered his gaze and wet the dog’s fur, replying, “Been busy lately. He’s due for a wash.”
Lightning used to get bathed at San Lai’s pet shop, but after a near-death scare, his temperament changed, and he became more withdrawn. Now he would only behave and stay still if Jin Chao was the one washing him, no one else could manage him.
Jiang Mu walked over and asked, “Now that your car’s fixed, are you still going to the warehouse tomorrow?”
“No.”
She handed him Lightning’s shampoo. “Then why not just wash him tomorrow?”
Jin Chao took the shampoo and squeezed a dollop into his palm, “It’s too hot during the day. It’s cooler at night.”
Jiang Mu came over to help but Lightning lifted his head and fixed her with his big, dark eyes before playfully nudging her with his floppy ears. Jiang Mu kept dodging in a panic while Jin Chao laughed and rinsed the soap off Lightning. He handed a large towel to Jiang Mu and said, “Help dry him off while I go get the hairdryer.”
But the moment Jin Chao walked away, Lightning started shaking off the water like crazy. Jiang Mu didn’t have time to dodge and ended up soaked, looking like a complete mess.
By the time Jin Chao came back, the towel was no longer on Lightning but being waved around wildly by Jiang Mu as she ran around the courtyard. Lightning, as if playing a game with her, chased after her and kept shaking water everywhere. The joyful chaos brought a smile to Jin Chao’s eyes.
He shouted, “Alright, that’s enough. Come here.”
Lightning obediently tucked his tail and trotted back to Jin Chao, standing still and waiting patiently to be dried. Jiang Mu turned around, grumbling, “He’s my dog. Why does he only listen to you?”
Jin Chao flicked the blow dryer on, barely glancing up. “Don’t you listen to me too? A dog takes after its owner.”
Jiang Mu was left speechless.
Once Lightning’s fur was dry, Jin Chao looked up and noticed that most of Jiang Mu’s white dress was soaked through, the damp fabric clinging in ways that left little to the imagination. She hadn’t noticed. Jin Chao quickly lowered his gaze and said calmly, “Mu Mu, go take a shower.”
Jiang Mu was still brushing Lightning’s fur. She looked up, blinking. “Huh?”
Jin Chao kept his gaze down, not revealing the least bit of awkwardness, and said, “Take a shower and change into something dry. Don’t catch a cold.”
Jiang Mu didn’t sense anything unusual. She nodded and walked into the workshop room, but as soon as she entered, she opened the window and called out to Jin Chao, “I don’t have any clothes to change into!”
Jin Chao got up and walked into the room. As he opened the wardrobe to find her something to wear, she lingered beside him, chattering nonstop, “Lightning’s IQ is basically like a four or five-year-old kid’s, right? It feels like he understands everything you say. How did you train him? I’ve never even seen you train him. The other day, San Lai asked if I was planning to neuter him, do you think we should? If we don’t, he could still, you know… mate and have puppies someday…”
Jin Zhao didn’t understand why she had to bring up neutering and breeding at that exact moment. His eyes unintentionally fell on her. The damp white fabric clung to her body, outlining her curves clearly. Her soft silhouette, the dip of her waist, all laid bare in a way that made his throat tighten. Her soft, melodic voice echoed in the quiet room, delicate yet laced with an innocent allure that felt almost forbidden.
Even though he had already found something for her to wear, Jin Chao’s hands stopped moving. The corner of his mouth lifted in a self-mocking smile. He wasn’t a saint and he couldn’t pretend not to see or feel anything. His breath warm and restrained, he finally called out, “Mu Mu.”
She stopped mid-sentence, watching as he closed the wardrobe door. Then, in one swift motion, he pulled her against the closet door, caging her in. When his lips crashed down on hers, Jiang Mu’s heart pounded so violently she thought it might burst.
Her body temperature, her softness, and her inadvertent whimpering made Jin Chao lose control. He had never kissed her like this before. With a breath of destruction, he released his truest self under his restrained and restrained appearance, wild and unruly, with the most primitive desire to conquer.
Jiang Mu was swept up in the intensity of his emotions, feeling more and more dazed, a restless warmth rising inside her that she couldn’t shake. In a soft, almost pleading voice, she murmured, “Brother…”
Jin Chao’s breath was burning hot as he gently brushed his lips against hers and whispered with a strained smile, “Don’t call me that right now. It feels like I’m doing something wrong.”
Jiang Mu couldn’t stay upright, clinging to his shoulders as her body softened like it had lost all strength. She responded to him shyly in a pleading tone, “Chao Chao…”
But that one call only made Jin Chao lose control further. Jiang Mu had never seen him like this before. His eyes were wild, his body brimming with unrestrained desire. Her mind grew hazy as she heard the sound of a zipper being pulled down. Her dress slipped from her shoulders, and his calloused palm brushed against her delicate skin, sending a tremor through her.
Even in her innocence, she knew what Jin Chao was about to do. She shut her eyes tightly, bracing herself, only for his hands to suddenly still. However, Jin Chao tugged her dress back into place, carefully rezipping it.
Jiang Mu opened her eyes in confusion. His gaze still burned with restrained heat, but he gave her a soft smile and said, “It’s not time yet.”
With that, he turned to the wardrobe, took out fresh clothes for her, and walked out.
Jiang Mu rushed into the bathroom, her face burning red like an overripe apple. She stood there for a long while, unable to calm down, the images from just moments ago replaying in her mind. Her emotions had been running so high that, in her rush to leave, she accidentally pinched her finger in the door and cried out, “Chao Chao!”
Jin Chao came back in, seeing her wet hair clinging to her flushed cheeks, looking thoroughly pitiful. He asked, “What happened?”
She lifted her finger with a pout, complaining, “Your door bullied me.”
Jin Chao pressed his lips together to suppress a smile. The way she pouted now reminded him of something from long ago.
When Jiang Mu was in kindergarten, she’d always hold back her tears if she tripped and fell outside. But the moment she got home and saw him, she’d burst into tears, climbing onto his lap and sobbing out all her grievances.
Once, when Jin Chao had gone away for a few days for military training before starting middle school, Jiang Mu scraped her knee. The wound had scabbed over and was almost healed, but because she was afraid he wouldn’t be back in time to see it, she used a pen every night after her bath to draw a circle around the wound to remind herself.
When Jin Chao finally returned, she was cheerful as he joked and played with her until he asked why there was a circle drawn on her leg. The moment he said that her eyes welled up with big teardrops. When Jin Qiang explained what had happened, Jin Chao couldn’t stop laughing for ages.
Little Jiang Mu back then was just like the one standing here now. She huffed and asked, slightly annoyed, “What are you laughing at?”
Jin Chao turned away, walked over to the bed, and opened a drawer. His drawer was very organized, with several metal boxes separating things neatly. Jiang Mu watched him open two of them, set them aside, and reach toward a wooden box at the very back.
Startled, she quickly darted over and slammed her hand down on his hand. “What are you doing?”
Jin Chao had already grabbed the wooden box and was pulling it out. He turned and said calmly, “Looking for a band-aid.”
Jiang Mu’s voice rose slightly. “Isn’t your first-aid stuff in the wardrobe drawer? Why are you looking here?”
Jin Chao narrowed his eyes slightly and asked, “If there are band-aids right here in the bedside drawer, why would I need to dig through the wardrobe? Unless… there’s something else you don’t want me to see?”
Jiang Mu had also grabbed hold of the wooden box and was quietly trying to pull it toward her. With a guilty tone, she replied, “N… no problem, really. I’ll just… find it myself.”
But Jin Chao’s eyes swept over her suspiciously, catching on to her unusual behavior. His hand didn’t budge an inch, and Jiang Mu couldn’t pull the box away at all. She could only listen as he calmly said, “Didn’t you cut your finger? And you still want to find it yourself? Doesn’t hurt anymore?”
Jiang Mu quickly grabbed a tissue and wiped the blood off her finger, then immediately widened her eyes and put on a completely energetic expression. “It’s fine now. See? All better. No need for a band-aid.”
She held up her finger in front of Jin Chao. But unfortunately, her finger chose the worst possible moment to betray her, it started bleeding again, right under his nose.
Jin Chao gave her a sideways glance and clicked his tongue. “Better put one on. I’m afraid you’ll bleed out.”
Just as he was about to open the wooden box, Jiang Mu lunged at him.
She really just threw herself forward, catching Jin Chao so off guard he froze. Worried she’d hurt herself, he didn’t dare move away and instinctively protected her. She collided hard with his chest, making a heavy sound. Jin Chao let out a muffled grunt and muttered in disbelief, “What’s in this box, your family heirloom or something?”
As he spoke, he casually popped the lid open with his thumb. The moment the box opened, time seemed to freeze for a few seconds… because right in the middle, between the cotton swabs, thermometers, and band-aids, was a very eye-catching bright red box. It was far too obvious to ignore.
Jiang Mu froze in place, staring blankly at that small, conspicuous item. Jin Chao was silent for a moment before tilting his head, his voice dripping with amusement, “Family heirloom, huh?”
Jiang Mu immediately took a step back, so embarrassed she wished she could dig herself a hole deep enough to disappear into a map of Tonggang.
Jin Chao picked it up, his tone teasing. “Hiding this at my bedside? You’ve got guts.”
Jiang Mu definitely couldn’t take that as a compliment. She quickly protested, “You were the one who gave it to me!”
Jin Chao furrowed his brows. “I gave you this?”
Jiang Mu’s cheeks burned. She turned away, nodded, and said nothing.
Jin Chao looked baffled. “Why would I give you that?”
Jiang Mu glanced shyly over her shoulder at him, her voice soft and small. “How would I know…”
And with that, she scrambled into bed and pulled the thin blanket over herself tightly, completely still, completely silent.
Jin Chao didn’t say anything for a long time. After a while, Jiang Mu felt the edge of the blanket lift. Jin Chao gently took her hand and carefully applied a band-aid to her finger.
She quietly pulled the blanket down a little to peek at him. His eyes landed lightly on her, making Jiang Mu’s heart skip a beat. She hurriedly pulled the blanket back up, leaving only her eyes visible, and asked in a whisper, “What are you thinking about?”
Jin Chao just looked at her like that, the corners of his lips slowly curving into a smile. The box of condoms was casually tossed onto the bedside table as he straightened up and turned to leave.
Just as he took a step, Jiang Mu reached out and grabbed his hand.
Jin Chao paused, glancing back at her with a gaze that simmered with quiet intensity. “You’re really not afraid I’ll do something to you?”
Jiang Mu was afraid, but she didn’t let go.
Jin Chao’s voice softened as he said, “I’m just going to take a shower.”