Chapter 20

After finding out Han Yang and Helian Qing were together, She Zhang and the others often saw a glint of adoration within Han Yang’s eyes. Before, after their classes were done, they had always pulled the lad aside to chat with him a bit more; but now, at the end of their classes, they would instead wave him away—ushering him to leave quickly, just so Helian Qing would not have to wait for too long. Han Yang was so amazed by this that he had given them the title “The Three Henchmen”, which those same three accepted with a hearty laugh, further giving the couple their wishes for a long and happy life together.

Taking advantage of his lack of classes because his semester was coming to an end, Han Yang received a few small games and websites to design, and after he was done, he again deposited the small amount of cash into his bank account.

Presently, there was less than half a month until his winter vacation, so he hurriedly finished his business before going off to the mall with the intention of buying a few things for his grandfather.

Han Yang’s home town was located close to the northern part of the country, so come winter, it got very cold. Following his arrival to L-City to attend university, he would gift his grandfather a newly purchased set of down jackets as well as other winter clothing, and this year was no different. Done with buying Grandpa’s clothes and boots, Han Yang did not leave the mall right away, choosing to go up to the premium men’s clothing section on the fourth floor instead.

He was well aware of Helian Qing having quite a lot of clothes, but he also knew the man did not have any scarves since all of the scarves currently within their cupboard belonged to him. In addition to that, the man also did not wear turtlenecks, so every time Han Yang caught sight of him going out he would feel cold in his stead.

Han Yang planned to buy the man a couple of scarves so as to keep him from freezing. But considering Helian Qing’s high-class taste, not to mention his sharp tongue, ordinary scarves would be disliked by him for sure, and after passing through several stores Han Yang still could not find any that were suitable.

By the time Han Yang has strolled through the majority of the fourth floor he had already given up hope. He simply found himself a seat to plop himself down on and take a rest, intending to go check out some other places after a while.

I wonder what Helian Qing’s doing… He’s probably busy at work, right? Han Yang thought to himself as his gaze remained fixed on the bustling crowd passing in and out of a couture clothing store.

After sitting for a while, he took out his phone and sent Helian Qing a message.

——Princess Qing, what’re you doing?

The message he sent to Helian Qing did not receive an immediate response so Han Yang just figured he was busy, paying it no mind. Having rested enough, he got on his feet planning to change locations. With only a couple steps taken, he came to sudden halt, his gaze locked onto the window display of a men’s wear store.

There, hanging on the mannequin, was a grey scarf.

Perhaps it was because of the similarity the model’s frame and coat bore to Helian Qing which caused the feeling of “being surrounded by Helian Qing” to rise up within Han Yang, perhaps it was something else. Regardless, Han Yang still decided on that scarf the instant his eyes fell upon them—having not the slightest bit of hesitance—as he went into that store.

Apart from the one worn by the mannequin shown on the outside, that store had many tasteful scarves inside as well, therefore Han Yang bought two scarves he selected according to Helian Qing’s usual style. As he was paying, Helian Qing had replied to his earlier message, and in taking a look at the message, Han Yang inevitably laughed.

——So your husband is someone you’re unwilling to give a call, huh? I’ll to teach you later tonight.

After he slashed his card and took his bag with the bought scarves, Han Yang left the store, sending Helian Qing a message in reply soon after.

——Master Helian, are you busy?

Just as his message was sent a response was returned.

——I’m working for the money to allow me to keep a Salted Fish.

Han Yang was just preparing to send a reply when he received another message. Opening it to read: Is the Salted Fish taking a stroll under the sun.

“… You really are too much.” Han Yang laughed. He then went online to search for a picture of a princess’ headdress to send to him.

When he was finished sending the picture Helian Qing did not respond afterwards, so Han Yang tucked his phone away, then picked up the new items he had bought. After he got into a taxi, he got yet another message from Helian Qing.

——I won’t be able to make it back for dinner tonight, so be a good lad and wait for your husband to return home to sort you out.

Han Yang ignored him, simply telling the driver his home address.

Returning home, Han Yang placed the items he bought for his gray into his suitcase, leaving out Helian Qing’s bag on their own. After organising the other stuff, he again took out the man’s scarves for a closer look.

One of the scarves was dark grey with almost unnoticeable stripes, while the other was a rich brown colour with no pattern. Both had a natural and understated style, high quality fleece which was very soft to the touch, and were very warm.

Han Yang moved to take one of Helian Qing’s coats from the wardrobe, hanging the scarves from it—imagining Helian Qing being wrapped in them, and feeling that such a sight ought to be quite pleasing to the eyes.

Lost in admiration for a while, he took the scarves down, folding them, then returned them both to the bag. The coat was also put back in the same place it was taken from in the cupboard not long after, as Han Yang had decided to wait until Helian Qing came back home for him to try them on.

It was now the afternoon, and Han Yang had no intention of heading out again. Taking his laptop with him, he nested himself with the sofa, and began revising the contents of his next exam.

During his dinner, Han Yang all of a sudden felt that eating alone was a bit boring. Without Helian Qing beside him to bicker with, he surprisingly felt rather unaccustomed to loneliness. It appeared that without him being aware of it, that man had taken up the majority of his thoughts.

Helian Qing must also be eating his dinner around now, right?

Han Yang looked at the time, proceeding to take out his phone to send a message, reminding him not to drink too much.

No more than a couple of minutes past since his message had been sent before Helian Qing called.

“Hello,” Han Yang answered.

“Did you eat already?” Helian Qing asked, some background noise coming from his side of the line, sounding like it must have been from a restaurant.

“I ate, how about you?” Han Yang replied, questioning in return, “Why did you call so suddenly?”

“A certain someone was worried about his husband drinking when he’s out, so said husband should at the least call and coax that someone for a little while.” Helian Qing’s tone seemed helpless, but in reality, he was bragging.

“… That’s really not what I meant. I don’t mind you drinking a bit more.” Han Yang did not buy his act at all.

“So difficult,” Helian Qing grumbled. “Anyway, what did you eat?”

“I ordered take-out from downstairs. It sounds like you’re in the middle of something, so I’m going to hang up,” Han Yang answered.

“Alright. Don’t wait up for me, get yourself to bed early.” Helian Qing ended the call after he spoke.

Han Yang finished up the remainder of his dinner. Afterwards, he tidied up the dinner table, then continued with his revision, followed by playing a small computer game when he got tired of it.

Later that night, around ten, Helian Qing has still not returned, and Han Yang was uncertain at approximately what time he would be done. So, in the meantime, he added that day’s expenses to his record then went for a shower.

Not more than a couple minutes passed since he had entered the bath when Helian Qing finally returned, carrying a small container of food with the logo of the restaurant it came from printed on its cover.

Putting the container on the table, he called, “Han Yang?”

With no one in the room responding, Helian Qing saw their bedroom light was turned on and guessed the other was taking a bath, having no intention of rushing him. He took off his coat then sat down on the couch to wait for Han Yang to come out so the lad could have a midnight snack.

Han Yang’s laptop was placed on top of the coffee table, and normally, Helian Qing would always either see him fiddling with some programming code or playing a standalone minigame. So just then, on a whim, he wanted to see what the lad was up to that day, the urge prompting him to reach out and fiddle the touchscreen, making the computer’s screen light up.

On the screen, there was a game window left open, and because no one was currently operating it, the game’s avatar stood in place on a riverbank, just looking around.

Helian Qing had no interest in the minigame, and having had a look at it, simply intended to switch the machine back off, but just as his finger moved he stopped. He stopped, because he caught a glimpse of the name hovering over the tiny character’s head—Princess Qing.

Not only that, but also the character’s wearing of a headdress worn by princesses in the past. The head-piece even had two bright red tassels dangling from both sides.

Helian Qing, “…”

Now this damn Salted Fish trying be a like a carp jumping over the Dragon’s Gate [1] into heaven, isn’t he?!

[T/n: The salted fish is going to great lengths to get himself killed (figuratively speaking of course:)]

Helian Qing stared at the little avatar for a few seconds, scoffing, intending to close off the window; planning to go inside their room to look for that Salted Fish and settle this account. But instead, he discovered an opened file behind the game’s window, a file showing some records for expenses and income.

“An account to pay back money?” Helian Qing’s brows rose slightly. He then clicked and dragged the mouse down, coming to another stop when he saw his name written at the bottom, his expression changing when he saw it all very clearly.

*

Just having returned from his bath Han Yang saw Helian Qing sitting on the sofa, facing his computer.

Oh Crap! Han Yang remembered the webpage he had left open before going for his bath, screaming “Not good!” internally—not even being able to dry his hair, as he hurriedly went out beside the man to ask, “When did you get back?”

Helian Qing did not answer him, and just kept on staring at the computer screen, leaving faintly pursed lips and a cold expression visible from his side.

That name being in the game couldn’t of made him this mad, right? Han Yang felt his heart thump in anxiety. He then moved to pat the cold man on his shoulder and say, “That game was just setup casually, you’re not…” his words came to an abrupt end when he noticed that on his computer screen, was the bill he was keeping.

That’s right… I’d just finished adding the new records into the account and must’ve forgotten to close it when I went for my shower… Han Yang thought to himself.

Slowly, Helian Qing lifted his head to look at him; his gaze deep, carrying within it his silent, enduring anger, “What is this?”

“Helian Qing—”

Just as he opened his mouth, Han Yang felt his entire body become weightless, and before his eyes, all of him was pressed down onto the sofa. Helian Qing used a hand to bind the other man’s wrists, leaning over him—his words cold, “What is that?”

Han Yang knew he was asking about the bill he had kept, thus replied, “A bill. Didn’t you see it?”

“A bill?” Helian Qing’s held his wrists with a bit more strength. “What are you planning to do, huh? Are you going to pay back the money?”

“Yes.” Han Yang nodded. He truly had such a plan, therefore, he had always kept a note of his parents’ debt to Helian Qing.

Helian Qing’s face became worse upon hearing his answer, his tone now akin to ice, “What are you planning on doing after repaying the money, huh? Is it a divorce?”

“No. Helian Qing, first, just let me go.” Han Yang struggled, his hair soaking the sofa with water.

Helian Qing did not heed his words, pinching the lad’s chin to lift his face, “Your thoughts really aren’t so naive, are they? Do you really think you can just toss me aside once all of the money is repaid?”

“I never thought of anything like that, so can you just listen to what I have to say first!” Being suppressed by the man, as well as his refusal to listen, also made Han Yang rather mad. Causing him to reach out to push the other man off.

“Then what the fuck are you doing with that record?” Helian Qing interrupted him, releasing his chin to trail his finger downwards, resting it above the other’s heart as he asked through gritted teeth, “Han Yang, even if your heart is made of stone, Laozi (I) has covered it for so long…even Sun Wukong (The Monkey King) came out and covered it for you! [2] You really are fucking great… Everyday you recorded in that thing was you wanting to piss me off, right?”

“…” Han Yang was left stunned by this sentence for a while. His response was him trying his best to control the laughter he could not help but let out. The anger he felt from their misunderstanding a moment ago also quickly faded away without a trace of it left behind.

Oh my gosh! Princess Qing, don’t be so cute!

“You’re freaking laughing now!” Helian Qing huffed. He was very upset by the lad’s seemingly indifferent attitude towards their marriage, but was also unwilling to do anything to him about it. In the end, he simply let him go and sat beside him, sulking.

Han Yang sat up and took a look, noticing his hair really did leave a water stain on the couch, and as a result, he took some time to dry it with the blow-dryer.

Helian Qing held in his breath as he waited for Han Yang to come coax him. However, when he turned around, he found the other man had his eyes set on the dampened spot on the sofa with regret, immediately causing that held breath of his to be released. Fidgeting as he pulled his tie loose, he then stood up and left for the bedroom.

He was in dire need off a cold shower to cool him down so as to keep him from sauteing that Salted Fish over and over.

“Helian Qing.” Seeing him walk away, Han Yang called out to stop him.

Helian Qing ignored him, and kept walking.

“Stop!” Han Yang called out again, getting up to go over to him.

Helian Qing stopped in his tracks, but did not turn to look at him.

Han Yang went to face him, and just as he caught sight of his frosty expression along with his anger filled eyes—again, he could not help but laugh.

“You’re laughing again,” Helian Qing said frigidly.

“Cough!” Han Yang stopped laughing, reaching for Helian Qing’s hands, saying, “Don’t be mad, alright. Please just listen to what I have to say.”

“Blow dry your hair,” Helian Qing stated.

By this, Han Yang was caught of guard momentarily. Following his shock, he was unable to stop the slivers of sweetness from rising within his heart in response to the man’s intention, because even though he was quite mad at him at the moment, that man still putting him above all else moved him.

“Are you waiting for me to come help you or something?” Helian Qing sneered upon seeing the lad remaining motionless.

“Wait for me for a bit, I’ll be be back right away,” Han Yang said, leaving for the bedroom to blow dry his hair right after.

When was done blowing his hair dry, he returned to see Helian Qing once more sitting on the sofa, and facing his computer just as he was before.

Han Yang made his way over to him, and Helian Qing lifted and lowered his chin, an indication for the other to explain.

“That record was from when I first met you,” Han Yang started.

“January, 6th,” Helian Qing mentioned the most recent date in the bill, meaning: Do you think I’m stupid?

“In the beginning, I really did think of breaking up with you once I had saved up enough and repaid the money,” Han Yang explained, observing the man’s reaction. As expected, just as he was finished speaking, the man’s face contorted at once, his eyes glaring at him as if he wanted to chew him up, so he immediately added, “But I don’t now.”

Having heard his words, Helian Qing’s face relaxed a bit, and he let the other continue.

“Actually, before, I was quite bothered by your…”

“Do you want to argue?” Helian Qing interjected.

“Do you still want to hear what I have to say?” Han Yang was left at a loss by that man continuously interrupting of him.

“Just pick something pleasant to hear and say it, we don’t have the time to listen to a recount of your emotional journey,” Helian Qing retorted.

“Well, I’ll just go to bed then.” Han Yang turned to leave just as he finished speaking. This time, Helian Qing has to be the one to go stop him.

“Nowadays, you’re becoming even bolder, aren’t you?” A peeved Helian Qing asked.

“So, you’re going to listen now, right?” Han Yang asked, his eyes brimming with joy from knowing he got his way.

Helian Qing cursed, pulling the lad to sit on the sofa, his tone unkind as he spat out the single word, “Talk.”

Han Yang began explaining his feelings and mindset from when he first signed the contract with Helian Qing.

At that time, he truly had no desire to sign the agreement. Regarding those two persons called his parents, even though at one time, he very much wished for their presence, he also had no desire to sell himself for the purpose of paying off their debt. If Helian Qing had not used his grandfather to blackmail him back then, it was unlikely he would have signed the contract.

“If I hadn’t gone along with you back then, would you have gone after my Grandpa?” Han Yang asked him—he had always wanted to ask him.

“Of course I wouldn’t have gone to such despicable lengths!” Helian Qing huffed, “You really believe yourself to be some sort of immortal beauty, don’t you?”

Han Yang, “…” well… you are a princess… you’re the immortal beauty.

Actually, over the course of them getting to know one another, Han Yang had already known the answer to that question. Him asking was simply him wanting to hear Helian Qing say the words himself. He has never thought his relationship with Helian Qing would become the way it was, not only their marriage, but the mutual affection they held for one another.

Although he had neglected to say it out loud, Han Yang had a very clear understanding of the feelings in his heart. He was resistant in his interactions with the other at the beginning, but he slowly became attracted to Helian Qing. These things were obvious to him, and he accepted them without any doubts or hesitation.

“Helian Qing,” Han Yang turned to look at him, “the reason there are some things I didn’t say to you is because I just didn’t know how to say them. So, do you want to hear them?”

Helian Qing was not feeling so good. He wanted to spit out a couple venomous words but just one look at the expectation within Han Yang’s gaze made those cold word remain unspoken.

Since you want to say this much, I’ll just let you do as you please and listen to it properly.

Helian Qing then nodded mercifully, “You may speak [3].”

Han Yang, understanding what he meant, chuckled. He raised his head, kissing the man’s chin, then said, “Paying you back then breaking off our relationship was an idea I had in the beginning. I have no thoughts of doing so now, and that’s because I would hate having to part with you.”

Saying this, he slipped his fingers between the gaps of Helian Qing’s, gripping firmly, “I couldn’t bear being separated from you.”

Han Yang saying these kind of words, just short of of a confession, left Helian Qing speechless. Still lacking any sort of reaction, he heard the other continue, “Back then, when we registered, I always wanted to complete it with you.”

“Wh—what?” Helian Qing, surprisingly, stuttered.

From within his the other man’s arms, Han Yang turned his body to look at the man face to face, pressing his palm on the left side of the man’s chest—over his heart, with eyes still meeting the other’s as he spoke carefully, “I wish to, with you Helian Qing, become lawfully wedded husbands; to have and to hold from this day forward; for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish, until death do us part.”

Although Han Yang’s tone was not grave, it was very clear and not one of the words he spoke had failed to enter Helian Qing’s ears. His gaze was resolute—not at all concealing their love—completely calm as he faced that man. Shocking the the life out of Helian Qing for quite a long time.

For a second time, Han Yang asked him, “What about you, Helian Qing?”

Devout and expectant eyes faced Helian Qing, who felt his own heart was being transformed by this look of Han Yang’s.

“I…” Helian Qing began to speak, his throat a bit dry.

“Yeah?” Han Yang looked at him.

“I really can’t take any more of this,” Helian Qing cursed, lifting that person and carrying him straight to their bedroom.

Excuse me? Han Yang was stunned. What kind of situation is this?

It wasn’t until Helian Qing pressed him onto their bed and began stripping off his clothes, did Han Yang return to his senses, pushing one of his feet against Helian Qing’s stomach, asking, “What are you doing? Have you not listened to anything I just said?”

Helian Qing grabbed his foot, licking from his calf to his thigh, saying, “I’m doing exactly what I heard. Since you so earnestly made me proposition [4], your husband is certainly going to satisfy you.”

… Who the heck made you a proposition!!! Now you’re saying wedding vows have become propositions? Did you consider the feelings of the Civil Affairs Office at all?!

Obviously Princess Qing did not, as he was currently completely preoccupied with making himself and that domesticated Salted Fish of his feel pleasure.

Having eaten to his hearts content, Helian Qing embraced Han Yang, kissing his ear, saying, “Since you love me so much, I will accept your confession.”

“…” Han Yang’s entire body had no strength at the moment, to the point where he could not even launch a retort to that statement in his mind, and so, just closed his eyes and went to sleep.

Helian Qing caressed his ear, unable to help himself from again taking the chance to kiss as well as graze it with his tongue, unwilling to part until after a few minutes had passed.

“Good night, my love.” Helian Qing whispered, holding the lad in his arms as he fell asleep.

…………………………………………………………

Notes:

[1] 鱼跃龙门: yú yuè lóngmen lit. A fish jumping over the dragon’s gate (idiom). Meaning, to accomplish a feat.

Dragon’s Gate is a waterfall, carp swim up there to spawn. The mythical story is that if a carp reaches the top, they become a dragon.

Going to heaven, means to die, or just to show someone is going too far/being unbelievable.

[2] First, Laozi. An ancient philosopher who’s name is commonly used to refer to oneself in a self-assured or arrogant manner. But I think both meanings are being used this sentence, maybe…kinda…?

Next, Sun Wukong, the Monkey King. Ever heard of, Journey to the West, anyway the most relevant part of this this King’s story that explains his mention here is the fact that he was born out of stone. I don’t know if HLQ is referring to himself as the monkey king too.

Lastly, covering a heart of stone. This refers to a person who tries their best to “warm” another’s cold, stone-like heart with their actions but it results in nothing, especially when trying to right a wrong. I think the Sun Wukong reference might be because of the above; or maybe because he’s the literal definition of overpowered and if he can’t do it, who the F*** can!; or maybe etc.~ I can’t say for sure, sorry. [PS, this note was longer]

[3] 准奏: zhǔn zòu: it’s like saying you’ve been granted the privilege of addressing the emperor. Lit. Allowed to present a memorial {to the emperor}. (This Princess thinks he’s a King, ????)

[4] 求欢: qiúhuān: to ask a woman’s permission to have sexual intercourse.