Chapter 25

Upon hearing Mo Suya and the others will be coming over to celebrate the new year together, Han Yang’s heart was so frazzled it wanted to jump right out his chest! He was even more nervous than he had been when he went to visit the Helian family for the first time. The only difference between these two occasions was that, this time around, excitement is what he felt more than anything else.

“Seriously?” Han Yang, not daring to believe this news, asked incessantly, “Aunty Su and the others are really coming here? You’re not pulling my leg, right? What about Lao Yezi? Is he coming with them?”

“Of course he’ll be coming with them,” Helian Qing tsk-ed, reaching out to pinch the chattering man’s cheek before adding, “Didn’t I already mention that?” Didn’t you want to celebrate New Year’s together with everyone? Aren’t you satisfied?”

“But, but…” Han Yang babbled incoherently, grabbing that spendthrift, named Helian Qing—tightly. “But here is so far away, and it’s also so cold. How are they, how c—”

“How-how-how-how,” Helian Qing interrupted him, saying coldly, “See that, I stuttered out the rest of that word for you, so for the love of God, can you please not say it again.”

Right now, Han Yang ignored that sharp tongue of his, only feeling how his own brain had become a muddled mess while he gazed at Helian Qing with eyes full of yearning. Thus that man, who was unable to bear such a eager gaze directed towards him, conceded. “I told them that your grandfather already knew about us, and since the desire was there for both families to get together for a meal, they felt there couldn’t be a better auspicious day to meet so they might as well do so during the celebration of the new lunar year. Both families will unite. Is all of it clear now?”

Han Yang nodded, then immediately shook his head right after. Obviously, he understood what was said, but he still nonetheless felt shocked! But without a doubt, what he felt the most was touched—as well as excited. Lao Yezi, along with the others, going as far as journeying to such a distant place to observe the the Spring Festival together with them was simply something he would not even dare think!

Seeing a stupefied look still sprawled all over the lad’s face, Helian Qing gently stroked his hair as he said, “Don’t go crying again, you crybaby.”

“I won’t,” Han Yang rebuked, though the tone of his voice had a very tiny difference in how it sounded normally.

Reaching out to take the smaller man into his embrace, Helian Qing went on to say, “Lao Yezi said he was worried about letting Grandpa go over there on his own, he was worried your grandad wasn’t accustomed. Plus, since he himself had been traveling all over since his youth, making the journey here wouldn’t be, in any way, difficult for himself.”

“But, this will be too taxing on Lao Yezi and your parents, on top of that, it’s the dead of winter.” Han Yang was still very sorry for the inconveniences they would face.

“Last winter, Lao Yezi went up Beiqi Mountain with some guys to see the snow, so if he were to climb the mountains here, you’re the one who’d most likely be unable to catch up to him.”

“…” Han Yang chose to remain silent. Truthfully, he really could not climb.

What the lad never expected though, was that Grandpa was also aware of Lao Yezi and the rest’s arrival. From the beginning, Helian Qing had informed Grandpa a couple of days in advance, and the two of them simply kept it from Han Yang, and nothing more. Although the younger man was taken aback by them keeping him in the dark, he also felt that apart from this Qing Gége, who else would express such sneaky behavior.

That afternoon, Han Yang and Helian Qing made their way to the train station to pick up the three family members. When the lad saw the eldest man arrive, he could not help but to rush over and embrace the old man. Shocked by the youth’s embrace, Lao Yezi looked over to Helian Qing who just shrugged in response, followed by a tear wiping action.

In an instant, Lao Yezi understood. Now patting Han Yang’s back, he laughed, “Why do you look so much like a kid right now?”

That kid released the older fellow, then called out to Mo Suya as well as Helian Cheng at their side, “Aunty Su, Uncle Cheng.”

“Hiya,” Mo Suya replied with a laugh, with Helian also responding with a nod.

–

Han Yang and Grandpa lived in a two bedroom, single living room flat; therefore, it could not accommodate this many people. Plus, Han Yang was embarrassed to make them stay in such a humble house, so he looked for a cozy and clean hotel in the town, which also had to be close by, to book a room in for them.

The two then accompanied Lao Yezi and company for a meal, and afterwards, they sent the older folks off to their hotel, as after the long and hard journey, they were all a bit tired.

“Aunty Su, to you and the others, thank you for taking the trouble to come, really,” with reddened eyes, and before they parted, Han Yang confessed to Mo Suya.

“We’re all family here, so there’s no need to say such things. All I hope is that we’re not causing trouble for you and your Grandpa.” Mo Suya gave him a doting smile.

“You’re no trouble, at all. Grandpa is very excited. He said the house was now very lively, so please don’t worry yourself over it.” Han Yang shook his head as he spoke.

“Then, that’s good. It’s getting late now, so hurry and get back home, okay.” Mo Suya patted his shoulder.

“Alright. I’ll come tomorrow to pick all of you up then,” Han Yang declared.

–

On that very night, when it was Han Yang’s turn to fall asleep, he could not. With his arms wrapped around Helian Qing’s neck intimately, he declared excitedly, “Did you know, that in my family, there’s never been this many people to celebrate the new year with? Just the very thought of Lao Yezi and your parents eating the New Year’s Eve dinner together, makes me extremely excited.”

“Such a small gift makes you this happy?” Helian Qing wore a raised brow as his fingers tapped gently against the lad’s waist.

Han Yang pondered on it for a while, feeling he should properly reward this Qing Gége. Therefore he took this opportunity to nip at the man’s ear, then whisper a few words.

That man’s tapping fingers stopped, moving to firmly grip the lad’s buttocks instead, his voice low as he spoke, “Those were your words—you can’t back out or beg for mercy later.”

Everytime Helian Qing spoke in that gritty, low tone carrying those slivers of sensuality, it caused all kinds of titillation in his heart; making his face flush for a moment before he compliantly responded, “Whatever you say.”

Those words allowed that place below Helian Qing’s abdomen to grow heated; while his hand grew forceful—pressing the other tightly onto his own lower waist, then pulling away those hindersome trousers of the lad before he nimble snuck his hand in.

Han Yang’s neck contracted; the heat of his entire body increasing thanks to that man’s actions, while the thing between his legs stiffened. Fearing the elderly man would detect his voice, he was left with the sole option of tightly clenching his teeth so as to not make a sound.

Helian Qing held both of theirs together, using the friction between them achieve a mutual release, resulting in a slick covered palm.

Han Yang leaned against him, panting lightly, as Helian Qing used a paper towel to help the younger man wipe himself clean, followed by going off to wash his hands; returning to lie on the bed then held the other man in his arms.

“Accept this bit as some interest paid in advance. When we return, I’ll sort you out properly [1].” Helian Qing kissed the top of his head. “Let’s get some sleep.”

“Goodnight, Qing Gége.” Han Yang snuggled against the man, drifting into sleep perfectly satisfied.

“…” Helian Qing remained silent for a few seconds before issuing his reply: “Goodnight.”

The next day, Grandpa borrowed a vehicle from Mrs. A’Gui’s family so Helian Qing and Han Yang could go pick up Lao Yezi and the two others to bring them all back to the house.

When they all arrived back at the front yard, Grandpa put aside his work, going outside to welcome them. Walking towards him, Lao Yezi faced the other old man waving and joy in his voice, “Old friend, hello there.”

“Hello, hello.” Grandpa also walked forward, the two old men shaking hands then patted each other on their backs.

Helian Cheng and Mo Suya, who stood beside them, also both said their hellos, while Grandpa nodded happily, greeting them all then ushering them all inside to sit. Han Yang and Helian Qing also followed along, before going to make them tea.

While waiting for the tea to brew, those two old men chatted away, with Grandpa going to cupboard to grab his chess board sometime in between, intending for them to swap pointers during a couple or more games. Lao Yezi from the start had thought the two of them would hit it off right off the bat, as they now started a game of chess on the side.

Mo Suya and Helian Cheng also chatted with each other while warming up by the fire.

After giving them each a serving of tea, Han Yang took a seat beside Mo Suya, a bit of awkwardness around him, “Aunty Su, this house is simple and crude, so please don’t mind it.”

“What are you talking about? It’s quite alright,” Mo Suya said happily, taking a gander at the two old ones playing chess before adding, “Lao Yezi had been talking non-stop about wanting to play a few rounds with your grandad. Right now, he’s as happy as can be.”

Han Yang smiled along with her, keeping her and Helian Cheng company as he sat next to them conversing.

At noon, everyone ate a simple meal. After Han Yang ate his lunch, he then began preparing the New Year’s family dinner. Before, only he and Grandpa made it together, but today that man was in charge of accompanying Lao Yezi in a round of chess, so Han Yang made Helian his second in command in terms of assisting him.

“A’Yang, where are you off to? I’ll come give you a hand.” Mo Suya rolled up her sleeves.

“Oh…no—you don’t have to do that, you and Uncle Cheng should just sit back, and take it easy,” Han Yang hurriedly waved. “Helian Qing is quite awesome, he can light the fire.”

“I for one can for sure only sit back since I’ll just be more of a hindrance than any assistance. But with that said, just let Mo Suya help you out, alright. Her cooking is very delicious,” Helian Cheng said joyfully.

“A’Qing lit the fire? And he didn’t burn down the stove,” Mo Suya teased.

“Then I’m sorry for troubling you, Aunty Su,” Han Yang, stifling back his laughter, nodded, declining the invitation no longer. Helian Qing really was not that much help, and as he thought about it, his eyes turned to Helian Qing, his head shaking from side to side in disappointment.

Taking a radish to peel, Helian Qing, after he understood what that boy had meant, had another type of radish he was itching to grab hold of by its root and slice clean off.

Having the god-teammate: Mo Suya providing aid, Helian Qing: the pig-teammate [2], was thus exiled to the yard to wash the vegetables; and even before his departure, he was given the cold shoulder by those two.

As he washed the huge pile of vegetables before him, that Qing Gége was already filling up the bill in his heart, just biding his time until they went back after the new year so that Saltfish could settle this bill.

When Han Yang went out to take the green veggies he saw that man sitting on the short stool, his tall back bent slightly at the waist, with his feet apart as he he washed the radishes, celery, scallions, and napa cabbage clean.

He walked over, rubbing Helian Qing’s back from behind, leaning over closely before looking over and asking, “Are you done washing them?”

Helian Qing was in no mood to pay attention to him, simply putting a head of napa cabbage into the water while remaining indifferent.

Thinking an angry Qing Gége was extremely cute, Han Yang, taking advantage of the empty yard, wrapped one arm around Helian Qing’s neck then reached into the vegetable washing basin with the other, grabbing the taciturn man’s hand while asking, “Is the water too cold? Do you want me to get you some hot water to add to it?” Afraid Helian Qing would not be able to endure washing the veggies in the cold, Han Yang mixed in some water to make the water warm on his behalf.

Helian Qing scoffed, saying, “Cold-hearted.[3]”

“Pfft!” Han Yang was unable to stop his laughter from escaping, moving to embrace him and ask, “Why are you mad, huh?”

“Hmph.” Helian Qing tossed the napa cabbage into the water, “Do you believe I won’t sort you out right now?”

“I believe it—I believe it!” Han Yang kissed his neck to curry his favor, saying, “Even though your fire lighting technique for the stove needs some work, the soups you make are my absolute favourite.”

“It’s too late for that [4],” Helian Qing huffed, leaning his head to the side because the places where Han Yang kissed grew ticklish, saying, “My neck itches.”

“I’ll scratch it for you then, ” Han Yang said, reaching over to help him scratch it just as the man added, “Use your mouth.”

“…” Han Yang shoved him, “You’re too much!”

“My neck itches,” Helian Qing repeated.

Han Yang knew he would again kick up a fuss in order to be coaxed, so after glancing back at the house and noticing no one was paying any mind to where they were, he moved closer to Helian Qing to kiss his neck; to his surprise, before he met that place, that man turned his head abruptly causing Han Yang’s lips to land on his own in the end.

“…” Han Yang yanked himself away from him, glaring at him with widened eyes, “How could you! [5]” then picked up the vegetables and returned to the kitchen.

Looking on at his retreating figure, with lips raised into a curve, Helian Qing revealed a smile saying: I got away with it, while saying cheerily, “You wanna take me on, as if.”

—

Han Yang and Mo Suya packed the large table with dishes. There were at least two dishes of everyone’s favourite dish, meat-based dishes, vegetable-based dishes, main staples, snacks, deserts, and whatever else could be thought of was there. The entirety of that huge circular table was packed full.

“It’s been a long time since this house had been this lively,” Grandpa sighed. “For the years that have passed, Xiao Yang and I were the only two celebrating the New Year, and this old man here even had to endure keeping this ritual by himself for some years.”

“To make sure it’ll always be this lively, tell me when you’ll be dropping by to play with me old friend?” Lao Yezi asked.

“When there’s a chance, I’ll go,” Grandpa laughed, lifting a cup to toast, saying, “Come, come, come—let’s touch glasses. Thank you all for traveling from far to come visit us here, this is our Xiao Yang’s good fortune.”

“We’re family, there’s no need for such courtesy between family. A’Qing being able to be together with Xiao Yang is his own good fortune.” Lao Yezi said from beside him in toast.

“I am blessed.” Helian Qing stated, his hand gripping Han Yang’s under the table.

Han Yang looked towards him, quietly gripping his in return.

Afterwards, the big family sat together chatting and watching the broadcast of the Spring Festival Gala. When it was past ten o’clock, Helian Qing dropped Lao Yezi and his parents back to their hotel.

Before leaving the hotel, Mo Suya gave Han Yang three red envelopes, explaining, “There’s one for each of you two, along with one to give to your grandad.”

“… No, I can’t take these,” Han Yang replied urgently, but at the same time Helian Qing reached over and took them. “Thanks, Ma.”

Han Yang glanced at him, silent. Left with no option but to say to Mo Suya, “Thank you, Aunty Su.”

Mo Suya chuckled, “Why are you still calling me Aunty Su?”

Han Yang’s face flushed, as he then whispered, “Thank you, Mom.”

“Aye!” Mo Suya nodded satisfyingly, “What a good child.”

Upon their return to the house, Grandpa has already turned in and all the lights in the house along with the television were still left on. As per the village’s custom, from New Year’s Eve till the second or third day of the year, leaving the lights and television on would allow the god of wealth to come in.

Han Yang went to Grandpa’s room, placing the red envelope at his bedside. Three of the packets in total: one for him, one for Helian Qing, in addition to the one for the elderly man.

Once he came out from the room he saw Helian Qing sitting by the fire, fiddling with something. Walking over to take look, he noticed the other was turning over two sweet potatoes which were put into the fire to bake, shaking off the ashes, then resting them on the ground beside him.

Han Yang sat beside him, taking a sweet potato to begin peeling, and reminiscing about the days earlier events. Helian Qing sat by quietly, listening, waiting for him to finish speaking before lowering his head to touch the one belonging to the lad, saying: “Later, I’ll accompany you in seeing in the new year.”

“Okay.” Han Yang’s eyes curved as he smiled, “You’re very kind.”

“Mhm.” Helian Qing gave him a “you know it well” expression in return.

As midnight approached, firecrackers and fireworks had begun being released throughout the village. Han Yang and Helian Qing therefore took the fireworks they prepared to the roof, lighting them.

The firework emitted a high pitched cry, shooting high into the sky, then “BOOM—”, exploded. The first explosion, after it, a second one followed—briefly dyeing the night sky in every colour under the sun, transforming it into truly splendid sight.

Han Yang wrapped his arms around Helian Qing, tiptoeing slightly to say beside his ear, “I love you.”

Reaching around to hold his waist in return, Helian Qing leant, kissing his cheek, “I love you too.”

***

…………….????????????……………..

Notes:

(THEY SAID 我爱你！???? I ducking love this novel!!!)

[1] When Helian Qing said “accept” in advance, he used “收” and “sort him out” he used “收拾”. Now “收: shōu” also means the receiver/bottom/uke, so if the context wasn’t a giant hint, this will hammer the point home~

[2] 神队友 and 猪队友: god-teammate & pig-teamate. God-teammates are super helpful, and very convenient; pig-teammates are super unhelpful, very inconvenient. (Han Yang traded in the princess for a queen ????)

[3] 心凉: cold heart. Meaning, apparently this could mean two completely different things according to whether it’s interpreted using its Cantonese meaning: happy/satisfied/gloating, or it’s meaning in Mandarin: disappointed/cold-hearted.

[4] 马后炮: (idiom) shooting after the horse. Meaning – doing something after the fact when it can’t be changed.

[5] 耍赖: to act shamelessly. It describes when someone does something naughty and gets away with it. Its meaning seems to be more about conveying the incredulity of the act rather than expressly describing the act itself, hence it’s non literal translation here.