AD CH121
by AriaChapter 121: Love You Very Much (Extra 5)
Shan Yu’s guess was absurd, but in the face of his dad’s rather unexpected reaction, Chen Jian was caught in two minds. On one hand, he thought it was impossible—his dad had never raised a hand against anyone in his entire life, and his words had been crystal clear. On the other hand, he felt it wasn’t completely out of the realm of possibility either…
Driving in silence toward the small town, he even had the bizarre illusion that he was bringing backup to beat Shan Yu up.
His dad, meanwhile, was entirely peace and love. Although he didn’t speak to Chen Jian either, he spent the ride inspecting today’s shopping receipts, looking over the teahouse dining receipt again and again, and exchanging voice messages with Old Zhong on WeChat.
“Get your son to take you there sometime; the food is really good,” his dad sent in a voice note.
“Dad, are you…” Chen Jian glanced at him sideways. “Trying to tick him off on purpose?”
“No way,” his dad replied. “Old Zhong is a down-to-earth guy. He even asked me to snap a picture of today’s receipt so he can send it to his son.”
“Why show that to his son?” Chen Jian asked.
“To tell him someone took him out for a feast,” his dad chuckled. “Ever since graduating from vocational school, his son’s just been idling at home, refusing to work, lying in bed playing games all day. He’s nearly driven Old Zhong out of his mind.”
“Isn’t his son younger than me?” Chen Jian asked.
“Same age,” his dad said. “Though Old Zhong did say kids like you are few and far between.”
Chen Jian smiled faintly. “You should rein it in a bit too. Uncle Zhong seems like a good man, and you two get along well. Don’t strain your friendship just to show off your son.”
“I know what I’m doing. I’ll just boast for these couple of days, and that’ll be that,” his dad said with a chuckle.
“Mm,” Chen Jian nodded.
His dad must have been truly exhausted; not long after sitting in the car, he drifted off to sleep.
Having just received such earth-shattering news about his son less than an hour ago, yet still managing to fall asleep, proved just how bone-weary he truly was.
Chen Jian felt that once the old family house was secured, he really should figure out a way to let his dad move back home. Working outside like this for over a decade had been far too grueling.
By the time they pulled up to Dayin, his dad was still fast asleep.
Uncharacteristically, Shan Yu was already standing guard at the entrance, walking over the moment the car came to a complete stop.
What’s more, he stepped straight to the passenger side, without even exchanging a look with Chen Jian, and pulled the door open.
His dad hadn’t woken up yet.
Shan Yu paused, only then casting a glance over at Chen Jian.
“He’s been asleep the whole way,” Chen Jian murmured.
“Good mindset,” Shan Yu whispered back.
Chen Jian chuckled.
Truth be told, if the roles were reversed, Chen Jian doubted he would have had the guts to stride over and open the car door for Shan Yu’s parents.
If his conversation with his dad hadn’t gone smoothly earlier, Shan Yu stepping in to take charge like this would have provided him with an immensely powerful pillar of support.
As expected, he still couldn’t hold a candle to Shan Yu.
“Dad,” Chen Jian nudged his dad. “We’re here.”
“…Ah!” His dad dozed for another couple of seconds before blinking awake. Turning his head and spotting Shan Yu standing right beside the door, he shot upright. “I was sleeping so deeply I was dreaming.”
“Uncle Chen, have you been working hard lately?” Shan Yu smiled, stepping aside to give him room.
“There’ve been quite a few delivery orders recently,” his dad stepped out. “Today counts as a proper day off to rest.”
“Went to have a feast with Chen Jian?” Shan Yu asked.
“Yeah,” his dad nodded. “Haven’t eaten such good food in a long time.”
“Uncle!” Hu Pan jogged over. “Haven’t seen you in a while! You’re looking in great spirits!”
“You too,” his dad smiled at Hu Pan. “Did you cut your hair?”
“Yup,” Hu Pan ruffled her hair, then turned to scurry back inside. “Cut it myself, it was getting too long… Uncle, come on inside!”
“Alright,” his dad smiled and followed her for a couple of paces, then turned back to look at Shan Yu. “Boss Shan, thank you so much for this whole business…”
“Uncle,” Shan Yu said, “just call me Shan Yu, or Xiao Yu. That’s what my parents call me.”
“Ah, alright,” his dad nodded, heading inside.
Chen Jian trailed behind his dad, sneaking a glance at Shan Yu.
“How was the drive?” Shan Yu asked under his breath.
“Pretty good,” Chen Jian kept his voice low as well.
“Mm,” Shan Yu replied, quickening his pace to catch up. “Uncle, let’s head up to my office first. Sun Nana will be over in a moment, and I’ll go over the details with you.”
Chen Jian walked over and pressed the elevator button. Once inside, the cramped space held only the three of them, and the atmosphere instantly grew slightly awkward.
None of the three spoke. Chen Jian looked at Shan Yu, and Shan Yu looked back at him.
Then, Shan Yu suddenly smiled.
Chen Jian blinked.
What are you smiling at?
Say something, Boss Brother.
Say anything to break the frozen air.
Isn’t this supposed to be your specialty?
Oh, right, no.
Your specialty is manufacturing awkwardness and lounging comfortably inside it.
Gotta rely on myself.
Chen Jian wracked his brain for something to say.
After pondering for a moment, the elevator doors chimed open, and he finally found something appropriate: “We’re here.”
His dad stepped out of the elevator, Shan Yu followed closely, and Chen Jian brought up the rear.
Just as they walked into Shan Yu’s office, Shan Yu tilted his head toward him: “Chen Jian, go to the dorm and see if Sun Nana is back yet.”
“…Okay,” Chen Jian nodded.
Going this hard?
A one-on-one showdown?
“Uncle, have a seat,” Shan Yu said to Chen Jian’s dad. “Care for some tea?”
“Sure, but ordinary tea is fine. I don’t really know how to appreciate it; good tea would be wasted on me,” Father Chen nodded, sitting down on the sofa.
“It’s not high-end tea anyway. Green tea is just coming into season,” Shan Yu grabbed a cup. “Someone gifted it to me; I can’t tell good from bad either.”
Father Chen chuckled twice, saying nothing.
“This office will mainly be Chen Jian’s in the future,” Shan Yu said, setting the freshly brewed tea in front of him before sitting on the adjacent sofa. “The manager’s office for Dayin.”
“Such a nice office,” Father Chen looked around. “You won’t be using it anymore?”
“Yeah, the company and the guesthouse are managed separately,” Shan Yu smiled.
“Oh…” Father Chen let out an emotional murmur.
Chen Jian had said his dad didn’t have any strong reaction, and seeing it now, it seemed true. Although Father Chen looked slightly constrained, there was genuinely no sign of anger or displeasure.
Truly miraculous.
“Uncle,” Shan Yu didn’t beat around the bush, clasping his hands together and diving straight into the topic, “Chen Jian told you, right? About him and me.”
“Yes,” Father Chen picked up the teacup, blew on the surface, and set it down again. “I… don’t really have any objections. Don’t feel pressured.”
“Thank you for understanding, Uncle,” Shan Yu said. “It really was… quite unexpected.”
“Your parents… when they first found out about you…” Father Chen spoke with a slight struggle, seemingly unsure how to phrase it, “they were probably… about the same, right?”
“Yeah,” Shan Yu smiled. “They don’t really interfere in my private life.”
“I figured as much. They’re very open-minded parents,” Father Chen nodded. “And they’re cultured, knowledgeable people. So… I won’t make things difficult for Chen Jian either…”
Shan Yu said nothing; in that split second, he felt deeply moved.
Father Chen didn’t seem to harbor convoluted thoughts. He respected Boss Liu and Professor Shan, and he wanted his own son to have the same freedom from interference.
Simple, yet profoundly admirable.
“All these years, knocking about everywhere, even though I haven’t accomplished anything grand or mingled with high-and-mighty figures,” Father Chen spoke slowly, “I’ve still seen plenty of people and lived through a lot. Some principles I can’t articulate well, but I understand them in my heart.”
“Thank you, Uncle,” Shan Yu said. “Truly, thank you.”
“I should be thanking you,” Father Chen looked at him with utmost sincerity. “You’re Chen Jian’s benefactor. You’ve helped him a lot, and you’ve helped our family so much…”
“It’s only right, Uncle,” Shan Yu said, then paused and added, “Even without this relationship, I would still help. To Dayin, Chen Jian is indispensable.”
“I know,” Father Chen nodded. “I know…”
A knock came at the office door; it sounded like Sun Nana.
“Come in,” Shan Yu called out.
The door opened, and Sun Nana walked in holding a folder, with Chen Jian right behind her.
The moment Chen Jian stepped in, his eyes locked onto Shan Yu.
Shan Yu stood up, giving his seat to Sun Nana.
“Uncle,” Sun Nana sat on the sofa and placed the folder on the coffee table. “Let me go over the house situation with you. Let’s review a few details first so you have a solid idea of where we stand when signing the agreement with Chen Dashan this afternoon.”
“Alright, alright,” Father Chen replied. “Thank you all for your hard work.”
“It’s no trouble,” Sun Nana said. “This is what my job is for.”
Shan Yu retrieved a bottle of Coke from the mini-fridge and handed it to Chen Jian. His expression was completely relaxed; evidently, the chat had gone smoothly.
As expected of Boss Shan.
Chen Jian took the Coke. From the moment he confessed to his dad until now, his nerves had been strung so tight that he hadn’t even had the appetite to drink anything.
Only when he heard his dad calmly conversing with Sun Nana did he twist open the cap and take a long gulp.
The bubbly, crisp burn traveling from his throat down to his stomach instantly invigorated his spirits.
“There’s something I need you to reach out about in a bit.” Shan Yu tilted his head, walking over toward the executive desk, gently drawing Chen Jian away from the source of tension.
“Mm.” Chen Jian followed him to the desk.
“Sit down,” Shan Yu pointed at the chair, speaking in a low voice.
Chen Jian hesitated for a second before sitting behind the desk.
His dad glanced up in their direction.
Chen Jian smiled at him.
His dad tilted his chin up at him—a tiny gesture, yet brimming with pride and encouragement.
“What is it?” Chen Jian pulled his thoughts back and asked Shan Yu.
Shan Yu propped his hands on the desk and slid his phone forward. “Save this number. It’s the outdoor expedition team partnering with Boss He’s side.”
“Okay,” Chen Jian glanced at the screen. It was Shan Yu’s chat history with Boss He, who had sent over a phone number. Chen Jian pulled out his phone and saved the contact. “Is this Mr. Huo the person in charge?”
“He’s the team captain,” Shan Yu said. “Take a look at what Boss He said and coordinate with them.”
Chen Jian scrolled up through the chat log. Roughly speaking, it was a professional outdoor team that handled hiking, cycling, and the like. This Captain Huo had been hired by Boss He to compile a hiking route guide.
“What’s a hiking route guide?” Chen Jian asked.
“It’s a trail itinerary and log,” Shan Yu opened an outdoor app on his phone. “Things like detailed trail routes, start and end points, transport conditions, required gear, plus terrain details—flat land, mountain paths, distance per terrain type, recommended paces, and so forth. Quite a lot of details…”
“Oh,” Chen Jian nodded. “Got it. We’re responsible for hosting them and briefing them on local conditions so they have a general idea when scouting the trails.”
“Exactly,” Shan Yu nodded.
“Then I’ll…” Chen Jian glanced over at his dad.
“Go ahead,” Shan Yu said. “They’ll still be at it for a while.”
Chen Jian headed back down to the first-floor front desk and pulled out his little notebook. In it were trail notes he had jotted down before—some he had walked himself, and many supplied by Sanbing, since that crew had spent vastly more time running wild all over the mountains than he ever had.
He dialed the number while flipping through the pages.
The call was answered promptly: “Hello, who is this?”
“Hello, is this Captain Huo, Huo Ran?” Chen Jian asked.
“Speaking,” the voice replied.
“Hello, Captain Huo. I’m Chen Jian, manager of Dayin Guesthouse in Red Leaf Town,” Chen Jian said. “Boss He…”
“Oh, I see,” Captain Huo said. “Sorry to trouble you. Boss He mentioned most of your staff are locals and know the terrain better.”
“Yes, feel free to ask if there’s anything you need to know, Captain Huo,” Chen Jian said.
“We can talk details in person; I’m out right now,” Captain Huo spoke crisply, skipping unnecessary pleasantries. “If it’s convenient, I’d like to get an initial idea of…”
“What’s this thing?” A man’s voice suddenly chimed in on Captain Huo’s end. “Should we get this? Looks fun.”
“A mantle lantern,” Captain Huo said. “I’d like to check how the locals usually…”
“A lantern? Looks like a hotpot…” the man muttered to himself.
“It’s vintage,” Captain Huo said. “How many paths do the locals usually take up the mountain…”
Halfway through, Captain Huo lowered his voice sharply: “Don’t touch that! Put it back.”
“Don’t we need a light?” the man asked.
“If you’re bringing that, you might as well carry an actual hotpot up the mountain,” Captain Huo finished, his footsteps indicating he had stepped aside. “Sorry about that, I’m in a store with a friend.”
A professional expedition captain and his tag-along friend.
“No problem,” Chen Jian said. “Whenever it’s convenient for you…”
“A few quick questions are fine,” Captain Huo said. “I just want to know roughly how many routes the locals usually take up the mountain so I can plan ahead.”
“The most commonly used are four trails,” Chen Jian checked his notebook. “There are also lesser-used paths, usually taken for fetching water or foraging mushrooms. Quite a few of those.”
“Alright, understood,” Captain Huo said. “Thanks. I’ll probably bring five people over, from Friday through Sunday.”
“Okay, how many rooms should I reserve for you?” Chen Jian asked.
“Three standard rooms will do,” Captain Huo said. “No need for scenic rooms, no special requirements. Just arrange it however works best for you.”
“Understood,” Chen Jian noted it down. “If you need anything else, you can reach me directly at this number.”
“Manager Chen, right?” Captain Huo asked.
“Yes, my name is Chen Jian—Jian as in mountain stream.”
“Nice name,” Captain Huo said. “See you Friday then.”
“See you Friday,” Chen Jian smiled.
Sanbing leaned against the counter and asked, “An expedition team is coming?”
“What expedition team? What danger is there to explore out here?” Chen Jian said.
“Boss Shan said so,” Sanbing replied.
“You just believe whatever he says?” Chen Jian glanced at him. “Don’t lean on the counter.”
“Oh,” Sanbing stood upright, thought for a second, then propped his elbow right back onto the counter. “Right, Panpan said your dad came over?”
“Deduct twenty this month,” Chen Jian looked at his elbow.
“…Fine, fine, fine,” Sanbing froze, snapping straight again. “Manager’s the boss.”
“Cut the crap,” Chen Jian smiled. “My dad came over to look into the house matter…”
“So Uncle Chen is coming back?” Sanbing asked immediately.
“Not sure yet,” Chen Jian said.
“If he can come back, have him move back,” Sanbing urged. “You’re capable now, so he shouldn’t be toiling in the city anymore. Even my grandma wants my dad to come back; even the old lady knows we’ll be able to make good money around here soon.”
“Mm,” Chen Jian looked at him. “You don’t think about leaving anymore?”
“I’ll stay here for now,” Sanbing said. “Wherever you go, you gotta stand on your own two feet and earn cash. Look at Lao Wu—now that Tingting’s gone, it’s like he woke up from a coma. Works with real energy, even dreaming of becoming a small-town influencer. The Dayin Best Actor.”
Chen Jian chuckled.
Sun Nana walked out of the elevator, folder in hand.
“Done talking?” Chen Jian asked.
“Yeah,” Sun Nana nodded. “Pretty much sorted out. I’m heading over to Old Ding’s place.”
“Coming back for lunch?” Lao Si walked in from the backyard, asking out of nowhere.
“Of course, back in half an hour. Still gotta go to the village with Uncle Chen,” Sun Nana said. “Why?”
“Nothing, just heard you say you’re going to the village,” Lao Si said. “Hardly see you around lately—every time you head out, it’s for days.”
“Miss me?” Sun Nana teased with a grin.
“Just a feeling,” Lao Si propped himself on the counter, gazing into the imaginary distance. “Got used to having everyone around. Whenever someone’s missing, there’s this indescribable… longing? Yearning?”
“Twenty yuan!” Sanbing pointed at Lao Si’s hand, looking at Chen Jian. “Twenty yuan! Doesn’t that deserve a twenty-yuan fine, Manager?”
“First a warning: do not lean on the front desk,” Chen Jian said, already heading toward the elevator. Only his dad and Shan Yu were left in the upstairs office; he needed to get back up there.
“Lean on what?” Lao Si kept leaning. “Who’s leaning?”
“Don’t lean on the desk,” Chen Jian said as he walked.
“Lean on my chest!” Lao Si slapped his chest—heaven knows whose line that was from their script.
“Twenty yuan!” Sanbing yelled.
“Deduct twenty,” Chen Jian stepped into the elevator.
As the doors closed, he heard Sanbing’s gleeful laughter and Lao Si’s indignant protests.
The office door was slightly ajar, with his dad’s voice carrying out from inside.
Chen Jian paused his raised hand without knocking, leaning close to listen.
“Chen Jian is dependable, not that I’m boasting about my own son,” his dad was saying. “This kid has been reliable since he was small…”
Not boasting?
You’ve been boasting the entire way.
Boasting to Old Zhong, and now boasting to Shan Yu.
“I can tell,” Shan Yu concurred.
Quite cooperative, aren’t you.
“Seeing him like this now…” his dad said, “I have no regrets left. None. My whole life feels settled…”
“Don’t talk like that, Uncle,” Shan Yu said. “Sounds like…”
Shut up right now!
Chen Jian pushed the door wide open.
It really did sound like a dying will, but you can’t just blurt that out, Boss!
“Dad,” Chen Jian called out. “You…”
“Weren’t you busy?” his dad asked.
“Yeah,” Chen Jian answered. “Just made a phone call.”
“I’ll go sit in your dorm for a bit,” his dad said. “Manager Sun said we’ll head to the village together later.”
“Okay,” Chen Jian nodded. “If you can fall asleep, take a nap. You look exhausted.”
“Sure thing.” His dad stepped out of the office.
Chen Jian peered through the door crack until he saw his dad enter the dorm, then quietly pulled the door shut, turning around to face Shan Yu.
“What?” Shan Yu leaned against the desk, watching him.
That’s twenty yuan right there.
“How do you feel?” Chen Jian asked.
“My feelings?” Shan Yu asked.
“Mm.” Chen Jian nodded.
“Very… happy,” Shan Yu said. “Very comfortable. What about you?”
“I don’t know,” Chen Jian said. “I haven’t fully processed it yet. Right now, I’m just really excited, and really nervous…”
“Still nervous?” Shan Yu asked.
“Yeah,” Chen Jian glanced back toward the door. “And seeing my dad still feels a little awkward.”
“Come here,” Shan Yu opened his arms. “Let me hug the bundle of awkwardness.”
Chen Jian smiled, walked over, and wrapped his arms around Shan Yu.
Shan Yu held him tight, gently patting his back. “I’m also pleasantly surprised.”
“Mm,” Chen Jian nodded. “As you should be.”
“And I love you very much,” Shan Yu whispered softly.
“That’s also what you’re supposed to do,” Chen Jian kept nodding, “but same here. I love you very much too.”
0 Comments