DHLM 4
Daily Life
Even when the dishes were served, Jiang Heng was still thinking about it.
“They’re only badmouthing you because they don’t make as much money as you do.”
Jin Ze nodded in agreement. “Alright, let’s eat.”
For trivial matters like these, Jin Ze had long since learned to laugh them off. He was past the age of holding grudges over a few careless remarks.
Normally, he wouldn’t even bring this up to anyone, but there was something about Jiang Heng’s sincerity and passion that he hadn’t encountered in a long time. He just couldn’t hold it in.
Sitting at the dining table, Jin Ze took a bite of freshly cooked rice, still steaming hot, and let out a satisfied sigh.
Finally, a proper meal at home.
“Thanks to Teacher Jiang for cooking this meal,” Jin Ze said, raising his glass with a smile.
“No need to thank me.” Jiang Heng’s glass was filled with juice—so was Jin Ze’s.
Jiang Heng’s reasoning was that he still had to study English in the afternoon, and drinking would slow down his progress.
Hearing this, Jin Ze paused for a moment before pouring himself a glass of juice as well.
“You’re really good at cooking,” Jin Ze said, tasting a piece of tender fish, not holding back on the praise.
Jiang Heng, a little embarrassed by the compliment, said, “I’ll cook for you whenever I have time.”
Jin Ze chewed his fish and suddenly remembered something he hadn’t mentioned yet.
He was a tutor, not a housekeeper.
“Try the shrimp,” Jiang Heng said, still unaware of Jin Ze’s thoughts, trying his best to be a perfect boyfriend.
Jin Ze swallowed the fish and tasted a salt-and-pepper shrimp before speaking.
The crispy yet tender shrimp meat spread in his mouth, coated in a thin layer of seasoned salt.
Suddenly, he didn’t feel like bringing up that topic anymore.
“What’s wrong? Is it not good?” Jiang Heng asked when he saw Jin Ze hesitate.
“It’s delicious.”
Being a housekeeper wasn’t that bad, Jin Ze thought. After all, he was paying him 150,000 yuan—an average of 10,000 yuan a month. Cooking a few meals wasn’t a big deal.
“So, should I cook for you again next time?” Jiang Heng asked.
“…”
“Sure.” At that moment, Jin Ze’s appetite won over his reasoning. “Should I give you a raise?”
“No need. The 150,000 yuan you gave me last time covered the medical bills, and there’s still plenty left. I don’t really have anything to spend money on right now.”
Jin Ze looked up.
“At least let me pay for the groceries. I’ll give you a monthly grocery budget—anything extra is yours to keep. If it’s not enough, let me know.”
He would rather spend more money than owe someone a favor.
Jiang Heng was about to refuse, but Jin Ze quickly cut him off, “Alright, that’s settled. Let’s eat.”
Jiang Heng held his chopsticks and looked at Jin Ze. He’s really a good person.
After dinner, Jin Ze slumped on the couch, staring at his English books with renewed motivation.
“Should we keep practicing speaking?” Jiang Heng asked, noticing that besides making money, learning English seemed to be Jin Ze’s only hobby.
“Let’s take a break. I need to digest.”
Jiang Heng was curious. “Why are you suddenly so determined to learn English?”
“Ugh.” Just mentioning it made Jin Ze frustrated.
He recounted what had happened at a recent banquet—except for the part about asking Ji Miao to find him a tutor.
When Jiang Heng heard that someone had insulted Jin Ze to his face, calling him a nouveau riche, his brows furrowed deeply.
“It’s just English, right? I refuse to believe I can’t learn it.” Jin Ze had an inherent stubbornness—if people said he couldn’t do something, he was even more determined to prove them wrong.
I’m the best!
Jiang Heng felt uncomfortable knowing Jin Ze had been insulted. He made up his mind to help him improve his English.
The two quickly reached an agreement—especially Jiang Heng, who wanted to thank his sponsor. That night, he stayed up late to create a detailed English learning plan. After double-checking everything, he sent the document to Jin Ze.
To his surprise, Jin Ze replied almost immediately.
[Thanks. I appreciate it.]
Jiang Heng hadn’t expected Jin Ze to still be awake—it was already close to 1 AM.
[Why are you still up?]
[Just got home.]
[This late?]
[Yeah.]
[You’re still up too.]
[I don’t have class tomorrow, so I don’t need to sleep early.]
[Oh. Get some rest then.]
[You too. Goodnight.]
After sending Goodnight, Jin Ze stared at the document Jiang Heng had sent. It was formatted like a professional research paper, complete with annotations—clear proof of Jiang Heng’s dedication.
Jin Ze thought, If I had known Jiang Heng back in college, I wouldn’t have suffered so much writing my thesis just to meet formatting requirements.
After skimming the document, he sent another message:
[Thanks, Teacher Jiang.]
By then, Jiang Heng had already fallen asleep and didn’t see the message. Meanwhile, Jin Ze, still wide awake from coming home late, tossed and turned in bed before sighing and heading to the fridge.
When he opened it, he froze for a moment.
What was once a fridge full of alcohol was now neatly divided into two sections.
The bottom still held his old friends—rows of colorful liquor bottles.
The top, however, was filled with neatly stacked yogurt and bread—the food he and Jiang Heng had bought at the supermarket last time.
Jin Ze bent down, instinctively reaching for a bottle of alcohol, but as he was about to close the fridge, his gaze landed on the yogurt and bread.
He recalled Jiang Heng’s trick for removing an entire pack of yogurt without damaging the cardboard box—just pry open the folded corners with your fingers.
Looking at the perfectly intact packaging, Jin Ze clenched his fist and let out a quiet Yes! in celebration.
He hesitated for a moment before swapping his bottle of liquor for yogurt and bread instead.
Drinking at midnight had a certain vibe.
Drinking yogurt and eating bread at midnight? That was just a late-night snack.
But Jin Ze didn’t care anymore. Alcohol wasn’t helping him sleep, so he might as well try something else—he couldn’t stay up all night; he had a busy day tomorrow.
Maybe it was the carbs from the bread and yogurt, but he gradually started feeling sleepy.
A small bottle of yogurt and a few pieces of bread worked better than half a bottle of hard liquor.
When he woke up, he saw a message from Jiang Heng.
[I’m free this afternoon. Are you home? I prepared some English notes and listening tapes for you.]
Jin Ze thought for a moment before replying.
[Be there at seven.]
[Okay.]
It was Friday, and Jin Ze had to meet an important client to finalize a deal. He expected it to be quick, but the client kept stalling and refused to sign the contract.
By the time he got back, it was already midnight.
“Jiang Heng?” Jin Ze blinked, thinking he was seeing things.
“It’s me.” Jiang Heng stood up, his legs numb from sitting too long.
“Why are you still here? I sent you a message to go home.”
“My phone died. I didn’t see your message.”
“I was worried that if I left, you’d come back right after.”
Jiang Heng’s honesty made Jin Ze’s heart ache a little. He sighed, tossing his alcohol-scented blazer aside. “Sorry, something came up.”
“It’s okay.”
“Did you eat?”
“I’m not hungry.”
Jin Ze checked the time—almost midnight.
“You should stay here tonight.”
