Chapter 60#

The Loneliness of Third Master Ren (Part 2)

Third Master Ren was not ill.

He had merely slept poorly for two consecutive days, had little appetite, and endured a long journey. Consequently, once the heavy burden on his mind was lifted, his body gave way.

But his collapse not only terrified Ren Qiri but also startled Fang Sao’s household, the neighbors, and even folks from the houses further down the lane. Everyone was scared out of their wits.

How could a perfectly fine person collapse without warning, without even giving a sign?

The small village had a clinic, but because of the rain and the muddy roads, it would take at least twenty minutes to drive there.

Ren Qiri was so frightened that he threw away his umbrella and immediately bent down to carry his fainted third uncle on his back. However, although Third Master Ren was weak, his frame still had some weight. Ren Qiri had to work with the driver to first help him into the house. Fang Sao, who had noticed something wrong from upstairs, quickly called down her elder brother and her stout nephew. Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, they finally managed to carry him inside.

Fang Sao’s nephew went with the driver to fetch the doctor. Fang Sao’s elder brother, Uncle De, quickly began pinching the philtrum of Third Master Ren. The children huddled nervously at the entrance, peeking in. Ren Qiri, his face stark white with terror, forced himself to stay calm and followed Uncle De’s instructions, pressing firmly on the acupressure points on Third Master Ren’s back. It could only be said that the ancestral folk remedies had some effect—Third Master Ren indeed regained consciousness under everyone’s watchful eyes.

However, after waking up, everyone was busy running around again because Third Master Ren was drenched from the rain. As soon as he came to, he felt cold, mumbled a few times for his “Qiqi,” and then refused to let go of Ren Qiri. The group was in a flurry until the doctor arrived, administered acupuncture, and set up an IV drip, finally calming things down.

By the next morning, Third Master Ren was finally lucid.

The main reason he opened his eyes was that the thin mat beneath him was so hard it made his whole body ache. But when Third Master Ren turned his head, he didn’t see the figure he had longed for day and night. Instead, his gaze met the eyes of several children.

Third Master Ren was momentarily stunned. Nevertheless, he calmly sat up in bed. Just then, one of the children let out a loud “Ah!” and the kids gathered around the bed rushed out the door, shouting all the way—

“The zombie has come back to life—ahhhh!”

Third Master Ren’s emotions suddenly became complicated.

Fang Sao and her sister-in-law came over first, greeting him politely. Third Master Ren refused their offer of help, stood up on his own, and walked with slightly unsteady steps to the small living room outside the room to sit down.

“Third Master,” Fang Sao said, knowing he was a difficult man to please. Seeing him shift uncomfortably on the wooden armchair, squinting as he looked outside, she thought for a moment and cautiously said, “Third Master, the young master saw you were fine this morning and went to the orchard with my brother. He’ll be back in a little while.”

“Perhaps you’d like to freshen up first? I’ll make you some hot congee.”

Third Master Ren turned his head and glanced sideways at Fang Sao. This was, after all, someone else’s home, not his own. Besides, Fang Sao was pregnant. So he waved his hand and gently shook his head to decline.

Fang Sao thought Third Master was in a bad mood and grew a bit anxious. Her sister-in-law also sat nearby, nervously rubbing her hands together. She was a simple village woman who had only heard from her husband that Third Master Ren was a man of status. But seeing how easygoing Young Master Ren was, she had assumed Third Master Ren would at least be approachable. Now, facing this person, she had no such illusions anymore. She dared not say much, afraid of saying the wrong thing and losing face.

Third Master Ren sat with his hands clasped, looking around the room. It was indeed an old wooden house, but it was clean and tidy, with a neat and proper layout. The floor was also wooden, not as cold as tile, and felt comfortable even without a carpet. Setting aside his initial discomfort, Third Master Ren nodded with slight approval.

Just then, a large truck drove up from not too far away, loaded with several large baskets of fruit in the back. Fang Sao stood up as if seeing a savior, beaming, “Third Master, the young master and the others are back.” Fang Sao’s sister-in-law hurried down the steps outside to help. Third Master Ren also walked outside, looking down. He saw a young man jump out from the driver’s seat.

That somewhat slender figure exuded a healthy aura. His exposed arms were tanned a dark reddish-brown, showing a healthy complexion. The long trousers beneath were rolled up high, and he wore only flip-flops. Ren Qiri smiled as he took the towel handed to him by his sister-in-law, then looked up, his eyes meeting Third Master Ren’s.

He waved joyfully, his cheeks rosy, his voice clear and loud as he called out, “Third Uncle—”

Third Master Ren was instantly infected by that beautiful, youthful, and passionate vitality. He smiled and raised his hand slightly in Ren Qiri’s direction, waving back, feeling as though he had become twenty years younger.

The group ate together at the table. Third Master Ren’s taste remained light, but his appetite was good. The table seated over a dozen people. He sat at the head, listening to snippets of conversation in the local dialect on either side, watching the children play and squabble over a piece of chicken, finding it all fresh and endearing. Beside him, Ren Qiri kept urging him, “Eat a bit more,” so besides finishing a bowl of congee, he also drank some soup.

The food was naturally delicious. Under the table, Third Master Ren gently held Ren Qiri’s warm hand, feeling the emptiness of the past few days slowly being filled.

Because of Third Master Ren’s unexpected visit, their originally scheduled return the next day was delayed until the day after. Third Master Ren seemed to have taken a liking to the environment, and Fang Sao’s family also began to relax. Ren Qiri peeled fruit for Third Master Ren, then went off to play with the children. It seemed to be a game called “Cops and Robbers.” The rules seemed a bit unfair because the aftereffects of Ren Qiri’s leg injury—though he no longer needed a crutch—still made his movements a little sluggish. So he kept being the poor cop, chasing the kids up and down the stairs.

Third Master Ren sat outside the living room, enjoying the warm natural breeze. His gaze was fixed on Ren Qiri. He felt that his Qiqi seemed full of vitality. Truly, it was better to have lively surroundings. The mansion was too quiet. As he thought this, Third Master Ren’s expression dimmed slightly. He could give Qiqi the whole world, but he couldn’t give him a normal, complete family.

A wife. Children. Descendants.

Then a thought struck Third Master Ren: he would surely leave this world before Qiqi did. What would happen to Qiqi if he were gone?

“Haha! Gotcha—!”

Ren Qiri’s laughter pulled Third Master Ren back to reality.

He watched Ren Qiri scoop up a child who was giggling happily, his heart warming. He couldn’t help but sigh—his Qiqi was so healthy, so beautiful.

“Brother Ren—”

A clear, bell-like voice rang out.

Everyone turned to look. Sure enough, there was a young girl with a ponytail. She parked her bicycle at the steps, picked up a bag, and came upstairs, speaking in Hokkien: “Brother Ren, my dad asked me to bring these loofah gourds. My mom grew them herself, no pesticides. Here, for your uncle.”

“Oh!” Ren Qiri put down the child. “How can we be so rude?” He smiled politely and waved his hand.

“What’s so rude about it? Just take it, no need to be so polite.” The young girl pushed the bag directly into Ren Qiri’s arms, ducking her head with a smile. “Also, my dad said to invite you and your uncle to our place for dinner tonight.”

“Eh, no need to trouble you.” Ren Qiri unconsciously glanced back at Third Master Ren, who was sitting in a lounge chair. The young girl followed his gaze, understood, and walked over. She bowed politely and, blushing, said, “Uncle… hello.”

Third Master Ren nodded expressionlessly. He understood completely—this girl had some feelings for Qiqi.

For some reason, Ren Qiri felt a bit guilty and quickly changed the subject. He personally saw the girl down the stairs, but his sharp-eyed sister-in-law noticed and commented to Third Master Ren, “That girl is nice. She lives in the house up ahead. She finished high school in the city and is now studying at a teacher’s college. She’ll graduate this year. She’s very pretty and gets along well with Xiao Qi.”

Third Master Ren gazed thoughtfully at the two figures not far away. He silently leaned back in his chair, suddenly feeling a little weary.

That evening, Third Master Ren went to bed early. He knew Ren Qiri was going to have dinner at that young girl’s house tonight. Third Master Ren felt a pang of sorrow. He didn’t want to be treated as Qiqi’s elder, sitting stiffly while watching the young people get along.

Falling asleep with such thoughts, naturally, his rest was poor. So when Ren Qiri returned late that night, Third Master Ren woke up.

Because the old wooden house only had one guest room, Ren Qiri was naturally sharing a room with Third Master Ren.

Ren Qiri fumbled his way in the dark, trying to be quiet. Country folk went to bed early, especially Fang Sao’s brother’s family. By their standards, Ren Qiri’s return time was considered quite late. He tiptoed to the cabinet to grab a change of clothes, assuming his third uncle was already asleep, so he was even more careful. But just as he was about to leave the room, a pair of hands reached around from behind and encircled his waist.

“—!” Ren Qiri gasped. When he felt a cool touch on the back of his neck, he quickly turned his head, struggling slightly, and said urgently, “Stop, stop, stop messing around! Hey, we’re in someone else’s house…!”

Third Master Ren sighed, actually let go, and took a step back. Ren Qiri looked at him awkwardly, feeling something was off. He heard Third Master Ren say, “…Go to sleep.”

Then he turned around, truly lay down on the bed, and settled in.

Ren Qiri rubbed his nose, said “Oh,” and walked out. When he came back after showering and lay down on the bed, Third Master Ren hugged him as usual, but didn’t do anything else. Ren Qiri fell asleep with a troubled mind.

The next day, Third Master Ren still appeared calm, but Ren Qiri felt something was subtly wrong, though he couldn’t pinpoint it. Early in the morning, the young girl came to visit.

Compared to how other village girls dressed, she was clearly a little more put together. She wore a long dress and came riding her bicycle, which didn’t seem out of place at all; in fact, it added a touch of innocent charm.

Her name was also deeply rustic—A-Mei.

Everyone knew she had feelings for Ren Qiri. Ren Qiri was vaguely aware of it too, but because everyone around them kept pushing them together, he hadn’t found the chance to be clear with her. Now that Third Master Ren was here, he was even more at a loss for how to bring it up.

A-Mei had been invited by Fang Sao’s sister-in-law. She not only joined them for the meal at the table, but also seemed intent on dragging Ren Qiri out to the market, and apparently, they were going to see a movie in the evening. It was clearly, unmistakably a date.

Third Master Ren watched coldly as A-Mei eagerly picked food for Ren Qiri. The girl also didn’t forget to turn to him, addressing him warmly as “Uncle” and picking food for him too.

At that moment, Third Master Ren’s feelings were thoroughly tangled and twisted.

After the meal, Uncle De proactively offered to lend Ren Qiri the car to take A-Mei to the market. Ren Qiri smiled but was actually feeling cornered. He glanced guiltily at Third Master Ren, ready to refuse, when Third Master Ren suddenly said, “Qiri, take her out for a stroll.”

Then he stood up from his chair and walked into the room.

Ren Qiri’s expression flickered. Dazed, he let himself be pushed out.

Third Master Ren walked back into the room, feeling a bit unwell. He rubbed his forehead, took a few deep breaths, found his asthma inhaler in the carry-on case, used one dose, and sat back against the headboard.

He had already taken so much from Qiqi.

He couldn’t… couldn’t be too selfish.

The evening passed, and Ren Qiri still hadn’t returned. Third Master Ren had a little something to eat alone in the room, washed himself with some hot water, and decided to go to bed early. He knew his face must look awful, so he planned to sleep before Ren Qiri came back, to avoid taking out his bad mood on anyone else.

With a sigh, Third Master Ren slowly closed his eyes.

He had a nightmare.

It truly was a nightmare.

He dreamed that a group of children, all strikingly similar to Ren Qiri, ran towards him from a distance, their faces full of adorable smiles, shouting at him.

Grand-Uncle!

Third Master Ren woke with a start.

As he sat up, he seemed to see someone. His head throbbing, he rubbed his forehead.

“Third Uncle, do you have a headache?” Someone was supporting him. It was Ren Qiri’s voice.

Third Master Ren hurriedly looked up, but the light was too dim; there was only a blurry silhouette. He squinted, and the fuzzy shapes gradually came into focus. He asked instinctively, “What time is it…?”

“It’s just past seven. Third Uncle, why didn’t you wait for me to get back?” Ren Qiri moved further towards the head of the bed.

Third Master Ren vaguely remembered that Ren Qiri was supposed to be seeing a movie with that girl tonight, but he didn’t ask. Perhaps Ren Qiri had just come back to change clothes or get something. Besides, he was still shaken by the dream he just had…

Ren Qiri watched his third uncle, his face dark, eyes downcast, lost in thought. He pursed his lips, called out “Third Uncle,” but Third Master Ren seemed not to hear him, remaining in the same sitting posture.

Ren Qiri felt a sense of unease—Third Uncle must have misunderstood.

With a hint of anxiety, Ren Qiri moved closer to Third Master Ren, tentatively reaching out to take his hand. That hand seemed colder than usual. Ren Qiri gently rubbed it, but then heard Third Master Ren sigh and say, “…Qiqi, Third Uncle won’t force you.”

Ren Qiri raised an eyebrow, confused. Third Master Ren continued, “If, in the future… you have someone you like, just tell Third Uncle. I won’t force you. But… you must never, ever leave me.”

Third Master Ren’s voice was hoarse, the raspy sound forming these words.

Ren Qiri was dazed for a moment. He listened blankly, then finally let out a rueful, “Ah.”

Third Master Ren felt this remark had put Ren Qiri in an awkward position again. He sighed once more, squeezed Ren Qiri’s hand tightly, and was about to lie down again when Ren Qiri leaned in. Something brushed quickly against his lips.

Then came Ren Qiri’s soft laughter. He felt Ren Qiri bury his face in the hollow of his shoulder, humming with laughter.

“…Third Uncle, what nonsense are you talking about?”

“How could I possibly have anyone else I like? Can you stop overthinking this, please?”

In the dim light, he saw Ren Qiri’s slightly flushed face. Ren Qiri said, “I did go out with A-Mei just now, but I saw her home and made things clear. The reason I’m late is that the car broke down on the way back. You know how bad the reception is here… So it took me until now to get back.”

“Last night, I didn’t go to her house alone either. Uncle De’s son came with us. It was only because he got drunk that we came back so late…”

“So, don’t overthink it.”

Ren Qiri spoke softly, then tilted his head up and pressed his lips to Third Master Ren’s.

This kiss was long. Apart from the sound of insects, the air was filled with the soft sound of their lips meeting. Finally, there came the rustling of fabric intertwining, and in an instant, Ren Qiri was pinned against the headboard. When they parted, they both took shallow breaths, holding each other close with unspoken understanding.

Somehow, Ren Qiri seemed particularly interested tonight. Perhaps it was because things were finally cleared up. Or maybe it was the strange sense of satisfaction he got from seeing Third Master Ren seemingly jealous. Or perhaps…

He had missed him, too.

As they embraced, Ren Qiri actively stroked Third Master Ren’s back, pressed close to his ear, and whispered, “Tonight… Fang Sao and all the others went out. They just left a while ago.” Finally, as if to cover something up, he added in an extremely low voice, “…The door is locked.”

The rest of his words were swallowed up in a fierce kiss.

Third Master Ren possessed extraordinary talent in many aspects, and it seemed the bedroom was no exception. His provocative caresses, which drove one wild in the silence, made up for his lack of physical strength. Ren Qiri was unusually passionate that night. His back pressed against the wall, he tilted his head up to kiss the man on top of him. They shed each other’s clothes, and soon both were completely naked.

When their breathing grew ragged, Ren Qiri half-opened his slightly glazed eyes. He clung to Third Master Ren’s neck and said very softly, “This time… let me do it.”

Third Master Ren panted, barely restraining his desire. He watched Ren Qiri, his face flushed crimson, start by kissing his neck, leaving small marks in imitation. His hands caressed him timidly, moving from his chest down to his waist and beyond. “Uncle… Xiaoyun…” Ren Qiri only called him by his given name when he was aroused. The pleasure of their bodies rubbing together made them both hold their breath.

In the past, Ren Qiri had always seemed reserved in bed. This time, he seemed to be throwing caution to the wind. Their positions subtly changed. Third Master Ren sat back against the headboard, watching Ren Qiri sit astride his waist in a kneeling position with his legs apart. With no lubricant, foreplay seemed all the more important. Ren Qiri wasn’t skilled in this area. Even as he displayed a side he had never shown before, he still carried an air of fresh, youthful innocence.

He moved his hands behind him, awkwardly probing his own entrance with his fingers. Third Master Ren was licking and nibbling at his chest, his hands stroking back and forth between his legs. Ren Qiri gritted his teeth, barely suppressing a moan, focusing on opening himself up. With his other hand, he grasped the other’s already eager member, stroking it up and down to soothe it. After a while, Ren Qiri took a deep breath. He braced himself, raised his hips, guided the other with his hand, and very, very slowly took him in.

Without lubricant, the insertion was difficult and painful. Ren Qiri gasped repeatedly. With every inch he took, he seemed to pant for air as if suffocating. Third Master Ren also squinted, barely restraining himself. His hands parted the plump cheeks, pushing in slowly. Once they were fully joined, both were drenched in sweat. Ren Qiri panted as if resting for a moment, feeling incredibly full. His eyes reddened, and when Third Master Ren kissed him, he began to move up and down slowly.

The sensation was too intense. Ren Qiri clung tightly to the man on top of him, thrusting a few times on his own before letting out a pained moan. He clenched his teeth, tilted his head back, took a deep breath, and began to move more vigorously. In the midst of that intensely rhythmic motion, his moans grew erratic. Finally, with a turn, he was pressed down onto the bed. The wooden bed let out a loud groan, followed by an unceasing creaking.

Ren Qiri’s eyes were half-open, his body moving up and down with the thrusts from below. He let out fragmented sounds as if he were about to cry. The pleasure born from pain washed over him like a wave. His hips were lifted, and he was penetrated even deeper. Ren Qiri let out a sharp cry, pushing at the man above him, “Enough, enough… too deep…”

The man’s movements only intensified. In the midst of his confusion, a strange thought suddenly flashed through Ren Qiri’s mind…

Third Uncle… was born in the Year of the Snake, wasn’t he?

The next day, Ren Qiri had a low fever, so their planned departure was delayed by another day.

Ren Qiri looked at the thermometer and tossed it aside. When the door opened, he quickly closed his eyes, pretending to be asleep in a rather pathetic manner.

He listened to the slow footsteps and knew it was Third Master Ren entering.

Then Third Master Ren sat down beside his bed and took his hand.

Ren Qiri continued his difficult pretense, until he felt he couldn’t keep it up any longer. Then Third Master Ren spoke.

“Qiqi.”

“…”

“Third Uncle… is a selfish man. Over all these years, I’ve owed you… too much.”

“…”

“So, for your future… no matter what… Third Uncle will respect your decision.”

“…”

“Just… don’t ever leave me.”

Ren Qiri opened his eyes. He looked up at Third Master Ren as if sulking, then rolled his eyes and turned over.

If you know you owe me, then spend your whole life repaying me!

This was a line he would never say out loud.