Singer

Chapter 49 - Family Obstacles

Translator: Lynn

The joyful days without Director Long slipped by swiftly, while the artists and colleagues within the company found themselves back in the whirlwind of work. Despite a certain person’s temporary disability, their sharp-tongued skills remained as potent as ever, and they continued to sparkle and shine even from the confines of a wheelchair. Truly, they were a paragon of dedication among their peers. Thankfully, most of this individual’s attention was directed towards Jian Jie; otherwise, many others might have been in for a hard time.

The process of selecting songs for Jian Jie’s new album came to a close. Numerous song selection meetings were held, and after careful deliberation, the final decision was made to include eleven tracks from among dozens of Jian Jie’s musical compositions. These chosen songs, aside from featuring the popular and emotive style that Jian Jie excelled in, also incorporated electronic and dance music elements. The album’s musical spectrum became more diverse, with several tracks exuding a sense of enjoyment. A notable example is the album’s title track, “The Martian,” a spirited and charming uptempo song that compels listeners to dance along. The lyrics are playful and describe an elusive lover who exhibits behavior akin to that of a Martian.

Upon reading the lyrics, Long Zichen couldn’t help but turn to Jian Jie and ask in a hushed tone, “Is this…about me?”

Jian Jie wordlessly averted her gaze, her attention shifting to the view outside the window.

Ah, Long Zichen thought he already had his answer. Yet, a perplexity lingered: Did he truly possess so many idiosyncrasies? Nevertheless, he found certain lines appealing: “Your eyes could shoot lasers, your voice slaying foes… You’re so unique, hailing from a different realm… They dread you, steer clear, yet I adore everything about you…” The sentiment was a tad peculiar, but he decided to interpret it as Jian Jie’s confession! With this decision, Long Zichen felt a surge of delight.

As for why this particular song was composed, Jian Jie found it hard to pinpoint an exact reason. Naturally, it was inspired by Long Zichen and his occasional peculiarities. Long Zichen would engage in silly antics, acting on his enthusiasm and impulsiveness. For instance, while at home, amid their individual tasks, Jian Jie reading a book and Long Zichen maneuvering his wheelchair, he would cheerily interject: “Xiaojie, you look so captivating when you’re engrossed in your reading! Well, since we’re a couple, can we share a kiss?”

This audacious proposition often caused Jian Jie to blush, but Long Zichen’s determination was unyielding, pressing on until he achieved his objective. However, his request wasn’t demanding—Jian Jie would comply by planting a kiss on his forehead, leaving him gleefully floating away. Long Zichen’s childlike behavior often amused Jian Jie, as they shared these light-hearted moments. Their interactions were sincere and guileless, a love as pure as the clear April sky, untainted by any impurities.

Yet, this innocence didn’t imply that their relationship solely thrived on emotional connection. Youthful bodies are susceptible to desires, and while Jian Jie might be somewhat naive in this realm, he wasn’t completely oblivious. However, he wasn’t entirely forthcoming about such matters, his stance sometimes reserved.

Early on, Long Zichen recognized that he couldn’t solely rely on Jian Jie for his personal growth and had to make diligent efforts on his own. He had even ventured into watching a few male-male romance films, discreetly purchasing some items online and discreetly stashing them away in his room. Everything was meticulously prepared, awaiting his restored health to fully indulge in his plans. However, his present state of being a third-class disabled person unfortunately lacked the vigor needed for such endeavors. Long Zichen wiped his saliva, oblivious to the saying about biting off more than one can chew.

On a sunny weekend, Brother Jian paid another visit, only to discover that his little brother’s colleague was still residing at their place. Despite nearly being back in shape, the colleague seemed to have taken root there, casting a rather uncomfortable feeling over Jian Bin. Putting on a polite smile, Jian Bin inquired of Long Zichen, “How’s Mr. Long’s recovery progressing? Has the hospital given a timeline for full recuperation after removing the plaster cast?”

Long Zichen was taken aback by Jian Bin’s sudden presence and managed a hurried response, “He’s on the mend, the hospital suggested that he won’t need the wheelchair within two weeks.”

“That’s good to hear,” Brother Jian acknowledged before turning to Jian Jie, “I used the money you gave me last time to make an investment for you. Let’s discuss the details in the study. Apologies for taking up your time, Mr. Long.”

It was apparent that Brother Jian wished to have a private conversation with Jian Jie, prompting Long Zichen to interject in an amicable tone, “No worries, Brother Jian. You go ahead and discuss matters. I’ll just watch some TV for a while.”

Following his elder brother to the study, Jian Jie shut the door behind them, and Jian Bin immediately broached the topic, “When is your colleague planning to leave my place? His recovery should be underway. It’s somewhat inappropriate for him to linger here all the time.”

Jian Jie murmured, “Brother Chen is still recuperating, and it’s more convenient for him to stay here. Having one more person around isn’t much trouble.”

Jian Bin let out a sigh, “Don’t misunderstand big brother. It’s good to maintain friendly relations with colleagues, but you need to establish boundaries. Something about this person strikes me as odd. He’s socially adept but his intentions remain uncertain. You know how things are these days, everyone has their own motives, and losing some money might be tolerable. But what if you encounter a psychopath? I’m concerned you might be taken advantage of.” Jian Bin’s affection for Jian Jie was akin to that of a parent for their child, given that his own parents were no longer present. His greatest fear was seeing Jian Jie make a misstep.

Jian Jie felt flustered, avoiding eye contact with his elder brother out of trepidation. The notion of individuals like the one described by Jian Bin felt unsettling to Jian Jie. He was resolute about sharing his feelings with his brother.

“Brother, actually, Mr. Long and I are together now,” Jian Jie uttered in a hushed tone, head bowed.

“Huh?” Jian Bin’s reaction was slow to materialize, “What?”

“I, I really care about Mr. Long, and we’re in a relationship…” Jian Jie attempted to steady his voice as he reiterated. Despite the deep respect he held for his elder brother from childhood, having always obeyed his decisions, he needed to stand strong for the person he loved. He aimed to sway his brother’s perspective. He didn’t wish to lie, nor did he want Long Zichen to be unfairly judged.

“Do you even comprehend what you’re saying?” Jian Bin’s anger surged forth unexpectedly. He couldn’t fathom that his typically obedient brother could make such an audacious choice. His frustration escalated, failing to envision such a scenario. He paced the study in an irate manner, his agitation palpable. Abruptly, he spun around and demanded indignantly, “Did he manipulate you into this? You’ve never shown interest in men before. I shouldn’t have allowed you to become a singer, or else this wouldn’t have happened! You’ll come back home with me tonight. You won’t see him again, and you’ll quit your singing career!”

Jian Bin’s fury unfurled like a tempest. He denied both Jian Jie’s love and his aspirations. Gazing at his elder brother with timidity, Jian Jie suppressed his sorrow and protested, “Brother, I genuinely love singing… Although Brother Chen is a man, he treats me exceptionally well. Once you get to know him better, you’ll see that he is a kind person.”

“No matter who he is, he’s still a man! How could two men be together like this? I can’t tolerate it! You’re coming home with me!”

Jian Bin seized Jian Jie’s arm, intending to lead him out, while Jian Jie dissolved into tears. He sobbed, “Brother, even though we’re both men, does that really matter? Please…”

“You’ve made your decision!” Jian Bin’s anger was palpable, causing his voice to quiver, “You still dare to reason with me? Very well, if you won’t learn from my guidance, I’ll never agree!”

Their quarrel disregarded their volume, with Long Zichen clearly overhearing their heated exchange from outside the door. Consumed by anxiety, he wrestled with the urge to intervene, mindful of the possibility of further enraging Jian Jie’s brother. However, when he caught wind of Jian Jie’s sobs, his restraint crumbled. Employing his shoulder, he forced the door open and sped in with the wheelchair.

“Brother Jian, please don’t blame Xiaojie. It’s all my fault. I led Xiaojie astray, so don’t hold him responsible…” Long Zichen attempted to approach Jian Jie, ready to offer a consoling touch, but Brother Jian intervened, placing himself between them.

“Keep away from my brother!” Brother Jian’s glare was fixed on Long Zichen. In his mind, Xiaojie was good-natured. Even if there were any shortcomings in his behavior, it must have been due to the influence of his misguided companions. Brother Jian directed his anger towards Long Zichen, asserting with anger, “I know it’s entirely your fault! You might not be young anymore, and I don’t care if you want to deceive boys, but stay away from my brother! He’s young and naive, and you managed to ensnare him with a few kind words. Do you think there’s no one in our family to keep you in check? Get rid of these thoughts as soon as possible! Let me make this clear – as long as I’m around, I won’t let my brother be with you!”

Jian Jie’s sobbing grew even more intense. Choosing between his elder brother, his closest relative, and the person he cherished was an agonizing dilemma.

Long Zichen’s heart ached to witness Jian Jie’s tears. He didn’t want to see Jian Jie sad and distressed. Therefore, suppressing his own anguish, he softly urged, “Xiaojie, don’t cry. Your brother is only doing this because he cares about you. If you think it’s for the best, you can go back with him.”

Through teary eyes, Jian Jie looked up, his voice quivering, “What will you do then?”

“I’ll move out tomorrow, and I’ll find a solution,” Long Zichen managed a strained smile.

“Don’t even think about anything sneaky!” Jian Bin shot Long Zichen an intense glare. “Stay away from my brother!” With that, he pulled Jian Jie away.

Long Zichen hastily advised, “Wear a hat, sunglasses, and a mask. Don’t get caught!” If the red-eyed distress of a famous idol like Jian Jie were captured by a reporter, who knows how the story would be spun in the news.

Though infuriated, Jian Bin hadn’t lost his sense to protect Jian Jie’s reputation. After a brief search, he took the sunglasses and mask from Long Zichen and placed them on Jian Jie with a heavy heart.

“Xiaojie, don’t be too downhearted. Don’t cry too much,” Long Zichen consoled them as they left. “Alright, listen to your brother’s advice. It’ll be alright.”

Jian Jie looked back at Long Zichen and said, “Brother Chen, take care of your injuries.”

The door closed with a resounding thud. Unable to hold back any longer, Long Zichen slumped in his wheelchair, deflated.

How long would it be until he could see Jian Jie again? Long Zichen repeated Jian Jie’s name in his mind, his heart aching terribly. Overwhelmed with emotions, he finally gave in to his tears, letting them flow in hushed sobs.

Please let me know if there are typos/mistakes in the chapter.

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