Chapter 17

After his recount of the matter, Aunt Zhou laughingly explained, “Young Master, I’ve been a chef for more than half of my life, so it’s a given that my skills must be better when compared to yours.”

“Then what am I supposed to do?” Helian Qing drew his brows into a knit.

“You just need to practice a few more times and you’ll get better. I already had the ingredients for this afternoon prepared.” Aunt Zhou then jested, “Who would’ve known the Young Master could be so impatient?”

“Can we just get to the soup?” Helian Qing stated expressionlessly, though on the inside, he stir-fried that free-riding [1] piece of salted fish, known as Han Yang, repeatedly.

Aunt Zhou, “Alright then, I’ll teach you how to do it now. So today will be……”

“Hujiao Zhudu soup.” Helian Qing said.

[T/n: Pepper Pig Belly (soup)]

“Okay.” Aunt Zhou laughed as she got the ingredients ready one by one, while Helian Qing explained once more.

Due to his wish to learn how to make many soups, he immediately got out his notebook to take notes. Intending to record all the necessary ingredients and their quantities.

The butler stood at the sidelines, looking on at his Young Master learning earnestly, sincerely lamenting, “Ah, coaxing a wife is truly not easy!”

Later that evening, Helian Qing brought the soup he cooked back home. Han Yang took the thermos containing it, then opened it, the act allowing him to smell the concentrated flavour of the pork belly and pepper bounded together. Since the ingredients were slowly stewed together for around three hours, it gave the soup a rich aroma, and drinking such soups during winter, was quite fitting.

“How is it?” Helian Qing came right out and asked as he watched Han Yang take a sip of the soup.

“It’s not bad, just a little too strong.” Han Yang replied.

“Is it the pepper?” Helian Qing asked before he took a bite himself, making the decision to add a bit less spice the next time.

“Mhm, but other than that, it’s alright to eat.” Han Yang said as he again took a bite.

This one isn’t too bad. Helian Qing thought.

Han Yang had now finished his bite and was preparing to take another when Helian Qing stopped him all of a sudden, and said, “Don’t eat it. Next time I’ll have them add less pepper.”

“It’s alright. The chef worked hard to make this soup, throwing it out will be wasteful.”

“I know that very well.” Helian Qing said this, but he still stopped Han Yang’s spoon of soup.

“What?” Han Yang asked, not hearing what he had said.

“It’s nothing, just eat.” Helian Qing directed.

“Okay.” Han Yang nodded, continuing to eat his dinner.

For the next week, Helian Qing had brought home a soup with him everyday. One day, Han Yang could not help but ask, “Is the new chef honing his technical skills everyday?”

In the process of eating his meal, Helian Qing’s hand halted, “Why do you care so much about what he’s doing?”

“I just feel this is too much of a bother, since Aunty Su and the others aren’t there, yet we’re still troubling Shifu everyday to make these soups just for my benefit.” Han Yang said shyly. “Actually, I think we can make the soups for ourselves.”

[T/n: Shifu is just a polite way to refer to a professional.]

“Don’t you have anything better to do?” Helian Qing said impatiently.

“……” Han Yang was left speechless.

“Just remember to be grateful.” Helian Qing reminded him.

“Yes, yes, yes, Master Helian.” Han Yang agreed.

Master Helian was indeed pleased by that dried salted fish’s tact, thus he replenished the younger man’s soup, “Your reward.”

“Thank you, Princess, for this recompense.” Han Yang said, beaming.

“Shut it.” Helian Qing gently scolded, “Do you want go to heaven right now? Call me that again, try it.”

Han Yang stuck out his tongue, before cheerfully lowering his head, then continued to eat his dinner.

**

When his afternoon class ended, Han Yang was stopped by his Daoshi [Mentor], and the two went down the stairs together.

Daoshi, “The bonus from the last project came in, so I’ll call you later when it’s transferred to your card, alright.”

Han Yang nodded, “Yes. Thank you Laoshi [Teacher].”

With a wave of their hand, Daoshi added, “Why so formal, you’ve worked very hard for this for very long, so take some time to rest now.”

Han Yang smiled, “It was no trouble.” After all, he was very thankful to Daoshi for giving him such an opportunity.

Patting his shoulder, Daoshi then said, “Go on home, alright.”

Han Yang gave a nod, “Goodbye, Daoshi.”

Because he had no more classes that afternoon, Han Yang went to the cafeteria to grab a bite to eat then headed straight home.

Just as he had returned, he received a message reading “□□ has been deposited into your account”, and above those words was the word “Bonus”.

This had been the first time a project kept him busy for an entire two months, and Han Yang had indeed endured many a long night. But, even though he was tired, the bonus amount was quite good, and so it was all regarded as being worth it.

He sent a message to Laoshi, confirming he had received the money, then after that, made his way to the study and turned on his computer. Once on, he opened a file labelled “Bill”, which he used to record the debt his mother and father owed to Helian Qing.

He proceeded to record his just received bonus, which had before it, a few amounts noted as well. But, in the face of such a tremendous amount of debt, those few sums were tantamount to drops of water before an ocean [2] —insignificant.

Han Yang took out his phone, checked his savings in the bank, and again recorded the details into the files before saving it, intending to shut off his computer.

Just as he put his phone aside, it rang. The incoming call being from Mo Suya.

“Aunty Su.” Han Yang closed off the file and received the call.

“A’Yang, are you at home, by chance?” Mo Suya asked.

“Yeah. Did you return from your trip?” Han Yang also asked.

“Yeah, we just left the airport, so in a little bit we’ll pass by your apartment to take you back with us to have a meal. See you later, okay. ” Mo Suya said happily.

“Alright, see you soon.” Han Yang replied.

After he hung up, Han Yang gave Helian Qing a call, but it went unanswered. He figured the other was most likely busy so he instead decided to get himself ready for the time being, then wait for Mo Suya to arrive.

It was about half an hour later when Mo Suya had arrived, Helian Cheng was also with her.

“Did Grandad not come back?” Han Yang asked.

“Oh, Lao Yezi ran into an old friend, so he decided to stay for a couple more days.” Mo Suya answered, reaching to fix Han Yang’s collar while she continued, “Today is such a chilly day, why are you wearing so little? Are those clothes warm enough? Tomorrow, I’ll go with you so we can get you some thick winter wear.”

“I have enough, I already have quite a lot of winter clothes.” Han Yang said quickly, as not too long ago, Helian Qing had someone order him quite a few sets of down garments, and even still proceeded to drag him to buy a lot more clothes. So now, half of their closet was occupied by his clothes.

“That’s fine, then. Just put on a bit more layers.” Mo Suya then added, “I called A’Qing a moment ago, but the call didn’t go through, you two aren’t butting heads again these days, right? He’s not bullying you, is he?”

“No, were doing quite fine.” Han Yang responded.

“Okay. Then, I brought gifts for the two of you. So, when we get back home I’ll show you.” Mo Suya said.

“Sure, thank you Aunty Su.” Han Yang smiled.

When they returned, Mo Suya gave everyone their gifts she had brought back. In addition to Helian Qing and Han Yang, Lao Guanjia [Butler] and Aunt Zhou were not left out. Mo Suya had even brought a few chocolates to share amongst the female servants. After she was done distributing the presents, she along with Helian Cheng, both went upstairs to unpack their things. So now, Han Yang, who was left sitting by his lonesome and bored, saw that Aunt Zhou was busy in the kitchen, thus he simply went over to help.

“Let me give you a hand.” Han Yang said, wanting to help wash the vegetables. But just as he went over to assist Aunt Zhou, a startled young girl, hurriedly took the vegetables aside, saying, “There is no need, that’s not necessary!”

“Then, can I help you cut them?” Han Yang asked.

“No, there’s no need to!” The young girl shook her head vigorously.

“Then……”

“Young Master A’Yang, you shouldn’t frighten her. Just wait outside, alright.” Aunt Zhou said cheerily.

“But I’m so bored.” Han Yang also laughed.

“Then, what kind of soup do you want to eat today? Aunt Zhou will make you some soup.” Aunt Zhou asked.

After he heard what she said, Han Yang remembered that Shifu that helped to give him those soups, so he asked, “Aunt Zhou, who’s the new cook?”

“New cook?” A puzzled Aunt Zhou asked.

“Yeah, the one who gave me soup for that past few days, so I want to thank him for the trouble.” Han Yang elaborated.

“Oh! Who did I think you were talking about, eh!” Aunt Zhou laughed, “There aren’t any new chefs here, those soups were all the Young Master’s. He came here everyday to let me teach him about then.”

Han Yang froze, and again asked , “Who did you just say it was?”

“Young Master Qing.” Aunt Zhou, replied then added, “He said he wanted to soothe your stomach, so everyday, he came back here to ask me to teach how to do it. He even wrote everything down in a huge notebook!”

All the soup given to him this week was from Helian Qing? He even took notes in a giant notebook?!

Han Yang felt dumb, because that idea had never occurred to him! He instantaneously felt as if someone had smacked him, leaving his mind in a daze.

It was no wonder that those days where Helian Qing brought soup back with him, he always asked whether or not it tastes good. Also, why if he said there was a problem, that guy’s face would get all sour, but if he praised it, he would be gifted with another serving.

So it turns out all the soups were cooked by him, doesn’t it?

Aunt Zhou saw he was still speechless, so she added, “Every time you finished eating, the Young Master would write down the issue, then he’d have me teach him how to adjust them based on your preferences. So, how was it? Are you accustomed to the taste?”

“……I’m used to it.” Han Yang nodded. With such kindhearted intentions, how could I not get used to it.

“That’s good, then.” Aunt Zhou smiled, then urged him, “Don’t let the Young Master know that I told you about it, alright? He’s a bit sensitive, so he’ll probably get mad and not cook anymore!”

With that Princess Qing’s temper, I think he’ll definitely be pissed.

“I got it.” Han Yang nodded, and asked, “Oh right, Aunt Zhou, you mentioned that he took notes in a book. Where exactly is it? Can I take a look?”

“It’s up in the Young Master’s room. You can go up and get it yourself, if you want?” Aunt Zhou answered. Helian Qing came by everyday, so his notebook was always left there.

“I will. Thank you Aunt Zhou.” Han Yang expressed his gratitude before heading upstairs.

“Aunt Zhou, is it really not a problem that you exposed the Young Master?” The young woman who helped wash the vegetables asked.

“Why would it be an issue? Not revealing it just now would’ve been the problem.” Aunt Zhou explained, “The Young Master, that man, is as stubborn as a mule [2]. If I hadn’t said anything, Young Master Yang wouldn’t know, and those two would just end up going around in even more circles.”

“So that’s how it it is.” The young girl nodded, “Old ginger really is hotter than the new [3].”

“That’s right!” Aunt Zhou said smugly.

Han Yang made his way to Helian Qing’s room, immediately seeing the notebook atop his desk as he entered.

He then went to pick it up, and opened it.

On several pages at the front of the book, there were a few scattered numbers and dates. Han Yang guessed that Helian Qing must have written those when he was at work. He then turned the a few more pages to see “Food and drinks to take held of during a Stomach Cold”, written at the top of the page, and below each item was a small list of dishes:

Chenpi Paigu soup, Hujiao Zhu Du soup, Dangshen Huangqi Yangrou soup [4], etc……

[Tangerine peel and Spareribs Soup; Pepper Pig Belly Soup; Codonopsis & Astralagus root with Mutton Soup…]

Above, he jotted down a few of the soups Han Yang had eaten. He originally did think it was a new chef, not expecting it to be Helian Qing.

Again, he turned the page, where he then saw Aunt Zhou’s words written down. On several pages, her words were carefully transcribed, including detailed records of the quantity of each ingredient, as well as their required cooking time.

Among these, there were several soups which had even more notations following them of what ingredients to reduce, such as pepper, dried tangerine peels, etc. All of them being the soups he had given suggestions on.

Translated by -[iana]-, read at :anameescans [DOT] wordpress [DOT] com

Because of his exposure to the freezing cold during his childhood, his stomach suffered from Hanqi (chills) [5]. Furthermore, due to it being an old untreated ailment, taking care of it was not easy. He had also been quite busy with attending his classes as well as a simultaneous jobs to make money, that he simply did not have enough will inclination to take care of it himself. Therefore, very often, at those times when he experienced pain, he would just take some pills and endure it until it had passed.

This problem if his was not all that serious, but he had never thought that anyone would do something to such an extent just for him.

Helian Qing being the kind of man, to all of a sudden wash his hands and make soup, was something that if you said it out loud, there would be no one who would regard it as truth. From their time together, Han Yang had come to the understanding Helian Qing, without a doubt, before meeting him, had never once washed his in chopsticks, let alone, prepared a soup.

Yet he, of all people, still did so. He even went as far as to fill several pages with notes recording all his own preferences, one after another.

In that instant, Han Yang’s heart swelled with pain, he even felt his eyes becoming unable to contain the wretched sensation which arose. He blinked his eyes in an effort to dispel the mist, but it was useless. All he could do was to use book within his hands to shield his face. That movement of his hands resulting in a piece of paper residing within the journal to fall out.

Han Yang picked up the item and had a look, it was a business card.

——Chen Qingqing, Occupation: Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Han Yang simply reinserted it into the book, which just so happened to turn to a page in the middle, where he found the following things written at the top.

December 18th, 20xx – Morning

Jiang Shanlu, Occupation: Doctor of TCM – Acupuncture & Moxibustion

December 19th, 20xx – Morning

Jiang Shanlu, Occupation: Doctor of TCM – Acupuncture & Moxibustion

They were both dates for the upcoming weekend.

Han Yang suddenly recalled that a few days ago, Helian Qing said he would be taking him out for something that coming weekend. When he asked where there were going, Helian Qing did not say, and now that he saw those notes, Han Yang immediately understood.

That this course of acupuncture treatment, was actually arranged for him.

That year his parents abandoned him, it had happened to be freezing cold day during the twelfth lunar month. He was left with the aftereffects of the frostbite he got back then, so now, every year during the coldest parts of winter, he was practically always in pain. Back then, his family’s economic situation was not that great, not to mention, it had not been easy for his grandfather to afford sending him to school. With that, and out of fear of worrying his Grandpa, he dared not mention it. Afterwards, as he grew older, he slowly got accustomed to the pain, just as he did with his Stomach Cold, becoming indifferent to both.

But now, there was someone who got in contact with a doctor for his legs, and they even arranged for acupuncture treatments.

That made Han Yang shocked, and even moreso at a complete and utter loss at what he should do.

Apart from his Grandpa, there was no one else who cared for him. He had never expected there was someone hidden from him who would hold him dearly at the pinnacle of their heart.

Stretching his hand to rub his knee, Han Yang took a deep breath, then slowly sat himself on a nearby chair, remaining still, as he stared at the words in Helian Qing’s notebook for a very long time.

“Buzz, buzz———”

Han Yang’s phone vibrated in his pocket. He fished it out to see it was Helian Qing who was calling him.

Dazedly, Han Yang gazed at the two words “Helian Qing”, forgetting to answer the call leaving it to eventually cut itself off.

Han Yang wanted to call him back, but Helian Qing called again himself.

“What are you doing not answering your phone?” Helian Qing’s tone was quite cranky.

Han Yang did not respond, fearing he would be unable to restrain the intense emotions suppressed in his chest, and that his tears will fall.

“Say something.” Helian Qing asked again after noting the lad’s lack of a response, “Why didn’t you answer the phone?”

“…Helian Qing.” Han Yang spoke, discovering his voice sounded a bit hoarse after the fact.

“What’s wrong?” Helian Qing noticed his voice did not sound right, “Who bullied you?”

Han Yang swallowed a breath, then said, “You did!”

“When did I do something to bully you?” Helian Qing asked.

“What time are you coming back?” Han Yang changed the topic.

“I’ll be late, tonight there’s a dinner party, and I won’t make it back in time for supper, so you should just obediently eat your dinner, okay.” Helian Qing said.

“Then, am I going to still be eating soup today?” Han Yang inquired.

“Do you want to eat soup?” Helian Qing asked in return.

“Mhm, I got accustomed to eating it.” Han Yang said.

“The chef requested a day off today, so I’ll ask Aunt Zhou make it for you, alright?” Helian Qing said, pretending to sound serious.

“That’s alright, I was just asking, I like eating the soup the new chef makes.” Han Yang did not expose him.

“Is that so.” Helian Qing’s voice had an obvious glimmer of joy as he spoke, “Then tomorrow, I’ll get him to cook for you.”

“Okay.” Han Yang paused for a while, then again called out to him, “Helian Qing.”

“Mn?” Helian Qing groaned.

“Come back early, I’ll be waiting for you at home.” Han Yang said, before hanging up the phone soon after.

At the other end of the line, Helian Qing held the phone in his hand for a good while, still unable to recover from Han Yang’s “Come back soon, I’ll be waiting for you at home”.

It was akin to a flirtatious lover waiting for him to return. This was the first time he had heard such words from Han Yang, so Helian Qing suspected there was something wrong.

[T/n: the phrase for flirtatious lover, can also mean spoiled child.]

He thought it over, then called Han Yang again.

“What happened?” Han Yang asked.

“Are you really alright?” Helian Qing was not too convinced.

“Why must there be something wrong?” Han Yang did not know if to cry or laugh, “I was just bored, so I asked when you’ll be back.”

“That’s fine, then. So, just obediently wait for you husband to come back home.” Helian Qing stated.

“Alright.” Han Yang, again, hung up right after he responded.

Helian Qing, again, held the phone in hand in shock. He referred to himself the lad’s husband, and Han Yang actually responded！！！

“Does this fucker also want make a person not want to go to work?!” Helian Qing remained silent for quite a while, before he cursed that sentence through gritted teeth.

**

Han Yang did not know for how long Helian Qing would be busy, so he had dinner at the mansion and not long after, Mo Suya had someone drop him back to his home.

Back home, Han Yang could sense the diffidence in his steps. He felt that the day had seemed like a dream, a dream that was entirely of Helian Qing.

Han Yang had brought Helian Qing’s notebook back with him, the exquisite leather bound book felt heavy in his hands. The tender sentiments contained within that book carried too much weight, so much so, it bore down on his chest, making his heart start to tremble.

His fingers slowly dragged against the handwriting on the cover. Han Yang did not know how to describe the surging emotions within his chest. He did his best to rack his mind and for all the words he knew, but just as before, he was unable to find a suitable one to use.

They seemed to have their own consciousness which, little by little, gnawed away at his reason, his critical thinking, using those bites to form into the two words “Helian Qing”.

Helian Qing…… Helian Qing……

His mind was completely filled with Helian Qing.

Han Yang felt he should take a shower to calm himself down. Thus he put the book aside and went to the bathroom.

Translated by -[iana]-, read at :anameescans [DOT] wordpress [DOT] com

When Helian Qing returned it was past eleven o’clock that night. Han Yang heard the door open, so he immediately hopped off the sofa, dragging the padded quilt with him as he forgot he wore it while he scampered out, stopping dead in his tracks, at the sight of Helian Qing.

It’s obvious we just separated this morning, so why does it feel like it’s been a very long time since I saw you?

“You’re back.” Han Yang said.

“Mhm.” Helian Qing who had lowered his head to change his shoes, lifted it to look at the sound of the other man’s voice, wrinkling his brows at the sight of Han Yang’s bare feet stepping on the floorboards, “Where are your shoes?”

“Oh… I forgot them.” Han Yang replied before making his way to the cabinet to grab a pair. But, just as he went near Helian Qing, the man stooped, instantly drawing into an embrace.

Helian Qing carried the man in his arms into the living room, before resting him on the sofa. His large hands now rubbing the lad’s feet, where he discovered they were terribly cold so his tone was unpleasant when he then asked, “Where are your socks?”

“There’s no reason for me to wear socks at home, it has a heater.” Han Yang said as he withdrew his feet, however Helian Qing grabbed them, lifted them onto the sofa, then took the blanket nearby to cover him.

“Why are you so late?” Han Yang asked.

“Negotiations took some time.” Helian Qing squatted next to the sofa, holding Han Yang’s ankles, rubbing them. As he rubbed each side, he continued, “Next time don’t forget to wear your slippers or else I’ll just chop these off, alright.”

Han Yang did not contradict his words, he simply looked on at Helian Qing’s profile, prompting his heart to move, causing him to reach out his hand and touch the tip of the man’s nose.

His action caused Helian Qing’s hands to stop, as he lifted his head to look at the younger man, “What’re you doing?”

Han Yang pulled his hand back, “I just noticed that your very handsome all of a sudden.”

Helian Qing scoffed, shamelessly saying, “You just noticed that now? You have such an outstanding man as me, yet you just embrace a pillow. We don’t always have to be at each other’s throats everyday.”

“Yeah.” Han Yang nodded.

“……” His frankness made Helian Qing unable to help himself from looking at him from head to toe, “You’re acting weird, did you lose your marbles today?[6]”

“No, it was something in the soup.” Han Yang said, “Something in Chef Helian’s soup.”

Han Yang took the book from beside him and placed it before Helian Qing, saying, “I brought it back with me.”

Helian Qing was at first shocked for a couple seconds, following that, he reacted by pulling the book from Han Yang’s hands, fiercely saying, “What the hell, I’m going to take a bath.”

After which, he wanted to stand up and leave, but Han Yang reached out to grab him, “Wait.”

“You’re so annoying. Just hurry up and get to bed……”

“Helian Qing.” Han Yang cut him off, “Do you like me?”

Annoyance revealed itself on Helian Qing’s face, then with a cold laugh, he taunted, “What are you playing at…”

His words were cut off, as Han Yang propped himself off the sofa, moved closer to that, yet again, offensive mouth where he placed a kiss.

The warm, soft lips against his own, made the book within Helian Qing’s hand fall to the ground, emitting a gentle echo with it’s “thud”, his entire being left dumbfounded.

Other than that day in the car when they registered their marriage, this was the first time since then that Han Yang himself kissed Helian Qing, as he had never taken the initiative to kiss him. This was because first, Helian Qing had absolutely no need for him to take the initiative, and the second being, he was too embarrassed.

This time, his entire core wanted it to be. He truly wanted to kiss Helian Qing. He wanted to so much, he just did it.

Han Yang’s skill was quite poor, he had no technique at all as he kissed Helian Qing, so it came off a bit bumpy. He awkwardly used his tongue to trace Helian Qing’s lips, it’s tip searching, wanting to pry his jaw open.

This proposed kiss was so unfamiliar, it made Helian Qing’s mind buzz. A hand then seized Han Yang’s waist, the receiver now becoming the attacker [7] as he pressed Han Yang onto the sofa, holding himself above him, danger dripping from his tone as he said, “Do you really want to stoke this flame?”

Han Yang swallowed, feeling his throat instantly become dry. His courage from not so long ago, once he noticed the desire within Helian Qing’s eyes, had now disappeared, and was nowhere to be seen. He had now fully transformed into a dried salted fish as he said hoarsely, “Don’t you have to go take a bath? Hurry up and go!!”

“Alright, a bath it is.” Helian Qing nodded, got up, then bent over to lift Han Yang over his shoulder.

“What are you doing!” Suddenly having his head upside down after being carried over the man’s shoulder, gave Han Yang quite a fright, he used his hands to pound the man’s back, “Let me go, put me down!”

“What am I doing?” Helian Qing smiled grimly, then tossed out the words, “Taking a bath!”

[T/n: When Han Yang said “Hurry and go!” He used “吧” to end his sentence which can also mean “let’s”, so though he told HLQ to “Go on!” Helian Qing twisted his words to mean “Let’s go!”]

Helian Qing carried him to the bathroom right away, using one hand to hold Han Yang’s legs, while the other turned on the faucet of the bathtub. Han Yang now realizing the man’s intention, struggled and wanted to be put down, “Let me down, I already took a bath!”

Helian Qing, who remained undeterred, still held Han Yang over his shoulder as he gave a tug to the lad’s slacks, immediately pulling them off. With another tug, his underwear was also shed, exposing a perky butt and slender thighs.

“Helian Qing! !” Han Yang having his bare buttocks over the man’s shoulder, caused his entire being fill with utter shame and embarrassment, “You, let me go! !”

“Smack!” Helian Qing spanked the lad’s butt. The smack emitting a crisp sound.

Han Yang’s squirming came to a complete stop, while his face was now practically dripping blood.

……Just let me find a crack to dig my self into! Han Yang hopelessly thought.

Helian Qing swiftly pulled the rest of Han Yang’s clothes off and placed him into the tub.

From behind him, Han Yang heard the sound of Helian Qing undressing quite clearly in the bathroom. He nervously rubbed his hands together in the water, feeling as if time itself had froze, and he and Helian Qing were the only two people left on earth.

Helian Qing got in the tub and sat beside Han Yang. Since the bathtub was quite large, so even though two people were seated inside of it, there was much more room to spare. Han Yang withdrew from beside him, putting great effort into wanting to shrink himself into a strip of salted fish, wishing to reduce his own existence as much as possible.

But it was no use.

Helian Qing scoffed, leaned forward onto the lad’s back, his lips pressed against the other’s ear as he gently licked it, saying, “Is that all you got?”

His low, raspy tone carried traces of sensuality, causing Han Yang’s back to go numb, and his hands to grip themselves even more tightly, as heart “ba-thumped— —”, pounding violently, seeming as if it was unable to bear it.

……………………………………………

[The smut would be censored so the author released it on her Weibo, but that was three years ago and I looked and am still looking so… cry with me

˚‧º·(˚ ˃̣̣̥᷄⌓˂̣̣̥᷅ )‧º·˚]

^^ That was what I was originally going to post but GUESS WHO FOUND THE SMUT!!!!!!! It’ll be in part two

(۶ꈨຶꎁꈨຶ )۶ʸᵉᵃʰᵎ

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Notes:

Quick one, you saw how HLQ, is sometimes called Master right, when HY referenced the new chef he called him Shifu(a polite way to call someone skilled in a profession, or ~MASTER~). I thought that was funny. Anyway, read on…

[1]坐享其成: Meaning – to sit by and enjoy the fruits of another’s labour.

[2] 死鸭子嘴硬: lit. A very obstinate duck. Meaning – a stubborn person. Translated as, stubborn as a mule to keep the animal metaphor intact.

[3] 姜还是老的辣: lit. Old ginger is still hotter than the new. Meaning -Experience trumps inexperience.

[4] a. 陈皮排骨汤: Chenpi Paigu tang: The pork spareribs and citrus peel soup Helian Qing made first – taste, bitter.

b. 胡椒猪肚汤: Hujiao Zhudu tang: The Pepper pig belly/stomach soup he made second – taste, spicy.

(Pic above)

c. 党参黄芪羊肉汤: Dangshen Huangqi Yang Rou tang: Codonopsis (poor man’s ginseng) root, Astralagus (Chinese milkvetch) root, and mutton soup, soup number three – taste, smoky & rich. Note: the Dangshen and Huangqi roots, both have natural sweetness.

codonopsis

Codonopsis/Poor Man’s Ginseng, Root

milkvetch

Astralagus/Milkvetch Root

dhyrsoup

DHYR soup (minus the Dangshen)

BTW, remember in chapter 15 when Han Yang mentioned he liked his milk with a touch a sweetness, so his preference is for things to have a bit of sweet in ’em.

Anyway, in his first soup, Helian Qing seemed to focus more on the fortifying benefits of the meal (in accordance with Traditional Chinese Medicine), dried tangerine peels are used to treat gastrointestinal issues. Next, he tried the Pepper Pig Belly, known for warming the stomach (TCM). Lastly, to cater to perfecting a dish perfect for his Little Saltfish’s preference, he tried the DHYR soup, where it’s two herbal ingredients are used to help balance/strengthen the tummy, with the Astralagus being recommended for people Han Yang’s age, not to mention mutton/lamb meat is good for people with a weak Yang, and made other soups from there on.

So, yeah, he put a lot of thought in those soups, and I really like saying “Pepper Pig Belly”

[5] a. 受寒: being affected by cold. In respect to Traditional Chinese Medicine, it has more to do with cold invading the body or a body that lost some of it’s Yang(heat).

b. 寒气: it means cold air/chill. But in TCM, it refers to the effects a build up of cold in the body causes. Like HY’s tummy trouble and leg pain. (If this is not right, tell meh:)

[6] 脑子进水: crazy/soft in the head. (The poor guy’s so confused )

[7] 反客为主: lit. the guest acts like the host. Meaning – passive action turning into an active one.

(Stuff I forgot to mention:)

Titles & names:

The Aunt used for Aunt Zhou and Mo Suya aren’t the same Aunt. Mo Suya is called 阿姨/姨 [mother’s sister/ polite reference for a woman your mom’s age, like Auntie]. While Aunt Zhou, is called 婶[which lit. means father’s younger brother’s wife] but since she’s not related to the family, it could just mean Mrs. I like Aunty Zhou more though.

The unnamed characters and food will be called as such in Chinese, because some of them are too gosh-darn long or odd sounding in a sentence eg. (DHYR soup and Fourth Dorm Brother{Laosi})

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This chapter (the original) is 11000 characters. To give some perspective, the first few chapters were around 2k and the last few have been around 3k to over 4k and the final set hovers around the latter amount.

It’ll take more time from now on.

Notice1

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As he dropped kisses along the younger man’s nape, Helian Qing also drew small mounds of the lad’s skin into his mouth — sucking them, leaving behind tiny traces of red in his wake. Afterwards, his lips travelled downwards, the tip of his tongue gliding down Han Yang’s spine, a trail of moisture left behind it. His hand soon reaching out to draw that lad’s waist towards him, his hands slowly caressing the other’s abdomen, running them all the way down before finally coming to a halt at that intimate place between Han Yang’s legs, where his broad palm soon engulfed it.

Feeling that most sensitive place of his being grasped, Han Yang immediately straightened his back, his legs clamping shut out of reflex. Unluckily, they just so happened to have also trapped that teasing hand of Helian Qing’s between them.

“Why are you so anxious?” Helian Qing asked with a light laugh, before he again buried his head within the hollow of the lad’s shoulder, nipping at the rise of his clavicle, while his teasing hand began to slide up and down.

“… don’t do that…” Han Yang whispered, as he did his best to keep control of his own desire. Sadly, the pleasure which came from Helian Qing’s hand simply could not be ignored, so little by little, the longing between his legs rose.

Helian Qing turned the smaller man’s body around, tilting his own head to have a good look only to notice the water within the tub concealed some of the scenery, making his view clouded. Crinkling his brows, he simply drained most of the water from the tub, leaving only a shallow layer behind. That remaining amount was now good enough, since it allowed Han Yang’s already erected member to be exposed. Since Han Yang’s skin was fair, and because he rarely did that himself, that organ of his also had a very light complexion, causing it to appear pristine.

Han Yang wanted to pull his legs together. Helian Qing, on the contrary, used his hand to obstruct the lad’s efforts, holding onto his ankles, then lifted his left leg over the side of the tub.

Such a position had Han Yang’s legs spread wide open, enabling the sight between them to be right in plain view.

“Helian Qing…” Han Yang felt a bit panicked.

“Shh…” Helian Qing moved closer to the lad, lowering his head, but stopped just as he neared the boy’s lips, coaxing, “let me touch it.”

With those words said, he reached for the tip of Han Yang’s penis, grasped it, then gently be pressed his thumb against its tiny hole a few times, before swirling his finger around its head, urging that place to very quickly spill its essence by his provocation. At the same time he did this, the movements made by his lips also did not cease, as his tongue twirled nimbly within Han Yang’s mouth, licking up and down, in a this simultaneous attack.

“Helian Qing…” the lad whimpered.

“Hush…” Helian Qing nibbled on the lad’s lips, soon capturing his tongue, sucking it, while the movement of his hand increased rapidly as it held Han Yang’s member, sliding up and down.

Being teased from both ends made Han Yang moan, his reason drifting away from him, thus allowing his other leg to open unconsciously. Both his and that man’s tongue tugging at one another in unison. Their lips and tongues winding around each other’s, creating a delicately sweet, wet sound.

Helian Qing dragged his tongue at the corner of Han Yang’s lips, proceeding downwards only to pause at the small projection of his left pec. Curling his tongue around that nub, he suddenly began sucking, doing so until that peak was quite red, moist and glossy.

“… mnn, aahh…” Han Yang gasped from the prickling sensation of his nipple, his arms moving with the intent of pushing Helian Qing’s head away, but that man instead released the small pearl, then continued his descent. That tongue of his persistently licked the entire way down until he came to a stop over the lad’s navel. Briefly, he gently caressed that place with his nose, after which, that trailing tip entered the small crevice, again licking tenderly.

The sensitivity of that belly button, was no less than that of his loins, so by this much stimulation, Han Yang’s entire body trembled. While his stomach contracted, he uttered, “… it tickles.”

[T/n: tickles, could also be itches.]

“Really? It just so happens that I have something to relieve your itching.” That man only paused briefly before he quickly began licking even deeper, until the entire hole was filled with his tongue. His hands now moved more wantonly as they clutched Han Yang’s stalk, traveling from its tip to its base, from time to time, also kneading those two spheres beneath it. Because of his actions, Han Yang leant on the side of the bathtub, releasing soft whimpers every now and again.

Toying with him for a stretch, Helian Qing finally released that pitiful button, but he was not done quite yet. He still journeyed downwards, readily capturing Han Yang’s endowment.

“Ngh…” Having the head of his dick enclosed by the warmth and moisture of the man’s mouth, made Han Yang grunt. His eyes quickly shot open only to see Helian Qing’s lowered head, and his member being held between the man’s lips.

Such a sight caused the lad’s blood to run cold. With him wanting to push the man away, but at that very second, Helian Qing took two-thirds of his dick deep into his mouth.

The softness of that orifice, as it squeezed his sensitive tip, led to an instantaneous burst of tingling numbness in his brain. His hand stopped midair, as all he manage were moans. The him, who originally wanted to use that hand to push the man away, instead now rested it atop that same man’s shoulder.

Helian Qing drew in the other man’s member, attempting to take him deeply in his throat, only to discover it was a bit difficult, so he simply withdrew slightly, as he kept sucking that little head, using his tongue to lick it, while pressing his own tip into the small opening of that head teasingly. His movements were rusty, yet even though they was so, it still made Han Yang unable to endure.

“Aahh…” his sucking had caused the rims of Han Yang’s eyes to redden, “… enough, Helian Qing…”

Sensing the organ in his mouth had already been pushed to its limit, the man lifted his head and released it, though his tongue still slid over that little pit. Those dabs caused Han Yang to shiver, as he let out a trembling moan which was well beyond titillating.

It was to the extent where the utterance of such a stirring whimper aroused Helian Qing till his manhood erected, wanting so much to immediately do him, but with the fear of such a rash entrance harming Han Yang, he simply chose to firmly reach for the swollen sacks below the quivering man’s shaft, kneading them.

Han Yang’s member was now moist and glistening because of that man’s actions, its head tinted with a flush. This previously sporadically trembling member, now bore the appearance of one in need of release. At the man’s touch, Han Yang’s dick shook, impatiently splurting a stream of clouded liquid which fell on top of his abdomen.

“Haa…” the hazy moan left him at the instant of his release. He now weakly leaned against the bathtub, the satisfaction of coming leaving him in a daze. It was to the point where his hand unconsciously went down to rub his softening manhood, enjoying his unfinished tide.

This kind of Han Yang made Helian Qing’s eyes darken. He then leant down to capture Han Yang’s lips, the tip of his tongue seeking entry. Due to his recent climax, the younger man obediently allowed him to enter, even slightly lifting his head so both he and that man could engage in the exchange of the fluids between them.

He quite liked kissing Helian Qing, it was very intimate, and very warm.

But kissing alone could not satisfy Helian Qing, so aside from their merging lips, one of his hands slid down the curve of the lad’s waist, arriving at that place between his legs where his cheeks parted, lingering, then touching that tight hole hidden inside.

Having been soaked in the tub’s water, that place was somewhat softer, even though it was still quite tight. Helian Qing’s finger just by moving up to touch it, had that place contracting with urgency and pulled Han Yang, who was utterly immersed in their kiss, back to reality. With him then withdrawing out of reflex to gaze at that man with widened eyes.

Lightly pressing his finger over that opening, Helian Qing tilted his head lower to look at Han Yang, “Are you going to push me away?”

Looking at that man’s face, Han Yang clearly saw the desire and the restraint within his eyes. Both were so powerful, it made one’s heart throb.

Still, just like before, that finger of Helian Qing’s pressed against that shameful place, but he did not take it a step further. It appeared that if the lad said no, he would then withdraw right away.

In reply, Han Yang stretched his arms around Helian Qing’s neck, burying his head within the man’s shoulder, whispering, “… be gentle. I’m a little scared.”

Once their cages of desire were opened, they could no longer simply turn back, but could only submit to their instincts, and descend into depravity together.

With one of the smaller man’s legs over over the edge of the tub, Helian Qing used a hand to lift Han Yang’s waist, while the other slipped into the tunnel between his legs, entering — sliding in and out, as it emitted a wet sound.

Helian Qing used the water within the tub to his advantage, inserting his finger into Han Yang’s anus, dragging against his inner wall from time to time until he was able to fit three fingers inside before pulling them out.

Following that, the bashful hole closed slightly when his fingers were retracted. Helian Qing continued by parting Han Yang’s butt-cheeks, pressing his burgeoning member against that partially contracted entrance, his waist then descending as it sank his huge head inside.

The unfamiliar feeling of the foreign object entering him caused Han Yang’s opening to reflexively tighten, clenching that large, hard instrument to a stop at his entrance.

Helian Qing gritted out a groan at the intensity of the constriction. He did not move, remaining at the opening, before lowering his head and asking huskily, “Do you want to slice off your husband’s during our first time?”

Han Yang’s cheeks flushed at his words. He wanted to relax, but was unable to compose himself, so now he contracted even more, almost to the point of driving the other man insane.

Cursing softly, Helian Qing then lifted the younger man’s other leg around his waist, dipping his head to kiss him, while simultaneously inserting his stiffened member into that moist and narrow hole.

Due to the sudden plunge, the hands Han Yang rested on top Helian Qing’s shoulders, dug in, leaving a trail of red scars behind them, and almost causing him to bite that man while their tongues were entangled.

After that thrust, Helian Qing did not move again. He simply stayed deeply within that moist, warm passageway, before reaching to touch Han Yang’s face, “Is it okay? Does it hurt?”

Han Yang gasped lightly, unsure of whether or not he should respond. There was definitely pain, since that man’s fingers, while they were in that place, were completely different. His was even harder, hotter, filling his gut entirely, and apart from the pain, there was also a bloated sensation. But, even more than those, there was the awareness that he was being possessed.

An awareness in knowing, the one who pierced inside him, was Helian Qing.

This knowledge made Han Yang’s heart throb. Making it seem as if all of that pain was something he was able to bear. So with such a thought, he leaned upwards and kissed the other man’s lips, whispering, “… it’s okay.”

That kind of action in Helian Qing’s eyes, was him practically begging to be fucked.

Helian Qing started off with small strokes, allowing Han Yang to adapt to his presence. Apart from the insertion, he also kissed Han Yang’s lips, to ease the lad’s mood, as well as distract his attention. Such a kiss was quite effective, as Han Yang slowly began to ignore the aching of that place between his legs, and unconsciously extended his tongue to lick the other man’s lips, imitating the way he had been kissed tenderly.

With the help of the water, Helian Qing’s thrusts became much smoother, and it was not long before he felt that passageway’s tissue slowly open up around his dick. The pressure of it wrapping around him was now so pleasurable, it made him release a low growl.

After going in and out for a while, Helian Qing held his hardened thing at that rear’s entrance, now feeling as if that place had gotten much softer, and thus he began to increase his strength.

“Aaahh…” at Helian Qing’s slowly increasing pace, Han Yang arched his head, letting out a pleasure filled sound in the wake of that man’s thrusts. That leg of his which hung over the side of the tub, acceptingly returned to wrap itself around Helian Qing’s waist.

A position like that was a lot more beneficial for Helian Qing’s current movements, as he was now clutching onto the other man’s waist, which moved to and fro from his force. He then pulled out his shaft halfway, before driving it inside again, over and over, stimulating that narrow little hole between the lad’s legs to soften and redden, on account of his acts. Their love-making while immersed in the water filled bath, resulting in Helian Qing’s thrusting, creating splashes, whose sound echoed throughout the bathroom.

Having toyed with him for a while, Helian Qing raised Han Yang to change his position by letting the lad sit on his lap. This posture caused his penis to penetrate the other man even deeper, their lower halves also joining together tightly. With the man’s upward thrust to that place of his, Han Yang cried out in excitement with his waist was also being made weak, prompting him to support himself by holding onto that man’s chest.

“… too deep.” He muttered in a daze, as that huge thing bore into him, seeming as if it had directly pushed itself all the way to his deepest parts.

Helian Qing was very satisfied by the lad’s praise, reaching out to touch his lips, saying, “I can still go a bit deeper.” With that said, he thrust his hips upward a few times, each jab targeting the sensitive flesh within Han Yang’s body.

“… ah!” The pleasure he derived from the head of that man’s dick, as it stabbed the inner part of his passage, made Han Yang’s entire body tingle. His back-end tightened instinctively and his waist jolted uncontrollably by Helian Qing’s thrusts, as his rear rubbed against the man’s groin.

His compliance made Helian Qing pause his movements, following which, he drilled with even more ferocity. His hands kneading the lad’s butt, mercilessly pushing into that tight, wet, little hole.

“Helian… Qing…” the force of his thrusts made Han Yang’s legs tremble, as he intermittently called out the man’s name.

“What did you call me?” Helian Qing nibbled on his nipple out of dissatisfaction, the sound of sucking proceeding his actions.

“… mmnnh…” Han Yang clutched the other man’s head, “Qing’er…”

Helian Qing gave an abrupt thrust, his lower head stabbing into that soft place wretchedly, saying, “What did you call me?” as he jabbed him.

From within that hole came a satiating prickling which had Han Yang’s brain all muddled. He still held onto that man’s neck, dazedly crying out, “Qing Gége…”

[T/n: Gége = Princess]

The sound of that “Qing Gége” was said so vaguely it could not be heard clearly. Therefore, it appeared as if he had said “Qing Gēge”, which made Helian Qing’s member tremble.

{T/n: Gēge = Oppa [1]}

“… little bastard.” Helian Qing cursed, “I’m going to fuck the life out of you.”

He pinched Han Yang’s bum fiercely before pressing the lad down once more, pulled out his penis from that passage, then thrusting that member inside once again. That large, stiff thing rammed into the soft — wet tunnel, all the way to its deepest part, stroking with vigor. The pleasure feeling as if an electrical current shot through every inch of the two, giving them both unending gratification.

“Ah…” such an intense effort made Han Yang shriek. He clutched the rim of the bathtub with both hands, his toes trembling, curling.

“Again, cry out again!” Helian Qing’s hip shook rapidly, as he pounded into Han Yang, his dick driving to that place’s limit, hitting the lad’s prostate, again and again. Every time he thrust inside, that passage’s tender lining would tightly enclose him. That soft, slippery place, felt so amazingly comfortable, he very much wanted to bury himself there forever.

“…” Han Yang bit his lips firmly, refusing to let out another embarrassing cry, while he felt his lower half experience a prickling numbness due to Helian Qing’s assault.

But… it was too stimulating… too satisfying…

A place like this was clearly not used for copulation [2], but because of the immense pleasure which arose from such a seamless insertion into it, as well as that sturdy tool seeming as if it wanted to bury itself within him and fuse them both together, to where the frequent pulsations coming from it’s surface, were all distinctly felt by him. Along with, every single time, it rubbed against his inner wall, that thing aroused an irresistible limpness, bringing a faint itch, which altogether smashed Han Yang’s rationality to pieces.

“Aah… Helian… Qing… gentle… a bit gentler…” Han Yang was unable to help cry out in the end. His grip on the edge of tub now released so he could cover his eyes, as he ignored his own broken voice and drowned himself in the passionate tide of desire within.

“You really are hard to please.” Helian Qing complained, yet his waist obediently slowed its pace. His head, again, lowered to place a kiss upon those lips of Han Yang’s, reddened from the lad’s own biting, licking them lightly as added,”The one fucking you, is me. What sense does it make to bite yourself like this, huh?”

The meaning behind those words was him allowing Han Yang to bite him instead. So Han Yang was very eager to give the man face, grabbing the other’s hand and clamping down — not that hard, but enough to leave bite-marks.

Helian Qing gazed at the tooth-marks on his hand, laughing gently, “You’ve still got some strength it seems, let’s save it for something else, yeah?” With that said, he lifted Han Yang’s leg over his shoulder, and again thrust his stiffened member into the other man.

Entering from such a position was even easier, to the point where the hair at the base of his shaft had stuck to Han Yang’s butt. The lad cried out, wanting to take his leg down, but Helian Qing’s next surge of attack had begun. Its strength so fierce, he had forgotten what he ever wanted to do, as all he could now do was moan.

“Haa…mnn…nngh…”

His dick did not stop drilling into that narrow little hole. Upon its entrance, the friction caused that place’s softened tissue to redden, and every instance where he pulled out, that soft place seemed to have also been brought out before it was again sent back in, the entire sight appearing exceptionally erotic. Helian Qing’s swollen sack slapped against the lad’s ass, creating a symphony of sounds when accompanied by Han Yang’s impatient moans. It was all enough to cause a person blush incessantly.

By the movement of those two men, the water inside the tub sloshed, falling all over both of their bodies, but neither of the men cared as they were both immersed in the act of love making.

Han Yang had already come twice, his dick was now trembling pitifully, as its head could only let out sporadic bursts of semen.

Issuing a few powerful thrusts, Helian Qing also felt he too was nearing that critical point, now pulled his member from that wet hole. At that tool’s separation from that place, he let out a faint groan, releasing a fine strand of silver. He then took his flourishing member, pressed it against Han Yang’s to rub them both together with haste, before finally growling lowly as he shot off on top of the younger man’s abdomen.

His thick semen dripped between those pale abs. Helian Qing then released several loads before he finished, however, that rigid member of his did not soften completely at all.

Han Yang unfurled his legs from the man’s waist, leaning them against the tub weakly. His cheeks were flushed, his eyes filled with a teary mist, as he now stared at that man absentmindedly.

That kind of small animal-like look, made Helian Qing unable to resist, urging his just emptied member to raise its head once more. Pinching Han Yang’s chin lightly, he lowered himself to kiss him fiercely, his tone relentless, as he asked, “What are you looking at? Do you want your husband to fuck you a second time?”

Han Yang recalled his, very recent, debauched appearance, his face growing hot as he stammered, “What nonsense are you spouting? Let me go.”

“Tsk, it wasn’t that long ago that you were crying out desperately in my arms, but now that the pleasure is finished, you’re just going to kick me out.” Helian Qing did not release him, and instead took hold of Han Yang’s flaccid member, giving it a squeeze.

This situation was so intense, it made Han Yang’s legs weaken, his waist also faltered. His only option was to glare and curse, spitting out the four words, “Son of a bitch!”

It was Helian Qing’s first time hearing Han Yang curse someone. After staring at him for while, he could not help but laugh.

When laughing, that man was indeed very handsome. Han Yang, who had never seen him laugh with such a lack of restraint, for a while, simply gazed at him, forgetting entirely what he was about to say.

After he was done laughing, Helian Qing scooped Han Yang into his arms, kissing him for a bit with all his might, then said, “Yep, this ‘son of a bitch’ is your husband.” After which, he bowed to bite one of the lad’s nipples that was already swollen from his sucking, “You know, when it’s swollen like this it looks like a red bean, it looks really good.”

That statement made the lost spirit of Han Yang’s return, as he slapped the man’s hand, “Let go!”

Helian Qing scoffed, “Today, I’ll let you off, because in the future, there’ll be other opportunities.”

Han Yang, “…”

My butt hurts, is it possible for me to return this…

The answer to that is, no.

Dried Salted Fish can only obediently be eaten after all~

…………………………………………………..

Notes:

[1] Oppa: Korean term for older male or elder brother used by women. Calling ones boyfriend Oppa is common. Ge/Gege: 哥哥; Big brother, is used similarly in Chinese but without the gender specificity of the Korean term (with extra meanings). Using the literal translation while they’re doing it was cringy so… Oppa! The only word I know of used in English with the same connotation here is “Daddy/its variations”, and I ain’t putting that one either☺

[2] 交合: jiāohè: to join; sexual intercourse; copulation; mating. When copulating was used here it seemed to imply “baby-making”. Han Yang is a traditional small-town (technically village) boy after all. Sex = procreation, was how he was raised.