A Short Separation is Better than a Honeymoon!

Ding Hanbai stood outside the wall for a long time. The Kongming Lantern had already floated to the edge of the sky, yet he remained standing. Suddenly, a pebble was thrown out from inside, one of the pebbles lining the flowerbed.

This was a signal from Ji Shenyu. Ji Shenyu had seen him.

He backed away step by step, leaving reluctantly. As he passed the gate of the Ding Family Compound, he glanced at it, wondering how the two elders were doing. Back in Chongshui, he quickly packed a few clothes. He was going to Shanghai.

He had sent his bidder application early in the morning. He would travel overnight and, upon arrival, immediately attend the auction. Zhang Sinian was currently nailing down bed boards, humming a song, reminiscing about his first trip to Shanghai as a young man. After returning, he did little else but curse anyone who displeased him as a 'little brat'.

Ding Hanbai was decisive. He changed into a trench coat and put down two stacks of cash before leaving. "Stop nailing. Buy a new bed. You can keep the rest of the money," he instructed. "As for the other stack, give it to my junior brother if you get the chance."

Zhang Sinian asked, "What were you doing tonight? So you didn't see him?"

If Ding Hanbai really wanted to see him, climbing the wall wouldn't have been difficult. But he didn't have that much self-control; once he saw him, he wouldn't be able to leave. 'I'll endure it a little longer. When I get back, I'll drift before Ji Shenyu even if I have to turn into a wisp of light smoke.'

He left with his bag under the cover of night.

On the train departing in the early morning, passengers fell asleep as soon as they boarded.

Ding Hanbai went to the vestibule between carriages to smoke, recalling the sunset on the way to Chifeng. That moment had been so wonderful. He had hugged Ji Shenyu from behind, a pounding heartbeat hidden beneath the tranquil calm. Unlike now, when he could only see his own shadow.

He wasn't the only one looking at his shadow. Ji Shenyu was leaning on the windowsill, gazing at the sky, hoping the Kongming Lantern that had floated far away would return. The night was dark, but the room was lit; he too could only see his own shadow.

The weather grew warmer day by day, but Ding Yanshou's health, ailing from anger, showed no signs of improvement. The information Ding Erhe had revealed was like a heavy hammer blow, completely shattering this father of firm principles. As a result, he recuperated at home, leaving Ding Houkang in full charge of the three Jade Pavilion shops.

At the dinner table, Ding Erhe took the opportunity to suggest, "Uncle, the First Shop is the most important. With you gone, there's no one to hold down the fort. Why not let my dad take over for now?" After speaking, he reached for the last fried dough stick, only to have it snatched away by a pair of chopsticks from across the table.

Ji Shenyu split the dough stick in two, giving one piece to Jiang Ting'en and the other to Ding Keyu. He said, "Master, Third Brother is watching me, and we're both at the Third Shop. Ting'en is there making jewelry too. If Second Uncle goes to the First Shop and Second Brother is at the Second Shop, then both shops will be a bit strained."

Ding Erhe said, "As long as production isn't a problem, it's fine. I know what I'm doing."

Ji Shenyu brought up an old matter, "Previously, the Second Shop asked Master to make a batch of Jade Cylinder Pendants and Jade Pendant Sets. That shows that Second Brother and Second Uncle couldn't handle the workload by themselves. How can it not be a problem for each shop to have only one person producing pieces."

He reminded Ding Yanshou, then continued, "Master, let Third Brother and me go to the First Shop. I've already done most of the work you have on hand, and it's best to see things through to the end. Second Uncle and Second Brother can stay at the Second Shop. Jewelry is produced quickly, so Ting'en can handle the Third Shop by himself."

Ji Shenyu kicked Jiang Ting'en under the table. Jiang Ting'en immediately puffed out his chest and gave his assurance, and Ding Keyu also expressed no objection. Ding Yanshou gave his approval, finished his meal, and went back to his room to lie down. Ding Erhe didn't get a chance to appeal.

They left together, the pot-bellied Ding Houkang walking in front, with the four apprentice brothers following behind. At the street corner, they went their separate ways. Ji Shenyu turned to face Ding Erhe. As they brushed shoulders, the other man said, "At home, you're an outsider. At the shop, you're a hired hand with no shares. Don't you forget it."

The voice was low, brewing with anger beneath its calm surface. Ji Shenyu replied softly, "Precisely because I have no shares, no one can accuse me of being ambitious no matter what I say or do."

When people have ambitions, they have weaknesses. With weaknesses, their hands are tied. Ji Shenyu was open and honest. At home, he hoped Ding Yanshou would forgive Ding Hanbai soon, and that the ice between father and son would melt. At Jade Pavilion, he considered everything for the sake of the shop, and he would deal with anyone who tried to play tricks.

Ji Shenyu and Ding Keyu went to the First Shop. Yingchun Avenue lived up to its name; the winter jasmine flowers on both sides of the road were in fervent bloom. Pedestrians craned their necks to gaze greedily, but his heart was as still as water. He opened the door and entered the shop. In front of others, he was polite and thoughtful, producing pieces, attending to customers, and managing all aspects of the shop. When he had a moment to spare, he would turn his back and become as silent as a block of wood.

In those fleeting moments of free time, he thought of Ding Hanbai.

Would Ding Hanbai appear outside the wall again tonight?

This single question, he could ponder it a hundred and eight thousand times.

"Ji Zhenzhu, take a break." Ding Keyu came in, rolling up his sleeves and tying on an apron. "These past few days, I've been so busy watching you that I haven't even touched the machines. Let me work for a bit."

Ji Shenyu perceptively prepared tea and wiped the carving knife, then said, as if casually, "The flowers on the street are blooming so beautifully. The young ladies can't walk away after seeing them."

Ding Keyu replied offhandedly, "That's girls for you. It's to be expected."

Ji Shenyu asked, "Third Brother, don't you have a girlfriend? Is she pretty?"

Ding Keyu teased him, "You don't even like girls, why do you care if she's pretty?" He then sighed helplessly. "We haven't seen each other in a while. She's probably mad at me."

Following him around to watch him every day, he had no time to touch the machines, let alone see his girlfriend. Having tested the waters, Ji Shenyu came up with a plan. He said nothing and went to the front hall to watch the counter. It was May. Ding Hanbai's birthday was in a few days. He had to see him.

A shop assistant ambled over. Seeing him smiling to himself contentedly, he also started to smile.

His face flushed. Putting on a false front, he adopted the air of a grandmaster. "Have you logged the piece that was finished this morning? It's May already, have you sorted out last month's inventory of materials?"

The assistant replied, "Didn't you do that yourself first thing this morning?"

Ji Shenyu was dizzy from being so busy. He just kept working, and as soon as he finished something, he would quickly clear it from his mind, not remembering it. There was only so much space in his head, and he had to make room for Ding Hanbai. He began to smile again, and with this smiling face, he attended to customers, making sales go even more smoothly.

Unfortunately, his happiness didn't last until nightfall. After closing up and returning home, he was dragged by Jiang Ting'en into Jiang Caiwei's room. The posture was one of insiders sharing secrets. "Second Brother came to the Third Shop today to ask about the accounts," Jiang Ting'en said. "I'm not in charge of the books, but I know profits have been rising, so I told him."

Ji Shenyu asked, "Was he up to something?"

Jiang Ting'en replied, "I don't know. He just said we were doing a good job, and that the Second Shop couldn't compare at all. He didn't mention anything else."

For no reason, there must be a follow-up move. Ji Shenyu said nothing and told Jiang Ting'en not to worry about it either. Looking up, he met Jiang Caiwei's gaze. He pursed his lips in embarrassment. Jiang Caiwei was an elder; she must have been very hurt by the matter between him and Ding Hanbai. He felt apologetic.

Unexpectedly, Jiang Caiwei said, "Ting'en, Hanbai isn't home. If Shenyu needs your help with anything, you do your best to help him."

Jiang Ting'en had a quick tongue. "So if Eldest Brother isn't here, we listen to sister-in-law, right?"

Ji Shenyu shot to his feet. He couldn't hit him in front of his own aunt. But on second thought, if she could make such a joke, did that mean... did that mean she wasn't so opposed to him and Ding Hanbai being together?

The room instantly erupted into chaos. Jiang Caiwei chased Jiang Ting'en, trying to hit him, even smashing a bottle of perfume in the process. Ji Shenyu dodged along with him. The two of them ran all the way back to the small courtyard in one breath, stopping under the archway, panting and wheezing as they faced each other, a pair of brothers in misfortune.

Ji Shenyu probed, "...What do you really think?"

Jiang Ting'en stammered, "I-I was joking. You're not a girl, how can you be a sister-in-law." He felt guilty, his gaze wandering, unable to withstand the scrutiny. "Forget it. I'm selfish... I'm happy for you and Eldest Brother to be together!"

Ji Shenyu said, pleasantly surprised, "Really?! That's so selfless of you!"

Jiang Ting'en said, "Then no one will compete with me for Shang Minru."

Any reason was fine. In any case, Ji Shenyu now had his first supporter. He wished he could immediately carve a 'dragon playing with a phoenix' sculpture for Jiang Ting'en and Shang Minru. The two of them horsed around for a long time. Finally, Jiang Ting'en asked if they should tell Ding Yanshou about Ding Erhe asking about the accounts.

Ji Shenyu said there was no need. For now, it was just an inquiry; acting defensively would make them seem petty. He also asked Jiang Ting'en to bring back a flower-shaped necklace from the Third Shop and put it on his tab.

The next morning, Ji Shenyu was squatting by the flowerbed watering the plants when a series of hurried footsteps approached. Ding Erhe had arrived with several shop assistants. Such a commotion so early in the morning couldn't possibly be for cleaning. Before he could ask, Ding Erhe demanded the key to the South Room.

He naturally refused to give it up, but Ding Erhe had brought the assistants along because he had already gotten Ding Yanshou's approval to move the materials from the machine room. "Move them where? Those materials were all bought by my senior brother, they're not public property." He was unwilling to hand them over.

Ding Erhe said politely, "They are indeed Hanbai's own materials, but he didn't take them with him. I asked Uncle if he was coming back, and Uncle said he's not allowed back. So these materials can't just sit here forever. We'll leave a little, and move the rest to Jade Pavilion to be divided up."

Ji Shenyu stood frozen, unable to think of a way to delay. The other party's request was legitimate, and he had the 'feather duster command'—he couldn't disobey. After handing over the key, he stood helplessly in the courtyard, watching the assistants rummage through chests and cupboards. Those were all things Ding Hanbai liked, his treasured possessions.

'He left so freely, taking nothing with him, and now they're being taken away so soon.'

Ding Erhe walked over, smiling quite handsomely. "Hanbai has guts, tossing aside the family business to strike out on his own, as if he has no attachments at all. Actually, I think you're the one who should leave. Getting mixed up with their actual son, and still shamelessly eating and sleeping here every day. How embarrassing."

Ji Shenyu turned back to water the flowers, not saying a word. He could endure this bit of humiliation.

But the other man wasn't finished. He continued, "The real son leaves, while an unrelated outsider stays. It's the biggest joke in the world. And you're so comfortable with it. Is it just you, or are all you people from Yangzhou like this? Your dad was quite something too. Entrusting his son, he entrusted a lone star of calamity, one who specializes in destroying happy families. But that makes sense. You're an illegitimate son; the flaw must have come from the womb."

Ji Shenyu turned his head. "What? Trying to provoke me?" He slammed down the aluminum watering can. "I've ruined the Ding family's reputation and sullied your family members, is that it? How can I stay here in peace? I should just jump into the moat and end it all, is that what you want? But on what grounds? I haven't broken any laws. To this day, I am still a grandmaster at Jade Pavilion. Are you? The Chairman hasn't denounced me, the Public Security Bureau hasn't opened a case on me, the officers at the district police station haven't brought me in for questioning, and not even the neighborhood committee ladies have pointed fingers at me. What gives you the right? Who the hell do you think you are, Ding Erhe?!"

He took a step closer. "I'm an illegitimate son, I can't compare to you. You have a clean background, a proper pedigree, a remarkable uncle and a slightly inferior father. It's truly strange then, how can your skills not even measure up to an illegitimate son like me? Are you naturally dull-witted, or am I exceptionally intelligent? I heard you studied mechanics. How many times did you get first place? How many award certificates did you win? Probably just average, I'd guess. Why don't I show you a way out? If you can't make a name for yourself in carving, change careers early. Repair watches, pick locks, fix zippers. Recognize your mediocre fate!"

His skills were inferior, and he couldn't even win a verbal spar. Useless!

Ding Erhe's face was flushed red. He stammered "You... you... you..." and couldn't squeeze out another word for a long time. After the assistants finished moving the things, he threw out the word "Disgusting" and left.

Ji Shenyu's throat ached and his steps were unsteady. He walked up the steps to the North House and slowly collapsed, staring blankly at the courtyard. The Lucky Bamboo turned from green to yellow, the roses wilted and bloomed again. He had endured this upheaval in his life, holding on, hoping for a bright path ahead.

'Do I regret it?' He asked himself every day.

But his heart had long been filled and sealed by Ding Hanbai. This mortal body of his had been so cherished by Ding Hanbai that it had tasted the marrow of love and couldn't forget. He couldn't change, couldn't turn back. Whether it was bickering with someone like a ruffian or painstakingly protecting the family's interests, he didn't regret it one bit.

After catching his breath, he closed the doors and windows and went to Jade Pavilion. Unexpectedly, there was an old man in sunglasses in the front hall. It was Zhang Sinian.

Separated by a counter, they both kept their voices low. Ji Shenyu suppressed his eagerness and asked, "Master Zhang, how is my senior brother?"

Zhang Sinian said, "He's eating and sleeping well. He could roll right through the bed boards." He lowered his head, right under the noses of the shop assistants and Ding Keyu. "Let me see this incense tube. A bamboo carving?"

Ji Shenyu took it out and introduced it as a Gu Juekuan piece, carved with the scene of An Offering of Longevity at the Jade Pond. Zhang Sinian was clutching a string of keys. He placed the keys on the counter, took the incense tube and looked at it for a while, feeling the patina didn't match the quality of the carving.

The old man looked at three or four more pieces in succession, nitpicking, always finding something unsatisfactory. Ji Shenyu patiently introduced each one with an apologetic smile. Zhang Sinian was the very picture of a difficult customer. After all that effort, he ended up buying nothing and left.

A moment after leaving, he called out from outside the door, "Young Master, you dropped your keys!"

Ji Shenyu grabbed the keys and came out to return them. Standing at the doorway, in the instant he handed them over, an envelope appeared in his hand. Zhang Sinian said in a low voice, "This is some spending money from Ding Hanbai. He's gone to Shanghai. He'll be back on the fifth."

'The fifth? Isn't that Ding Hanbai's birthday?' Ji Shenyu put it away safely and replied, "Thank you for making the trip. I'll find a way to see him."

Zhang Sinian wanted to say, 'Just break up, you two. What's the point? Why suffer like this? You can't get married, much less have children.' Then he thought, he himself had a child but it was as if he didn't. 'Forget it,' he thought.

Ding Hanbai rushed around Shanghai for a few days, attending auctions, visiting several antiques markets, and even meeting a classmate from his time studying abroad. By the Huangpu River, he stood alone in the wind, sketching a quick drawing before he left.

'How are things at home? Without me there to stir up trouble every day, it should be much more peaceful.'

'How are Mom and Dad? Do they miss me? When they think of me, is it with more anger, or more reluctance to let go?'

'How is Jade Pavilion? The pieces I carved before must have sold out by now. Will sales decline in the future?'

Finally, he allowed himself to think about how Ji Shenyu was doing. He could only think of Ji Shenyu last, because once he started, the floodgates would open and he wouldn't be able to stop. If he thought of him first, everything else would just have to wait.

The river water churned. Ding Hanbai, carrying his boiling longing, began his journey home. He slept leaning against his luggage, hoping that when he woke up, the train would be pulling into the station. By then it would be the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, his birthday.

Back then, there were six women in the delivery room. He was the fourth to be born, with the loudest cry and the biggest body. Every year on his birthday, Jiang Shuliu would repeat this story. This year... it was doubtful she would.

The train whistle blew, shattering the night of his hometown.

He hailed a tricycle waiting for a fare and blurted out "Ding Family Residence". After saying it, he savored the words for a moment, then resignedly changed his destination to "Chongshui". He arrived at that rundown hutong, knocked on the broken door, entered the broken house, and—ha, the broken bed had already been fixed.

Ding Hanbai fell asleep the moment his head hit the pillow, having tucked a small box underneath it.

The atmosphere of this day was destined to be unusual. Even the fish in the pond swished their tails with a little more restraint. Breakfast was crude, just a basin of soy milk. Everyone filled up on liquid. No one dared to be angry, let alone speak. They were celebrating someone's birthday more somberly than the Qingming Festival.

Ji Shenyu pulled Ding Keyu into the small courtyard and showed him the flower-shaped necklace. The jade was a pale color; it was their best-selling model. "Third Brother, you must be tired of watching me all this time. You haven't even had time to see your girlfriend. How about giving this to your girlfriend?" he said nicely. "If the size isn't right, I can adjust it. You must have her try it on."

Ding Keyu was already lovesick, but if he left, who would watch Ji Shenyu?

Jiang Ting'en chose the perfect moment to jump out, an unhappy look on his face, demanding the necklace back, saying a customer had already ordered it. Ji Shenyu blocked him. "I've already given it to Third Brother. Just make a new one."

Jiang Ting'en said, "Then you'll make it today. I'll watch you. If you don't finish it, you don't eat."

Ding Keyu was now at ease. He put the necklace away and went happily to his date. The act was over. Jiang Ting'en went from being a supervisor to a lookout, helping Ji Shenyu slip out the main gate under cover. Finally free, Ji Shenyu ran wild, jogging towards the Chongshui Old District.

At this moment, Ding Hanbai had just woken up. He took a bath and laid out the treasures he had acquired in the courtyard. They shone in the light, bright and clear. For a moment, he was even reluctant to find buyers for them. After admiring them, he changed his clothes and went out, taking the small box from under his pillow before he left.

He was going to see Ji Shenyu. He would see him even if he had to pass through walls or tunnel through the earth. He kicked open that broken door and strode into the long hutong.

He looked up. Good heavens. A figure appeared at the mouth of the hutong. The silhouette was familiar, but much thinner. Ding Hanbai froze on the spot, his suave demeanor gone, staring ahead without blinking.

Ji Shenyu, sweating from his run, looked up, startled, and stopped in his tracks.

Ding Hanbai grew anxious. "Why did you stop?! Get over here!"

Ji Shenyu really wanted to cry, but he just smiled foolishly and broke into a sprint towards Ding Hanbai. Ding Hanbai swept him into his arms, lifting him off the ground, swaying him, holding him tight, panting in his ear, warming the side of his neck with his breath.

Ding Hanbai was actually crying.

"Long time no see," Ding Hanbai said in a hoarse voice. "I've waited from twenty to twenty-one."

Ji Shenyu said, "I've also gone from seventeen to eighteen."

Ding Hanbai was filled with regret. He swore to make up for this missed birthday in the future. He carried Ji Shenyu back and kicked the broken door shut again. Zhang Sinian was startled and averted his eyes, afraid his good right eye would be overstimulated. Ji Shenyu didn't dare to look up, and was even more reluctant to be put down, burying himself in the crook of Ding Hanbai's neck like a quail.

Ding Hanbai was smug, showing off, acting like a fool.

As he entered the room, he announced loudly— "A short separation is better than a honeymoon!"

Zhang Sinian wanted to say something, but his old face was so red with embarrassment that he couldn't speak. He put on his jacket and fled outside. The park or the street, he'd rather be out begging than stay inside. What kind of damn disciple was this, being intimate in his master's house in broad daylight! And this disciple's 'wife'—he'd seen through him long ago. He was just a little fox trained by Six-Fingers!

The inner room was filled with antiques. Ji Shenyu found every piece fascinating, but before he could get a good look, he was lifted onto the bed and subjected to a long session of kisses. "Have your injuries healed completely?" he mumbled. Ding Hanbai used his hands to undress, letting him inspect thoroughly.

The muscles were smooth, with no scars left behind. Held by this long, sturdy body, Ji Shenyu couldn't stop trembling. Antiques were strewn all over the floor. With a glance, he saw the large '正' characters covering the wall.

Ding Hanbai said, "When I couldn't see you, I kept count."

There were so many. Ji Shenyu asked, "Is one day outside a year in here for you?"

Ding Hanbai answered, "You got that right. For me, every fucking day has felt like a year."

The lamp was shaking. Ji Shenyu thought the lamp was shaking, but later realized it was because he was being tossed about so violently. The bed protested incessantly, creaking and groaning, the noise almost drowning out his own voice. The bastard holding him was immediately dissatisfied. He patted him, coaxed him, telling him to be louder.

The tally marks on the wall blurred in his vision. He didn't know if there were ears on the other side of the wall, but if there were, they must be burning. No sooner had he thought it than there was a sudden, deafening crash.

The sky fell and the earth cracked. The heavens collapsed and the ground gave way.

Their reunion after a short separation was indeed better than a honeymoon, but it came at the cost of the newly fixed bed.