After Sheng Jun Chapter 40 (Part 1)
Translated by Sylver (ko-fi)
Chapter 40 Caught in a Dilemma (part 1)
For a moment, Zhong Ming's heart was engulfed by immense panic. He almost blurted out: "No! You can't forget him!"
But when he met Jiang Xingzhi's clear eyes, he forcibly swallowed back the words that were about to escape his lips.
He concealed the barely perceptible anxiety on his face: Stay calm, stay calm... Jiang Xingzhi saying this means he still likes me. Don't panic.
Only now did Zhong Ming belatedly realize that during this time, he had been coaxing Jiang Xingzhi with many direct and passionate love words, quite like "acting spoiled because of being favored."
If he had taken the initiative to reveal his identity earlier, it might have been a pleasant surprise, but if his disguise was stripped away under these circumstances... given the other's personality, he would definitely be furious with embarrassment.
Especially since Jiang Xingzhi was still hesitating whether to forget him, what if he got angry and really didn't want him anymore?
——No, he absolutely couldn't lose him!
He absolutely could not drop his disguise under these circumstances.
Countless thoughts raced through his mind in mere moments. Zhong Ming forced himself to calm down and wrapped his small disguise tighter around himself.
He called out with feigned composure, "Deng Deng."
Jiang Xingzhi looked up at him, his attitude tolerant and encouraging, "You can speak your mind. I won't be angry."
"......" No, you'll definitely be angry.
Zhong Ming took a slight breath, choosing his words carefully, "I think, since you like him so much, you probably can't easily give up in the short term, right?"
Jiang Xingzhi didn't refute, "That's right."
The stone in Zhong Ming's heart settled down a little, and his thoughts gradually became smoother, "Why not just let things take their natural course? Forcibly twisting your own feelings will only make you more miserable."
"So you hope I won't transfer my affections to someone else?"
"I..." Zhong Ming licked his dry lips, "I hope you'll be happy."
These words sounded quite affectionate and selfless.
Jiang Xingzhi pursed his lips and studied him carefully for several moments, always feeling that Bai Mu's attitude didn't quite match his personality... But when it comes to emotions, people are more or less unlike themselves sometimes, so it was still reasonably acceptable.
Not until Zhong Ming was almost breaking out in cold sweat from being stared at did Jiang Xingzhi finally withdraw his gaze, "Ah Zuo really does consider things for my sake."
Zhong Ming softly hummed his agreement.
This round of probing temporarily ended, and Jiang Xingzhi returned to the previous topic, "I'm going to the city to buy an incense burner."
"I'll go with you," Zhong Ming quickly said.
"It's just buying an incense burner. I'll be back in the time it takes to brew a cup of tea."
"I just happen to want to take a stroll too."
Zhong Ming eagerly followed along, as if afraid that Jiang Xingzhi might run away when he wasn't paying attention.
Jiang Xingzhi glanced at him sideways, "When did you develop a hobby of shopping?"
"......" Zhong Ming said earnestly, "I unknowingly cultivated it."
"Then let's go. I should encourage your hobbies."
"Deng Deng is really good."
After they finished speaking, the blue figure leaped from the observation platform, and Zhong Ming followed a step behind, flying out after him.
He suppressed the restless emotions in his heart, comforting himself:
It's fine, there won't be any problems in the short term. Jiang Xingzhi won't stop liking him so quickly. As long as he hurries back to a thousand years later with him, he can reclaim his identity as "Xu Jian" and be openly sweet and loving with his Deng Deng!
As for the "Bai Mu" disguise... if it's lost, then so be it!
****
The two landed in Xunyang City in moments.
The shop selling incense burners was easy to find. With just a casual inquiry, Jiang Xingzhi learned of one. He didn't dawdle, heading straight for his destination.
Both had outstanding temperament and clothing. As soon as they stepped into the shop, the shopkeeper warmly welcomed them, and after asking about Jiang Xingzhi's requirements, recommended dozens of options.
Jiang Xingzhi lowered his head to examine each one, while Zhong Ming followed beside him, looking: Was there a smaller one that would burn less at a time? Maybe the effect wouldn't be so pronounced, and it could let Jiang Xingzhi dream of him more, reinforcing their precarious love.
He watched for the right moment when Jiang Xingzhi seemed indecisive, then pointed to the smallest one, "Deng Deng, how about this one?"
Jiang Xingzhi frowned, "This one's too small, not grand enough."
"It's enough, it's enough." Zhong Ming coaxed in a low voice, "This one is exquisite and cute, just like you."
A substantial gaze fell upon him.
Jiang Xingzhi stared at him, "Do you think this description would make me very pleased?"
Zhong Ming, "......"
Zhong Ming struggled to make amends, "I've never praised anyone before. You're the first, so I'm not very skilled at it yet."
His words were sincere, so Jiang Xingzhi withdrew his gaze and magnanimously forgave him.
After picking for a while, Jiang Xingzhi finally chose one of moderate size with exquisite craftsmanship. Zhong Ming helped him carry it while he went to the counter to pay and wait for change.
The figure with his back turned seemed not to notice this side.
Zhong Ming looked down at the small incense burner cradled in his palm, his mind stirring. He wanted to secretly do something to make this incense burner's burning effect less effective, but was afraid of being detected by Jiang Xingzhi.
He was so conflicted that his fingers tightened, discovering for the first time that he could be this cowardly.
In the blink of an eye, Jiang Xingzhi had already paid and returned.
He saw the man in front of him holding the incense burner while standing straight, his expression as solemn as if he were offering incense at a mausoleum, "...Bai Mu, what are you doing?"
Zhong Ming missed his opportunity but had to remain composed, "Waiting for you seriously."
"You don't need to be serious to this degree." Jiang Xingzhi took back the incense burner with a complex expression and tucked it into his pouch. Those who didn't know might think the incense was being offered to himself, "Let's go."
The incense burner disappeared into the storage bag with a flash, and Zhong Ming's gaze followed it, "Oh."
The two left the shop and returned to the street.
Jiang Xingzhi asked, "What would you like to browse?"
Zhong Ming didn't react for a moment, "What?"
Jiang Xingzhi patiently reminded him, "Your newly cultivated hobby."
"......" That was just an excuse. How could he be in the mood to stroll around now? He just wanted to quickly return to a thousand years later with Jiang Xingzhi and remove his disguise.
"It seems I don't love it that much after all," Zhong Ming said. "The matter of completing the soul is more urgent. If Piaomiao Palace can't solve it, let's go ask Wanyao Valley."
Jiang Xingzhi: Bai Mu's love really does come and go quickly.
He didn't probe further, following the latter half of the other's statement with a sigh, "Unfortunately, I don't have much connection with Wanyao Valley."
Zhong Ming said, "Let's go back and ask Wu Jie if any of his clients are from Wanyao Valley."
Jiang Xingzhi suddenly understood and praised, "You're really clever."