Extra 1: Prove it to me

Translator: Abo Dammen

The two of them had been together for many years without ever giving each other the cold shoulder. Firstly, it was because their feelings for each other were deep, and secondly, it was also because Fu Nan’an had a gentle temperament. Fu Nan’an’s temper was truly excellent. In their daily life together, it was indeed Professor Fu who accommodated Chi Zhao more often. On the rare occasions they bickered, it was usually Fu Nan’an who backed down first, softening his voice to call out “Teacher Chi” and smooth things over.

But since this was daily life, there were bound to be exceptions. Even the gentlest Professor Fu had a side that could lose control and feel jealous. When Fu Nan’an shed his gentle exterior, revealing the unease within, the childlike-hearted Chi Zhao would likewise love him with a gentle yet firm devotion.

This happened after Fu Nan’an’s eyes had gotten better.

The recovery period for the eye surgery was quick. After a two-week hospital stay, Fu Nan’an was discharged smoothly. When he went in, he was using a blind man’s cane. When he returned, he was walking with his head held high, and he directly donated the cane to the hospital.

Right after his vision recovered, everyone found it incredible. They went to great lengths to get close to Fu Nan’an, inviting him to meals, going to his home. In short, they found every possible way to see him, insisting on witnessing with their own eyes that he could truly see.

After Chi Zhao returned to China, the two had moved in together. They switched to a larger place, a villa-style home with a small courtyard. The house’s layout was specially designed by a professional, the two-and-a-half-story building was made into a Western-style loft. They had planted two fruit trees and set up a grapevine trellis in the yard. In spring, the light green leaves cast a patch of cool shade in the courtyard. It was very quiet and full of a romantic, lived-in charm. But this summer was destined to be anything but quiet. Fu Nan’an’s eyes could see, and the threshold of their home was almost worn out from the stream of people coming to see him.

This was actually understandable. Although no one usually said it aloud, everyone knew that not being able to see was a profound regret. Most of their friends worked in the medical field, and having witnessed all sorts of joys and sorrows, they were even more amazed by the greatness of medicine. Every person who visited Fu Nan’an would take him by the hand and have him look at various things. They would, just like Chi Zhao, childishly wave their fingers in front of Fu Nan’an’s eyes, and they would hold his hands, sighing about what a miracle it truly was.

Of course, the impact of his restored vision went far beyond this for Fu Nan’an. In the past, Fu Nan’an’s activities were mostly limited to their city. Occasionally, when he went to rural areas or other cities to give lectures, it always required extensive preparation. Now it was different. After his eyes recovered, Fu Nan’an no longer had to fear the difficulties of travel.  He could rely on himself now, no matter where he went.

In early October, when the weather had turned slightly cool, Fu Nan’an was invited to an important academic conference. Participating in such a busy conference was also an important testament to his recognized capabilities. The only inconvenience was that the location of this conference was quite far, meaning Chi Zhao and Fu Nan’an wouldn’t be able to see each other for a week.

This was truly agonizing.

Several years had passed in the blink of an eye. The two had been together for six years, yet their feelings hadn’t faded with time. Instead, they had deepened with the passage of years, making separation impossible. Back when Chi Zhao was studying abroad, Fu Nan’an could gently pat his back and tell him, “Be bold and move forward.” But now, even though Fu Nan’an was only leaving for a week, they both felt somewhat reluctant to part.

The day before his departure, a light rain fell, and the two spent the entire day being clingy and affectionate inside the house. Over the past few months, the stream of visitors to see Fu Nan’an had finally subsided, now completely convinced that Professor Fu could see. But just as they had gotten two days of peace, Fu Nan’an had to go on a business trip. They were nestled together in bed, and Chi Zhao was kneading the back of Fu Nan’an’s hand.

“What’s wrong?” They had just made love more than once, and Fu Nan’an’s voice was still a bit hoarse. He gazed intently at Chi Zhao. Ever since his eyes got better, he always looked at Chi Zhao like this, feeling it was never enough no matter how long he looked.

Fu Nan’an held Chi Zhao’s shoulder. “Don’t want me to go?”

“It’s just a week, why wouldn’t I want you to go?” Chi Zhao let out a light laugh. “I can’t wait for you to leave so I can rest for a couple of days. When you’re here, my nights are too exhausting.”

They had just been a bit intense, and the inside of Chi Zhao’s thighs still felt sore. He was nestled very comfortably in Fu Nan’an’s embrace. While his words told Fu Nan’an to leave quickly, his fingers were entwined with Fu Nan’an’s, provocatively kneading his fingertips.

“You’re tired, yet you’re still teasing me?” Fu Nan’an raised an eyebrow, naturally grasping Chi Zhao’s restless hand and interlacing their fingers.

Chi Zhao didn’t answer, still nestled in his embrace, using his fingernails to lightly scratch Fu Nan’an’s palm, like the tip of a kitten’s tail, it was ticklish and itchy. Fu Nan’an gave a low laugh and met him in a very quiet kiss.

“Understood, Teacher Chi,” Fu Nan’an said very seriously, looking into his eyes. “I’ll come back early.”

They were a young couple, after all, how could they not be sticky and affectionate? There were certainly feelings of parting sadness, not wanting to separate, wanting to be closer, but none of it affected their individual paths. While Fu Nan’an was away on his business trip, Chi Zhao was also busy with his own work. They both had things they wanted to persevere in and were constantly striving towards their respective ideals. This in itself was also a beautiful thing.

After his vision recovered, Fu Nan’an’s career advanced to the next level. It was easier for him to travel for academic exchanges, and easier to conduct research. After all, ability and skill progress through practice and refinement. And it wasn’t just Fu Nan’an. Over these past few years, Chi Zhao had also been growing rapidly. Compared to Professor Fu’s focus on clinical work, Chi Zhao actually leaned more towards academic research. Besides his clinical duties, he had joined several new projects and had begun leading his own team in research, living a very fulfilling life.

Originally, on the day Fu Nan’an was due back, Chi Zhao had planned to pick him up. But, as luck would have it, it coincided with a department dinner. Chi Zhao thought about skipping it. He wanted to see Fu Nan’an more than he wanted to be at the department gathering. However, the department head, an old professor, wouldn’t hear of it and said with a hint of feigned anger, “Anyone else can skip it, but not you, Xiao Chi.”

Chi Zhao was indeed a core member of the department now. The successful development of the artificial retina had provided him with experience and reputation. Chi Zhao’s own abilities had been honed and proven through daily surgeries and treatments. The days Fu Nan’an was at the conference happened to be the time for the department’s mid-year summary and awards. Chi Zhao received more awards than many senior professors, both in clinical work and scientific research. Chi Zhao was universally recognized as the most outstanding and excellent among the new generation of doctors in the department.

Unable to refuse, Chi Zhao had no choice but to agree. “Don’t worry, Director, I’ll definitely be there.”

The present-day Chi Zhao was no longer the intern from when he first met Fu Nan’an, the one who would blush from a single sentence. He had long shed that immature exterior. He was truly Teacher Chi, Professor Chi now, and was quite popular among the younger staff in the department.

During the dinner, several interns from the department were secretly glancing Chi Zhao’s way. Chi Zhao had been their age once and knew exactly what was on their minds. He knew how to reject them without leaving a trace, not wanting to hurt their youthful infatuation. So, he simply ate, drank, and toasted openly and generously, without once glancing in their direction.

The dinner that night lasted until very late. Chi Zhao missed the chance to pick up Fu Nan’an, so Fu Nan’an came to pick up Chi Zhao instead. The night breeze carried a slight chill. Fu Nan’an stood quietly at the hotel entrance waiting. As Chi Zhao walked toward him with his colleagues, he was the clear focal point of the entire group.

“Teacher Chi, how are you getting home tonight? Should I give you a ride?”

This was a student under Chi Zhao’s supervision. A clean-cut young man, he was clearly full of admiration for Chi Zhao. His eyes had been glued to him the whole way, almost spelling out the word “like” on his face.

“No need, my lover is here.” As he spoke, the group had already reached Fu Nan’an’s side. Chi Zhao’s expression softened, and he introduced him very openly, “Let me introduce you. He is also from our hospital, Professor Fu Nan’an from the Psychology Department.”

Chi Zhao had never concealed their relationship. He hadn’t hidden it from the start, and now, there was even less need. They both earned their keep through their own capabilities. With their skills and standing where they were, no one would question them because of this.

However, the intern had only been working under Chi Zhao for about a month and didn’t know of Fu Nan’an’s existence. Upon hearing Chi Zhao’s introduction, the young man visibly started, his expression stiffening for a long moment before he managed to force a slight smile.

The young man’s disappointment was palpable. “P-Professor Fu, hello.”

“Hello,” Fu Nan’an nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

A twenty-something youngster doesn’t know how to hide his thoughts. After Chi Zhao’s introduction, the intern couldn’t help but glance repeatedly in Fu Nan’an’s direction. They chatted for a few more moments, and the intern mentioned Chi Zhao in two out of every three sentences, constantly saying “our Teacher Chi,” as if trying to stake a claim.

On the way home, with the night breeze blowing, Fu Nan’an asked casually, “Was that your student just now?”

“Ah?” Chi Zhao was momentarily startled before understanding. “The one talking to you? He’s an undergraduate here for his clinical rotation.”

Fu Nan’an asked again, “How much longer until he finishes the rotation?”

Chi Zhao thought for a moment and replied, “Should be next week.”

Fu Nan’an was silent for a moment, then gave a slight nod. “Understood.”

There were far too many people who liked Chi Zhao, and this intern was just one of many. The former student had now fully blossomed, radiating his own light, no longer the little kid who would hide and cry in Fu Nan’an’s arms. Of course, Fu Nan’an was happy about Chi Zhao’s growth, but inevitably, he also felt a slight sense of jealousy.

He was no longer exclusively “his ‘Teacher Chi’.”

The night breeze blew the whole way home, and emotions steadily fermented. The longing from a week apart mingled with a subtle jealousy. They had just returned home and hadn’t even turned on the lights when Fu Nan’an suddenly pressed Chi Zhao against the door by his shoulders and kissed him.

Biting, licking.

They had done this familiar act countless times, but Professor Fu seemed different today. He was forceful, domineering. Chi Zhao’s legs felt weak. “Professor…”

“Teacher Chi,” hot breath fanned across his face. Fu Nan’an placed one hand behind Chi Zhao’s head to cushion it, while the other kneaded his shoulder. “How many people call you ‘Teacher Chi’?”

His low, hoarse voice fell by Chi Zhao’s ear, making his fingertips tingle.

“Answer my question, hmm?” Fu Nan’an asked again, his tone as stern and cool as when he used to teach Chi Zhao psychology, but his actions were rough and brooked no refusal. “Whose ‘Teacher Chi’ are you?”

It was so sour, even Chi Zhao could smell the jealousy in Fu Nan’an’s words.

This fit of jealousy felt somewhat sudden and inexplicable, but Chi Zhao didn’t dislike it at all.

He could roughly guess why Fu Nan’an was jealous. It must be because of that intern. It was a bit laughable, Chi Zhao hadn’t even given the intern a proper glance. Yet, he felt a sweet, bubbling sensation in his heart, so full it felt like something was about to overflow.

He liked it so much.

He loved his aloof and indifferent demeanor, and he also loved his jealous and uncontrollable side.

Chi Zhao felt he was truly beyond saving. Even being pinned down like this, he still found it incredibly appealing.

In his dazed state, he felt transported back to his internship days in the Psychology Department. Back then, he was hopelessly infatuated with Fu Nan’an but hadn’t yet confessed his feelings. Now, the teacher he had adored most had become his lover. Chi Zhao felt so full of love that it felt ready to spill from his heart.

He liked it so much.

“You’re my only professor,” Chi Zhao looked up at Fu Nan’an, kissing him with devotion, his eyes filled with obsession. “And I’m only your Teacher Chi.”

Fu Nan’an gave a low laugh, gripped his waist, and lifted him up, looking into his eyes. “Then prove it to me.”

When Professor Fu gets fierce, he’s truly fierce. Not at all like his usual well-mannered self, no longer the gentle professor. Yet Chi Zhao remained soft and pliant. Even when treated so roughly, he still nestled fondly in Fu Nan’an’s embrace. He was the most loyal puppy.

Such a “little friend” was utterly endearing. No matter what, he would never hesitate to express his love, passion and loyalty, easily soothing Fu Nan’an’s unsettled heart. Whether faced with the gentle professor or the forceful one, Chi Zhao loved him wholeheartedly and without reservation.

His eyes were clear and bright, holding only Fu Nan’an within them.

Emotional peaks are momentary. After the jealousy dissipated, only tenderness remained. Fu Nan’an kissed Chi Zhao with reverence, inch by inch.

“…It’s red,” Fu Nan’an’s voice was a bit hoarse. His gaze was scorching, his movements exceptionally gentle. Chi Zhao’s heart felt like it was floating.

“Professor…” Chi Zhao turned his eyes away, somewhat embarrassed, and whispered, “Don’t… don’t look.”

He hadn’t felt it before, but now, with such tender kisses, Chi Zhao felt intensely shy. Professor Fu’s gaze was too fierce.

For all those previous years, Chi Zhao had known Professor Fu couldn’t see, so he had never felt shy. No matter how aroused or uncontrollable he became, Professor Fu couldn’t see it. But now it was different. Fu Nan’an’s gaze was fixed on him, his eyes holding only Chi Zhao’s reflection.

Fu Nan’an pretended not to hear him. So, blushing, Chi Zhao moved to cover his eyes. “Really, don’t look, Professor… I can’t handle this…”

“What are you shy about?” Fu Nan’an caught Chi Zhao’s wrist and pressed a kiss to it, his gaze lingering long on Chi Zhao’s body, reverent and profound. “It’s very beautiful.”

It was truly beautiful. Chi Zhao’s skin was very fair, and the red marks on his body were like plum blossoms blooming. These were things Fu Nan’an could see with his own eyes now. Something he hadn’t dared hope for before, but after just one glimpse, he couldn’t look away.

Chi Zhao read the emotion in his eyes and stopped resisting. Resting his head on Fu Nan’an’s shoulder, he exchanged quiet kisses with him.

That night, Fu Nan’an saw the entire process with his own eyes. Later, when Chi Zhao was already asleep, Fu Nan’an still gazed at his sleeping face for a long time. He traced every part of Chi Zhao’s skin over and over, experiencing a feeling of utter fulfillment. All past regrets vanished without a trace.

After some time, moonlight spilled in through the window. Chi Zhao was deep in sleep, and Fu Nan’an was finally satisfied. He had already changed the soiled bedsheets. The bedroom was filled with warmth and affection. Fu Nan’an gently kissed Chi Zhao’s forehead, his voice full of devotion. “I love you.”

Chi Zhao was already sound asleep, but even in his dreams, he naturally wrapped his arms around Fu Nan’an’s neck. He murmured softly, “I love you too.”