Chapter 54: If It's From Someone You Care About, You'll Still Like It


Source: https://www.jjwxc.net/onebook.php?novelid=2188414
This translation is originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com please read it there. and check out other stories too.


There are several types of fruits in the fruit plate, clean and vibrant. Such thoughtful preparation undoubtedly comes from the hands of Feng Tangtang. When it comes to taking care of people, Yan Tinghuan cannot be counted on.

Ruan Yesheng switched to another fruit to feed Xi Mo, saying, "Luckily, Tangtang is here; everything is well-organized."

If it were a long time ago, when her “Sister Xi” called her "Tangtang," this nickname would have definitely startled Feng Tangtang. Since the time Xi Mo mentioned using "Tangtang" as a term of address, the frequency of being called like this has increased. Feng Tangtang transitioned from initial discomfort to gradually getting used to it, and now, every time she hears it, she feels elated.

Hearing her "Sister Xi" call her Tangtang feels so sweet.

A rush of sweetness seems to climb from the bottom of her heart to her throat. This piece of candy also sweetly says, "Sister Xi, you're too kind. Ruanruan is my good friend; it's only natural. Right, Ruanruan?"

Seeing Feng Tangtang looking at her with hopeful eyes, behaving almost like a loyal pet, Xi Mo felt complicated emotions but still managed to show a seemingly natural smile, saying, "Of course, Tangtang and I have a genuine friendship. This time, I troubled her."

"Tsk, tsk, look at this." Yan Tinghuan put one leg on top of the other, with a big "unhappy" sign on top of each other. The sour taste seemed to leak out from the gap between her teeth, and she grumbled: "Ruanruan, who was troubled? Who carried you out of the hotel? After getting off the car, who carried you into the hospital? And who ran up and down to handle the registration, payments, and all? It's all me! Now, my back hurts, my waist aches, and you don't even eat the fruit I feed you, you heartless little thing."

After teasing Xi Mo, Yan Tinghuan tilted her eyes and turned her sarcasm towards Ruan Yesheng, saying, "Goddess, you're so busy praising Tangtang, did you forget about me? That's a bit unfair."

Everyone present was accustomed to Yan Tinghuan's playful manner, so there was nothing to take seriously. Sometimes she had a smiling face, but you never knew what mischief she might be hiding. Seeing her playful sarcasm now, it was likely that she was enjoying herself. As the saying goes, if you believe in Yan Tinghuan's usual words, then pigs can also climb trees.

Ruan Yesheng was well aware of Yan Tinghuan's personality, she glanced at her in a feigned manner and, maintaining the usual expression she had with Xi Mo, said, "I didn't forget. I was just about to mention that, thanks to Miss Yan's assistance, I appreciate your help."

Yan Tinghuan squinted her eyes, and as she caught Ruan Yesheng's gaze, she smiled and said, "Goddess, I find it a bit strange. This time, when our Ruanruan fell ill, Tangtang and I helping out is just what friends do. But when you arrived, you praised Tangtang first, then thanked me. Normally, someone would forward gratitude for someone’s behalf to a friend is someone with a deeper relationship—either family or something more—"

Xi Mo: "..."

You can shut up.

Ruan Yesheng: "..."

You can shut up.

Perhaps sensing the almost identical expressions between the two, Yan Tinghuan paused for a moment, showing an unusual moment of kindness by letting it go. She then continued, "Anyway, for those who don't know, they might think you two have some special relationship."

Feng Tangtang looked puzzled and asked, "What kind of relationship?"

Ruan Yesheng: "..."

Xi Mo stared at Yan Tinghuan silently for a while, and then said slowly, "Xi Mo and I are good friends."

Yan Tinghuan said with a smile, "Ruanruan, we are also good friends with you. Goddess came out to thank us—your good friends, on your behalf. Why does it feel like Goddess is even 'better' friends with you than we are with you?"

Feng Tangtang looked confused: "Really? I don't feel that way."

Yan Tinghuan hated the fact that iron cannot become steel*. With the IQ of this piece of candy, she would basically say goodbye to fun things like pranks in this life, let alone the skillful art of playing the oboe**, which requires a bit of technical expertise. She quickly cast a sidelong glance at Feng Tangtang.

*disappointed in somebody for not meeting one's expectations

**collaborate/duet/ride along

Feng Tangtang was puzzled by the situation, she sensed that Yan Tinghuan wasn't pleased with her interjections. She chose to sit up straight in silence, resembling someone attentively listening to a lecture.

Leaving Yan Tinghuan around would be a waste of time, Xi Mo lowered her head slightly, coughed softly a few times, and then said, "Tinghuan, could you help me buy some refreshing throat-soothing desserts? I feel like having some."


Source: https://www.jjwxc.net/onebook.php?novelid=2188414
This translation is originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com please read it there. and check out other stories too.


Without waiting for Yan Tinghuan's response, Xi Mo subtly added a touch of weakness to her complexion, supporting her body forward with her hand and casting a tender gaze in Yan Tinghuan's direction.

Her eyelashes trembled slightly, and her face retained a faint rosy hue, a remnant of the fever that had receded. Though she remained silent, her eyes conveyed a gaze that, amidst illness, exuded a subtle charm akin to watercolor on silk. She skillfully embraced the captivating temperament that Ruan Yesheng had demonstrated before, now rendered with precision from the skin to the bone, surpassing her previous charm.

Just by being looked at like this, let alone buying any desserts, as long as she wished, the stars themselves would eagerly be plucked for her.

Yan Tinghuan has never been interested in movies or TV shows, and she hasn't watched much of Xi Mo's films, despite Ruan Yesheng's suggestion to appreciate them. However, she has heard about Xi Mo's outstanding acting skills. Now, when Xi Mo looked her way, she was momentarily stunned.

Being perceptive, she understood that Xi Mo was acting, and although she liked to play pranks, she was not inconsiderate. Recognizing that the other might genuinely need some peace and quiet, she agreed to Xi Mo's request, saying, "Dessert, right? No problem."

Feng Tangtang was still sitting there, for some reason, she enjoyed watching her Sister Xi and Ruanruan stay together, finding it pleasing to the eyes.

Yan Tinghuan pulled her over, "Tangtang, you go too."

Feng Tangtang said, "But Ruanruan only asked you to go."

Why are you so clueless, I should get you an eye checkup later. Yan Tinghuan thought.

"I'm not familiar with the area around this hospital, don't know the way, and don't know where there's a dessert shop."

Feng Tangtang made a very innocent suggestion "I'm not familiar either, I don't know the way, but you can use navigation, right?”

Yan Tinghuan listened like how a chicken talks to a duck*, sighed regretfully in her heart, and without further ado, dragged Feng Tangtang out, saying, "I'm too lazy to take out my phone for navigation, so it's up to you. Let's go."

*no common ground/can't understand each other

The two left, and the door to the ward was closed.

Xi Mo sat back, relieved that they had successfully ushered Yan Tinghuan away. Her previously pitiable appearance vanished, replaced by a stoic expression. She glanced at Ruan Yesheng, who seemed lost in thought.

"What are you thinking?" Xi Mo felt slightly uneasy under Ruan Yesheng's gaze.

Ruan Yesheng seemed to snap back to her senses.

After a moment, Ruan Yesheng whispered, "I was thinking of going to buy dessert for you."

Xi Mo: "..."

Seeing Ruan Yesheng's lost look, Xi Mo also vaguely guessed the reason, and became more and more uncomfortable, saying: "I don't want to eat any desserts, I just lied to her making her go here and there, her ramblings makes my head ache."

"I know." Ruan Yesheng nodded with a smile. "So, do you still want to eat fruits?"

Xi Mo glanced at the fruit plate. While talking, Ruan Yesheng placed the fruit knife and fork on the edge of the fruit plate. The knife and fork glowed coolly, and the fruit looked vibrant.

“Yes." Xi Mo looked at Ruan Yesheng again.

Ruan Yesheng asked: "Which ones do you like?"

“Anything is fine.”

Ruan Yesheng sat closer to the edge of the bed, feeding Xi Mo fruit and chatting with her from time to time.

Xi Mo's expression turned complex as she recounted, "When Feng Tangtang went to buy fruits before, she wanted to get durian. I told her I had a cold and fever, so I couldn't eat durian as it might worsen the condition. So she gave up on the idea."

Ruan Yesheng probably imagined the scene at that time and laughed: "It's indeed really not suitable for you to eat it right now.”

Xi Mo furrowed her brow, saying, "I don't like to eat that kind of thing the most; the smell is too strong."

Ruan Yesheng said, "I know you don't like it. In fact, I don't like it either."

Xi Mo, upon hearing this, felt puzzled and asked, "Feng Tangtang has always said that your favorite fruit is durian."

Ruan Yesheng thought of something and her expression changed slightly. After a while, she said: "My mom likes to cook durian chicken soup; she believes it's especially nourishing. Every time she makes it, she asks me if it tastes good, and I always say it's delicious. Tangtang visited my house a long time ago, and my mom made that soup. Since she made some modifications that time, my mom asked again if it was tasty. I still said it was good and even drank a bowl to show her. Tangtang couldn't stomach it, was completely astonished, and thought I had a special liking for durian. After all, in her understanding, if someone doesn't like durian, how could they enjoy durian-flavored soup."

Looking at the corner of Xi Mo's lips, it seemed like she was about to smile, but then she composed her expression, saying, "I can't speak for others, but if it's Feng Tangtang, I wouldn't be surprised if she interpreted it that way."

Ruan Yesheng also smiled, saying, "Actually, this soup is quite famous in Guangdong, and the durian flavor isn't too strong. Sometimes even if someone doesn't like eating durian, they can still enjoy this soup. Tangtang didn't know, so she misunderstood, and I didn't explain, so she has been under that misconception until now. Although I don't like it, if she buys it for me, I'll still eat it sometimes."

"If you don't like it, why not explain? It's just about eating something, and if you don't like it, of course, you should say it. Are you afraid of hurting a friend's feelings by saying it? " Xi Mo said: "Impossible, I don't think you are that kind of person."

"Are you saying you understand me quite well?" Ruan Yesheng raised an eyebrow.

Xi Mo: "..."

"If I don't like something, I'll definitely tell Tangtang directly. At that time, she was a very simple girl, much more innocent than now, with a little habit of not hiding things, unable to lie or deceive. She would accidentally let the truth slip. My mom used to invite her over frequently when she was at home. I thought it wasn't a big deal, and there was no need to explain."

"But Tangtang has grown up since then, and now she has been tempered by society. As your assistant, she is undoubtedly qualified. She won't mention a word that shouldn't be said. You can trust her, and I can vouch for her."

"Don't worry; I understand everything." Looking at her eager demeanor to clarify things for her friend, Xi Mo found her somewhat cute.

Having the word 'cute' associated with Ruan Yesheng feels strangely peculiar. Xi Mo thought, avoiding the odd sensation surfacing within.

Setting aside this internal reflection, Xi Mo focused on the main point. "So, are you afraid that she might have accidentally let it slip to your mom back then, and that's why you never mentioned it?"

Ruan Yesheng nodded gently. "Because of work, my Mom rarely came home, but every time she did, she would cook for me. Each dish, each soup she made was a precious opportunity for me. I found everything she made delicious. If I told Tangtang that I actually don't like durian, and if my mom found out later after making durian chicken soup so many times, it would be heartbreaking for her. She already felt guilty for not taking care of me well and not knowing my preferences. So, she was cautious every time she returned, asking if the dishes she made were good if the clothes she bought were nice, and if I was satisfied with the gifts she brought back."

Xi Mo continued, "So every time, you would tell her that it was delicious, good-looking, and satisfactory."

Ruan Yesheng lowered her head. "...Yes, even if some dishes didn't suit my taste, some clothes weren't my style, and some gifts weren't my preference, I still said they were delicious, good-looking, and satisfactory. I... lied to her."

"You didn't lie to her," Xi Mo's voice softened.

Ruan Yesheng looked up.

"Maybe those things didn't align with your actual preferences, but because your mom prepared them for you, I know you were happy. People are like that; perhaps something isn't what you desire, but if it's from someone you care about, you'll still like it. You don't like durian, but you like the durian stew your mom makes for you. There's no contradiction. You didn't lie to her."

Xi Mo continued, glancing at the fruit platter, "When you asked me earlier about my favorite fruits from the platter, and I said any of them.”

“I don't really like pears from there. But I still said any of them, making it seem like I was lying. Actually, I'm not deceiving you. I don't like eating pears, but I can accept you feeding them to me. It's not contradictory; it's the same principle as what I just said."

Ruan Yesheng was completely stunned, and the fork holding the fruit in her hand froze midair.

Then, Ruan Yesheng forked a piece of pear and waved it in front of Xi Mo with a smile: "I didn't expect you, a block of wood, to be so good at comforting people. To express my gratitude, I treat you to a pear."

Xi Mo: "..."

Ruan Yesheng finished waving it and, with a curve in the air, stuffed the pear into her own mouth, saying, "Just kidding."