{"id":8919,"date":"2019-09-23T12:00:43","date_gmt":"2019-09-23T16:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/betwixtedbutterfly.com\/translations\/?p=8919"},"modified":"2025-09-08T18:22:24","modified_gmt":"2025-09-08T22:22:24","slug":"death-progress-bar-54","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/betwixtedbutterfly.com\/translations\/death-progress-bar-54\/","title":{"rendered":"Death Progress Bar 54"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Shi Jin woke up to silence. He forced his eyes open, feeling as if they were full of sand, and tried to move, but found his limbs soft and without any strength.<\/span><\/p>

Instead of disinfectant, he smelled the faint fragrance of shower gel.<\/span><\/p>

He blinked and waited for his eyes to adapt to the darkness, wanting to look at his surroundings to determine where he was. He barely turned his head, however, and a face he couldn\u2019t be more familiar with appeared before him.<\/span><\/p>

Lian Jun?!<\/span><\/em><\/p>

He froze, eyes wide. It took him a while to digest the fact he and Lian Jun were lying in the same bed. Keeping an eye on the man to see if he moved, he nudged Xiao Si, \u201cWhat\u2019s going on? Why is Lian Jun sleeping next to me? Where are we?\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Xiao Si gushed happily, <You\u2019re on the ship, in Darling\u2019s cabin\u2014don\u2019t you recognize it? You were asleep for a night and day, and Darling took care of you the whole time. JinJin, you have to get better soon, or he will keep worrying~><\/span><\/p>

The system\u2019s sugary tone disgusted Shi Jin so much his body regained a bit of strength. He looked at Lian Jun\u2019s face again and noticed faint shadows under his eyes. Remembering the man\u2019s insistence on climbing down to pick him up personally despite sweating from the pain, his heart fluttered. He gingerly turned his limp body to lie on his side and gazed at Lian Jun. His eyes wandered over the handsome face. Somehow, he felt incredibly satisfied.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cYour Darling really is good-looking\u2026\u201d He couldn\u2019t help but sigh with feeling.<\/span><\/p>

Xiao Si corrected him solemnly, <He\u2019s not my Darling, he\u2019s <\/span>our <\/span><\/em>Darling!><\/span><\/p>

Our Darling\u2026<\/span><\/em><\/p>

Shi Jin chewed this over, a smile unconsciously creeping over his face. When he realized it, his expression froze, and he raised a hand to touch the corner of his mouth. His feelings became rather complicated. He looked at Lian Jun’s sleeping face a moment longer, then closed his eyes and pulled the comforter over his head.<\/span><\/p>

<What\u2019s wrong, JinJin? Are you in pain?> Xiao Si\u2019s floating mood instantly crashed back to earth and became concern.<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin shook his head and pulled the comforter down. He kept silent for a while then said, \u201cTell me, Xiao Si: if that time I didn\u2019t save Long Shi, would I have become a murderer? It was me who goaded Zuo Yang into throwing him into the sea, after all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

This question stumped the system. It thought for a long time then replied, without confidence, <But didn\u2019t you save him? Don\u2019t think too much, JinJin, you\u2019re not a bad guy\u2014if Long Shi stayed in Zuo Yang\u2019s hands, his fate would\u2019ve surely been worse.><\/p>

\u201cThe end result might be the same, but Long Shi being killed by Zuo Yang and him dying because of my instigation are two entirely different things.\u201d Shi Jin sighed heavily, looked at his hands, and continued, \u201cI didn\u2019t think about it when I provoked Zuo Yang, I just wanted the opportunity to grab Long Shi. At the time, I wasn\u2019t one hundred percent sure I could save him, but I did it anyway because I had a hunch that if we left then, without him, we would\u2019ve lost our only chance to obtain the poison formula.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

<JinJin\u2026> Xiao Si couldn\u2019t help but call out, wanting to stop him from continuing.<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin, however, wouldn\u2019t let it go\u2014he refused to deceive himself. His downcast eyes were clear and full of self-reflection. \u201cWhile I attended the police academy, my instructor told me although I had the skills, my personality was unsuitable for this line of work. I retorted that the police were just a group of ordinary people and he couldn\u2019t expect every one of them to have the personality he considered right. Later, when I began working, out of all the policemen in the district, I still seemed the least like one. My colleagues and supervisors kept saying I chose the wrong profession, but I wasn\u2019t convinced. I was sure I was doing quite a good job\u2026 But now I have no choice but to admit they were right\u2014I did enter the wrong line of work; I should\u2019ve never been allowed to take the Oath of Honor, I\u2019m not worthy. Long Shi is the scum of the earth, that\u2019s true, but I shouldn\u2019t have staked his life on a plan which success I wasn\u2019t sure of. Xiao Si, the last thing a police officer should do is treat someone\u2019s life with contempt\u2014this line can\u2019t be crossed, ever. And yet, this is exactly what I did.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Xiao Si sniffled, trying hard not to cry. <But no one can blame you for that, JinJin\u2026> It said weakly.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cNo? I don\u2019t even dare imagine in what kind of mental state I would be in right now if Long Shi hadn\u2019t survived.\u201d Shi Jin wiped his face with his hand. His eyes were filled with fatigue. \u201cTo tell the truth, I don\u2019t regret a single thing I did yesterday. But, when I recall it now, I think I was crazy at the time\u2026 I\u2019m not saying all this because I can\u2019t get over what I\u2019ve done, or to make you accompany me for a pity party, and I do admit that my actions weren\u2019t right\u2026 I just suddenly realized that in my heart, Lian Jun’s life and death have become more important than my principles or scruples\u2026 Xiao Si, is this world really just a book?\u201d<\/span><\/p>

The system remained silent. Like every previous time he\u2019d asked about this matter, it didn\u2019t reply.<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin smiled wryly and looked at Lian Jun’s sleeping face. He couldn\u2019t help but lean closer, raise a hand, and touch his cheek, confirming that the man lying next to him was indeed a living person, warm and breathing. He changed his question: \u201cThen at least tell me if Lian Jun is real\u2014is he really nothing more than a character in a book? No, that\u2019s not right either, there\u2019s no mention of him in the original novel\u2026 Xiao Si, is Lian Jun real?\u201d<\/span><\/p>

<He\u2019s real.> This time, Xiao Si answered, and its tone was firm. <He\u2019s real, and both of you will survive and keep living on, together. I promise you, JinJin.><\/span><\/p>

\u201c…It\u2019s enough.\u201d Shi Jin let out a sigh and touched Lian Jun\u2019s face again. Just as he was about to withdraw his hand, the other man suddenly opened his eyes.<\/span><\/p>

It took Lian Jun only a few seconds to go from confusion to clarity. He blinked, his long eyelashes resembling velvet fans, and murmured in a voice husky from sleep, \u201cShi Jin?\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin froze, and his rare melancholy mood flew away at once. He glanced at his hand, still on Lian Jun\u2019s cheek, and the almost nonexistent distance between them, remembered moving closer by himself, and his brain short-circuited.<\/span><\/p>

There were not many things more embarrassing than copping a feel and being caught red-handed.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cUm, I was\u2026\u201d He tried to explain, but found that in reality, talking wasn\u2019t as easy as in his mind: his throat hurt and his voice was scratchy, grating like the sound of stone scraping on cement. Startled, he shut his mouth and tried to take his hand back.<\/span><\/p>

But Lian Jun quickly caught it and pressed it back to his cheek. Then he leaned forward to touch his forehead to Shi Jin\u2019s.<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin stiffened even more. Unconsciously holding his breath, he looked at Lian Jun\u2019s face so close to his, felt his breath, and the conclusion he\u2019d just reached flashed through his mind once again: the life and death of the person in front of him was more important than anything.<\/span><\/p>

For this man, he did something he would never have done. Though realizing it made him feel guilty and engage in soul-searching, he didn\u2019t regret his actions\u2014if he were to go back in time and do it all over again, most likely, he would still choose to gamble Long Shi\u2019s life on a chance for Lian Jun\u2019s recovery.<\/span><\/p>

I\u2019m a selfish, despicable bastard<\/span><\/em>, he thought, yet at the same time, he couldn\u2019t help but drag his other arm from under his body and, fumbling, got his arms around the other man\u2019s waist. He hugged him as tightly as he could, burying his face in his chest.<\/span><\/p>

Something was definitely wrong. Yesterday, though his body was cold and hurting, it was but a mere annoyance compared to the pain he felt while listening to Long Shi\u2019s narrative. Hearing about everything Lian Jun had suffered in the past, all he wanted was to hug and comfort him. Something had changed, and things would never go back to how they were.<\/span><\/p>

Lian Jun froze for a second, shocked, then hugged him too as if it was the most natural thing to do. Rubbing his back, he asked, \u201cDoes it hurt very much? Uncle Long said that although your fever went down, most of the muscles in your body have been strained to varying degrees and will need time to heal. You need to take it easy for a while.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

He\u2019s really gentle. He didn\u2019t push me away even though I grabbed him so rudely all of a sudden.<\/span><\/em><\/p>

Shi Jin felt he was probably already doomed. He shook his head, tightened his hug, and forced himself to fall asleep in Lian Jun\u2019s embrace, just like yesterday.<\/span><\/p>

Think of it as a dream.<\/span><\/em><\/p>

\u201cGoodnight,\u201d he whispered, tasting the sweet tang of self-deception on his tongue.<\/span><\/p>

Lian Jun stroked his back one last time. He looked down at the head buried in his chest, rubbed his chin against the dark hair, and whispered warmly, \u201cGoodnight\u2026 Get well soon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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If you’re seeing this notice, you’re reading this chapter on pirate site – the original translator of Death Progress Bar is Betwixted Translations.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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After the beautiful dream, it was time to face cruel reality. Shi Jin laid in bed, thirsty, hungry, and urgently needing to visit the bathroom, yet unable to move. On top of that, his whole body hurt; today, he bore absolutely no affection for the world.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cYour Darling is so cruel\u2014he actually left the patient alone,\u201d he complained tearfully, aggrieved.<\/span><\/p>

<He just went outside to speak with Uncle Long, it was less than a minute ago,> Xiao Si protested.<\/p>

Shi Jin hit the pillow with the back of his head, wailing, \u201cI want to go to the bathroom!\u201d<\/span><\/p>

The system wanted to cry. <Then go, who\u2019s stopping you?><\/p>

\u201cI can\u2019t sit up! There\u2019s no strength in my body!\u201d Shi Jin continued to hit the pillow with his head.<\/span><\/p>

<Then call Darling, he\u2019ll help!> Xiao Si suggested helpfully.<\/p>

\u201cHow could I!\u201d Shi Jin let out a heartbreaking cry, his voice resembling that of a chicken being strangled. \u201cJust look at your Darling! That face, those white hands\u2014do you have the heart to ask him to help me go to the bathroom?! Do you?! Can you bear to let his beautiful eyes see my\u2026 That place!\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Xiao Si felt both vexed and delighted, its mood quite complicated. It retorted, voice breaking, <I can! Ask Darling to help you, call him right now! Darling likes you very much, something like this won\u2019t make him hate you!> In fact, he\u2019d probably be happy to see the little JinJin!<\/em><\/p>

\u201cYou can, but I can\u2019t!\u201d Shi Jin retorted. Then, he caught the sound of the closing door and rolling wheelchair and instantly forgot to squabble with Xiao Si. He fixed his gaze on the ceiling, putting the expression of <\/span>\u2018everything\u2019s fine, I don\u2019t need to pee at all, nope, I\u2019m cool\u2019<\/span><\/em> on his face.<\/span><\/p>

Lian Jun moved his wheelchair next to the bed and watched Shi Jin in silence.<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin\u2019s eyes began to trundle. He wanted to see Lian Jun, but at the same time felt too shy to look at him. Add to that his urgent physical need, and his face slowly contorted.<\/span><\/p>

Really ugly.<\/span><\/em><\/p>

Lian Jun admired Shi Jin\u2019s expression for a moment, supported himself on the wheelchair armrest, and stood up. He pulled down the comforter, leaned forward, and reached into the gap between Shi Jin\u2019s neck and the pillow to lay his hand under the teenager\u2019s shoulders. The other went to below his knees.<\/span><\/p>

Shocked, Shi Jin grabbed his hand to stop him. \u201cNo, don\u2019t princess-carry me!\u201d <\/span>That\u2019s way too humiliating!<\/span><\/em><\/p>

\u201cYou\u2019re too heavy for me to carry,\u201d Lian Jun replied bluntly. He helped the teenager sit up as he spoke and gestured to the wheelchair: \u201cWe\u2019ll use this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin\u2019s expression froze\u2014it turned out Lian Jun wasn\u2019t going to carry him\u2026 Suddenly, he was a little disappointed.<\/span><\/p>

Lian Jun pushed the wheelchair to the bathroom, lifted the toilet lid, and helped Shi Jin stand in front of the toilet.<\/span><\/p>

At this point, all Shi Jin wanted was to urinate, but he gritted his teeth and didn\u2019t move.<\/span><\/p>

Lian Jun gently touched his back and coaxed, \u201cCome on, pee, don\u2019t hold it in. I promise I won\u2019t look.\u201d After that, he really turned his head away, facing the door.<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin never imagined one day he would hear the word “pee” from Lian Jun’s mouth, and his heart surged with mixed emotions. He raised a last desperate struggle to save his dignity: \u201cCan you go out, please? I can manage by myself.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

“You can’t stand alone,” Lian Jun ruthlessly refused.<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin tried to put strength into his muscles and found out that sadly, the other man told the truth. He put a hand on his waistband, hesitated, and couldn\u2019t help pleading, \u201cThen can you at least cover your ears?\u201d<\/span><\/p>

\u201cIt was me who changed you into pajamas. Including your underwear,\u201d Lian Jun retorted, mercilessly exposing the truth Shi Jin had suspected but desperately tried not to think about.<\/span><\/p>

Dear Lord.<\/span><\/em><\/p>

Unable to hold on any longer, Shi Jin clenched his jaw, untied the pajama pants\u2019 drawstring, and pulled them down in one determined move.<\/span><\/p>

Tinkle-tinkle-plink, splooshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh\u2026<\/span><\/em><\/p>

The time spent in the bathroom seemed extraordinarily long. When Shi Jin finished what he needed to do, washed his hands, and was pushed out of the bathroom, he felt as if at least ten years had passed. He just wanted to die.<\/span><\/p>

“Later, Uncle Long will come give you a check-up. You can\u2019t eat anything before then\u2014you have to endure.\u201d Lian Jun helped Shi Jin lie down again. After that, instead of returning to his wheelchair, he sat on the bed and reached out to smooth the younger man\u2019s hair. \u201cThis evening, we\u2019ll make landfall in M country. Your body\u2019s condition is strange, it\u2019s best you have a detailed examination in a hospital as soon as possible. You grew up in M country, right? If you want, when you are well, I can accompany you to your old home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

The hand stroking his head made his eyes narrow in comfort. He glanced sideways, and the tender look in Lian Jun\u2019s eyes made his heart itch. He couldn\u2019t help asking, \u201cWhy are you so good to me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Lian Jun returned his gaze. \u201cYou\u2019re good to me, so shouldn\u2019t I treat you good as well?\u201d He replied, withdrawing his hand.<\/span><\/p>

So it’s reciprocation?<\/span><\/em> Shi Jin\u2019s heart was suddenly sore and tired. He uttered weakly, \u201cWhere\u2019s my tablet, Jun-shao? I want to play mahjong\u2026\u201d Only mahjong could soothe his fragile soul, so maltreated by reality.<\/span><\/p>

Xiao Si groaned, weary with life\u2014some people, though they seemed smart, were, in fact, complete idiots!<\/span><\/p>

Lian Jun saw his pale, pitiful-looking face, and the corners of his lips pulled down. After a moment of silence, he said, \u201cAll right, but you can\u2019t play for too long\u2014you need to rest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin nodded hurriedly, not noticing the other man\u2019s expression. His mind was already occupied by mahjong.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Death Progress Bar is translated by Betwixted Translations. The site you’re reading this chapter on stole our translation.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Mahjong was addictive. Shi Jin was soon absorbed in playing, briefly forgetting about both his physical suffering and his oscillating emotions. He didn\u2019t even know when they arrived at port.<\/span><\/p>

On the gurney, he was moved off the ship and into the already waiting ambulance. Then, he was taken to the hospital and went through a comprehensive physical exam. By the time it ended, and he was safely tucked in the bed of a private ward, midnight had passed.<\/span><\/p>

Lian Jun accompanied him the whole time. When Shi Jin settled down, he went to the bathroom and washed briefly. After coming out, he didn\u2019t leave but went straight to the foldable bed someone who wanted to accompany the patient could use, and slowly and gingerly laid down.<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin was already dozing off, but the movement woke him up. \u201cJun-shao, you should go to the hotel and have a proper rest. I\u2019m fine, you don\u2019t need to keep watch,\u201d he said, frowning.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cSleep.\u201d Lian Jun ignored his words. He was lying on his side, facing him, and his voice seemed exceptionally gentle against the darkness of the night. \u201cCall me if you need anything. Goodnight.\u201d And he closed his eyes.<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin stopped speaking. He studied Lian Jun\u2019s face, which was even more pallid than usual due to tiredness. In a complex mood, he couldn\u2019t help but sigh. \u201cXiao Si, your Darling is really a fine man,\u201d he said in his mind.<\/span><\/p>

<Oh?> The system\u2019s voice was unnaturally stiff.<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin, preoccupied with his own thoughts, didn\u2019t notice anything wrong. He felt a little shy, a little uneasy, as well as self-doubt and uncertainty at the same time. \u201cI think I\u2026 Towards him\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Xiao Si, who learned nothing from its previous experiences, couldn\u2019t help but prompt him expectantly, <Yes?><\/span><\/p>

\u201cOh, I, it\u2019s… \u201c It was the first time Shi Jin felt this way about someone, and his emotions fluctuated violently. <\/span>Recently, Lian Jun has been acting a bit weird, hasn\u2019t he? Do you really think it\u2019s simply him \u201cacting weird\u201d? Just step up and tell him\u2014you\u2019re a big guy, what are you afraid of? …No, but what if it ruins our friendship? I don\u2019t want him to distance himself from me.<\/span><\/em> His thoughts kept going around in circles like a merry-go-round. This continued for quite a while until his eyes fell closed and he drifted off to sleep, never finishing his sentence.<\/span><\/p>

Xiao Si: <\u2026\u2026><\/span><\/p>

Ah! Aaaaaah! Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!<\/span><\/em> \u2014 Sounded the scream of its heart.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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After the examination results were out, the hospital’s doctor came to the same conclusion as Uncle Long: Shi Jin’s muscles had different degrees of strain, which was probably caused by irregular motion and overexertion. He\u2019d recover, he just needed attentive care during convalescence.<\/span><\/p>

Lian Jun frowned. He saw the doctor off, then approached the hospital bed.<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin’s nerves tightened as soon as he saw him coming\u2014he was afraid the other man would ask just how his muscles became strained that way. He decided if Lian Jun really asked, he\u2019d try to bluff his way out and pretend to have no idea.<\/span><\/p>

“It should be caused by irregular swimming posture and sudden high-intensity exercise,” Lian Jun said unexpectedly, directly finding Shi Jin an excuse. He stroked the teenager\u2019s forearm and asked, \u201cDoes your body hurt?\u201d<\/span><\/p>

It sure did, especially the waist and legs which the mermaid buff affected the most\u2014enough that he wanted to cry. However, facing Lian Jun\u2019s concerned gaze, Shi Jin\u2019s body wasn\u2019t painful but strangely tingly. He felt an urge to crawl into the other man\u2019s arms and snuggle.<\/span><\/p>

Reflexively, he reached for Lian Jun\u2019s hand on his forearm and squeezed it gently. A second later, he realized he\u2019d just \u201cmolested his boss\u201d and froze.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cThe doctor says he needs to observe the situation\u2014for the first two days, you\u2019ll have to wear bandages. You\u2019ll also apply a few hot compresses, and be given massages. It may be a little uncomfortable.\u201d Lian Jun held his hand and pulled up the blanket with the other, his actions extremely natural. \u201cDo you want to play mahjong again? I brought your tablet, it\u2019s fully charged.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Treated so gently, Shi Jin\u2019s mind stirred again. He darted a look at their clasped hands, edged a bit closer to Lian Jun, and asked, \u201cJun-shao, um, do you have somebody you like?\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Lian Jun paused in the middle of tucking him in. He raised his head, stared at the teenager for a long time, and gave a slight nod.<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin felt as if his heart was thrown into an ice house. He gaped at him incredulously and stammered out, \u201cYou, you do? Really? Who is it? It\u2019s not Long Shi, is it?!\u201d Speaking of the traitor, his voice changed.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cDon\u2019t be stupid.\u201d Lian Jun frowned, pulled his hand from Shi Jin\u2019s hold, and knocked on the young man\u2019s forehead. \u201cThink again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

\u201cThink again,\u201d you say?!<\/span><\/em><\/p>

Shi Jin struggled to stifle the pain in his heart and forced his mind to work. He asked with difficulty, \u201cIs it Gua Two? He\u2019s good-looking, capable, pretty funny too\u2026\u201d As he spoke, he became increasingly certain that the person Lian Jun liked had to be Gua Two and immediately grew despondent.<\/span><\/p>

It\u2019s hopeless\u2014compared with Gua Two, I am…<\/span><\/em><\/p>

Lian Jun caught all the changes of the teenager\u2019s expression, and a bit of unhappiness caused by his wild guesses faded. \u201cShi Jin, you are really stupid,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>

Yeah, yeah, of course I\u2019m nowhere as smart as handsome, talented Gua Two\u2026<\/span><\/em> Shi Jin thought sullenly, about to indulge in self-loathing.<\/span><\/p>

Finally, Lian Jun could endure watching his foolish, pitiful appearance no longer. He got up and leaned forward, cupped his face in both hands, and crushed his lips in a kiss, nipping at them to vent his anger.<\/span><\/p>

Xiao Si: <…Ah ah ah ah ah aaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! Darling, I love you!><\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin\u2019s eyes opened wide. He reflectively grabbed Lian Jun’s clothes.<\/span><\/p>

Lian Jun pulled back a bit, gently pinched his stiff face, and uttered coldly, \u201cShi Jin, if you try to fool with me again at this point, we\u2019ll fly back to B City tomorrow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin felt dizzy. Eyes glued to the other man\u2019s lips, he asked, \u201cBack to B City? Why?\u201d<\/span><\/p>

\u201cTo register marriage in the <\/span>Bureau of Civil Affairs, of course,\u201d Lian Jun replied, rubbing his lips. He sat back in his wheelchair, picked up an apple from the bedside cabinet, and began to peel it slowly.<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin’s formidable brain circuitry made him focus, yet again, on the wrong issue. He touched his lips, a bit swollen from the kiss, and asked, eyebrows wrinkled, \u201cIs same-sex marriage even allowed in China?\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Xiao Si: <\u2026\u2026><\/span><\/p>

Ah, happiness is fleeting, and some people\u2019s obtuseness is impossible to be cured.<\/span><\/p>

Lian Jun\u2019s hands paused. He looked up, took in Shi Jin\u2019s confused, silly-looking face, and said, \u201cFor quite a long time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Really? This world\u2019s China legalized same-sex marriage? And for a long time already?<\/span><\/em><\/p>

Pleasantly surprised, Shi Jin felt as if his heart was filled with pink bubbles\u2026 which never managed to fly out. He continued, still missing the point, \u201cOh, but it\u2019s impossible anyway\u2014you have to be 22 to marry, and I\u2019m not even nineteen yet. It\u2019s useless even if you take me back to China, you know?\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Crunch<\/span>.<\/span><\/em><\/p>

Lian Jun\u2019s hand slipped, and the peeling knife cut deep into the apple. After a long pause, he continued the move and sliced off a piece of pulp exactly the size of a bite. Expressionless, he stuffed it into Shi Jin\u2019s mouth and said, \u201cShut up and finish eating, then sleep.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

\u201cBut\u2026\u201d Shi Jin swallowed the apple and opened his mouth, still wanting to speak.<\/span><\/p>

Lian Jun reached out, grabbed his chin, and kissed him again.<\/span><\/p>

And so, the world fell quiet, and the pink bubbles could finally dance in the air.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Death Progress Bar is translated by Betwixted Translations. The site you’re reading this chapter on stole our translation.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Translator: Eques<\/em>
Editor: Bet<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tProject Page<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Eques:<\/strong><\/p>

\ud83d\ude2d\ud83e\udd27\ud83e\udd70\ud83c\udf89\ud83c\udf89\ud83c\udf89<\/p>

Bet:<\/strong><\/p>

This was so freaking embarrassing to edit. I literally got to Shi Jin\u2019s question then started editing from the bottom up, because oh my gawd, that kid is bad for my heart. I get secondhand embarrassment so easily, and he\u2019s making me want to hide my face and sink into the ocean. >.<<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Ad:<\/strong><\/p>

Editors wanted! Of any English proficiency! Contact us via the<\/span> contact<\/a><\/strong><\/span> page or <\/span>discord<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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