Life and Death Insurance – EXTRA 2.3

Strategy Three: Fishing in Troubled Waters

Because of their night of passion, both of them woke up late the next day. However, Xiang Tian got up first, telling Ling Zhengzhong he was going out to buy more groceries to cook him a good lunch.

Without Xiang Tian as his natural “pillow,” Ling Zhengzhong didn’t sleep very comfortably. He lay flat on the bed, closed his eyes to rest, and began to plan his next move.

His plans had failed time and again. Luckily, this didn’t happen at work; otherwise, he might as well quit being a manager.

But why did it always fail? Where exactly was the loophole? If a direct approach didn’t work, maybe a more subtle approach would be better… a subtle approach? Yes, that was a good plan…

A cheerful, melodious cell phone ring interrupted Ling Zhengzhong’s thoughts.

“Hello…”

“Ling Zhengzhong, you’re something else! You actually dared to hang up on me last night!!”

Recognizing Yang Yiqing’s voice, Ling Zhengzhong knew he was in the wrong and chuckled dryly but dared not reply. Unfortunately, Yang Yiqing had no intention of letting him off the hook.

“I just spoke with Xiang Tian. I know what happened. You’re really getting worse and worse. Not only did you misunderstand Xiang Tian, ​​but you also went to a bar without a word. Did you even think about Xiang Tian?”

“I did think about him…”

“If you really cared, you wouldn’t have gone to see women!”

He hadn’t actually gone looking for women; he’d just struck up a conversation with a girl out of spite. He hadn’t really intended to do anything with her, but Yang Yiqing seemed quite angry, so Ling Zhengzhong wisely refrained from saying anything further that might escalate his anger.

“Do you know how worried Xiang Tian was last night when he couldn’t find you? He was so afraid something had happened to you, he almost went to his cousin for help! Ling Zhengzhong, can you please calm down? Before, when you weren’t even committed to anyone, you could do whatever you wanted, but now that you have Xiang Tian, it isn’t easy to find someone who loves you so much. Don’t lose him and then regret it…”

A barrage of harsh words came crashing down on Ling Zhengzhong, leaving him speechless for a long time. He realized his mistake, but having it pointed out to him by someone else still hurt him deeply. It wasn’t that he didn’t care about Xiang Tian; it was precisely because he cared too much that he acted so erratically yesterday.

Not hearing Ling Zhengzhong’s reply, the tone on the other end softened slightly.

“In the future, if anything happens, the two of you should communicate properly. Don’t run away without a word; that’ll only deepen the misunderstanding. By the way, Xiao Lin and I are going to Japan in a few days for a hot spring trip. Would you like to come along? It’ll be a nice change of scenery and create a good mood.”

A trip to Japan? It sounded pretty good. Ling Zhengzhong hesitated for a moment but finally said, “I’ll discuss it with Xiang Tian.”

If it were before, Ling Zhengzhong would probably have agreed immediately. However, after listening to Yang Yiqing’s lecture, he reflected on his usual behavior and attitude.

Normally, Xiang Tian would never let him cook or do housework. Xiang Tian always consulted Ling Zhengzhong before making any decisions, while Ling Zhengzhong always acted on his own, never asking Xiang Tian’s opinion, as if everything was a given. Although he was older than Xiang Tian, ​​he was actually the one who was pampered. Even last night, when Xiang Tian was so angry, he didn’t say a harsh word to him and even explained things to him gently…

Yiqing was right. If he really lost Xiang Tian, ​​he would never find him again. Where would he find someone who treated him so well?

After hanging up the phone, Ling Zhengzhong fell into deep thought.

“Zhengzhong, Zhengzhong, what’s wrong?”

The anxious call brought Ling Zhengzhong back to reality. He saw Xiang Tian looking at him with concern.

“I just got back, and I called you, but you didn’t respond. What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”

Xiang Tian’s hand touched Ling Zhengzhong’s forehead. Feeling the warm touch and the caring concern, Ling Zhengzhong’s heart suddenly felt lighter. “Xiang Tian, ​​I’m sorry!!”

Startled by Ling Zhengzhong’s serious tone, Xiang Tian couldn’t help but laugh.

“Are you referring to yesterday? Actually, I was also wrong. I’ve been going out alone lately, without considering your feelings.”

Before he finished speaking, Ling Zhengzhong pulled him into his arms.

“Xiang Tian, ​​I sincerely apologize to you. I’m sorry!”

Xiang Tian was silent for a moment, then suddenly said, “Yiqing called you, right? Did he say anything harsh?”

Knowing that nothing could be hidden from Xiang Tian, ​​Ling Zhengzhong simply nodded in acknowledgment.

“He did call me, but he didn’t say anything harsh. What he said was all true. Xiang Tian, ​​you have to believe me. I didn’t do anything with that girl last night. I didn’t even see what she looked like. I was just being stubborn…”

Xiang Tian frowned.

“Of course, I believe you. At first, I was worried you were hiding something from me, but then I realized you were just jealous. I’m not angry anymore.”

Huh, when did this little hamster become so magnanimous? Could it be that he was keeping something to himself?

Stared at by Ling Zhengzhong, Xiang Tian said embarrassedly, “Ever since you told me in Canada that the most important thing between lovers is trust, I’ve never forgotten that. It’s the best love confession I’ve ever heard. How could I doubt you?”

Oh, I see.

The misunderstanding was finally cleared up. Ling Zhengzhong happily jumped off the bed and said, “Xiang Tian, ​​you bought a lot of groceries, right? I’ll cook with you.”

“No need. You were tired last night. Get some rest. I can handle the cooking by myself.”

“No, I’ve decided. From now on, I’ll share half the housework.”

Seeing Ling Zhengzhong’s complete 180-degree turn, Xiang Tian shook his head in confusion, unable to imagine what Yang Yiqing had just said to Zhengzhong.

“By the way, Xiang Tian, ​​Yiqing also mentioned that he and Yu Shenglin are going to Japan for a hot spring vacation in a few days. He asked if we wanted to come along.”

“Sure, sounds great.”

“Then it’s decided! We’ll go for a couple’s bath together.”

Seeing Ling Zhengzhong busily working in the kitchen, Xiang Tian couldn’t help but smile. Enjoying his lover’s cooking once in a while was a nice treat.

After finalizing the travel plans, the four of them, two couples, quickly booked their tickets and began their five-day hot spring trip to Japan.

Although it was called a hot spring trip, the four of them first spent two days at Disneyland and then a day shopping in Odaiba, Tokyo. Odaiba was close to the beach, with beautiful and pleasant scenery, and lined with shopping malls—a bustling area for couples on holiday. Yang Yiqing and his partner were long gone, while Xiang Tian and Ling Zhengzhong strolled along Odaiba, chatting idly by the sea.

Seeing the occasional gay couple walking by hand in hand, Xiang Tian couldn’t help but whisper to Ling Zhengzhong, ​​”Zhengzhong, I once came to Odaiba when I was in Tokyo on a case. The detective who assisted me was Kawaguchi from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. He was a very nice guy. After the case was solved, he even said he liked me and wanted me to accept him. Thinking about how serious he was now, it’s quite funny.”

Unfortunately, Ling Zhengzhong didn’t find it funny at all. He huffed, “Little hamster, how dare you brag about your dating history in front of me? I’ve had many girlfriends before…”

“Yes, there are many, but most of the time you just end up being dumped, and the relationships never last more than a few months.”

Teasingly amused by Xiang Tian’s smile, Ling Zhengzhong suddenly leaned close to Xiang Tian and threatened, “Xiang Tian, ​​you’d better tell me honestly about your past relationships right now, or believe me, I’ll kiss you in public!”

Xiang Tian was startled and quickly took several steps back. He knew his lover could be quite capricious sometimes; if he said he would kiss him, he might actually do it.

Ling Zhengzhong spoke loudly; thankfully, those around him couldn’t understand him. Even so, Xiang Tian was still somewhat embarrassed. He laughed. “It isn’t a dating story anymore. When Detective Kawaguchi brought it up, I immediately refused; that’s all.”

“Why did you refuse?”

“I don’t know; I just refused without even thinking.” Xiang Tian paused, then added, “Maybe it’s because he’s too polite. Every time he sees me, he bows and bows, making me feel very awkward. I don’t want to bow to people every day.”

Ling Zhengzhong burst into laughter. If Detective Kawaguchi knew he was rejected for this reason, he’d probably collapse.

The four of them stayed overnight at a hotel in Odaiba, enjoying a seafood meal while admiring the beautiful seaside night view. They returned to their rooms thoroughly satisfied. The next day, they took the Shinkansen to Hakone to soak in the sulfur hot springs.

Ling Zhengzhong wasn’t particularly interested in soaking in hot springs; the water was usually quite hot, and he preferred cooler temperatures. However, he thoroughly enjoyed the sashimi set meal and sake offered by the hot spring inn that evening. After dinner, Yu Shenglin and Xiang Tian went to the hot springs, leaving him and Yang Yiqing alone for drinks.

“The scenery here is really nice, and everyone is very welcoming. I wish I could understand them,” Ling Zhengzhong said regretfully.

Xiang Tian had been the translator for the entire journey from Tokyo to Hakone. Yang Yiqing could manage some basic everyday conversation, but with the classically trained Xiang Tian around, his limited knowledge was useless; he hadn’t even bothered to bring out the electronic dictionary he’d bought.

“Yeah, it’s so boring not understanding what they are saying. Zhengzhong, did you see those waitresses staring at Xiang Tian? They kept trying to talk to him; I wonder what they were saying. You need to keep a close eye on him, or he might slip away.”

Ignoring his best friend’s teasing, Ling Zhengzhong snorted, “You should keep an eye on your guy. He’s slender and has this arrogant air about him, exactly the kind of guy girls like.”

“That’s true.”

Hearing Ling Zhengzhong’s words, Yang Yiqing couldn’t sit still. He stood up and said, “I’ll go check out the hot springs. Even though it isn’t mixed-gender, I still need to be careful…”

“Hey, I was just kidding. What are you worried about?”

Unable to stop Yang Yiqing, who had already run off, Ling Zhengzhong shook his head. “Nonsense.”

Sake tasted sweet at first, but it had a strong aftereffect. Those unfamiliar with alcohol could easily get drunk. Ling Zhengzhong sipped the sake, his mind already racing with a meticulously planned scheme. Now, he just had to wait for the protagonist to appear.

Perhaps because of his preoccupation, Xiang Tian returned quickly.

Xiang Tian sat down next to Ling Zhengzhong. He was wearing pajamas, his hair still slightly damp. The unique fragrance of the hot spring emanating from him made Ling Zhengzhong suddenly feel an urge to immediately pin Xiang Tian down and caress him.

“Zhengzhong, want to go soak in the hot spring? The water here is really nice.”

“No, Xiang Tian, ​​you’ve been soaking for so long; isn’t your throat dry? This sake is very good; you should try it.”

Of course, oblivious to Ling Zhengzhong’s wicked intentions, Xiang Tian smiled, took the sake offered, and downed it in one gulp.

A very good start.

Since it was a planned operation, Ling Zhengzhong naturally stopped drinking. He only kept urging Xiang Tian to drink, and perhaps because he was truly thirsty, Xiang Tian didn’t refuse much. In the blink of an eye, he had downed an entire bottle of sake. And that wasn’t all; Ling Zhengzhong then took the opportunity to ask the waiter to bring over a bottle of whiskey, without ice, and handed it directly to Xiang Tian. He himself only pretended to take a couple of sips, and the rest almost all went into Xiang Tian’s stomach.

Looking at Xiang Tian’s cheeks, which were slightly flushed, Ling Zhengzhong smiled.

Done!!

“Xiang Tian, you’re drunk. Let’s go back to our room and rest.”

Ling Zhengzhong deliberately emphasized the word “rest.”

Hehe, little hamster, drunkenness leads to impulsiveness. Tonight, let’s see how you escape my grasp!

“I’m not drunk!”

Hearing Xiang Tian’s insistence, Ling Zhengzhong was even happier. Usually, drunk people didn’t admit to being drunk. It seemed the little hamster was really quite drunk today.

“Zhengzhong, I heard there are several kinds of local specialty wines here. You haven’t tried them yet; let me order some for you…”

No need to drink anymore, little hamster; you’re at your best right now!

Ling Zhengzhong hurriedly said, “Tomorrow. Let’s stop here for today. Drinking too much isn’t good for your health; let’s go back.”

Without further ado, Ling Zhengzhong dragged Xiang Tian back; the latter didn’t argue, letting him go. The two returned to their room, and as Xiang Tian was about to turn on the light, Ling Zhengzhong quickly stopped him, whispering in his ear with a smile, “Darkness creates romance, doesn’t it?”

As he spoke, he hooked his foot around Xiang Tian’s leg, and the two of them fell to the ground.

Japanese houses had this advantage, all with tatami mats, and the inn had already laid out bedding for the guests, so the two of them simply rolled onto the soft quilts.

Because of his ulterior motives, Ling Zhengzhong naturally pinned Xiang Tian down, beginning his wolfish plan.

Perhaps due to the effects of alcohol, Xiang Tian obediently offered no resistance, allowing Ling Zhengzhong to loosen the belt of his pajamas and accept the other’s kiss, which carried the scent of alcohol.

The pajamas were Japanese-style bathrobes provided by the hotel. Once the sash at the waist was loosened, the entire naked body was fully revealed to Ling Zhengzhong. Although it was dark and not very clear, it didn’t matter. Some things were meant to be felt—the feeling of their bodies rubbing and merging, the familiar yet passionate scent between them.

Ling Zhengzhong spread Xiang Tian’s legs, gently rubbing his desire with his knees, then pulled him into his arms, his hands kneading his waist, and lowered his head to kiss this body that captivated him.

Sure enough, under Ling Zhengzhong’s overly erotic caresses, Xiang Tian finally couldn’t help but let out a low moan, his suppressed breaths filling the quiet night, filling Ling Zhengzhong with immense joy.

The effect was good; this was the feeling he wanted.

Little hamster, I’ll love you properly tonight…

But…

“Xiang Tian…”

Suddenly, Xiang Tian’s arms wrapped around his waist, and with a roll, Ling Zhengzhong lost his balance and was naturally pinned down by Xiang Tian.

That’s not how it should be, little hamster; weren’t you drunk?

Xiang Tian pressed his soft lips to Ling Zhengzhong’s earlobe, gently kissing and nibbling, soothingly saying, “Zhengzhong, you’ve had a long day. Let me do it. Don’t move, just lie there and enjoy.”

“I’m not tired at all; you don’t need to force yourself…”

Ling Zhengzhong wanted to argue, but Xiang Tian wouldn’t listen. His desire, fueled by alcohol, surged forth. Xiang Tian gently embraced Ling Zhengzhong’s neck, winding his hands through his hair, gently caressing it, and then, passionate kisses rained down on his lips.

“Xiang Tian, ​​I want to be on top!…”

“Okay, I’ll let you be on top in a bit. Changing positions every now and then can be quite fun…”

Xiang Tian casually agreed, but his passionate movements didn’t stop at all. Feeling the wine-scented kisses landing all over his body, Ling Zhengzhong was so angry he almost vomited blood. That wasn’t what he meant at all. Was his little hamster even listening to him?

Of course, arguing about the top/bottom position at this moment was unwise. Ling Zhengzhong didn’t even have a chance to insist on his point of view before he was completely overwhelmed. He was pinned down by the fiery Xiang Tian, ​​sadly discovering that his wishful thinking had failed again.

“Xiang Tian, ​​are you drunk or not?” After their lovemaking, Ling Zhengzhong began his questioning.

He had clearly downed two bottles of wine; there was no reason for Xiang Tian not to be drunk. In fact, he was even more vigorous than usual, leaving Ling Zhengzhong somewhat overwhelmed.

“No, I told you I wasn’t drunk.”

Suddenly realizing a serious problem, Ling Zhengzhong hurriedly asked, “Are you a good drinker?”

“Yes. Zhengzhong, have you forgotten what my profession used to be? To handle any emergencies, all police officers have a high alcohol tolerance; it takes training.”

“But…you’ve never drunk in front of me…”

“Oh, actually, I don’t really like drinking, but if my friends are having fun, I’ll drink a lot…”

Ling Zhengzhong asked in a trembling voice, “Then how many bottles do you need to drink before you get drunk?”

“Drunk? I’ve never been drunk. My alcohol tolerance is something I developed from training with my dad since I was little. I can drink a thousand cups without getting drunk…Zhengzhong, Zhengzhong, what’s wrong with you…”

Ling Zhengzhong couldn’t catch his breath and collapsed heavily into Xiang Tian’s arms.

Heavens, why are you playing this cruel joke on him? It was just a position; why was it so much harder than his other jobs?

Little hamster, I refuse to believe I can’t handle you! I will use every stratagem imaginable. I have a lifetime to live; I’m going all in!!

T/N: This is the end of Life and Death Insurance. Thank you for reading!