Unbridled 27

Ding Ji initially believed his role as an assistant meant simply shadowing Lin Wuyu while he operated his drone, especially since Lin Wuyu had mentioned taking him out to play before.

However, he hadn't anticipated this many people being present.

No formal introductions took place, but once they commenced, everyone seemed to know their tasks – one person managed the camera, another handled the bulky barrel-like camera, and others adjusted the drone.

He stood there with nothing to do, realizing he was the gofer. Meanwhile, Lin Wuyu effortlessly extracted the drone from his bag, fetched a laptop, and engaged in a discussion with someone before crouching nearby.

"Are we starting?" Ding Ji inquired.

"Yes," Lin Wuyu nodded. "Pass me the screen."

"The screen?" Ding Ji swiftly checked his bag and discovered a screen in a side pocket, slightly larger than a palm and quite thick, resembling a gaming console. He retrieved it. "Is this it?"

"Yes, you're sharp," Lin Wuyu took it, inserting the battery.

"Don't flatter me," Ding Ji scoffed.

Lin Wuyu attached the screen to the controller.

Ding Ji leaned in to inspect. "If it gets too sunny, won't it be difficult to see?"

"It's a high-brightness screen," Lin Wuyu explained. "Usually, it's clear. If not, just cover your head with something."

"Got it," Ding Ji nodded. "Anything else for me?"

"You can start learning," Lin Wuyu smiled. "You're quite the prodigy."

The aspiring "Prodigy" Ding scanned the area for a rock to sit on but found none. The hillside was muddy, devoid of suitable stones. Eventually, he settled on a decaying tree stump, only to feel his pants soaking within a minute.

He had to stand up quickly.

"I have two sticks in my bag," Lin Wuyu offered.

"Do you need them?" Ding Ji searched his bag, puzzled.

"You can sit," Lin Wuyu placed the drone on a flat surface, focusing on the screen.

As Ding Ji pulled out a short stick about the length of his arm, the drone emitted a low hum and took off. Without time to figure out how to sit with the stick underneath, he moved forward to watch Lin Wuyu's actions.

The screen displayed transmitted images, landscapes, and people clearly.

"Let's try to locate our watermelon boy," [*T/N: probably referring to Ding Ji, since he used to help sell watermelons (refer back to chapter 15/16)] Lin Wuyu said, adjusting a lever on the controller.

The drone altered direction in the air, and Ding Ji alternated between the screen and the drone.

When the screen showed both him and Lin Wuyu, his role as the tag-along became evident. Lin Wuyu appeared composed, while Ding Ji seemed visibly occupied, trying hard to be involved.

"How's the transmission?" Lin Wuyu asked the man he'd conversed with earlier.

"Crystal clear," the man replied. "Shall we begin?"

"Okay," Lin Wuyu nodded, then glanced at Ding Ji. "Pass me the stick."

Ding Ji handed over the stick, and Lin Wuyu flicked it, instantly extending the stick and shaping it into a T-shaped seat.

Ding Ji seemed perplexed. "How lazy can you get? Can't you stand for a while?"

"It's uncomfortable," Lin Wuyu smiled.

The drone made a half-circle and flew over the cliff.

Ding Ji picked up another stick, examined it, and mimicked Lin Wuyu's posture by resting it beneath himself.

Surprisingly, it felt rather pleasant?

He swiftly snapped a photo of the sticks; this might be a good suggestion for Liu Jinpeng. Every time he went shopping with his aunt, they struggled to find a place to sit…

But surprisingly, Lin Wuyu had brought two.

Glancing up at Lin Wuyu, he felt a bit moved.

This guy is pretty considerate.

Lin Wuyu, however, remained focused on the screen before him, ignoring Ding Ji.

Beside him, the man was giving instructions, "Try the open area to the left, yes, that's perfect, fly a bit further… Can you go higher? Okay, just like that…"

Carrying the sticks, Ding Ji settled on the cliff's edge, gazing out. In the blink of an eye, the drone became a tiny black dot, nearly invisible.

A few individuals with cameras started circling the mountain. After sitting for a while and seeing fewer people, Ding Ji returned behind Lin Wuyu. He peeked over his shoulder at the screen.

Having a high vantage point was incredible.

Since childhood, he'd loved climbing onto rooftops for this reason – the ability to see far and witness more. But now, the screen displayed things even standing atop a mountain couldn't reveal.

Expansive fields, shimmering rivers, sandy roads, bustling activity of people and vehicles in the fields… Then, as he lifted his head, he found himself facing a tall mountain peak, uncertain which one it was beside. A small temple, lively even in the early morning, emitted trails of incense.

Ding Ji suddenly grasped why Lin Wuyu enjoyed this so much.

With this, one could soar.

"Can we return at a lower altitude from the south side of the mountain?" the man inquired. "Will it affect the signal?"

"Of course," Lin Wuyu affirmed. "The distance is fine here. If it's farther, we can't have such a wide angle."

"Alright, we'll circle back from that side later to capture the area where they're filming the clouds," the man agreed.

"Got it," Lin Wuyu replied.

A phone rang, and Ding Ji instinctively reached for his own phone.

"In the left pocket of my pants, please answer it for me," Lin Wuyu requested. "Say it's urgent, and I'll call back later."

"Sure," Ding Ji retrieved the phone from Lin Wuyu's left pocket.

The caller ID displayed 'Zhu Li.'

"Zhu Li," Ding Ji softly murmured the name, pondering if it was appropriate for him to take this call.

Lin Wuyu paused for a moment, then whispered, "It's my mom, go ahead."

Ding Ji froze. Lin Wuyu's mom?

No! I won't answer! I can't! It was so awkward last time!

If I pick up, Lin Wuyu's parents might see me as his boyfriend!

"Should I answer?" Ding Ji hesitated and asked again.

"It could be important," Lin Wuyu said.

From the tone, it seemed Lin Wuyu didn't always answer his parents' calls, but at this hour, it might be… What if it's about the college entrance exam…

There was a stranger nearby, and Lin Wuyu was in work mode, employing Ding Ji and sharing earnings with him… Without further inquiry, Ding Ji stepped aside, took a breath, and reluctantly answered the phone.

"Hello, Auntie, how are you?" Ding Ji began abruptly.

"Who is this?" a man's voice came from the other end.

This is awkward! Who's this!?

Ding Ji hesitated. "Uncle, hello. Lin Wuyu is busy right now and can't take the call. He'll get back to you later."

"Who are you?" the man pressed.

Ding Ji recognized it was Lin Wuyu's dad and, after a brief pause, said, "I'm his work assistant."

"Assistant?" Lin Wuyu's dad scoffed, "Weren't you a friend when you came home that day?"

Lin Wuyu's dad astonishingly recognized Ding Ji's voice over the phone.

"We're friends outside work," Ding Ji clarified.

"Let Lin Wuyu answer," insisted Lin Wuyu's dad, "right away."

Ding Ji looked back; the shoot wasn't done yet. The man gestured at the screen, conversing with Lin Wuyu. Ding Ji moved a few steps away. "Uncle, he's flying the drone and filming. He really can't take the call right now."

Lin Wuyu's dad paused. "Alright, ensure he calls back immediately. Tell him his mom isn't well."

"Oh," Ding Ji acknowledged quickly. "Certainly."

Before he could say more, the call ended.

Observing the steady landing of the drone, Lin Wuyu discussed filming routes with the director, considering the distance and today's strong wind.

Approaching with his phone, Ding Ji began, "Your dad…" but Lin Wuyu swiftly walked off.

The call was from his mom's number, yet Ding Ji mentioned "your dad." Why would his dad use her phone to call?

It wasn't the weekend; they shouldn't be together. Was it about Lin Zhan?

Lin Wuyu furrowed his brow.

His job today was complicated, challenging terrain, a demanding director, and he didn't want emotions interfering. Although already uneasy, if it concerned Lin Zhan, his mood would sour all day.

As Ding Ji caught up, just as Lin Wuyu was about to request silence, Ding Ji blurted, "It's not about Lin Zhan."

Lin Wuyu glanced at him.

"You don't want to know?" Ding Ji said. "You're speeding; I feared you'd fly off the cliff with your drone if I didn't speak."

"What's the issue then?" Lin Wuyu smiled. "Why did my dad call?"

"He mentioned your mom isn't feeling well," Ding Ji avoided 'sick', not to startle Lin Wuyu. "He wanted you to call back immediately."

"We have a few minutes," Lin Wuyu said, "I'll call now."

After rechecking equipment and instructing his assistant Xiao Ding, Lin Wuyu moved for better signal, dialing his dad's number first.

His dad's number was out of service.

Quickly, he dialed his mom's number, and after a few rings, it connected.

"Are you this busy?" his dad said. "Even flying a drone needs that… Forget it, I don't want to talk about this…"

"What's wrong with Mom?" Lin Wuyu asked.

"Come back now," his dad insisted, "I just got back from the hospital with your mom."

"What's the matter?" Lin Wuyu inquired.

"Get back! Immediately!" his dad raised his voice. "Is it so hard for you to return when your mom is sick? Do you think it's not serious enough?"

"I'm not in the city; I'm in the mountains," Lin Wuyu explained, "I'm not finished here. Even if I wanted to, I don't have a car."

"I don't care how you respond," Dad said, "Your mom's in a terrible state, and you, as a son, actually…"

"I'm concerned. Will my emotions worsen it?" Lin Wuyu expressed.

"What do you think? That it's a minor issue?!" Dad suddenly shouted, "It's breast cancer! Understand? Cancer! We found out today and sat at the hospital for an hour before she stabilized! Now, Lin Wuyu, will you come back?"

Lin Wuyu didn't reply.

His dad hung up.

Ding Ji crouched near the drone, discreetly watching over it.

Given Ding Ji's perceptiveness, he probably suspected this wasn't an ordinary call. Lin Wuyu didn't hide his emotions either; he held his head in his arms, absentmindedly scratching it.

After a while, Ding Ji's shoes came into view before him.

"Watch my gear," Lin Wuyu still held his head, "It's worth tens of thousands."

"I asked Ben to keep an eye," Ding Ji said, "What happened? Is your mom seriously ill?"

"My dad mentioned she's been diagnosed with breast cancer," Lin Wuyu said, "He didn't explain much, just urged me to return immediately."

"Ah," Ding Ji was startled. This illness was beyond his anticipation. "How will you get back?"

"I can't go back right away," Lin Wuyu said, "It's almost noon, and I have a few more shots to take. Even after that, I'll need extra footage."

"What should we do?" Ding Ji asked.

"Can you analyze it for me?" Lin Wuyu raised his head, smiling at him.

Ding Ji didn't speak, bit his lip, then glanced back at the group. "Let me summarize the analysis first; I'll return after we finish filming."

"Alright," Lin Wuyu nodded, "Fair enough."

Ding Ji hesitated, "You've made up your mind, haven't you? You want me to articulate it… Do you still want me to explain the analysis process?"

"Go ahead," Lin Wuyu said.

"With so many people, the situation seems intense," Ding Ji said, "There's a lot to cover, and it'll be tough to turn back. If you skip this, there'll be significant losses; not only won't you get paid, but you might have to compensate. Your reputation might suffer too."

"Well, I don't understand why they're forcing me to come back immediately; it doesn't make sense," Lin Wuyu chuckled. "My mom's at home, and my dad's there too. In other families, going back would comfort mom. But in ours…"

"I think they don't necessarily need you to return right away; they don't have this emotional demand," Ding Ji said. "It's just your mom's sudden diagnosis has made them feel terrible. They're taking it out on you since they can't vent now. Even if you go back, they might still vent."

"Why didn't you study psychology?" Lin Wuyu said.

"Consider how to comfort your parents when you go back," Ding Ji frowned, "This illness, if caught early, has many treatment options."

"Okay," Lin Wuyu responded.

"Don't overthink it for now," Ding Ji held his hand, gently rubbing it. "Don't be upset."

"Am I being cold-hearted?" Lin Wuyu looked at him. "I'm surprised and a bit worried, but… I'm not that upset."

"It's not about being cold-hearted," Ding Ji sighed, "It's not related."

Lin Wuyu's ability to manage his emotions impressed Ding Ji.

He put away his phone and returned to his drone. His demeanor reverted, showing no sign he had received such a call.

Lin Wuyu claimed he wasn't very upset, and Ding Ji believed him. But what his dad said on the phone didn't sound good. It wasn't an ordinary illness, and saying it wouldn't affect emotions was improbable.

But about not feeling too upset… Ding Ji mulled over those words and couldn't help but feel sorry for Lin Wuyu.

The shoot took almost the time Lin Wuyu estimated, slightly delayed. While getting additional shots, a sudden strong wind blew. It stopped after a while but delayed them for almost an hour.

As they packed up and descended the mountain, Lin Wuyu remained silent, walking with his head down.

Only after Ding Ji stuck around him, asking for an energy bar midway and teasing him with a piece of tickling grass, did those few sentences come out.

"I'll drop you off first," Ding Ji offered, "Taking me home wouldn't be on your way."

"Fine," Lin Wuyu didn't exchange pleasantries.

Arriving downstairs at home, Lin Wuyu handed over all the equipment to Ding Ji, who was supposed to take it to his grandma's place first.

As he exited the elevator, it struck him that he'd forgotten to take the house keys.

There were instances in his childhood when he'd forget his keys, returning to severe scolding. After many years, it hadn't happened again.

Today, he hadn't foreseen coming back home.

He sighed and pressed the doorbell.

His dad opened the door, displeased upon seeing him. "Making money matters more, huh?"

"Where's Mom?" Lin Wuyu glanced around the living room, not finding her.

"Resting in bed," Dad replied.

"Sleeping?" Lin Wuyu inquired.

"Can she sleep at a time like this?" Dad's tone was strained.

Lin Wuyu said no more. He entered his parents' bedroom and found his mom seated by the bedside, staring blankly, her eyes swollen and tear-streaked.

"Mom." He approached, calling out but unsure what to say.

He could talk in any situation without stutters, but with his parents, the right words often escaped him.

"Your dad scolded you, didn't he?" Mom turned to him.

That statement caught Lin Wuyu off guard.

In his memory, Mom had never spoken to him this way.

"Have you been busy lately?" Mom asked again. "Found any jobs?"

Her gentle tone and ordinary conversation unsettled Lin Wuyu deeply. Amidst the shock, he felt a wave of emotions.

"No, I've had nothing to do lately," his voice faltered, "I only sought other work after applying to college."

"Could you do something for me?" Mom suddenly gripped his wrist. "You're planning to apply to H University, right? Can you spare time to see the campus environment…"

"What's the matter?" Lin Wuyu was startled, tensing all over.

For years, he hadn't had much physical contact with his parents. Mom's sudden grab nearly took his breath away.

"Look at the photo; it's really your brother," Mom wept. She retrieved a picture from under the pillow and pressed it into his hand. "It must be your brother, Wuyu. Please, go and see for us… I'm afraid I won't see him before I die…"