CM: C24

Chapter: 24 | Chapter Twenty-Four

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Chapter Twenty-Four

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This novel was posted on cntranslations [dot] com, by anasiana. If you're not reading it there, you get what you get ￣へ￣)

Chapter Pic

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In that instant, once he laid eyes on Helian Qing, Han Yang's mind drew a blank. That was a given, since someone who was once far away all of a sudden appearing before one's eyes, would of course seem as if it were a dream.

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_{Helian Qing put the veggies aside, walked over to the tap to wash his hands, then looked down at the lad from his top to his bottom, asking monotonously, "What's so funny?"} Helian Qing held the back of the smaller man's head with his palm, stroking slowly. The split second in which the youth tossed himself into his embrace, made all the longing of those days past appear as if they had at last found their place of rest.

Helian Qing put the veggies aside, walked over to the tap to wash his hands, then looked down at the lad from his top to his bottom, asking monotonously, "What's so funny?"

_{"I'm happy—I am happy..."}Although the two hated to part from one another, now was not the proper time since Grandpa was just beyond the door, inside the living room, therefore they could only take a little—just enough to quench each other's thirst—then stop.

"I'm happy—I am happy..."

_{"I was was thinking it over yesterday, and since the matter between the both of you have already been decided, as well as you two having been certified; then, like any other married couple, you two cannot act like hooligans," Grandpa stated.}
"Aren't you going to get over here and give me a hug?" Helian Qing's voice travelled through the phone held tightly against the lad's ear—huskily—carrying with it a titillating heat on that cold winter night, penetrating his ear, going all the way to his heart.

"I was was thinking it over yesterday, and since the matter between the both of you have already been decided, as well as you two having been certified; then, like any other married couple, you two cannot act like hooligans," Grandpa stated.

_{Han Yang dragged his fingers over Helian Qing's tired brows, his heart struck with a bit of {sorrow}.}When they made it to the kitchen, Helian Qing pulled Han Yang into his embrace, lowered his head and kissed him passionately.

Han Yang dragged his fingers over Helian Qing's tired brows, his heart struck with a bit of sorrow.

_{Grandpa saying it was {no good} made the Qing Gége stare at the damaged radish in his hands, wanting very much to plant it back into the ground.}Han Yang snaked his hand behind Helian Qing, pinching his waist, hinting towards him with his eyes: Did you hear that, don't act like a hooligan.

Grandpa saying it was no good made the Qing Gége stare at the damaged radish in his hands, wanting very much to plant it back into the ground.

_{"Why did you come here all of a sudden, huh?" Han Yang asked him, feeling the urge to reach out and help the other man rub his frigid fingers, but with his grandfather directly beside them all he could do was restrain himself in the end.}
Before Han Yang came to his senses, his body reacted one step faster. He ran with large strides, pulled open the gate of the front yard then bolted straight into Helian Qing's waiting arms.

"Why did you come here all of a sudden, huh?" Han Yang asked him, feeling the urge to reach out and help the other man rub his frigid fingers, but with his grandfather directly beside them all he could do was restrain himself in the end.

_{"{Ai}, I was too careless back then to not have noticed all the pain Han Yang felt in his heart," Grandpa sighed. Recounting those events left him ridden with guilt.}"I'm happy—I am happy..."

"Ai, I was too careless back then to not have noticed all the pain Han Yang felt in his heart," Grandpa sighed. Recounting those events left him ridden with guilt.

_{Han Yang led Helian Qing to the kitchen, and as they left, Helian Qing could feel the gaze of the elder gentleman following him, which made him involuntarily straighten his back.}Han Yang leaned on Helian Qing's shoulder, resting his fingers on the man's palm, slowly tracing creased lines there—following them all the way to their edges while he asked, "Why didn't you tell me you were coming? Did you finish all your work?"

Han Yang led Helian Qing to the kitchen, and as they left, Helian Qing could feel the gaze of the elder gentleman following him, which made him involuntarily straighten his back.

_{Helian Qing nodded reluctantly, moving his hand to pinch the back of the lad's neck.}"What?" Han Yang was stunned momentarily.

Helian Qing nodded reluctantly, moving his hand to pinch the back of the lad's neck.

_{Grandpa saying it was no good made the Qing Gége stare at the damaged radish in his hands, wanting very much to plant it back into the ground.}
Helian Qing's body carried a cold air, yet all Han Yang felt was warmth—a warmth that only came from Helian Qing.

Grandpa saying it was no good made the Qing Gége stare at the damaged radish in his hands, wanting very much to plant it back into the ground.

_{Helian Qing's face darkened as he sneered, "So you're showing off, huh. Only a few days left."}Cats eat fish; dogs eat meat.

Helian Qing's face darkened as he sneered, "So you're showing off, huh. Only a few days left."

_{Helian Qing nodded reluctantly, moving his hand to pinch the back of the lad's neck.}"The day I came back here." Han Yang then explained the situation regarding his parents.

Helian Qing nodded reluctantly, moving his hand to pinch the back of the lad's neck.

_{Although the two hated to part from one another, now was not the proper time since Grandpa was just beyond the door, inside the living room, therefore they could only take a little—just enough to quench each other's thirst—then stop.}The stuff they got for the festival was ready, and the house was swept clean, so all that was left was to wait for New Year's Eve. The day before the eve of the festival, Han Yang was unable to help from again asking Helian Qing, "Are you sure you're not going to head back to celebrate the New Year with the others?"

Although the two hated to part from one another, now was not the proper time since Grandpa was just beyond the door, inside the living room, therefore they could only take a little—just enough to quench each other's thirst—then stop.

_{"What?" Han Yang was stunned momentarily.}
The lad held on to the man's waist tightly, his face buried within the other's chest as he inhaled deeply, his eyes heated—teary.

"What?" Han Yang was stunned momentarily.

_{After they were all done eating, Grandpa brought up their matter on his own as he looked at them and spoke, "Grandpa is getting on in years, and has no expectations of glory nor fortunes in this life, all I want, is for the two of you to live out your lives safely and peacefully—just that alone, will be good."}"I'm happy—I am happy..."

After they were all done eating, Grandpa brought up their matter on his own as he looked at them and spoke, "Grandpa is getting on in years, and has no expectations of glory nor fortunes in this life, all I want, is for the two of you to live out your lives safely and peacefully—just that alone, will be good."

_{Normally, during the vacation period, Han Yang did the cooking with Grandpa giving him a hand when he had nothing to do. Today, Helian Qing was also there, so naturally, the task of lighting the stove fell on him.}
Helian Qing held the back of the smaller man's head with his palm, stroking slowly. The split second in which the youth tossed himself into his embrace, made all the longing of those days past appear as if they had at last found their place of rest.

Normally, during the vacation period, Han Yang did the cooking with Grandpa giving him a hand when he had nothing to do. Today, Helian Qing was also there, so naturally, the task of lighting the stove fell on him. Just like the radish situation from earlier that morning, Helian Qing came across some difficulty when attempting to light the fire. He took the stove-pipe to blow into the stove—kindling the fire, so when the flame was finally lit, he was left with a face smeared in black.

_{Helian Qing did not meet the younger man's eyes, instead turning to Grandpa to say, "For taking the liberty of disturbing you, please accept my apologies, Grandfather."}If it were normal times, upon hearing Helian Qing say those words, Han Yang would have definitely gone with the flow and piled on the flattery; but at this moment, after seeing the man in that huge floral coat, he just couldn't. Holding his tummy as he trembled with laughter, "No—no, it's it's not 'so funny' , it's extremely ridiculous! Hahahahaha!!"

Helian Qing did not meet the younger man's eyes, instead turning to Grandpa to say, "For taking the liberty of disturbing you, please accept my apologies, Grandfather."

_{The following day, Han Yang took Helian Qing into the town to get some goods for the Spring festival.}Helian Qing also swept his eyes towards him, and in return expressed: When we go back, you'll understand exactly what a hooligan really is.

The following day, Han Yang took Helian Qing into the town to get some goods for the Spring festival.

_{Helian Qing also swept his eyes towards him, and in return expressed: When we go back, you'll understand exactly what a hooligan really is.}
"Xiao Yang," Grandpa's voice sounded from inside the house, waking the two. Han Yang released Helian Qing, turning to answer the elderly man's call, before pulling Helian Qing inside the yard.

Helian Qing also swept his eyes towards him, and in return expressed: When we go back, you'll understand exactly what a hooligan really is.

_{Helian Qing grabbed the lad's hand, saying, "Take care of my stomach first, then you can treat me dearly."}
Grandpa had just exited the kitchen with a sweet potato in hand. Not seeing Han Yang once he came out, he simply thought that the lad had gone somewhere else, not at all expecting the young man to bring another back with him, and so, for a short while he was shocked, after which he asked, "And this is..."

Helian Qing grabbed the lad's hand, saying, "Take care of my stomach first, then you can treat me dearly."

_{蛋花汤: dàn huā tāng: egg drop soup.}
"Grandpa, he is Helian Qing," Han Yang explained, tugging Helian Qing by the hem of his scarf the saying to him, "This is my grandad."

蛋花汤: dàn huā tāng: egg drop soup. Since it's a simple one, beaten eggs poured into boiling broth/stock.Pic below [] 小别胜新婚: xiǎo biè shèng xīnhūn: Meaning - short partings makes the reunion sweeter/better than the honeymoon, i.e. absence makes the heart grow fonder. [] 见风使舵: jiàn fēng shǐ duò: (idiom) see where the wind blows; meaning - go along with a certain situation; jump on the bandwagon/go with the flow/ fall in line/.... []^4. Red Envelopes (红包), are used to give monetary gifts.Couplets (对联) are poems written on long strips and hung on the door during New Year celebrations. Pics: [][Things I was too lazy to number][]-The stove:[]It's a coal stove, so here are some examples(simple to ornate):[]So, to light it our lovely Princess would have to blow through a pipe to help the flames catch.[]-Sorrow/dearly: these are both interpretations of the word (心疼:to love dearly or feel sorry for)[]-The polite form of 'you' is always used for elders.[]-Helian Qing called Grandpa, Lao Yezi [translated as 'Grandfather'] so this polite title is what got the man got all flustered.[]- And the pic at the top is an explanation for the 'Before returning home vs After returning home' meme that had HY in shambles. []*INHALES*..and that's it![]If Mo Suya saw how her boy acted in front of Grandpa her jaw would drop!😁[]See you next chapter 💕

_{Helian Qing: "..."}Helian Qing: "..."

Helian Qing: "..."

_{Han Yang pulled Helian Qing to sit in the seat next to the fire, saying, "Hurry, warm up. Your hands are frozen stiff."}
"Hello, Grandfather." Helian Qing gave a humble, respectful bow as he greeted the older man.

Han Yang pulled Helian Qing to sit in the seat next to the fire, saying, "Hurry, warm up. Your hands are frozen stiff."

_{Grandpa saying it was {no good} made the Qing Gége stare at the damaged radish in his hands, wanting very much to plant it back into the ground.}Grandpa did not notice their exchange so he he continued, "We'll have to find a time for both families to get together for a meal, in testament to our togetherness. As for your wedding, this old man doesn't understand what you youngsters of today like so just do as you see fit, alright."

Grandpa saying it was no good made the Qing Gége stare at the damaged radish in his hands, wanting very much to plant it back into the ground.

_{"You're not happy?" Helian Qing asked.}Han Yang heard the displeasure in his tone, so he raised his hand to stroke the man's chin, coaxing, "It's already alright. You don't have to worry about it."

"You're not happy?" Helian Qing asked.

_{Han Yang: "..."}Helian Qing also swept his eyes towards him, and in return expressed: When we go back, you'll understand exactly what a hooligan really is.

Han Yang: "..."

_{When they made it to the kitchen, Helian Qing pulled Han Yang into his embrace, lowered his head and kissed him passionately.}
Grandpa, upon hearing this name his own granddaughter-in-law replied with, was immediately taken aback by the respectful approach he had taken, waving quickly: "Hi, hello, there's no need for you to bow; come in and have a seat first, alright."

When they made it to the kitchen, Helian Qing pulled Han Yang into his embrace, lowered his head and kissed him passionately.

_{Although the two hated to part from one another, now was not the proper time since Grandpa was just beyond the door, inside the living room, therefore they could only take a little—just enough to quench each other's thirst—then stop.}
Han Yang pulled Helian Qing to sit in the seat next to the fire, saying, "Hurry, warm up. Your hands are frozen stiff."

Although the two hated to part from one another, now was not the proper time since Grandpa was just beyond the door, inside the living room, therefore they could only take a little—just enough to quench each other's thirst—then stop.

_{Han Yang: "..."}What wife's family's home...you really are shameless, huh! Han Yang thought to himself, however, he was unable to stifle that sweet feeling in his heart. He pulled Helian Qing into his own arms by the waist, caressing his ear, as he said, "Hurry up and sleep, you've worked hard today."

Han Yang: "..."

_{"No–of course not!" Han Yang shook his head. "If you were a cat I'd be screwed!"}Grandpa pointed to the radishes and the pakchoi; leading him to them. Helian Qing stooped down, took hold of the radish sprout right above its root then yanked it out with force, enough to cause the tail to snap in half.

"No–of course not!" Han Yang shook his head. "If you were a cat I'd be screwed!"

_{The old man did not sleep for long, due to his age, so since he got up early, he placed the coal to burn in the fire bowl. Avoiding Helian Qing's hand, he carried the coal-filled pail into the living room and placed it where it normally burned, saying, "I can do this on my own just fine, you mustn't let the ash mess up your hands."}
Such a display of affection by Han Yang, in normal times, would have definitely resulted in more than a few sentences out of that cheap mouth of Helian Qing's; but before Han Yang's grandfather, he would never be so impudent, hence he simply nodded and placed his hands beside the fire.

The old man did not sleep for long, due to his age, so since he got up early, he placed the coal to burn in the fire bowl. Avoiding Helian Qing's hand, he carried the coal-filled pail into the living room and placed it where it normally burned, saying, "I can do this on my own just fine, you mustn't let the ash mess up your hands."

_{When Helian Qing went into the room, he took a mirror to carefully look at the large country-styled jacket, it's brightly coloured hues almost blinding his eyes.}
"Why did you come here all of a sudden, huh?" Han Yang asked him, feeling the urge to reach out and help the other man rub his frigid fingers, but with his grandfather directly beside them all he could do was restrain himself in the end.

When Helian Qing went into the room, he took a mirror to carefully look at the large country-styled jacket, it's brightly coloured hues almost blinding his eyes.

_{Helian Qing's expression was cold, "I understand."}
"I just passed by to have a look," Helian Qing replied while the heat from the charcoal fire dispersed the cold air which lingered on his body, allowing the crinkled space between his brows to finally flatten.

Helian Qing's expression was cold, "I understand."

_{"That's no good. If your clothes get dirty it may not be possible to wash them properly." Grandpa thought for a while, then placed the vegetable basket into the other man's hands, said the line "I'll get you one" before heading back into the house.}This was sarcasm about his poor memory, wasn't it? Han Yang frowned, saying, "It's only because I feel this isn't a good thing. Aunty Su and the others must definitely be wanting for you to return to celebrate the New Year with them, after all, they are your parents."

"That's no good. If your clothes get dirty it may not be possible to wash them properly." Grandpa thought for a while, then placed the vegetable basket into the other man's hands, said the line "I'll get you one" before heading back into the house.

_{Wearing that floral patterned, padded coat; vegetable basket in hand; and with no expression on his face, Helian Qing stood at the side. In his heart, he repeatedly thrashed that still-sleeping-in-bed Salted Fish a good few times.}
"..." Han Yang peered at the other man silently. Where could he have been going that it allowed him to pass by this family's front gate, huh!

Wearing that floral patterned, padded coat; vegetable basket in hand; and with no expression on his face, Helian Qing stood at the side. In his heart, he repeatedly thrashed that still-sleeping-in-bed Salted Fish a good few times.

_{Grandpa: "..."}In the Helian family, the planning and purchase of items for the Spring Festival were the responsibilities of Guanjia, the butler, and Auntie Zhou. Therefore, Helian Qing had never done anything like going to shop for New Year supplies. In the small town, there were quite a number of people out shopping in preparation for the Chinese New Year; pushing and squeezing each other, standing on their tiptoes. Helian Qing's one hundred and ninety metre frame was even forced to take a few steps backwards by a few pushing Aunties, allowing him to experience what a market day in the countryside was like.

Grandpa: "..."

_{Helian Qing also swept his eyes towards him, and in return expressed: {When we go back, you'll understand exactly what a hooligan really is.}}When he was done eating, Helian Qing naturally stayed over at Han Yang's place. Grandpa kept the two company, chatting for a while, before heading off to bed early to get some sleep, leaving them in the living room to warm up by the fire.

Helian Qing also swept his eyes towards him, and in return expressed: When we go back, you'll understand exactly what a hooligan really is.

_{"I have," Helian Qing answered, but just as he was done speaking, his stomach released a growl.}
Helian Qing did not meet the younger man's eyes, instead turning to Grandpa to say, "For taking the liberty of disturbing you, please accept my apologies, Grandfather."

"I have," Helian Qing answered, but just as he was done speaking, his stomach released a growl.

_{Han Yang and Helian Qing nodded simultaneously.}
"There's no need for you to say all that, you're our guest," Grandpa responded. "Have you had dinner as yet?"

Han Yang and Helian Qing nodded simultaneously.

_{Grandpa: "..."} 蛋花汤: dàn huā tāng: egg drop soup. Since it's a simple one, beaten eggs poured into boiling broth/stock.Pic below [] 小别胜新婚: xiǎo biè shèng xīnhūn: Meaning - short partings makes the reunion sweeter/better than the honeymoon, i.e. absence makes the heart grow fonder. [] 见风使舵: jiàn fēng shǐ duò: (idiom) see where the wind blows; meaning - go along with a certain situation; jump on the bandwagon/go with the flow/ fall in line/.... []^4. Red Envelopes (红包), are used to give monetary gifts.Couplets (对联) are poems written on long strips and hung on the door during New Year celebrations. Pics: [][Things I was too lazy to number][]-The stove:[]It's a coal stove, so here are some examples(simple to ornate):[]So, to light it our lovely Princess would have to blow through a pipe to help the flames catch.[]-Sorrow/dearly: these are both interpretations of the word (心疼:to love dearly or feel sorry for)[]-The polite form of 'you' is always used for elders.[]-Helian Qing called Grandpa, Lao Yezi [translated as 'Grandfather'] so this polite title is what got the man got all flustered.[]- And the pic at the top is an explanation for the 'Before returning home vs After returning home' meme that had HY in shambles. []*INHALES*..and that's it![]If Mo Suya saw how her boy acted in front of Grandpa her jaw would drop!😁[]See you next chapter 💕

Grandpa: "..."

_{"I finished it." Helian Qing closed his hand, capturing the other's fingers within his grasp, asking softly, "Aren't you happy to see me?"}"Is there anything you need me to do?" Helian asked as he stood beside him, feeling he must do something to help just to put his mind at ease.

"I finished it." Helian Qing closed his hand, capturing the other's fingers within his grasp, asking softly, "Aren't you happy to see me?"

_{"You don't have to worry about that, Grandpa," Han Yang said, with Helian Qing also nodding alongside him.}The lad proceeded to reheat a couple dishes for Helian Qing, then proceeded to make him a simple egg-drop soup, placing all the meals on the dining room table for him to eat after he was finished making them.

"You don't have to worry about that, Grandpa," Han Yang said, with Helian Qing also nodding alongside him.

_{The following day, Han Yang took Helian Qing into the town to get some goods for the Spring festival.}
"I have," Helian Qing answered, but just as he was done speaking, his stomach released a growl.

The following day, Han Yang took Helian Qing into the town to get some goods for the Spring festival.

_{On their way to the vegetable garden they ran into a few neighbours, curious about this new guy—Helian Qing, they pulled Grandpa aside to chat and ask a few things, and Grandpa happily told them he was Han Yang's friend who came to home to keep him company.}
Grandpa: "..."

On their way to the vegetable garden they ran into a few neighbours, curious about this new guy—Helian Qing, they pulled Grandpa aside to chat and ask a few things, and Grandpa happily told them he was Han Yang's friend who came to home to keep him company.

_{Although the two hated to part from one another, now was not the proper time since Grandpa was just beyond the door, inside the living room, therefore they could only take a little—just enough to quench each other's thirst—then stop.}Such a display of affection by Han Yang, in normal times, would have definitely resulted in more than a few sentences out of that cheap mouth of Helian Qing's; but before Han Yang's grandfather, he would never be so impudent, hence he simply nodded and placed his hands beside the fire.

Although the two hated to part from one another, now was not the proper time since Grandpa was just beyond the door, inside the living room, therefore they could only take a little—just enough to quench each other's thirst—then stop.

_{Because of the large number of people at the marketplace Helian Qing's long overcoat got squeezed and so had many creases, currently looking as if any traces of its one expensive nature was non-existent. Seeing this, Han Yang once again teased: "If I'd known beforehand, I would've made you wear Grandpa's giant patterned, padded jacket."}On their way to the vegetable garden they ran into a few neighbours, curious about this new guy—Helian Qing, they pulled Grandpa aside to chat and ask a few things, and Grandpa happily told them he was Han Yang's friend who came to home to keep him company.

Because of the large number of people at the marketplace Helian Qing's long overcoat got squeezed and so had many creases, currently looking as if any traces of its one expensive nature was non-existent. Seeing this, Han Yang once again teased: "If I'd known beforehand, I would've made you wear Grandpa's giant patterned, padded jacket."

_{"Ai, I was too careless back then to not have noticed all the pain Han Yang felt in his heart," Grandpa sighed. Recounting those events left him ridden with guilt.}
Han Yang: "..."

"Ai, I was too careless back then to not have noticed all the pain Han Yang felt in his heart," Grandpa sighed. Recounting those events left him ridden with guilt.

_{Helian Qing put the veggies aside, walked over to the tap to wash his hands, then looked down at the lad from his top to his bottom, asking monotonously, "What's so funny?"} Grandpa pointed to the radishes and the pakchoi; leading him to them. Helian Qing stooped down, took hold of the radish sprout right above its root then yanked it out with force, enough to cause the tail to snap in half.

Helian Qing put the veggies aside, walked over to the tap to wash his hands, then looked down at the lad from his top to his bottom, asking monotonously, "What's so funny?"

_{After laughing for an entire half of a minute, Han Yang slowed down a little, proceeding to grasp Helian Qing's pant legs as he stammered, "Gége, this look of yours is just like the 'before returning home; after returning home' meme that went viral—haha..}"They're your parents too." Helian Qing interrupted, caressing his ear, "And besides, they're already on their way."

After laughing for an entire half of a minute, Han Yang slowed down a little, proceeding to grasp Helian Qing's pant legs as he stammered, "Gége, this look of yours is just like the 'before returning home; after returning home' meme that went viral—haha... No, this won't do, I have to take a picture of this to show Aunty Su." Saying that, he got up to go get his phone, but after only two steps, he was held by Helian Qing from behind.

_{Helian Qing's face darkened as he sneered, "So you're showing off, huh. Only a few days left."}In the Helian family, the planning and purchase of items for the Spring Festival were the responsibilities of Guanjia, the butler, and Auntie Zhou. Therefore, Helian Qing had never done anything like going to shop for New Year supplies. In the small town, there were quite a number of people out shopping in preparation for the Chinese New Year; pushing and squeezing each other, standing on their tiptoes. Helian Qing's one hundred and ninety metre frame was even forced to take a few steps backwards by a few pushing Aunties, allowing him to experience what a market day in the countryside was like.

Helian Qing's face darkened as he sneered, "So you're showing off, huh. Only a few days left."

_{"That's no good. If your clothes get dirty it may not be possible to wash them properly." Grandpa thought for a while, then placed the vegetable basket into the other man's hands, said the line "I'll get you one" before heading back into the house.}
Han Yang, unable to stop himself, turned his face to the side before releasing a bout of laughter. Helian Qing's face stiffened, not a word leaving him, as he dealt with his secret, internal embarrassment.

"That's no good. If your clothes get dirty it may not be possible to wash them properly." Grandpa thought for a while, then placed the vegetable basket into the other man's hands, said the line "I'll get you one" before heading back into the house.

_{The lad held on to the man's waist tightly, his face buried within the other's chest as he inhaled deeply, his eyes heated—teary.}
"You haven't eaten, have you? Don't worry, there are a lot of dishes from today, so I'll go heat up some of them for you, alright," Grandpa informed the younger man as he stood, with Helian Qing following suit while trying to explain, "There's no need for that, you–"

The lad held on to the man's waist tightly, his face buried within the other's chest as he inhaled deeply, his eyes heated—teary.

_{"Come on now, give it another try." Grandpa placed the whole radish into the basket.}Helian Qing nodded resolutely, "You can be rest assured, both you and he will be in my care."

"Come on now, give it another try." Grandpa placed the whole radish into the basket.

_{His only relative, and the one he loves were both near to him—this was probably the happiest thing ever!}Seeing him wishing to go with him, Grandpa stopped and gave the lad a once-over, noticing the youngster was wearing a very expensive woollen sweater, then said, "It's cold outside, so you have to go back and put on a coat, okay, but don't wear the one you wore last night because it's easy to get it dirty out there."

His only relative, and the one he loves were both near to him—this was probably the happiest thing ever!

_{Han Yang, unable to stop himself, turned his face to the side before releasing a bout of laughter. Helian Qing's face stiffened, not a word leaving him, as he dealt with his secret, internal embarrassment.}In the Helian family, the planning and purchase of items for the Spring Festival were the responsibilities of Guanjia, the butler, and Auntie Zhou. Therefore, Helian Qing had never done anything like going to shop for New Year supplies. In the small town, there were quite a number of people out shopping in preparation for the Chinese New Year; pushing and squeezing each other, standing on their tiptoes. Helian Qing's one hundred and ninety metre frame was even forced to take a few steps backwards by a few pushing Aunties, allowing him to experience what a market day in the countryside was like.

Han Yang, unable to stop himself, turned his face to the side before releasing a bout of laughter. Helian Qing's face stiffened, not a word leaving him, as he dealt with his secret, internal embarrassment.

_{Resting on Helian Qing's chest, Han Yang caught his breath, his ears tuned in to the rhythmic pulsations within the chest of the one below him, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction well within him.}
"I'll go. So, Grandpa, you can just relax and go watch some TV, and I'll get him something to eat, okay?" Han Yang said to the elderly man, then to Helian Qing, added, "You can come help me."

Resting on Helian Qing's chest, Han Yang caught his breath, his ears tuned in to the rhythmic pulsations within the chest of the one below him, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction well within him.

_{Resting on Helian Qing's chest, Han Yang caught his breath, his ears tuned in to the rhythmic pulsations within the chest of the one below him, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction well within him.}Grandpa, upon hearing this name his own granddaughter-in-law replied with, was immediately taken aback by the respectful approach he had taken, waving quickly: "Hi, hello, there's no need for you to bow; come in and have a seat first, alright."

Resting on Helian Qing's chest, Han Yang caught his breath, his ears tuned in to the rhythmic pulsations within the chest of the one below him, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction well within him.

_{Because of the large number of people at the marketplace Helian Qing's long overcoat got squeezed and so had many creases, currently looking as if any traces of its one expensive nature was non-existent. Seeing this, Han Yang once again teased: "If I'd known beforehand, I would've made you wear Grandpa's giant patterned, padded jacket."}"Why did you come here all of a sudden, huh?" Han Yang asked him, feeling the urge to reach out and help the other man rub his frigid fingers, but with his grandfather directly beside them all he could do was restrain himself in the end.

Because of the large number of people at the marketplace Helian Qing's long overcoat got squeezed and so had many creases, currently looking as if any traces of its one expensive nature was non-existent. Seeing this, Han Yang once again teased: "If I'd known beforehand, I would've made you wear Grandpa's giant patterned, padded jacket."

_{Han Yang as a child was very thoughtful and clever, there was no need to worry about him in the least. When he was still very little, he would simply help in doing the household chores together.}
"Alright then, go ahead, go on," Grandpa waved them off, sitting himself back down before he began watching the television.

Han Yang as a child was very thoughtful and clever, there was no need to worry about him in the least. When he was still very little, he would simply help in doing the household chores together. Then when he attended primary school, because he did not have a father or a mother, his classmates pushed him aside along with refusing to talk to him. If it wasn't for that time the other children in his class fought with him, he might have still been unaware of how much Han Yang had been suffering at school.

_{Helian Qing grabbed the lad's hand, saying, "Take care of my stomach first, then you can treat me {dearly}."}"Grandpa, he is Helian Qing," Han Yang explained, tugging Helian Qing by the hem of his scarf the saying to him, "This is my grandad."

Helian Qing grabbed the lad's hand, saying, "Take care of my stomach first, then you can treat me dearly."

_{First, Han Yang took him to buy dried fruits and nuts, as well as some snacks. After paying the bill, and carrying two big bags of goods, they went on to purchase red envelopes, couplets^[4], firecrackers, and so on. Then, done with shopping, they were both toting two giant bags each.}
Han Yang led Helian Qing to the kitchen, and as they left, Helian Qing could feel the gaze of the elder gentleman following him, which made him involuntarily straighten his back.

First, Han Yang took him to buy dried fruits and nuts, as well as some snacks. After paying the bill, and carrying two big bags of goods, they went on to purchase red envelopes, couplets^[4], firecrackers, and so on. Then, done with shopping, they were both toting two giant bags each.

_{Helian Qing held the back of the smaller man's head with his palm, stroking slowly. The split second in which the youth tossed himself into his embrace, made all the longing of those days past appear as if they had at last found their place of rest.}
When they made it to the kitchen, Helian Qing pulled Han Yang into his embrace, lowered his head and kissed him passionately.

Helian Qing held the back of the smaller man's head with his palm, stroking slowly. The split second in which the youth tossed himself into his embrace, made all the longing of those days past appear as if they had at last found their place of rest.

_◈◇◈Helian Qing put the veggies aside, walked over to the tap to wash his hands, then looked down at the lad from his top to his bottom, asking monotonously, "What's so funny?"

◈◇◈

_{Han Yang: "..." I forgot I have to go back when school restarts.}
Following those past few days of separation, Han Yang also missed him very much, thus his hands now gripped the other man's back—drawing him even closer into his arms in response.

Han Yang: "..." I forgot I have to go back when school restarts.

_{Normally, during the vacation period, Han Yang did the cooking with Grandpa giving him a hand when he had nothing to do. Today, Helian Qing was also there, so naturally, the task of lighting the stove fell on him.}◈◇◈

Normally, during the vacation period, Han Yang did the cooking with Grandpa giving him a hand when he had nothing to do. Today, Helian Qing was also there, so naturally, the task of lighting the stove fell on him. Just like the radish situation from earlier that morning, Helian Qing came across some difficulty when attempting to light the fire. He took the stove-pipe to blow into the stove—kindling the fire, so when the flame was finally lit, he was left with a face smeared in black.

_{After they were all done eating, Grandpa brought up their matter on his own as he looked at them and spoke, "Grandpa is getting on in years, and has no expectations of glory nor fortunes in this life, all I want, is for the two of you to live out your lives safely and peacefully—just that alone, will be good."}Helian Qing put the veggies aside, walked over to the tap to wash his hands, then looked down at the lad from his top to his bottom, asking monotonously, "What's so funny?"

After they were all done eating, Grandpa brought up their matter on his own as he looked at them and spoke, "Grandpa is getting on in years, and has no expectations of glory nor fortunes in this life, all I want, is for the two of you to live out your lives safely and peacefully—just that alone, will be good."

_{"I told my grandfather about us," Han Yang revealed.}
Although the two hated to part from one another, now was not the proper time since Grandpa was just beyond the door, inside the living room, therefore they could only take a little—just enough to quench each other's thirst—then stop.

"I told my grandfather about us," Han Yang revealed.

_{After laughing for an entire half of a minute, Han Yang slowed down a little, proceeding to grasp Helian Qing's pant legs as he stammered, "Gége, this look of yours is just like the 'before returning home; after returning home' meme that went viral—haha..}
Han Yang dragged his fingers over Helian Qing's tired brows, his heart struck with a bit of sorrow.

After laughing for an entire half of a minute, Han Yang slowed down a little, proceeding to grasp Helian Qing's pant legs as he stammered, "Gége, this look of yours is just like the 'before returning home; after returning home' meme that went viral—haha... No, this won't do, I have to take a picture of this to show Aunty Su." Saying that, he got up to go get his phone, but after only two steps, he was held by Helian Qing from behind.

_{"No, that's not necessary. You should just sit down by the fire and warm up, alright. I'm going to go pick some veggies from out back," Grandpa replied before going to wash his hands, then went to the kitchen to grab a vegetable basket as he prepared to leave, with Helian Qing following after him.}Before Han Yang came to his senses, his body reacted one step faster. He ran with large strides, pulled open the gate of the front yard then bolted straight into Helian Qing's waiting arms.

"No, that's not necessary. You should just sit down by the fire and warm up, alright. I'm going to go pick some veggies from out back," Grandpa replied before going to wash his hands, then went to the kitchen to grab a vegetable basket as he prepared to leave, with Helian Qing following after him.

_{Despite Helian Qing's hurried departure, he had still managed to bring along a couple changes of clothes he prepped in advance. With his intent to spend the night there clear, Han Yang took him to the bath, then they both returned to his room.}"I'll go. So, Grandpa, you can just relax and go watch some TV, and I'll get him something to eat, okay?" Han Yang said to the elderly man, then to Helian Qing, added, "You can come help me."

Despite Helian Qing's hurried departure, he had still managed to bring along a couple changes of clothes he prepped in advance. With his intent to spend the night there clear, Han Yang took him to the bath, then they both returned to his room.

_{This was sarcasm about his poor memory, wasn't it? Han Yang frowned, saying, "It's only because I feel this isn't a good thing. Aunty Su and the others must definitely be wanting for you to return to celebrate the New Year with them, after all, they are your parents."}
Helian Qing grabbed the lad's hand, saying, "Take care of my stomach first, then you can treat me dearly."

This was sarcasm about his poor memory, wasn't it? Han Yang frowned, saying, "It's only because I feel this isn't a good thing. Aunty Su and the others must definitely be wanting for you to return to celebrate the New Year with them, after all, they are your parents."

_{The lad proceeded to reheat a couple dishes for Helian Qing, then proceeded to make him a simple egg-drop soup, placing all the meals on the dining room table for him to eat after he was finished making them.}Helian Qing grabbed his hand, saying with irritation, "Are you stroking a cat?"

The lad proceeded to reheat a couple dishes for Helian Qing, then proceeded to make him a simple egg-drop soup, placing all the meals on the dining room table for him to eat after he was finished making them.

_{Helian Qing put the veggies aside, walked over to the tap to wash his hands, then looked down at the lad from his top to his bottom, asking monotonously, "What's so funny?"} "How many times are you going to ask this? Are Saltfish and goldfish half-siblings or something?" Helian Qing glanced at him and scoffed.

Helian Qing put the veggies aside, walked over to the tap to wash his hands, then looked down at the lad from his top to his bottom, asking monotonously, "What's so funny?"

_{"Helian Qing," Han Yang called out to the other.}The man grabbed his hands, pressing him into his bosom before lowering his head so his lips met the giddy man's ear, his tone cold, "'Take a picture'? Just a few days of not seeing each other, and your courage has gotten that much larger, huh?"

"Helian Qing," Han Yang called out to the other.

_{Helian Qing did not meet the younger man's eyes, instead turning to Grandpa to say, "For taking the liberty of disturbing you, please accept my apologies, Grandfather."}
Han Yang immediately recalled the noise that man's gut made earlier, chuckling, before making him sit down and serving him his meal.

Helian Qing did not meet the younger man's eyes, instead turning to Grandpa to say, "For taking the liberty of disturbing you, please accept my apologies, Grandfather."

_◈◇◈The old man did not sleep for long, due to his age, so since he got up early, he placed the coal to burn in the fire bowl. Avoiding Helian Qing's hand, he carried the coal-filled pail into the living room and placed it where it normally burned, saying, "I can do this on my own just fine, you mustn't let the ash mess up your hands."

◈◇◈

_{Han Yang immediately recalled the noise that man's gut made earlier, chuckling, before making him sit down and serving him his meal.}
The lad proceeded to reheat a couple dishes for Helian Qing, then proceeded to make him a simple egg-drop soup^[1], placing all the meals on the dining room table for him to eat after he was finished making them.

Han Yang immediately recalled the noise that man's gut made earlier, chuckling, before making him sit down and serving him his meal.

_{Han Yang, unable to stop himself, turned his face to the side before releasing a bout of laughter. Helian Qing's face stiffened, not a word leaving him, as he dealt with his secret, internal embarrassment.}
When he was done eating, Helian Qing naturally stayed over at Han Yang's place. Grandpa kept the two company, chatting for a while, before heading off to bed early to get some sleep, leaving them in the living room to warm up by the fire.

Han Yang, unable to stop himself, turned his face to the side before releasing a bout of laughter. Helian Qing's face stiffened, not a word leaving him, as he dealt with his secret, internal embarrassment.

_{Helian Qing did just as he was shown, and successfully pulled out several radishes. Only later had he noticed that he had fallen to such a point, where pulling out a few of those things gave him a sense of accomplishment.}"For this old man, it was also the same," Grandpa laughed. Having lost his children during his middle-ages, Han Yang's presence during this latter half of his life meant it was not as lonely or pitiful.

Helian Qing did just as he was shown, and successfully pulled out several radishes. Only later had he noticed that he had fallen to such a point, where pulling out a few of those things gave him a sense of accomplishment.

_{The hand he used to pat the eager fellow paused for a while as he suddenly understood the reason Han Yang would like this man from the start.}
Han Yang leaned on Helian Qing's shoulder, resting his fingers on the man's palm, slowly tracing creased lines there—following them all the way to their edges while he asked, "Why didn't you tell me you were coming? Did you finish all your work?"

The hand he used to pat the eager fellow paused for a while as he suddenly understood the reason Han Yang would like this man from the start.

_{Han Yang coughed, pretending he had not heard or understood a thing, simply going to find a taxi to return home.}Han Yang led Helian Qing to the kitchen, and as they left, Helian Qing could feel the gaze of the elder gentleman following him, which made him involuntarily straighten his back.

Han Yang coughed, pretending he had not heard or understood a thing, simply going to find a taxi to return home.

_{Han Yang dragged his fingers over Helian Qing's tired brows, his heart struck with a bit of sorrow.}
"I finished it." Helian Qing closed his hand, capturing the other's fingers within his grasp, asking softly, "Aren't you happy to see me?"

Han Yang dragged his fingers over Helian Qing's tired brows, his heart struck with a bit of sorrow.

_{"Aren't you going to get over here and give me a hug?" Helian Qing's voice travelled through the phone held tightly against the lad's ear—huskily—carrying with it a titillating heat on that cold winter night, penetrating his ear, going all the way to his heart.}Grandpa saying it was no good made the Qing Gége stare at the damaged radish in his hands, wanting very much to plant it back into the ground.

"Aren't you going to get over here and give me a hug?" Helian Qing's voice travelled through the phone held tightly against the lad's ear—huskily—carrying with it a titillating heat on that cold winter night, penetrating his ear, going all the way to his heart.

_{After they were all done eating, Grandpa brought up their matter on his own as he looked at them and spoke, "Grandpa is getting on in years, and has no expectations of glory nor fortunes in this life, all I want, is for the two of you to live out your lives safely and peacefully—just that alone, will be good."}
"I'm happy." Han Yang lifted his head to look at him, a joy-filled expression gleaming within his eyes, "I'm so happy, I don't know what to do with myself."

After they were all done eating, Grandpa brought up their matter on his own as he looked at them and spoke, "Grandpa is getting on in years, and has no expectations of glory nor fortunes in this life, all I want, is for the two of you to live out your lives safely and peacefully—just that alone, will be good."

_{Han Yang immediately recalled the noise that man's gut made earlier, chuckling, before making him sit down and serving him his meal.} The man grabbed his hands, pressing him into his bosom before lowering his head so his lips met the giddy man's ear, his tone cold, "'Take a picture'? Just a few days of not seeing each other, and your courage has gotten that much larger, huh?"

Han Yang immediately recalled the noise that man's gut made earlier, chuckling, before making him sit down and serving him his meal.

_{"Mn." Helian Qing, hand separated by the layer of cloth of the younger man's pajama, stroked his back.}Helian Qing stepped onto the softened earth, rolled up his pant legs, then asked, "What do you want to pick?"

"Mn." Helian Qing, hand separated by the layer of cloth of the younger man's pajama, stroked his back.

_{"I just passed by to have a look," Helian Qing replied while the heat from the charcoal fire dispersed the cold air which lingered on his body, allowing the crinkled space between his brows to finally flatten.}Since he normally had nothing much to do at home, Grandpa, apart from playing chess and gardening, also played with the little ones nearby. With the extra time, his family's garden was very well taken care of by him.

"I just passed by to have a look," Helian Qing replied while the heat from the charcoal fire dispersed the cold air which lingered on his body, allowing the crinkled space between his brows to finally flatten.

_{Helian Qing was still at a loss as to what the line "Get one" meant when Grandpa returned from inside with a green, floral-patterned cotton-padded jacket in hand, handing it over to Helian Qing to then say, "Wear this, it's dirt resistant."}
"You're happy to such an extent, yet you're so low-key?" Helian Qing smirked, grumbling a meaningful “hm?”.

Helian Qing was still at a loss as to what the line "Get one" meant when Grandpa returned from inside with a green, floral-patterned cotton-padded jacket in hand, handing it over to Helian Qing to then say, "Wear this, it's dirt resistant."

_{"I'll go. So, Grandpa, you can just relax and go watch some TV, and I'll get him something to eat, okay?" Han Yang said to the elderly man, then to Helian Qing, added, "You can come help me."}"I told my grandfather about us," Han Yang revealed.

"I'll go. So, Grandpa, you can just relax and go watch some TV, and I'll get him something to eat, okay?" Han Yang said to the elderly man, then to Helian Qing, added, "You can come help me."

_{Helian Qing stopped suddenly, his action prompting the older man to to turn and look at him, "What's wrong?"}
Understanding his meaning, Han Yang moved closer, kissing him—nipping him, then whispered, "Are you happy now?"

Helian Qing stopped suddenly, his action prompting the older man to to turn and look at him, "What's wrong?"

_{"I'll go. So, Grandpa, you can just relax and go watch some TV, and I'll get him something to eat, okay?" Han Yang said to the elderly man, then to Helian Qing, added, "You can come help me."}
Helian Qing nodded reluctantly, moving his hand to pinch the back of the lad's neck.

"I'll go. So, Grandpa, you can just relax and go watch some TV, and I'll get him something to eat, okay?" Han Yang said to the elderly man, then to Helian Qing, added, "You can come help me."

_{Grandpa: "..."}Getting off the bed quietly, he tucked the blanket around Han Yang properly, put on a change of clothes, then left the room. Catching sight of Grandpa, who was carrying a fire bowl out of the kitchen, just as he stepped out, prompting him to hurry over to give the elder a hand.

Grandpa: "..."

_{Helian Qing looked at him without a trace of emotion, letting the younger fellow laugh it up, while a storm brew within his own eyes.}
Despite Helian Qing's hurried departure, he had still managed to bring along a couple changes of clothes he prepped in advance. With his intent to spend the night there clear, Han Yang took him to the bath, then they both returned to his room.

Helian Qing looked at him without a trace of emotion, letting the younger fellow laugh it up, while a storm brew within his own eyes.

_{"No–of course not!" Han Yang shook his head. "If you were a cat I'd be screwed!"}
As the saying goes: absence makes the heart grow fonder^[2], so once the two were lying in bed, kisses and touches were inevitable. Unfortunately, due to the hindrance posed by Grandpa being in the neighbouring room, they never accomplished that final step.

"No–of course not!" Han Yang shook his head. "If you were a cat I'd be screwed!"

_{Han Yang immediately recalled the noise that man's gut made earlier, chuckling, before making him sit down and serving him his meal.} Helian Qing snorted, turned around and entered another room; leaving the retreating figure of a large floral printed cotton-padded jacket behind him as he did. Once he saw that again, Han Yang could not hinder his brimming laughter, doing his best to quickly wash the rice then go into the kitchen to cook.

Han Yang immediately recalled the noise that man's gut made earlier, chuckling, before making him sit down and serving him his meal.

_{When they made it to the kitchen, Helian Qing pulled Han Yang into his embrace, lowered his head and kissed him passionately.}"How many times are you going to ask this? Are Saltfish and goldfish half-siblings or something?" Helian Qing glanced at him and scoffed.

When they made it to the kitchen, Helian Qing pulled Han Yang into his embrace, lowered his head and kissed him passionately.

_{"You haven't eaten, have you? Don't worry, there are a lot of dishes from today, so I'll go heat up some of them for you, alright," Grandpa informed the younger man as he stood, with Helian Qing following suit while trying to explain, "There's no need for that, you–"}"Why did you come here all of a sudden, huh?" Han Yang asked him, feeling the urge to reach out and help the other man rub his frigid fingers, but with his grandfather directly beside them all he could do was restrain himself in the end.

"You haven't eaten, have you? Don't worry, there are a lot of dishes from today, so I'll go heat up some of them for you, alright," Grandpa informed the younger man as he stood, with Helian Qing following suit while trying to explain, "There's no need for that, you–"

_{Helian Qing's body carried a cold air, yet all Han Yang felt was warmth—a warmth that only came from Helian Qing.}
Resting on Helian Qing's chest, Han Yang caught his breath, his ears tuned in to the rhythmic pulsations within the chest of the one below him, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction well within him.

Helian Qing's body carried a cold air, yet all Han Yang felt was warmth—a warmth that only came from Helian Qing.

_{"There's no need for you to say all that, you're our guest," Grandpa responded. "Have you had dinner as yet?"}First, Han Yang took him to buy dried fruits and nuts, as well as some snacks. After paying the bill, and carrying two big bags of goods, they went on to purchase red envelopes, couplets^[4], firecrackers, and so on. Then, done with shopping, they were both toting two giant bags each.

"There's no need for you to say all that, you're our guest," Grandpa responded. "Have you had dinner as yet?"

_{Despite Helian Qing's hurried departure, he had still managed to bring along a couple changes of clothes he prepped in advance. With his intent to spend the night there clear, Han Yang took him to the bath, then they both returned to his room.}
His only relative, and the one he loves were both near to him—this was probably the happiest thing ever!

Despite Helian Qing's hurried departure, he had still managed to bring along a couple changes of clothes he prepped in advance. With his intent to spend the night there clear, Han Yang took him to the bath, then they both returned to his room.

_{Wearing that floral patterned, padded coat; vegetable basket in hand; and with no expression on his face, Helian Qing stood at the side. In his heart, he repeatedly thrashed that still-sleeping-in-bed Salted Fish a good few times.}"They're your parents too." Helian Qing interrupted, caressing his ear, "And besides, they're already on their way."

Wearing that floral patterned, padded coat; vegetable basket in hand; and with no expression on his face, Helian Qing stood at the side. In his heart, he repeatedly thrashed that still-sleeping-in-bed Salted Fish a good few times.

_{"No–of course not!" Han Yang shook his head. "If you were a cat I'd be screwed!"}The man grabbed his hands, pressing him into his bosom before lowering his head so his lips met the giddy man's ear, his tone cold, "'Take a picture'? Just a few days of not seeing each other, and your courage has gotten that much larger, huh?"

"No–of course not!" Han Yang shook his head. "If you were a cat I'd be screwed!"

_{Helian Qing did not meet the younger man's eyes, instead turning to Grandpa to say, "For taking the liberty of disturbing you, please accept my apologies, Grandfather."}If it were normal times, upon hearing Helian Qing say those words, Han Yang would have definitely gone with the flow and piled on the flattery; but at this moment, after seeing the man in that huge floral coat, he just couldn't. Holding his tummy as he trembled with laughter, "No—no, it's it's not 'so funny' , it's extremely ridiculous! Hahahahaha!!"

Helian Qing did not meet the younger man's eyes, instead turning to Grandpa to say, "For taking the liberty of disturbing you, please accept my apologies, Grandfather."

_{Since he normally had nothing much to do at home, Grandpa, apart from playing chess and gardening, also played with the little ones nearby. With the extra time, his family's garden was very well taken care of by him.}
"Helian Qing," Han Yang called out to the other.

Since he normally had nothing much to do at home, Grandpa, apart from playing chess and gardening, also played with the little ones nearby. With the extra time, his family's garden was very well taken care of by him.

_{{"So why are you being so troublesome?" Helian Qing scoffed, leaning his head sideways to look him, "I came to the house of my wife's family, what's so bad about that?"}}After laughing for an entire half of a minute, Han Yang slowed down a little, proceeding to grasp Helian Qing's pant legs as he stammered, "Gége, this look of yours is just like the 'before returning home; after returning home' meme that went viral—haha... No, this won't do, I have to take a picture of this to show Aunty Su." Saying that, he got up to go get his phone, but after only two steps, he was held by Helian Qing from behind.

"So why are you being so troublesome?" Helian Qing scoffed, leaning his head sideways to look him, "I came to the house of my wife's family, what's so bad about that?"

_{"Aren't you going to get over here and give me a hug?" Helian Qing's voice travelled through the phone held tightly against the lad's ear—huskily—carrying with it a titillating heat on that cold winter night, penetrating his ear, going all the way to his heart.}Helian Qing understood what he meant. Sliding his palm downwards, stopping just as he arrived at the other man's waist—kneading, saying, "I'm no cat, but you're not much better off, are you?"

"Aren't you going to get over here and give me a hug?" Helian Qing's voice travelled through the phone held tightly against the lad's ear—huskily—carrying with it a titillating heat on that cold winter night, penetrating his ear, going all the way to his heart.

_{蛋花汤: dàn huā tāng: egg drop soup.}The hand he used to pat the eager fellow paused for a while as he suddenly understood the reason Han Yang would like this man from the start.

蛋花汤: dàn huā tāng: egg drop soup. Since it's a simple one, beaten eggs poured into boiling broth/stock.Pic below [] 小别胜新婚: xiǎo biè shèng xīnhūn: Meaning - short partings makes the reunion sweeter/better than the honeymoon, i.e. absence makes the heart grow fonder. [] 见风使舵: jiàn fēng shǐ duò: (idiom) see where the wind blows; meaning - go along with a certain situation; jump on the bandwagon/go with the flow/ fall in line/.... []^4. Red Envelopes (红包), are used to give monetary gifts.Couplets (对联) are poems written on long strips and hung on the door during New Year celebrations. Pics: [][Things I was too lazy to number][]-The stove:[]It's a coal stove, so here are some examples(simple to ornate):[]So, to light it our lovely Princess would have to blow through a pipe to help the flames catch.[]-Sorrow/dearly: these are both interpretations of the word (心疼:to love dearly or feel sorry for)[]-The polite form of 'you' is always used for elders.[]-Helian Qing called Grandpa, Lao Yezi [translated as 'Grandfather'] so this polite title is what got the man got all flustered.[]- And the pic at the top is an explanation for the 'Before returning home vs After returning home' meme that had HY in shambles. []*INHALES*..and that's it![]If Mo Suya saw how her boy acted in front of Grandpa her jaw would drop!😁[]See you next chapter 💕

_{Grandpa pointed to the radishes and the pakchoi; leading him to them. Helian Qing stooped down, took hold of the radish sprout right above its root then yanked it out with force, enough to cause the tail to snap in half.}
"Mn." Helian Qing, hand separated by the layer of cloth of the younger man's pajama, stroked his back.

Grandpa pointed to the radishes and the pakchoi; leading him to them. Helian Qing stooped down, took hold of the radish sprout right above its root then yanked it out with force, enough to cause the tail to snap in half.

_{After laughing for an entire half of a minute, Han Yang slowed down a little, proceeding to grasp Helian Qing's pant legs as he stammered, "Gége, this look of yours is just like the 'before returning home; after returning home' meme that went viral—haha..}"Is there anything you need me to do?" Helian asked as he stood beside him, feeling he must do something to help just to put his mind at ease.

After laughing for an entire half of a minute, Han Yang slowed down a little, proceeding to grasp Helian Qing's pant legs as he stammered, "Gége, this look of yours is just like the 'before returning home; after returning home' meme that went viral—haha... No, this won't do, I have to take a picture of this to show Aunty Su." Saying that, he got up to go get his phone, but after only two steps, he was held by Helian Qing from behind.

_{Grandpa froze momentarily. At the sight of such a tall man lowering himself before him, his eyes grew moist, as he then repeatedly said, "Don't say that, he's my grandson, I only did what I should have." Going over to pat Helian Qing on his arm as he spoke, feeling grateful and relieved as he added, "From now on, Han Yang will be depending on you the most to take care of him, alright?"}
"I told my grandfather about us," Han Yang revealed.

Grandpa froze momentarily. At the sight of such a tall man lowering himself before him, his eyes grew moist, as he then repeatedly said, "Don't say that, he's my grandson, I only did what I should have." Going over to pat Helian Qing on his arm as he spoke, feeling grateful and relieved as he added, "From now on, Han Yang will be depending on you the most to take care of him, alright?"

_{"The day I came back here." Han Yang then explained the situation regarding his parents.}"There's no need for you to say all that, you're our guest," Grandpa responded. "Have you had dinner as yet?"

"The day I came back here." Han Yang then explained the situation regarding his parents.

_◈◇◈
Helian Qing's hand stopped, he was a bit shocked, "When did you do it?"

◈◇◈

_{"There's no need for you to say all that, you're our guest," Grandpa responded. "Have you had dinner as yet?"}
"The day I came back here." Han Yang then explained the situation regarding his parents.

"There's no need for you to say all that, you're our guest," Grandpa responded. "Have you had dinner as yet?"

_{Helian Qing also swept his eyes towards him, and in return expressed: {When we go back, you'll understand exactly what a hooligan really is.}}Han Yang: "..." I forgot I have to go back when school restarts.

Helian Qing also swept his eyes towards him, and in return expressed: When we go back, you'll understand exactly what a hooligan really is.

_{"I'm happy—I am happy..."}Before Han Yang came to his senses, his body reacted one step faster. He ran with large strides, pulled open the gate of the front yard then bolted straight into Helian Qing's waiting arms.

"I'm happy—I am happy..."

_{Helian Qing's body carried a cold air, yet all Han Yang felt was warmth—a warmth that only came from Helian Qing.}"I was was thinking it over yesterday, and since the matter between the both of you have already been decided, as well as you two having been certified; then, like any other married couple, you two cannot act like hooligans," Grandpa stated.

Helian Qing's body carried a cold air, yet all Han Yang felt was warmth—a warmth that only came from Helian Qing.

_{"Mn." Helian Qing, hand separated by the layer of cloth of the younger man's pajama, stroked his back.}
Helian Qing's expression was cold, "I understand."

"Mn." Helian Qing, hand separated by the layer of cloth of the younger man's pajama, stroked his back.

_{"Is there anything you need me to do?" Helian asked as he stood beside him, feeling he must do something to help just to put his mind at ease.}Grandpa did not notice their exchange so he he continued, "We'll have to find a time for both families to get together for a meal, in testament to our togetherness. As for your wedding, this old man doesn't understand what you youngsters of today like so just do as you see fit, alright."

"Is there anything you need me to do?" Helian asked as he stood beside him, feeling he must do something to help just to put his mind at ease.

_{If it were normal times, upon hearing Helian Qing say those words, Han Yang would have definitely gone with the flow and piled on the flattery; but at this moment, after seeing the man in that huge floral coat, he just couldn't. Holding his tummy as he trembled with laughter, "No—no, it's it's not 'so funny' , it's extremely ridiculous! Hahahahaha!!"}
Han Yang heard the displeasure in his tone, so he raised his hand to stroke the man's chin, coaxing, "It's already alright. You don't have to worry about it."

If it were normal times, upon hearing Helian Qing say those words, Han Yang would have definitely gone with the flow and piled on the flattery; but at this moment, after seeing the man in that huge floral coat, he just couldn't. Holding his tummy as he trembled with laughter, "No—no, it's it's not 'so funny' , it's extremely ridiculous! Hahahahaha!!"

_{"For this old man, it was also the same," Grandpa laughed. Having lost his children during his middle-ages, Han Yang's presence during this latter half of his life meant it was not as lonely or pitiful.}"Serves you right." Once he heard him say his stomach hurt, Helian Qing let go of his hands and helped him massage his tummy, not knowing that rubbing that same tummy would result in him laughing even more.

"For this old man, it was also the same," Grandpa laughed. Having lost his children during his middle-ages, Han Yang's presence during this latter half of his life meant it was not as lonely or pitiful.

_{Cats eat fish; dogs eat meat.}After they were all done eating, Grandpa brought up their matter on his own as he looked at them and spoke, "Grandpa is getting on in years, and has no expectations of glory nor fortunes in this life, all I want, is for the two of you to live out your lives safely and peacefully—just that alone, will be good."

Cats eat fish; dogs eat meat.

_{Han Yang: "..."}Helian Qing grabbed his hand, saying with irritation, "Are you stroking a cat?"

Han Yang: "..."

_{Cats eat fish; dogs eat meat.}
Helian Qing grabbed his hand, saying with irritation, "Are you stroking a cat?"

Cats eat fish; dogs eat meat.

_{"No, that's not necessary. You should just sit down by the fire and warm up, alright. I'm going to go pick some veggies from out back," Grandpa replied before going to wash his hands, then went to the kitchen to grab a vegetable basket as he prepared to leave, with Helian Qing following after him.}"Aren't you going to get over here and give me a hug?" Helian Qing's voice travelled through the phone held tightly against the lad's ear—huskily—carrying with it a titillating heat on that cold winter night, penetrating his ear, going all the way to his heart.

"No, that's not necessary. You should just sit down by the fire and warm up, alright. I'm going to go pick some veggies from out back," Grandpa replied before going to wash his hands, then went to the kitchen to grab a vegetable basket as he prepared to leave, with Helian Qing following after him.

_{After laughing for an entire half of a minute, Han Yang slowed down a little, proceeding to grasp Helian Qing's pant legs as he stammered, "Gége, this look of yours is just like the 'before returning home; after returning home' meme that went viral—haha..} 蛋花汤: dàn huā tāng: egg drop soup. Since it's a simple one, beaten eggs poured into boiling broth/stock.Pic below [] 小别胜新婚: xiǎo biè shèng xīnhūn: Meaning - short partings makes the reunion sweeter/better than the honeymoon, i.e. absence makes the heart grow fonder. [] 见风使舵: jiàn fēng shǐ duò: (idiom) see where the wind blows; meaning - go along with a certain situation; jump on the bandwagon/go with the flow/ fall in line/.... []^4. Red Envelopes (红包), are used to give monetary gifts.Couplets (对联) are poems written on long strips and hung on the door during New Year celebrations. Pics: [][Things I was too lazy to number][]-The stove:[]It's a coal stove, so here are some examples(simple to ornate):[]So, to light it our lovely Princess would have to blow through a pipe to help the flames catch.[]-Sorrow/dearly: these are both interpretations of the word (心疼:to love dearly or feel sorry for)[]-The polite form of 'you' is always used for elders.[]-Helian Qing called Grandpa, Lao Yezi [translated as 'Grandfather'] so this polite title is what got the man got all flustered.[]- And the pic at the top is an explanation for the 'Before returning home vs After returning home' meme that had HY in shambles. []*INHALES*..and that's it![]If Mo Suya saw how her boy acted in front of Grandpa her jaw would drop!😁[]See you next chapter 💕

After laughing for an entire half of a minute, Han Yang slowed down a little, proceeding to grasp Helian Qing's pant legs as he stammered, "Gége, this look of yours is just like the 'before returning home; after returning home' meme that went viral—haha... No, this won't do, I have to take a picture of this to show Aunty Su." Saying that, he got up to go get his phone, but after only two steps, he was held by Helian Qing from behind.

_{Han Yang led Helian Qing to the kitchen, and as they left, Helian Qing could feel the gaze of the elder gentleman following him, which made him involuntarily straighten his back.}
"No–of course not!" Han Yang shook his head. "If you were a cat I'd be screwed!"

Han Yang led Helian Qing to the kitchen, and as they left, Helian Qing could feel the gaze of the elder gentleman following him, which made him involuntarily straighten his back.

_{Helian Qing understood what he meant. Sliding his palm downwards, stopping just as he arrived at the other man's waist—kneading, saying, "I'm no cat, but you're not much better off, are you?"}"I told my grandfather about us," Han Yang revealed.

Helian Qing understood what he meant. Sliding his palm downwards, stopping just as he arrived at the other man's waist—kneading, saying, "I'm no cat, but you're not much better off, are you?"

_{Han Yang pulled Helian Qing to sit in the seat next to the fire, saying, "Hurry, warm up. Your hands are frozen stiff."}Helian Qing also swept his eyes towards him, and in return expressed: When we go back, you'll understand exactly what a hooligan really is.

Han Yang pulled Helian Qing to sit in the seat next to the fire, saying, "Hurry, warm up. Your hands are frozen stiff."

_{"I told my grandfather about us," Han Yang revealed.}Han Yang: "..." I forgot I have to go back when school restarts.

"I told my grandfather about us," Han Yang revealed.

_{Grandpa had just exited the kitchen with a sweet potato in hand. Not seeing Han Yang once he came out, he simply thought that the lad had gone somewhere else, not at all expecting the young man to bring another back with him, and so, for a short while he was shocked, after which he asked, "And this is..."}
Cats eat fish; dogs eat meat.

Grandpa had just exited the kitchen with a sweet potato in hand. Not seeing Han Yang once he came out, he simply thought that the lad had gone somewhere else, not at all expecting the young man to bring another back with him, and so, for a short while he was shocked, after which he asked, "And this is..."

_{Han Yang and Helian Qing nodded simultaneously.}Han Yang leaned on Helian Qing's shoulder, resting his fingers on the man's palm, slowly tracing creased lines there—following them all the way to their edges while he asked, "Why didn't you tell me you were coming? Did you finish all your work?"

Han Yang and Helian Qing nodded simultaneously.

_{The man grabbed his hands, pressing him into his bosom before lowering his head so his lips met the giddy man's ear, his tone cold, "'Take a picture'? Just a few days of not seeing each other, and your courage has gotten that much larger, huh?"}Grandpa froze momentarily. At the sight of such a tall man lowering himself before him, his eyes grew moist, as he then repeatedly said, "Don't say that, he's my grandson, I only did what I should have." Going over to pat Helian Qing on his arm as he spoke, feeling grateful and relieved as he added, "From now on, Han Yang will be depending on you the most to take care of him, alright?"

The man grabbed his hands, pressing him into his bosom before lowering his head so his lips met the giddy man's ear, his tone cold, "'Take a picture'? Just a few days of not seeing each other, and your courage has gotten that much larger, huh?"

_{After laughing for an entire half of a minute, Han Yang slowed down a little, proceeding to grasp Helian Qing's pant legs as he stammered, "Gége, this look of yours is just like the 'before returning home; after returning home' meme that went viral—haha..}"The day I came back here." Han Yang then explained the situation regarding his parents.

After laughing for an entire half of a minute, Han Yang slowed down a little, proceeding to grasp Helian Qing's pant legs as he stammered, "Gége, this look of yours is just like the 'before returning home; after returning home' meme that went viral—haha... No, this won't do, I have to take a picture of this to show Aunty Su." Saying that, he got up to go get his phone, but after only two steps, he was held by Helian Qing from behind.

_{What wife's family's home...you really are shameless, huh! Han Yang thought to himself, however, he was unable to stifle that sweet feeling in his heart. He pulled Helian Qing into his own arms by the waist, caressing his ear, as he said, "Hurry up and sleep, you've worked hard today."}
Helian Qing understood what he meant. Sliding his palm downwards, stopping just as he arrived at the other man's waist—kneading, saying, "I'm no cat, but you're not much better off, are you?"

What wife's family's home...you really are shameless, huh! Han Yang thought to himself, however, he was unable to stifle that sweet feeling in his heart. He pulled Helian Qing into his own arms by the waist, caressing his ear, as he said, "Hurry up and sleep, you've worked hard today."

_{Helian Qing's face darkened as he sneered, "So you're showing off, huh. Only a few days left."}Han Yang immediately recalled the noise that man's gut made earlier, chuckling, before making him sit down and serving him his meal.

Helian Qing's face darkened as he sneered, "So you're showing off, huh. Only a few days left."

_{{"So why are you being so troublesome?" Helian Qing scoffed, leaning his head sideways to look him, "I came to the house of my wife's family, what's so bad about that?"}}"I'll go. So, Grandpa, you can just relax and go watch some TV, and I'll get him something to eat, okay?" Han Yang said to the elderly man, then to Helian Qing, added, "You can come help me."

"So why are you being so troublesome?" Helian Qing scoffed, leaning his head sideways to look him, "I came to the house of my wife's family, what's so bad about that?"

_{"Serves you right." Once he heard him say his stomach hurt, Helian Qing let go of his hands and helped him massage his tummy, not knowing that rubbing that same tummy would result in him laughing even more.}On their way to the vegetable garden they ran into a few neighbours, curious about this new guy—Helian Qing, they pulled Grandpa aside to chat and ask a few things, and Grandpa happily told them he was Han Yang's friend who came to home to keep him company.

"Serves you right." Once he heard him say his stomach hurt, Helian Qing let go of his hands and helped him massage his tummy, not knowing that rubbing that same tummy would result in him laughing even more.

_{"Helian Qing," Han Yang called out to the other.}
"..." Han Yang glared at him, then rolled off to lie beside him before asking, "Have you told Aunty Su and the others that you came here? Wouldn't it be bad for you to not celebrate the New Year with them?"

"Helian Qing," Han Yang called out to the other.

_{Helian Qing: "..."}
"You're not happy?" Helian Qing asked.

Helian Qing: "..."

_{The man grabbed his hands, pressing him into his bosom before lowering his head so his lips met the giddy man's ear, his tone cold, "'Take a picture'? Just a few days of not seeing each other, and your courage has gotten that much larger, huh?"}Han Yang as a child was very thoughtful and clever, there was no need to worry about him in the least. When he was still very little, he would simply help in doing the household chores together. Then when he attended primary school, because he did not have a father or a mother, his classmates pushed him aside along with refusing to talk to him. If it wasn't for that time the other children in his class fought with him, he might have still been unaware of how much Han Yang had been suffering at school.

The man grabbed his hands, pressing him into his bosom before lowering his head so his lips met the giddy man's ear, his tone cold, "'Take a picture'? Just a few days of not seeing each other, and your courage has gotten that much larger, huh?"

_N/A "Young fella, doing like that won't work, ah!" Grandpa looked on from the side-lines shaking his head, then made his way over to show him how. "First you spread the dirt around the radish open, then wiggle it a few times before you pull it out."

N/A

_{"I have," Helian Qing answered, but just as he was done speaking, his stomach released a growl.}First, Han Yang took him to buy dried fruits and nuts, as well as some snacks. After paying the bill, and carrying two big bags of goods, they went on to purchase red envelopes, couplets^[4], firecrackers, and so on. Then, done with shopping, they were both toting two giant bags each.

"I have," Helian Qing answered, but just as he was done speaking, his stomach released a growl.

_{"Hello, Grandfather." Helian Qing gave a humble, respectful bow as he greeted the older man.}
"I'm happy—I am happy..."

"Hello, Grandfather." Helian Qing gave a humble, respectful bow as he greeted the older man.

_{Helian Qing: "..."}Grandpa: "..."

Helian Qing: "..."

_{Helian Qing nodded resolutely, "You can be rest assured, both you and he will be in my care."}
"So why are you being so troublesome?" Helian Qing scoffed, leaning his head sideways to look him, "I came to the house of my wife's family, what's so bad about that?"

Helian Qing nodded resolutely, "You can be rest assured, both you and he will be in my care."

_{Han Yang heard the displeasure in his tone, so he raised his hand to stroke the man's chin, coaxing, "It's already alright. You don't have to worry about it."}
What wife's family's home...you really are shameless, huh! Han Yang thought to himself, however, he was unable to stifle that sweet feeling in his heart. He pulled Helian Qing into his own arms by the waist, caressing his ear, as he said, "Hurry up and sleep, you've worked hard today."

Han Yang heard the displeasure in his tone, so he raised his hand to stroke the man's chin, coaxing, "It's already alright. You don't have to worry about it."

_{His only relative, and the one he loves were both near to him—this was probably the happiest thing ever!}
"Mhm," Helian Qing replied, pulling the blanket up to the lad's chin and tucking it tightly. He really was very tired; working overtime non-stop for the last few days, just to be able to make the time to go find Han Yang. Earlier that afternoon, after his meeting had concluded, he immediately went to the airport; got off the plane; then switched to a car for the entire journey there—so every inch of his body was indeed very much exhausted.

His only relative, and the one he loves were both near to him—this was probably the happiest thing ever!

_{The man grabbed his hands, pressing him into his bosom before lowering his head so his lips met the giddy man's ear, his tone cold, "'Take a picture'? Just a few days of not seeing each other, and your courage has gotten that much larger, huh?"}

◈◇◈

The man grabbed his hands, pressing him into his bosom before lowering his head so his lips met the giddy man's ear, his tone cold, "'Take a picture'? Just a few days of not seeing each other, and your courage has gotten that much larger, huh?"

_{This was sarcasm about his poor memory, wasn't it? Han Yang frowned, saying, "It's only because I feel this isn't a good thing. Aunty Su and the others must definitely be wanting for you to return to celebrate the New Year with them, after all, they are your parents."}Chapter Twenty-Four

This was sarcasm about his poor memory, wasn't it? Han Yang frowned, saying, "It's only because I feel this isn't a good thing. Aunty Su and the others must definitely be wanting for you to return to celebrate the New Year with them, after all, they are your parents."

_{"For this old man, it was also the same," Grandpa laughed. Having lost his children during his middle-ages, Han Yang's presence during this latter half of his life meant it was not as lonely or pitiful.}
Perhaps it was due to the change of location from the norm, but Helian Qing did not sleep very well. So, the next morning, while the sky was still dark, he woke up.

"For this old man, it was also the same," Grandpa laughed. Having lost his children during his middle-ages, Han Yang's presence during this latter half of his life meant it was not as lonely or pitiful.

_{Seeing him wishing to go with him, Grandpa stopped and gave the lad a once-over, noticing the youngster was wearing a very expensive woollen sweater, then said, "It's cold outside, so you have to go back and put on a coat, okay, but don't wear the one you wore last night because it's easy to get it dirty out there."}
Getting off the bed quietly, he tucked the blanket around Han Yang properly, put on a change of clothes, then left the room. Catching sight of Grandpa, who was carrying a fire bowl out of the kitchen, just as he stepped out, prompting him to hurry over to give the elder a hand.

Seeing him wishing to go with him, Grandpa stopped and gave the lad a once-over, noticing the youngster was wearing a very expensive woollen sweater, then said, "It's cold outside, so you have to go back and put on a coat, okay, but don't wear the one you wore last night because it's easy to get it dirty out there."

_{The lad proceeded to reheat a couple dishes for Helian Qing, then proceeded to make him a simple egg-drop soup, placing all the meals on the dining room table for him to eat after he was finished making them.}"You haven't eaten, have you? Don't worry, there are a lot of dishes from today, so I'll go heat up some of them for you, alright," Grandpa informed the younger man as he stood, with Helian Qing following suit while trying to explain, "There's no need for that, you–"

The lad proceeded to reheat a couple dishes for Helian Qing, then proceeded to make him a simple egg-drop soup, placing all the meals on the dining room table for him to eat after he was finished making them.

_{"No," Helian Qing countered. "You've done a very good job, and Han Yang was very fortunate to have met you."}
The old man did not sleep for long, due to his age, so since he got up early, he placed the coal to burn in the fire bowl. Avoiding Helian Qing's hand, he carried the coal-filled pail into the living room and placed it where it normally burned, saying, "I can do this on my own just fine, you mustn't let the ash mess up your hands."

"No," Helian Qing countered. "You've done a very good job, and Han Yang was very fortunate to have met you."

_{The man grabbed his hands, pressing him into his bosom before lowering his head so his lips met the giddy man's ear, his tone cold, "'Take a picture'? Just a few days of not seeing each other, and your courage has gotten that much larger, huh?"}"Xiao Yang," Grandpa's voice sounded from inside the house, waking the two. Han Yang released Helian Qing, turning to answer the elderly man's call, before pulling Helian Qing inside the yard.

The man grabbed his hands, pressing him into his bosom before lowering his head so his lips met the giddy man's ear, his tone cold, "'Take a picture'? Just a few days of not seeing each other, and your courage has gotten that much larger, huh?"

_{蛋花汤: dàn huā tāng: egg drop soup.}"Come on now, give it another try." Grandpa placed the whole radish into the basket.

蛋花汤: dàn huā tāng: egg drop soup. Since it's a simple one, beaten eggs poured into boiling broth/stock.Pic below [] 小别胜新婚: xiǎo biè shèng xīnhūn: Meaning - short partings makes the reunion sweeter/better than the honeymoon, i.e. absence makes the heart grow fonder. [] 见风使舵: jiàn fēng shǐ duò: (idiom) see where the wind blows; meaning - go along with a certain situation; jump on the bandwagon/go with the flow/ fall in line/.... []^4. Red Envelopes (红包), are used to give monetary gifts.Couplets (对联) are poems written on long strips and hung on the door during New Year celebrations. Pics: [][Things I was too lazy to number][]-The stove:[]It's a coal stove, so here are some examples(simple to ornate):[]So, to light it our lovely Princess would have to blow through a pipe to help the flames catch.[]-Sorrow/dearly: these are both interpretations of the word (心疼:to love dearly or feel sorry for)[]-The polite form of 'you' is always used for elders.[]-Helian Qing called Grandpa, Lao Yezi [translated as 'Grandfather'] so this polite title is what got the man got all flustered.[]- And the pic at the top is an explanation for the 'Before returning home vs After returning home' meme that had HY in shambles. []*INHALES*..and that's it![]If Mo Suya saw how her boy acted in front of Grandpa her jaw would drop!😁[]See you next chapter 💕

_{"Mhm," Helian Qing replied, pulling the blanket up to the lad's chin and tucking it tightly. He really was very tired; working overtime non-stop for the last few days, just to be able to make the time to go find Han Yang.}
"Is there anything you need me to do?" Helian asked as he stood beside him, feeling he must do something to help just to put his mind at ease.

"Mhm," Helian Qing replied, pulling the blanket up to the lad's chin and tucking it tightly. He really was very tired; working overtime non-stop for the last few days, just to be able to make the time to go find Han Yang. Earlier that afternoon, after his meeting had concluded, he immediately went to the airport; got off the plane; then switched to a car for the entire journey there—so every inch of his body was indeed very much exhausted.

_{"They're your parents too." Helian Qing interrupted, caressing his ear, "And besides, they're already on their way."}...the hell. Is this Fish looking for an upgrade once he arrived back in his home territory?!

"They're your parents too." Helian Qing interrupted, caressing his ear, "And besides, they're already on their way."

_{Although the two hated to part from one another, now was not the proper time since Grandpa was just beyond the door, inside the living room, therefore they could only take a little—just enough to quench each other's thirst—then stop.}"..." Han Yang peered at the other man silently. Where could he have been going that it allowed him to pass by this family's front gate, huh!

Although the two hated to part from one another, now was not the proper time since Grandpa was just beyond the door, inside the living room, therefore they could only take a little—just enough to quench each other's thirst—then stop.

_{"Why did you come here all of a sudden, huh?" Han Yang asked him, feeling the urge to reach out and help the other man rub his frigid fingers, but with his grandfather directly beside them all he could do was restrain himself in the end.}The hand he used to pat the eager fellow paused for a while as he suddenly understood the reason Han Yang would like this man from the start.

"Why did you come here all of a sudden, huh?" Han Yang asked him, feeling the urge to reach out and help the other man rub his frigid fingers, but with his grandfather directly beside them all he could do was restrain himself in the end.

_{"..." Helian Qing put the mirror back, to prevent him from taking the coat off immediately, and fail to live up to Grandpa's kind intentions.}
"No, that's not necessary. You should just sit down by the fire and warm up, alright. I'm going to go pick some veggies from out back," Grandpa replied before going to wash his hands, then went to the kitchen to grab a vegetable basket as he prepared to leave, with Helian Qing following after him.

"..." Helian Qing put the mirror back, to prevent him from taking the coat off immediately, and fail to live up to Grandpa's kind intentions.

_{When Helian Qing went into the room, he took a mirror to carefully look at the large country-styled jacket, it's brightly coloured hues almost blinding his eyes.}Helian Qing held the back of the smaller man's head with his palm, stroking slowly. The split second in which the youth tossed himself into his embrace, made all the longing of those days past appear as if they had at last found their place of rest.

When Helian Qing went into the room, he took a mirror to carefully look at the large country-styled jacket, it's brightly coloured hues almost blinding his eyes.

_{"I'm happy." Han Yang lifted his head to look at him, a joy-filled expression gleaming within his eyes, "I'm so happy, I don't know what to do with myself."}
Seeing him wishing to go with him, Grandpa stopped and gave the lad a once-over, noticing the youngster was wearing a very expensive woollen sweater, then said, "It's cold outside, so you have to go back and put on a coat, okay, but don't wear the one you wore last night because it's easy to get it dirty out there."

"I'm happy." Han Yang lifted his head to look at him, a joy-filled expression gleaming within his eyes, "I'm so happy, I don't know what to do with myself."

_{"Hello, Grandfather." Helian Qing gave a humble, respectful bow as he greeted the older man.}"No–of course not!" Han Yang shook his head. "If you were a cat I'd be screwed!"

"Hello, Grandfather." Helian Qing gave a humble, respectful bow as he greeted the older man.

_{"I just passed by to have a look," Helian Qing replied while the heat from the charcoal fire dispersed the cold air which lingered on his body, allowing the crinkled space between his brows to finally flatten.}
Having only brought the coat he wore when he came, Helian Qing therefore said, "It's alright, it'll be cleaned when I go back."

"I just passed by to have a look," Helian Qing replied while the heat from the charcoal fire dispersed the cold air which lingered on his body, allowing the crinkled space between his brows to finally flatten.

_{Grandpa pointed to the radishes and the pakchoi; leading him to them. Helian Qing stooped down, took hold of the radish sprout right above its root then yanked it out with force, enough to cause the tail to snap in half.}Han Yang: "..." I forgot I have to go back when school restarts.

Grandpa pointed to the radishes and the pakchoi; leading him to them. Helian Qing stooped down, took hold of the radish sprout right above its root then yanked it out with force, enough to cause the tail to snap in half.

_{Grandpa had just exited the kitchen with a sweet potato in hand. Not seeing Han Yang once he came out, he simply thought that the lad had gone somewhere else, not at all expecting the young man to bring another back with him, and so, for a short while he was shocked, after which he asked, "And this is..."}"Grandpa, he is Helian Qing," Han Yang explained, tugging Helian Qing by the hem of his scarf the saying to him, "This is my grandad."

Grandpa had just exited the kitchen with a sweet potato in hand. Not seeing Han Yang once he came out, he simply thought that the lad had gone somewhere else, not at all expecting the young man to bring another back with him, and so, for a short while he was shocked, after which he asked, "And this is..."

_{Han Yang saw him, and again broke out in hysterics. He moved to wipe away some of the ash on the man's face, then lowered his head to see that the fire was finally lit, and gave the man a thumbs up, "You're awesome!!"}Cats eat fish; dogs eat meat.

Han Yang saw him, and again broke out in hysterics. He moved to wipe away some of the ash on the man's face, then lowered his head to see that the fire was finally lit, and gave the man a thumbs up, "You're awesome!!"

_{Han Yang snaked his hand behind Helian Qing, pinching his waist, hinting towards him with his eyes: Did you hear that, don't act like a hooligan.}
"That's no good. If your clothes get dirty it may not be possible to wash them properly." Grandpa thought for a while, then placed the vegetable basket into the other man's hands, said the line "I'll get you one" before heading back into the house.

Han Yang snaked his hand behind Helian Qing, pinching his waist, hinting towards him with his eyes: Did you hear that, don't act like a hooligan.

_{"No," Helian Qing countered. "You've done a very good job, and Han Yang was very fortunate to have met you."}Han Yang: "..."

"No," Helian Qing countered. "You've done a very good job, and Han Yang was very fortunate to have met you."

_{"So why are you being so troublesome?" Helian Qing scoffed, leaning his head sideways to look him, "I came to the house of my wife's family, what's so bad about that?"}
Helian Qing was still at a loss as to what the line "Get one" meant when Grandpa returned from inside with a green, floral-patterned cotton-padded jacket in hand, handing it over to Helian Qing to then say, "Wear this, it's dirt resistant."

"So why are you being so troublesome?" Helian Qing scoffed, leaning his head sideways to look him, "I came to the house of my wife's family, what's so bad about that?"

_{Han Yang as a child was very thoughtful and clever, there was no need to worry about him in the least. When he was still very little, he would simply help in doing the household chores together.}"I finished it." Helian Qing closed his hand, capturing the other's fingers within his grasp, asking softly, "Aren't you happy to see me?"

Han Yang as a child was very thoughtful and clever, there was no need to worry about him in the least. When he was still very little, he would simply help in doing the household chores together. Then when he attended primary school, because he did not have a father or a mother, his classmates pushed him aside along with refusing to talk to him. If it wasn't for that time the other children in his class fought with him, he might have still been unaware of how much Han Yang had been suffering at school.

_{"The day I came back here." Han Yang then explained the situation regarding his parents.}"Mhm," Helian Qing replied, pulling the blanket up to the lad's chin and tucking it tightly. He really was very tired; working overtime non-stop for the last few days, just to be able to make the time to go find Han Yang. Earlier that afternoon, after his meeting had concluded, he immediately went to the airport; got off the plane; then switched to a car for the entire journey there—so every inch of his body was indeed very much exhausted.

"The day I came back here." Han Yang then explained the situation regarding his parents.

_{Han Yang coughed, pretending he had not heard or understood a thing, simply going to find a taxi to return home.}
Helian Qing: "..."

Han Yang coughed, pretending he had not heard or understood a thing, simply going to find a taxi to return home.

_{"..." Han Yang glared at him, then rolled off to lie beside him before asking, "Have you told Aunty Su and the others that you came here? Wouldn't it be bad for you to not celebrate the New Year with them?"}Getting off the bed quietly, he tucked the blanket around Han Yang properly, put on a change of clothes, then left the room. Catching sight of Grandpa, who was carrying a fire bowl out of the kitchen, just as he stepped out, prompting him to hurry over to give the elder a hand.

"..." Han Yang glared at him, then rolled off to lie beside him before asking, "Have you told Aunty Su and the others that you came here? Wouldn't it be bad for you to not celebrate the New Year with them?"

_{Perhaps it was due to the change of location from the norm, but Helian Qing did not sleep very well. So, the next morning, while the sky was still dark, he woke up.}
That jacket was the one worn in the house by Grandpa when he wanted to stay warm by the fire, and because he wore other clothes beneath it, it's size was rather large. Helian Qing wore the coat, even though it was a little short, the size was a decent fit nonetheless, but sadly, this floral printed green outfit made him lose heart. Grandpa also wanted to go find him a pair of boots, but he fervently refused.

Perhaps it was due to the change of location from the norm, but Helian Qing did not sleep very well. So, the next morning, while the sky was still dark, he woke up.

_{Wearing a grave look, Helian Qing bowed respectfully towards Grandpa, saying with utmost sincerity: "Thank you for teaching Han Yang so well; you have worked very hard."}
On their way to the vegetable garden they ran into a few neighbours, curious about this new guy—Helian Qing, they pulled Grandpa aside to chat and ask a few things, and Grandpa happily told them he was Han Yang's friend who came to home to keep him company.

Wearing a grave look, Helian Qing bowed respectfully towards Grandpa, saying with utmost sincerity: "Thank you for teaching Han Yang so well; you have worked very hard."

_{Han Yang saw him, and again broke out in hysterics. He moved to wipe away some of the ash on the man's face, then lowered his head to see that the fire was finally lit, and gave the man a thumbs up, "You're awesome!!"}
Wearing that floral patterned, padded coat; vegetable basket in hand; and with no expression on his face, Helian Qing stood at the side. In his heart, he repeatedly thrashed that still-sleeping-in-bed Salted Fish a good few times.

Han Yang saw him, and again broke out in hysterics. He moved to wipe away some of the ash on the man's face, then lowered his head to see that the fire was finally lit, and gave the man a thumbs up, "You're awesome!!"

_{Grandpa did not notice their exchange so he he continued, "We'll have to find a time for both families to get together for a meal, in testament to our togetherness. As for your wedding, this old man doesn't understand what you youngsters of today like so just do as you see fit, alright."}"Why did you come here all of a sudden, huh?" Han Yang asked him, feeling the urge to reach out and help the other man rub his frigid fingers, but with his grandfather directly beside them all he could do was restrain himself in the end.

Grandpa did not notice their exchange so he he continued, "We'll have to find a time for both families to get together for a meal, in testament to our togetherness. As for your wedding, this old man doesn't understand what you youngsters of today like so just do as you see fit, alright."

_{"How many times are you going to ask this? Are Saltfish and goldfish half-siblings or something?" Helian Qing glanced at him and scoffed.}"Mhm," Helian Qing replied, pulling the blanket up to the lad's chin and tucking it tightly. He really was very tired; working overtime non-stop for the last few days, just to be able to make the time to go find Han Yang. Earlier that afternoon, after his meeting had concluded, he immediately went to the airport; got off the plane; then switched to a car for the entire journey there—so every inch of his body was indeed very much exhausted.

"How many times are you going to ask this? Are Saltfish and goldfish half-siblings or something?" Helian Qing glanced at him and scoffed.

_{"No, that's not necessary. You should just sit down by the fire and warm up, alright. I'm going to go pick some veggies from out back," Grandpa replied before going to wash his hands, then went to the kitchen to grab a vegetable basket as he prepared to leave, with Helian Qing following after him.}Han Yang coughed, pretending he had not heard or understood a thing, simply going to find a taxi to return home.

"No, that's not necessary. You should just sit down by the fire and warm up, alright. I'm going to go pick some veggies from out back," Grandpa replied before going to wash his hands, then went to the kitchen to grab a vegetable basket as he prepared to leave, with Helian Qing following after him.

_{By the time the two took the vegetables back home, Han Yang had already gotten up and was currently washing rice in the yard, preparing to cook. When he saw the flower-patterned cotton-padded coat wearing, vegetable basket carrying, Helian Qing go into the house—he froze; his shaking hand almost being unable to hold the pot containing the rice and water as he went inside.}
Since he normally had nothing much to do at home, Grandpa, apart from playing chess and gardening, also played with the little ones nearby. With the extra time, his family's garden was very well taken care of by him.

By the time the two took the vegetables back home, Han Yang had already gotten up and was currently washing rice in the yard, preparing to cook. When he saw the flower-patterned cotton-padded coat wearing, vegetable basket carrying, Helian Qing go into the house—he froze; his shaking hand almost being unable to hold the pot containing the rice and water as he went inside. Later, his reaction came: immediately grabbing his belly, and crouching to the floor in laughter, to the point where he was unable to straighten his back.

_{Grandpa: "..."}Getting off the bed quietly, he tucked the blanket around Han Yang properly, put on a change of clothes, then left the room. Catching sight of Grandpa, who was carrying a fire bowl out of the kitchen, just as he stepped out, prompting him to hurry over to give the elder a hand.

Grandpa: "..."

_{"There's no need for you to say all that, you're our guest," Grandpa responded. "Have you had dinner as yet?"}"I'm happy—I am happy..."

"There's no need for you to say all that, you're our guest," Grandpa responded. "Have you had dinner as yet?"

_{That jacket was the one worn in the house by Grandpa when he wanted to stay warm by the fire, and because he wore other clothes beneath it, it's size was rather large. Helian Qing wore the coat, even though it was a little short, the size was a decent fit nonetheless, but sadly, this floral printed green outfit made him lose heart.}What wife's family's home...you really are shameless, huh! Han Yang thought to himself, however, he was unable to stifle that sweet feeling in his heart. He pulled Helian Qing into his own arms by the waist, caressing his ear, as he said, "Hurry up and sleep, you've worked hard today."

That jacket was the one worn in the house by Grandpa when he wanted to stay warm by the fire, and because he wore other clothes beneath it, it's size was rather large. Helian Qing wore the coat, even though it was a little short, the size was a decent fit nonetheless, but sadly, this floral printed green outfit made him lose heart. Grandpa also wanted to go find him a pair of boots, but he fervently refused.

_{Helian Qing stepped onto the softened earth, rolled up his pant legs, then asked, "What do you want to pick?"}
Helian Qing stepped onto the softened earth, rolled up his pant legs, then asked, "What do you want to pick?"

Helian Qing stepped onto the softened earth, rolled up his pant legs, then asked, "What do you want to pick?"

_{The following day, Han Yang took Helian Qing into the town to get some goods for the Spring festival.}Han Yang immediately recalled the noise that man's gut made earlier, chuckling, before making him sit down and serving him his meal.

The following day, Han Yang took Helian Qing into the town to get some goods for the Spring festival.

_{"Come on now, give it another try." Grandpa placed the whole radish into the basket.}In the Helian family, the planning and purchase of items for the Spring Festival were the responsibilities of Guanjia, the butler, and Auntie Zhou. Therefore, Helian Qing had never done anything like going to shop for New Year supplies. In the small town, there were quite a number of people out shopping in preparation for the Chinese New Year; pushing and squeezing each other, standing on their tiptoes. Helian Qing's one hundred and ninety metre frame was even forced to take a few steps backwards by a few pushing Aunties, allowing him to experience what a market day in the countryside was like.

"Come on now, give it another try." Grandpa placed the whole radish into the basket.

_{After laughing for an entire half of a minute, Han Yang slowed down a little, proceeding to grasp Helian Qing's pant legs as he stammered, "Gége, this look of yours is just like the 'before returning home; after returning home' meme that went viral—haha..}"No," Helian Qing countered. "You've done a very good job, and Han Yang was very fortunate to have met you."

After laughing for an entire half of a minute, Han Yang slowed down a little, proceeding to grasp Helian Qing's pant legs as he stammered, "Gége, this look of yours is just like the 'before returning home; after returning home' meme that went viral—haha... No, this won't do, I have to take a picture of this to show Aunty Su." Saying that, he got up to go get his phone, but after only two steps, he was held by Helian Qing from behind.

_{Following those past few days of separation, Han Yang also missed him very much, thus his hands now gripped the other man's back—drawing him even closer into his arms in response.}
Grandpa pointed to the radishes and the pakchoi; leading him to them. Helian Qing stooped down, took hold of the radish sprout right above its root then yanked it out with force, enough to cause the tail to snap in half.

Following those past few days of separation, Han Yang also missed him very much, thus his hands now gripped the other man's back—drawing him even closer into his arms in response.

_{"You don't have to worry about that, Grandpa," Han Yang said, with Helian Qing also nodding alongside him.}"Alright then, go ahead, go on," Grandpa waved them off, sitting himself back down before he began watching the television.

"You don't have to worry about that, Grandpa," Han Yang said, with Helian Qing also nodding alongside him.

_{Han Yang: "..." {I forgot I have to go back when school restarts.}}Resting on Helian Qing's chest, Han Yang caught his breath, his ears tuned in to the rhythmic pulsations within the chest of the one below him, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction well within him.

Han Yang: "..." I forgot I have to go back when school restarts.

_{"You're happy to such an extent, yet you're so low-key?" Helian Qing smirked, grumbling a meaningful “hm?”.}
Helian Qing: "..."

"You're happy to such an extent, yet you're so low-key?" Helian Qing smirked, grumbling a meaningful “hm?”.

_{"Hello, Grandfather." Helian Qing gave a humble, respectful bow as he greeted the older man.}Perhaps it was due to the change of location from the norm, but Helian Qing did not sleep very well. So, the next morning, while the sky was still dark, he woke up.

"Hello, Grandfather." Helian Qing gave a humble, respectful bow as he greeted the older man.

_{Helian Qing looked at him without a trace of emotion, letting the younger fellow laugh it up, while a storm brew within his own eyes.}"You're not happy?" Helian Qing asked.

Helian Qing looked at him without a trace of emotion, letting the younger fellow laugh it up, while a storm brew within his own eyes.

_{Chapter Twenty-Four}
Grandpa: "..."

Chapter Twenty-Four

_{Helian Qing put the veggies aside, walked over to the tap to wash his hands, then looked down at the lad from his top to his bottom, asking monotonously, "What's so funny?"}
"Young fella, doing like that won't work, ah!" Grandpa looked on from the side-lines shaking his head, then made his way over to show him how. "First you spread the dirt around the radish open, then wiggle it a few times before you pull it out."

Helian Qing put the veggies aside, walked over to the tap to wash his hands, then looked down at the lad from his top to his bottom, asking monotonously, "What's so funny?"

_{Helian Qing did not meet the younger man's eyes, instead turning to Grandpa to say, "For taking the liberty of disturbing you, please accept my apologies, Grandfather."}Helian Qing grabbed the lad's hand, saying, "Take care of my stomach first, then you can treat me dearly."

Helian Qing did not meet the younger man's eyes, instead turning to Grandpa to say, "For taking the liberty of disturbing you, please accept my apologies, Grandfather."

_{The hand he used to pat the eager fellow paused for a while as he suddenly understood the reason Han Yang would like this man from the start.}The hand he used to pat the eager fellow paused for a while as he suddenly understood the reason Han Yang would like this man from the start.

The hand he used to pat the eager fellow paused for a while as he suddenly understood the reason Han Yang would like this man from the start.

_{The man grabbed his hands, pressing him into his bosom before lowering his head so his lips met the giddy man's ear, his tone cold, "'Take a picture'? Just a few days of not seeing each other, and your courage has gotten that much larger, huh?"}"That's no good. If your clothes get dirty it may not be possible to wash them properly." Grandpa thought for a while, then placed the vegetable basket into the other man's hands, said the line "I'll get you one" before heading back into the house.

The man grabbed his hands, pressing him into his bosom before lowering his head so his lips met the giddy man's ear, his tone cold, "'Take a picture'? Just a few days of not seeing each other, and your courage has gotten that much larger, huh?"

_{Such a display of affection by Han Yang, in normal times, would have definitely resulted in more than a few sentences out of that cheap mouth of Helian Qing's; but before Han Yang's grandfather, he would never be so impudent, hence he simply nodded and placed his hands beside the fire.}
Grandpa saying it was no good made the Qing Gége stare at the damaged radish in his hands, wanting very much to plant it back into the ground.

Such a display of affection by Han Yang, in normal times, would have definitely resulted in more than a few sentences out of that cheap mouth of Helian Qing's; but before Han Yang's grandfather, he would never be so impudent, hence he simply nodded and placed his hands beside the fire.

_{Helian Qing snorted, turned around and entered another room; leaving the retreating figure of a large floral printed cotton-padded jacket behind him as he did. Once he saw that again, Han Yang could not hinder his brimming laughter, doing his best to quickly wash the rice then go into the kitchen to cook.}Helian Qing's body carried a cold air, yet all Han Yang felt was warmth—a warmth that only came from Helian Qing.

Helian Qing snorted, turned around and entered another room; leaving the retreating figure of a large floral printed cotton-padded jacket behind him as he did. Once he saw that again, Han Yang could not hinder his brimming laughter, doing his best to quickly wash the rice then go into the kitchen to cook.

_{"..." Han Yang peered at the other man silently. {Where could he have been going that it allowed him to pass by this family's front gate, huh!}} 蛋花汤: dàn huā tāng: egg drop soup. Since it's a simple one, beaten eggs poured into boiling broth/stock.Pic below [] 小别胜新婚: xiǎo biè shèng xīnhūn: Meaning - short partings makes the reunion sweeter/better than the honeymoon, i.e. absence makes the heart grow fonder. [] 见风使舵: jiàn fēng shǐ duò: (idiom) see where the wind blows; meaning - go along with a certain situation; jump on the bandwagon/go with the flow/ fall in line/.... []^4. Red Envelopes (红包), are used to give monetary gifts.Couplets (对联) are poems written on long strips and hung on the door during New Year celebrations. Pics: [][Things I was too lazy to number][]-The stove:[]It's a coal stove, so here are some examples(simple to ornate):[]So, to light it our lovely Princess would have to blow through a pipe to help the flames catch.[]-Sorrow/dearly: these are both interpretations of the word (心疼:to love dearly or feel sorry for)[]-The polite form of 'you' is always used for elders.[]-Helian Qing called Grandpa, Lao Yezi [translated as 'Grandfather'] so this polite title is what got the man got all flustered.[]- And the pic at the top is an explanation for the 'Before returning home vs After returning home' meme that had HY in shambles. []*INHALES*..and that's it![]If Mo Suya saw how her boy acted in front of Grandpa her jaw would drop!😁[]See you next chapter 💕

"..." Han Yang peered at the other man silently. Where could he have been going that it allowed him to pass by this family's front gate, huh!

_{Grandpa had just exited the kitchen with a sweet potato in hand. Not seeing Han Yang once he came out, he simply thought that the lad had gone somewhere else, not at all expecting the young man to bring another back with him, and so, for a short while he was shocked, after which he asked, "And this is..."}By the time the two took the vegetables back home, Han Yang had already gotten up and was currently washing rice in the yard, preparing to cook. When he saw the flower-patterned cotton-padded coat wearing, vegetable basket carrying, Helian Qing go into the house—he froze; his shaking hand almost being unable to hold the pot containing the rice and water as he went inside. Later, his reaction came: immediately grabbing his belly, and crouching to the floor in laughter, to the point where he was unable to straighten his back.

Grandpa had just exited the kitchen with a sweet potato in hand. Not seeing Han Yang once he came out, he simply thought that the lad had gone somewhere else, not at all expecting the young man to bring another back with him, and so, for a short while he was shocked, after which he asked, "And this is..."

_{"Young fella, doing like that won't work, ah!" Grandpa looked on from the side-lines shaking his head, then made his way over to show him how. "First you spread the dirt around the radish open, then wiggle it a few times before you pull it out."}
"Come on now, give it another try." Grandpa placed the whole radish into the basket.

"Young fella, doing like that won't work, ah!" Grandpa looked on from the side-lines shaking his head, then made his way over to show him how. "First you spread the dirt around the radish open, then wiggle it a few times before you pull it out."

_{Grandpa saying it was {no good} made the Qing Gége stare at the damaged radish in his hands, wanting very much to plant it back into the ground.}Helian Qing did not meet the younger man's eyes, instead turning to Grandpa to say, "For taking the liberty of disturbing you, please accept my apologies, Grandfather."

Grandpa saying it was no good made the Qing Gége stare at the damaged radish in his hands, wanting very much to plant it back into the ground.

_{Han Yang as a child was very thoughtful and clever, there was no need to worry about him in the least. When he was still very little, he would simply help in doing the household chores together.}Helian Qing held the back of the smaller man's head with his palm, stroking slowly. The split second in which the youth tossed himself into his embrace, made all the longing of those days past appear as if they had at last found their place of rest.

Han Yang as a child was very thoughtful and clever, there was no need to worry about him in the least. When he was still very little, he would simply help in doing the household chores together. Then when he attended primary school, because he did not have a father or a mother, his classmates pushed him aside along with refusing to talk to him. If it wasn't for that time the other children in his class fought with him, he might have still been unaware of how much Han Yang had been suffering at school.

_{"Serves you right." Once he heard him say his stomach hurt, Helian Qing let go of his hands and helped him massage his tummy, not knowing that rubbing that same tummy would result in him laughing even more.}
Helian Qing did just as he was shown, and successfully pulled out several radishes. Only later had he noticed that he had fallen to such a point, where pulling out a few of those things gave him a sense of accomplishment.

"Serves you right." Once he heard him say his stomach hurt, Helian Qing let go of his hands and helped him massage his tummy, not knowing that rubbing that same tummy would result in him laughing even more.

_{"How many times are you going to ask this? Are Saltfish and goldfish half-siblings or something?" Helian Qing glanced at him and scoffed.}"Hello, Grandfather." Helian Qing gave a humble, respectful bow as he greeted the older man.

"How many times are you going to ask this? Are Saltfish and goldfish half-siblings or something?" Helian Qing glanced at him and scoffed.

_{Cats eat fish; dogs eat meat.}"..." Helian Qing put the mirror back, to prevent him from taking the coat off immediately, and fail to live up to Grandpa's kind intentions.

Cats eat fish; dogs eat meat.

_{"I told my grandfather about us," Han Yang revealed.}Before Han Yang came to his senses, his body reacted one step faster. He ran with large strides, pulled open the gate of the front yard then bolted straight into Helian Qing's waiting arms.

"I told my grandfather about us," Han Yang revealed.

_{In the Helian family, the planning and purchase of items for the Spring Festival were the responsibilities of Guanjia, the butler, and Auntie Zhou. Therefore, Helian Qing had never done anything like going to shop for New Year supplies.}
On their way back from the garden, Grandpa talked about Han Yang's childhood years with Helian Qing.

In the Helian family, the planning and purchase of items for the Spring Festival were the responsibilities of Guanjia, the butler, and Auntie Zhou. Therefore, Helian Qing had never done anything like going to shop for New Year supplies. In the small town, there were quite a number of people out shopping in preparation for the Chinese New Year; pushing and squeezing each other, standing on their tiptoes. Helian Qing's one hundred and ninety metre frame was even forced to take a few steps backwards by a few pushing Aunties, allowing him to experience what a market day in the countryside was like.

_{Helian Qing nodded reluctantly, moving his hand to pinch the back of the lad's neck.}
Han Yang as a child was very thoughtful and clever, there was no need to worry about him in the least. When he was still very little, he would simply help in doing the household chores together. Then when he attended primary school, because he did not have a father or a mother, his classmates pushed him aside along with refusing to talk to him. If it wasn't for that time the other children in his class fought with him, he might have still been unaware of how much Han Yang had been suffering at school.

Helian Qing nodded reluctantly, moving his hand to pinch the back of the lad's neck.

_{Helian Qing grabbed his hand, saying with irritation, "Are you stroking a cat?"}
"Ai, I was too careless back then to not have noticed all the pain Han Yang felt in his heart," Grandpa sighed. Recounting those events left him ridden with guilt.

Helian Qing grabbed his hand, saying with irritation, "Are you stroking a cat?"

_{Perhaps it was due to the change of location from the norm, but Helian Qing did not sleep very well. So, the next morning, while the sky was still dark, he woke up.}Grandpa, upon hearing this name his own granddaughter-in-law replied with, was immediately taken aback by the respectful approach he had taken, waving quickly: "Hi, hello, there's no need for you to bow; come in and have a seat first, alright."

Perhaps it was due to the change of location from the norm, but Helian Qing did not sleep very well. So, the next morning, while the sky was still dark, he woke up.

_{"You're not happy?" Helian Qing asked.}
"No," Helian Qing countered. "You've done a very good job, and Han Yang was very fortunate to have met you."

"You're not happy?" Helian Qing asked.

_{Helian Qing's hand stopped, he was a bit shocked, "When did you do it?"}Grandpa did not notice their exchange so he he continued, "We'll have to find a time for both families to get together for a meal, in testament to our togetherness. As for your wedding, this old man doesn't understand what you youngsters of today like so just do as you see fit, alright."

Helian Qing's hand stopped, he was a bit shocked, "When did you do it?"

_{"Young fella, doing like that {won't work}, ah!" Grandpa looked on from the side-lines shaking his head, then made his way over to show him how. "First you spread the dirt around the radish open, then wiggle it a few times before you pull it out."}Han Yang dragged his fingers over Helian Qing's tired brows, his heart struck with a bit of sorrow.

"Young fella, doing like that won't work, ah!" Grandpa looked on from the side-lines shaking his head, then made his way over to show him how. "First you spread the dirt around the radish open, then wiggle it a few times before you pull it out."

_{By the time the two took the vegetables back home, Han Yang had already gotten up and was currently washing rice in the yard, preparing to cook. When he saw the flower-patterned cotton-padded coat wearing, vegetable basket carrying, Helian Qing go into the house—he froze; his shaking hand almost being unable to hold the pot containing the rice and water as he went inside.}"Helian Qing," Han Yang called out to the other.

By the time the two took the vegetables back home, Han Yang had already gotten up and was currently washing rice in the yard, preparing to cook. When he saw the flower-patterned cotton-padded coat wearing, vegetable basket carrying, Helian Qing go into the house—he froze; his shaking hand almost being unable to hold the pot containing the rice and water as he went inside. Later, his reaction came: immediately grabbing his belly, and crouching to the floor in laughter, to the point where he was unable to straighten his back.

_{"They're your parents too." Helian Qing interrupted, caressing his ear, "And besides, they're already on their way."}
"For this old man, it was also the same," Grandpa laughed. Having lost his children during his middle-ages, Han Yang's presence during this latter half of his life meant it was not as lonely or pitiful.

"They're your parents too." Helian Qing interrupted, caressing his ear, "And besides, they're already on their way."

_N/A
Helian Qing stopped suddenly, his action prompting the older man to to turn and look at him, "What's wrong?"

N/A

_{Understanding his meaning, Han Yang moved closer, kissing him—nipping him, then whispered, "Are you happy now?"}
Wearing a grave look, Helian Qing bowed respectfully towards Grandpa, saying with utmost sincerity: "Thank you for teaching Han Yang so well; you have worked very hard."

Understanding his meaning, Han Yang moved closer, kissing him—nipping him, then whispered, "Are you happy now?"

_{First, Han Yang took him to buy dried fruits and nuts, as well as some snacks. After paying the bill, and carrying two big bags of goods, they went on to purchase red envelopes, couplets^[4], firecrackers, and so on. Then, done with shopping, they were both toting two giant bags each.}"Why did you come here all of a sudden, huh?" Han Yang asked him, feeling the urge to reach out and help the other man rub his frigid fingers, but with his grandfather directly beside them all he could do was restrain himself in the end.

First, Han Yang took him to buy dried fruits and nuts, as well as some snacks. After paying the bill, and carrying two big bags of goods, they went on to purchase red envelopes, couplets^[4], firecrackers, and so on. Then, done with shopping, they were both toting two giant bags each.

_{Such a display of affection by Han Yang, in normal times, would have definitely resulted in more than a few sentences out of that cheap mouth of Helian Qing's; but before Han Yang's grandfather, he would never be so impudent, hence he simply nodded and placed his hands beside the fire.}Normally, during the vacation period, Han Yang did the cooking with Grandpa giving him a hand when he had nothing to do. Today, Helian Qing was also there, so naturally, the task of lighting the stove fell on him. Just like the radish situation from earlier that morning, Helian Qing came across some difficulty when attempting to light the fire. He took the stove-pipe to blow into the stove—kindling the fire, so when the flame was finally lit, he was left with a face smeared in black.

Such a display of affection by Han Yang, in normal times, would have definitely resulted in more than a few sentences out of that cheap mouth of Helian Qing's; but before Han Yang's grandfather, he would never be so impudent, hence he simply nodded and placed his hands beside the fire.

_{Having only brought the coat he wore when he came, Helian Qing therefore said, "It's alright, it'll be cleaned when I go back."}
Grandpa froze momentarily. At the sight of such a tall man lowering himself before him, his eyes grew moist, as he then repeatedly said, "Don't say that, he's my grandson, I only did what I should have." Going over to pat Helian Qing on his arm as he spoke, feeling grateful and relieved as he added, "From now on, Han Yang will be depending on you the most to take care of him, alright?"

Having only brought the coat he wore when he came, Helian Qing therefore said, "It's alright, it'll be cleaned when I go back."

_{Grandpa did not notice their exchange so he he continued, "We'll have to find a time for both families to get together for a meal, in testament to our togetherness. As for your wedding, this old man doesn't understand what you youngsters of today like so just do as you see fit, alright."}
Helian Qing nodded resolutely, "You can be rest assured, both you and he will be in my care."

Grandpa did not notice their exchange so he he continued, "We'll have to find a time for both families to get together for a meal, in testament to our togetherness. As for your wedding, this old man doesn't understand what you youngsters of today like so just do as you see fit, alright."

_{Perhaps it was due to the change of location from the norm, but Helian Qing did not sleep very well. So, the next morning, while the sky was still dark, he woke up.}"Is there anything you need me to do?" Helian asked as he stood beside him, feeling he must do something to help just to put his mind at ease.

Perhaps it was due to the change of location from the norm, but Helian Qing did not sleep very well. So, the next morning, while the sky was still dark, he woke up.

_{Resting on Helian Qing's chest, Han Yang caught his breath, his ears tuned in to the rhythmic pulsations within the chest of the one below him, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction well within him.}"..." Helian Qing put the mirror back, to prevent him from taking the coat off immediately, and fail to live up to Grandpa's kind intentions.

Resting on Helian Qing's chest, Han Yang caught his breath, his ears tuned in to the rhythmic pulsations within the chest of the one below him, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction well within him.

_◈◇◈Grandpa had just exited the kitchen with a sweet potato in hand. Not seeing Han Yang once he came out, he simply thought that the lad had gone somewhere else, not at all expecting the young man to bring another back with him, and so, for a short while he was shocked, after which he asked, "And this is..."

◈◇◈

_{Han Yang: "..."}
The hand he used to pat the eager fellow paused for a while as he suddenly understood the reason Han Yang would like this man from the start.

Han Yang: "..."

_{"No, that's not necessary. You should just sit down by the fire and warm up, alright. I'm going to go pick some veggies from out back," Grandpa replied before going to wash his hands, then went to the kitchen to grab a vegetable basket as he prepared to leave, with Helian Qing following after him.}
By the time the two took the vegetables back home, Han Yang had already gotten up and was currently washing rice in the yard, preparing to cook. When he saw the flower-patterned cotton-padded coat wearing, vegetable basket carrying, Helian Qing go into the house—he froze; his shaking hand almost being unable to hold the pot containing the rice and water as he went inside. Later, his reaction came: immediately grabbing his belly, and crouching to the floor in laughter, to the point where he was unable to straighten his back.

"No, that's not necessary. You should just sit down by the fire and warm up, alright. I'm going to go pick some veggies from out back," Grandpa replied before going to wash his hands, then went to the kitchen to grab a vegetable basket as he prepared to leave, with Helian Qing following after him.

_{{What wife's family's home...you really are shameless, huh!} Han Yang thought to himself, however, he was unable to stifle that sweet feeling in his heart. He pulled Helian Qing into his own arms by the waist, caressing his ear, as he said, "Hurry up and sleep, you've worked hard today."}Helian Qing: "..."

What wife's family's home...you really are shameless, huh! Han Yang thought to himself, however, he was unable to stifle that sweet feeling in his heart. He pulled Helian Qing into his own arms by the waist, caressing his ear, as he said, "Hurry up and sleep, you've worked hard today."

_{Grandpa froze momentarily. At the sight of such a tall man lowering himself before him, his eyes grew moist, as he then repeatedly said, "Don't say that, he's my grandson, I only did what I should have." Going over to pat Helian Qing on his arm as he spoke, feeling grateful and relieved as he added, "From now on, Han Yang will be depending on you the most to take care of him, alright?"}Helian Qing did not meet the younger man's eyes, instead turning to Grandpa to say, "For taking the liberty of disturbing you, please accept my apologies, Grandfather."

Grandpa froze momentarily. At the sight of such a tall man lowering himself before him, his eyes grew moist, as he then repeatedly said, "Don't say that, he's my grandson, I only did what I should have." Going over to pat Helian Qing on his arm as he spoke, feeling grateful and relieved as he added, "From now on, Han Yang will be depending on you the most to take care of him, alright?"

_{Grandpa froze momentarily. At the sight of such a tall man lowering himself before him, his eyes grew moist, as he then repeatedly said, "Don't say that, he's my grandson, I only did what I should have." Going over to pat Helian Qing on his arm as he spoke, feeling grateful and relieved as he added, "From now on, Han Yang will be depending on you the most to take care of him, alright?"}"Helian Qing," Han Yang called out to the other.

Grandpa froze momentarily. At the sight of such a tall man lowering himself before him, his eyes grew moist, as he then repeatedly said, "Don't say that, he's my grandson, I only did what I should have." Going over to pat Helian Qing on his arm as he spoke, feeling grateful and relieved as he added, "From now on, Han Yang will be depending on you the most to take care of him, alright?"

_{Helian Qing snorted, turned around and entered another room; leaving the retreating figure of a large floral printed cotton-padded jacket behind him as he did. Once he saw that again, Han Yang could not hinder his brimming laughter, doing his best to quickly wash the rice then go into the kitchen to cook.}
Helian Qing put the veggies aside, walked over to the tap to wash his hands, then looked down at the lad from his top to his bottom, asking monotonously, "What's so funny?"

Helian Qing snorted, turned around and entered another room; leaving the retreating figure of a large floral printed cotton-padded jacket behind him as he did. Once he saw that again, Han Yang could not hinder his brimming laughter, doing his best to quickly wash the rice then go into the kitchen to cook.

_{His only relative, and the one he loves were both near to him—this was probably the happiest thing ever!}Helian Qing looked at him without a trace of emotion, letting the younger fellow laugh it up, while a storm brew within his own eyes.

His only relative, and the one he loves were both near to him—this was probably the happiest thing ever!

_{"How many times are you going to ask this? Are Saltfish and goldfish half-siblings or something?" Helian Qing glanced at him and scoffed.}
If it were normal times, upon hearing Helian Qing say those words, Han Yang would have definitely gone with the flow^[3] and piled on the flattery; but at this moment, after seeing the man in that huge floral coat, he just couldn't. Holding his tummy as he trembled with laughter, "No—no, it's it's not 'so funny' , it's extremely ridiculous! Hahahahaha!!"

"How many times are you going to ask this? Are Saltfish and goldfish half-siblings or something?" Helian Qing glanced at him and scoffed.

_{Han Yang led Helian Qing to the kitchen, and as they left, Helian Qing could feel the gaze of the elder gentleman following him, which made him involuntarily straighten his back.}"You're not happy?" Helian Qing asked.

Han Yang led Helian Qing to the kitchen, and as they left, Helian Qing could feel the gaze of the elder gentleman following him, which made him involuntarily straighten his back.

_{Han Yang coughed, pretending he had not heard or understood a thing, simply going to find a taxi to return home.}"What?" Han Yang was stunned momentarily.

Han Yang coughed, pretending he had not heard or understood a thing, simply going to find a taxi to return home.

_{Helian Qing snorted, turned around and entered another room; leaving the retreating figure of a large floral printed cotton-padded jacket behind him as he did. Once he saw that again, Han Yang could not hinder his brimming laughter, doing his best to quickly wash the rice then go into the kitchen to cook.}N/A

Helian Qing snorted, turned around and entered another room; leaving the retreating figure of a large floral printed cotton-padded jacket behind him as he did. Once he saw that again, Han Yang could not hinder his brimming laughter, doing his best to quickly wash the rice then go into the kitchen to cook.

_{"Aren't you going to get over here and give me a hug?" Helian Qing's voice travelled through the phone held tightly against the lad's ear—huskily—carrying with it a titillating heat on that cold winter night, penetrating his ear, going all the way to his heart.}
Helian Qing looked at him without a trace of emotion, letting the younger fellow laugh it up, while a storm brew within his own eyes.

"Aren't you going to get over here and give me a hug?" Helian Qing's voice travelled through the phone held tightly against the lad's ear—huskily—carrying with it a titillating heat on that cold winter night, penetrating his ear, going all the way to his heart.

_{"For this old man, it was also the same," Grandpa laughed. Having lost his children during his middle-ages, Han Yang's presence during this latter half of his life meant it was not as lonely or pitiful.}This was sarcasm about his poor memory, wasn't it? Han Yang frowned, saying, "It's only because I feel this isn't a good thing. Aunty Su and the others must definitely be wanting for you to return to celebrate the New Year with them, after all, they are your parents."

"For this old man, it was also the same," Grandpa laughed. Having lost his children during his middle-ages, Han Yang's presence during this latter half of his life meant it was not as lonely or pitiful.

_{The stuff they got for the festival was ready, and the house was swept clean, so all that was left was to wait for New Year's Eve. The day before the eve of the festival, Han Yang was unable to help from again asking Helian Qing, "Are you sure you're not going to head back to celebrate the New Year with the others?"}
After laughing for an entire half of a minute, Han Yang slowed down a little, proceeding to grasp Helian Qing's pant legs as he stammered, "Gége, this look of yours is just like the 'before returning home; after returning home' meme that went viral—haha... No, this won't do, I have to take a picture of this to show Aunty Su." Saying that, he got up to go get his phone, but after only two steps, he was held by Helian Qing from behind.

The stuff they got for the festival was ready, and the house was swept clean, so all that was left was to wait for New Year's Eve. The day before the eve of the festival, Han Yang was unable to help from again asking Helian Qing, "Are you sure you're not going to head back to celebrate the New Year with the others?"

_{"I have," Helian Qing answered, but just as he was done speaking, his stomach released a growl.}Before Han Yang came to his senses, his body reacted one step faster. He ran with large strides, pulled open the gate of the front yard then bolted straight into Helian Qing's waiting arms.

"I have," Helian Qing answered, but just as he was done speaking, his stomach released a growl.

_{"You, quit helping me—what are you rubbing! Laughing this much hurts!" Han Yang knocked the other's hand off then steadied himself on a countertop to catch his breath.}
The man grabbed his hands, pressing him into his bosom before lowering his head so his lips met the giddy man's ear, his tone cold, "'Take a picture'? Just a few days of not seeing each other, and your courage has gotten that much larger, huh?"

"You, quit helping me—what are you rubbing! Laughing this much hurts!" Han Yang knocked the other's hand off then steadied himself on a countertop to catch his breath.

_{In that instant, once he laid eyes on Helian Qing, Han Yang's mind drew a blank. That was a given, since someone who was once far away all of a sudden appearing before one's eyes, would of course seem as if it were a dream.}
"No-no, it hasn't. Hahahaha..." Han Yang giggled while holding his belly, "Hurry and let me go, Ow-ow-ow, my stomach hurts."

In that instant, once he laid eyes on Helian Qing, Han Yang's mind drew a blank. That was a given, since someone who was once far away all of a sudden appearing before one's eyes, would of course seem as if it were a dream.

_{"The day I came back here." Han Yang then explained the situation regarding his parents.}
"Serves you right." Once he heard him say his stomach hurt, Helian Qing let go of his hands and helped him massage his tummy, not knowing that rubbing that same tummy would result in him laughing even more.

"The day I came back here." Han Yang then explained the situation regarding his parents.

_{"Grandpa, he is Helian Qing," Han Yang explained, tugging Helian Qing by the hem of his scarf the saying to him, "This is my grandad."}
"You, quit helping me—what are you rubbing! Laughing this much hurts!" Han Yang knocked the other's hand off then steadied himself on a countertop to catch his breath.

"Grandpa, he is Helian Qing," Han Yang explained, tugging Helian Qing by the hem of his scarf the saying to him, "This is my grandad."

_{"I finished it." Helian Qing closed his hand, capturing the other's fingers within his grasp, asking softly, "Aren't you happy to see me?"}"I told my grandfather about us," Han Yang revealed.

"I finished it." Helian Qing closed his hand, capturing the other's fingers within his grasp, asking softly, "Aren't you happy to see me?"

_{"Is there anything you need me to do?" Helian asked as he stood beside him, feeling he must do something to help just to put his mind at ease.}
Helian Qing snorted, turned around and entered another room; leaving the retreating figure of a large floral printed cotton-padded jacket behind him as he did. Once he saw that again, Han Yang could not hinder his brimming laughter, doing his best to quickly wash the rice then go into the kitchen to cook.

"Is there anything you need me to do?" Helian asked as he stood beside him, feeling he must do something to help just to put his mind at ease.

_{"For this old man, it was also the same," Grandpa laughed. Having lost his children during his middle-ages, Han Yang's presence during this latter half of his life meant it was not as lonely or pitiful.}"So why are you being so troublesome?" Helian Qing scoffed, leaning his head sideways to look him, "I came to the house of my wife's family, what's so bad about that?"

"For this old man, it was also the same," Grandpa laughed. Having lost his children during his middle-ages, Han Yang's presence during this latter half of his life meant it was not as lonely or pitiful.

_{Cats eat fish; dogs eat meat.}"They're on their way here." Helian Qing revealed a proud grin, "They'll arrive this afternoon, so tidy up all prim and proper, and prepare to meet your father and mother by law, got that?"

Cats eat fish; dogs eat meat.

_{Before Han Yang came to his senses, his body reacted one step faster. He ran with large strides, pulled open the gate of the front yard then bolted straight into Helian Qing's waiting arms.}
When Helian Qing went into the room, he took a mirror to carefully look at the large country-styled jacket, it's brightly coloured hues almost blinding his eyes.

Before Han Yang came to his senses, his body reacted one step faster. He ran with large strides, pulled open the gate of the front yard then bolted straight into Helian Qing's waiting arms.

_{Helian Qing: "..."}Helian Qing did not meet the younger man's eyes, instead turning to Grandpa to say, "For taking the liberty of disturbing you, please accept my apologies, Grandfather."

Helian Qing: "..."

_{Although the two hated to part from one another, now was not the proper time since Grandpa was just beyond the door, inside the living room, therefore they could only take a little—just enough to quench each other's thirst—then stop.}Normally, during the vacation period, Han Yang did the cooking with Grandpa giving him a hand when he had nothing to do. Today, Helian Qing was also there, so naturally, the task of lighting the stove fell on him. Just like the radish situation from earlier that morning, Helian Qing came across some difficulty when attempting to light the fire. He took the stove-pipe to blow into the stove—kindling the fire, so when the flame was finally lit, he was left with a face smeared in black.

Although the two hated to part from one another, now was not the proper time since Grandpa was just beyond the door, inside the living room, therefore they could only take a little—just enough to quench each other's thirst—then stop.

_{Seeing him wishing to go with him, Grandpa stopped and gave the lad a once-over, noticing the youngster was wearing a very expensive woollen sweater, then said, "It's cold outside, so you have to go back and put on a coat, okay, but don't wear the one you wore last night because it's easy to get it dirty out there."}Such a display of affection by Han Yang, in normal times, would have definitely resulted in more than a few sentences out of that cheap mouth of Helian Qing's; but before Han Yang's grandfather, he would never be so impudent, hence he simply nodded and placed his hands beside the fire.

Seeing him wishing to go with him, Grandpa stopped and gave the lad a once-over, noticing the youngster was wearing a very expensive woollen sweater, then said, "It's cold outside, so you have to go back and put on a coat, okay, but don't wear the one you wore last night because it's easy to get it dirty out there."

_{Helian Qing understood what he meant. Sliding his palm downwards, stopping just as he arrived at the other man's waist—kneading, saying, "I'm no cat, but you're not much better off, are you?"}
"..." Helian Qing put the mirror back, to prevent him from taking the coat off immediately, and fail to live up to Grandpa's kind intentions.

Helian Qing understood what he meant. Sliding his palm downwards, stopping just as he arrived at the other man's waist—kneading, saying, "I'm no cat, but you're not much better off, are you?"

_{Helian Qing did not meet the younger man's eyes, instead turning to Grandpa to say, "For taking the liberty of disturbing you, please accept my apologies, Grandfather."}"They're on their way here." Helian Qing revealed a proud grin, "They'll arrive this afternoon, so tidy up all prim and proper, and prepare to meet your father and mother by law, got that?"

Helian Qing did not meet the younger man's eyes, instead turning to Grandpa to say, "For taking the liberty of disturbing you, please accept my apologies, Grandfather."

_{Grandpa, upon hearing this name his own granddaughter-in-law replied with, was immediately taken aback by the respectful approach he had taken, waving quickly: "Hi, hello, there's no need for you to bow; come in and have a seat first, alright."}
Normally, during the vacation period, Han Yang did the cooking with Grandpa giving him a hand when he had nothing to do. Today, Helian Qing was also there, so naturally, the task of lighting the stove fell on him. Just like the radish situation from earlier that morning, Helian Qing came across some difficulty when attempting to light the fire. He took the stove-pipe to blow into the stove—kindling the fire, so when the flame was finally lit, he was left with a face smeared in black.

Grandpa, upon hearing this name his own granddaughter-in-law replied with, was immediately taken aback by the respectful approach he had taken, waving quickly: "Hi, hello, there's no need for you to bow; come in and have a seat first, alright."

_{"I finished it." Helian Qing closed his hand, capturing the other's fingers within his grasp, asking softly, "Aren't you happy to see me?"}
Han Yang saw him, and again broke out in hysterics. He moved to wipe away some of the ash on the man's face, then lowered his head to see that the fire was finally lit, and gave the man a thumbs up, "You're awesome!!"

"I finished it." Helian Qing closed his hand, capturing the other's fingers within his grasp, asking softly, "Aren't you happy to see me?"

_{Helian Qing grabbed the lad's hand, saying, "Take care of my stomach first, then you can treat me {dearly}."}"I finished it." Helian Qing closed his hand, capturing the other's fingers within his grasp, asking softly, "Aren't you happy to see me?"

Helian Qing grabbed the lad's hand, saying, "Take care of my stomach first, then you can treat me dearly."

_{"Serves you right." Once he heard him say his stomach hurt, Helian Qing let go of his hands and helped him massage his tummy, not knowing that rubbing that same tummy would result in him laughing even more.}The following day, Han Yang took Helian Qing into the town to get some goods for the Spring festival.

"Serves you right." Once he heard him say his stomach hurt, Helian Qing let go of his hands and helped him massage his tummy, not knowing that rubbing that same tummy would result in him laughing even more.

_{Grandpa: "..."}
Helian Qing: "..."

Grandpa: "..."

_{Helian Qing put the veggies aside, walked over to the tap to wash his hands, then looked down at the lad from his top to his bottom, asking monotonously, "What's so funny?"} "..." Helian Qing put the mirror back, to prevent him from taking the coat off immediately, and fail to live up to Grandpa's kind intentions.

Helian Qing put the veggies aside, walked over to the tap to wash his hands, then looked down at the lad from his top to his bottom, asking monotonously, "What's so funny?"

_{When he was done eating, Helian Qing naturally stayed over at Han Yang's place. Grandpa kept the two company, chatting for a while, before heading off to bed early to get some sleep, leaving them in the living room to warm up by the fire.}
...the hell. Is this Fish looking for an upgrade once he arrived back in his home territory?!

When he was done eating, Helian Qing naturally stayed over at Han Yang's place. Grandpa kept the two company, chatting for a while, before heading off to bed early to get some sleep, leaving them in the living room to warm up by the fire.

_{Helian Qing: "..."}"Is there anything you need me to do?" Helian asked as he stood beside him, feeling he must do something to help just to put his mind at ease.

Helian Qing: "..."

_{Grandpa did not notice their exchange so he he continued, "We'll have to find a time for both families to get together for a meal, in testament to our togetherness. As for your wedding, this old man doesn't understand what you youngsters of today like so just do as you see fit, alright."}The old man did not sleep for long, due to his age, so since he got up early, he placed the coal to burn in the fire bowl. Avoiding Helian Qing's hand, he carried the coal-filled pail into the living room and placed it where it normally burned, saying, "I can do this on my own just fine, you mustn't let the ash mess up your hands."

Grandpa did not notice their exchange so he he continued, "We'll have to find a time for both families to get together for a meal, in testament to our togetherness. As for your wedding, this old man doesn't understand what you youngsters of today like so just do as you see fit, alright."

_{Han Yang: "..."}
After they were all done eating, Grandpa brought up their matter on his own as he looked at them and spoke, "Grandpa is getting on in years, and has no expectations of glory nor fortunes in this life, all I want, is for the two of you to live out your lives safely and peacefully—just that alone, will be good."

Han Yang: "..."

_{Han Yang leaned on Helian Qing's shoulder, resting his fingers on the man's palm, slowly tracing creased lines there—following them all the way to their edges while he asked, "Why didn't you tell me you were coming? Did you finish all your work?"}
"You don't have to worry about that, Grandpa," Han Yang said, with Helian Qing also nodding alongside him.

Han Yang leaned on Helian Qing's shoulder, resting his fingers on the man's palm, slowly tracing creased lines there—following them all the way to their edges while he asked, "Why didn't you tell me you were coming? Did you finish all your work?"

_{Because of the large number of people at the marketplace Helian Qing's long overcoat got squeezed and so had many creases, currently looking as if any traces of its one expensive nature was non-existent. Seeing this, Han Yang once again teased: "If I'd known beforehand, I would've made you wear Grandpa's giant patterned, padded jacket."}
"I was was thinking it over yesterday, and since the matter between the both of you have already been decided, as well as you two having been certified; then, like any other married couple, you two cannot act like hooligans," Grandpa stated.

Because of the large number of people at the marketplace Helian Qing's long overcoat got squeezed and so had many creases, currently looking as if any traces of its one expensive nature was non-existent. Seeing this, Han Yang once again teased: "If I'd known beforehand, I would've made you wear Grandpa's giant patterned, padded jacket."

_{...the hell. Is this Fish looking for an upgrade once he arrived back in his home territory?!}
Han Yang snaked his hand behind Helian Qing, pinching his waist, hinting towards him with his eyes: Did you hear that, don't act like a hooligan.

...the hell. Is this Fish looking for an upgrade once he arrived back in his home territory?!

_{"You haven't eaten, have you? Don't worry, there are a lot of dishes from today, so I'll go heat up some of them for you, alright," Grandpa informed the younger man as he stood, with Helian Qing following suit while trying to explain, "There's no need for that, you–"}
Helian Qing also swept his eyes towards him, and in return expressed: When we go back, you'll understand exactly what a hooligan really is.

"You haven't eaten, have you? Don't worry, there are a lot of dishes from today, so I'll go heat up some of them for you, alright," Grandpa informed the younger man as he stood, with Helian Qing following suit while trying to explain, "There's no need for that, you–"

_{Han Yang led Helian Qing to the kitchen, and as they left, Helian Qing could feel the gaze of the elder gentleman following him, which made him involuntarily straighten his back.}Helian Qing's body carried a cold air, yet all Han Yang felt was warmth—a warmth that only came from Helian Qing.

Han Yang led Helian Qing to the kitchen, and as they left, Helian Qing could feel the gaze of the elder gentleman following him, which made him involuntarily straighten his back.

_{On their way back from the garden, Grandpa talked about Han Yang's childhood years with Helian Qing.}
Grandpa did not notice their exchange so he he continued, "We'll have to find a time for both families to get together for a meal, in testament to our togetherness. As for your wedding, this old man doesn't understand what you youngsters of today like so just do as you see fit, alright."

On their way back from the garden, Grandpa talked about Han Yang's childhood years with Helian Qing.

_{Han Yang: "..."}Helian Qing nodded reluctantly, moving his hand to pinch the back of the lad's neck.

Han Yang: "..."

_{His only relative, and the one he loves were both near to him—this was probably the happiest thing ever!}Because of the large number of people at the marketplace Helian Qing's long overcoat got squeezed and so had many creases, currently looking as if any traces of its one expensive nature was non-existent. Seeing this, Han Yang once again teased: "If I'd known beforehand, I would've made you wear Grandpa's giant patterned, padded jacket."

His only relative, and the one he loves were both near to him—this was probably the happiest thing ever!

_{"..." Han Yang glared at him, then rolled off to lie beside him before asking, "Have you told Aunty Su and the others that you came here? Wouldn't it be bad for you to not celebrate the New Year with them?"}
Han Yang and Helian Qing nodded simultaneously.

"..." Han Yang glared at him, then rolled off to lie beside him before asking, "Have you told Aunty Su and the others that you came here? Wouldn't it be bad for you to not celebrate the New Year with them?"

_{Since he normally had nothing much to do at home, Grandpa, apart from playing chess and gardening, also played with the little ones nearby. With the extra time, his family's garden was very well taken care of by him.}"..." Han Yang glared at him, then rolled off to lie beside him before asking, "Have you told Aunty Su and the others that you came here? Wouldn't it be bad for you to not celebrate the New Year with them?"

Since he normally had nothing much to do at home, Grandpa, apart from playing chess and gardening, also played with the little ones nearby. With the extra time, his family's garden was very well taken care of by him.

_{Helian Qing's face darkened as he sneered, "So you're showing off, huh. Only a few days left."}

◈◇◈

Helian Qing's face darkened as he sneered, "So you're showing off, huh. Only a few days left."

_{Han Yang dragged his fingers over Helian Qing's tired brows, his heart struck with a bit of {sorrow}.}Although the two hated to part from one another, now was not the proper time since Grandpa was just beyond the door, inside the living room, therefore they could only take a little—just enough to quench each other's thirst—then stop.

Han Yang dragged his fingers over Helian Qing's tired brows, his heart struck with a bit of sorrow.

_{"Xiao Yang," Grandpa's voice sounded from inside the house, waking the two. Han Yang released Helian Qing, turning to answer the elderly man's call, before pulling Helian Qing inside the yard.}
The following day, Han Yang took Helian Qing into the town to get some goods for the Spring festival.

"Xiao Yang," Grandpa's voice sounded from inside the house, waking the two. Han Yang released Helian Qing, turning to answer the elderly man's call, before pulling Helian Qing inside the yard.

_{Helian Qing: "..."}
In the Helian family, the planning and purchase of items for the Spring Festival were the responsibilities of Guanjia, the butler, and Auntie Zhou. Therefore, Helian Qing had never done anything like going to shop for New Year supplies. In the small town, there were quite a number of people out shopping in preparation for the Chinese New Year; pushing and squeezing each other, standing on their tiptoes. Helian Qing's one hundred and ninety metre frame was even forced to take a few steps backwards by a few pushing Aunties, allowing him to experience what a market day in the countryside was like.

Helian Qing: "..."

_{When he was done eating, Helian Qing naturally stayed over at Han Yang's place. Grandpa kept the two company, chatting for a while, before heading off to bed early to get some sleep, leaving them in the living room to warm up by the fire.}Getting off the bed quietly, he tucked the blanket around Han Yang properly, put on a change of clothes, then left the room. Catching sight of Grandpa, who was carrying a fire bowl out of the kitchen, just as he stepped out, prompting him to hurry over to give the elder a hand.

When he was done eating, Helian Qing naturally stayed over at Han Yang's place. Grandpa kept the two company, chatting for a while, before heading off to bed early to get some sleep, leaving them in the living room to warm up by the fire.

_{Helian Qing stopped suddenly, his action prompting the older man to to turn and look at him, "What's wrong?"}"You, quit helping me—what are you rubbing! Laughing this much hurts!" Han Yang knocked the other's hand off then steadied himself on a countertop to catch his breath.

Helian Qing stopped suddenly, his action prompting the older man to to turn and look at him, "What's wrong?"

_{Helian Qing: "..."}
First, Han Yang took him to buy dried fruits and nuts, as well as some snacks. After paying the bill, and carrying two big bags of goods, they went on to purchase red envelopes, couplets^[4], firecrackers, and so on. Then, done with shopping, they were both toting two giant bags each.

Helian Qing: "..."

_{Helian Qing did just as he was shown, and successfully pulled out several radishes. Only later had he noticed that he had fallen to such a point, where pulling out a few of those things gave him a sense of accomplishment.}
Because of the large number of people at the marketplace Helian Qing's long overcoat got squeezed and so had many creases, currently looking as if any traces of its one expensive nature was non-existent. Seeing this, Han Yang once again teased: "If I'd known beforehand, I would've made you wear Grandpa's giant patterned, padded jacket."

Helian Qing did just as he was shown, and successfully pulled out several radishes. Only later had he noticed that he had fallen to such a point, where pulling out a few of those things gave him a sense of accomplishment.

_{"What?" Han Yang was stunned momentarily.}Despite Helian Qing's hurried departure, he had still managed to bring along a couple changes of clothes he prepped in advance. With his intent to spend the night there clear, Han Yang took him to the bath, then they both returned to his room.

"What?" Han Yang was stunned momentarily.

_{Getting off the bed quietly, he tucked the blanket around Han Yang properly, put on a change of clothes, then left the room. Catching sight of Grandpa, who was carrying a fire bowl out of the kitchen, just as he stepped out, prompting him to hurry over to give the elder a hand.}
Helian Qing's face darkened as he sneered, "So you're showing off, huh. Only a few days left."

Getting off the bed quietly, he tucked the blanket around Han Yang properly, put on a change of clothes, then left the room. Catching sight of Grandpa, who was carrying a fire bowl out of the kitchen, just as he stepped out, prompting him to hurry over to give the elder a hand.

_{"They're on their way here." Helian Qing revealed a proud grin, "They'll arrive this afternoon, so tidy up all prim and proper, and prepare to meet your father and mother by law, got that?"}
Han Yang: "..." I forgot I have to go back when school restarts.

"They're on their way here." Helian Qing revealed a proud grin, "They'll arrive this afternoon, so tidy up all prim and proper, and prepare to meet your father and mother by law, got that?"

_{The lad proceeded to reheat a couple dishes for Helian Qing, then proceeded to make him a simple egg-drop soup, placing all the meals on the dining room table for him to eat after he was finished making them.}
Han Yang coughed, pretending he had not heard or understood a thing, simply going to find a taxi to return home.

The lad proceeded to reheat a couple dishes for Helian Qing, then proceeded to make him a simple egg-drop soup, placing all the meals on the dining room table for him to eat after he was finished making them.

_{"Mhm," Helian Qing replied, pulling the blanket up to the lad's chin and tucking it tightly. He really was very tired; working overtime non-stop for the last few days, just to be able to make the time to go find Han Yang.}Cats eat fish; dogs eat meat.

"Mhm," Helian Qing replied, pulling the blanket up to the lad's chin and tucking it tightly. He really was very tired; working overtime non-stop for the last few days, just to be able to make the time to go find Han Yang. Earlier that afternoon, after his meeting had concluded, he immediately went to the airport; got off the plane; then switched to a car for the entire journey there—so every inch of his body was indeed very much exhausted.

_{"You don't have to worry about that, Grandpa," Han Yang said, with Helian Qing also nodding alongside him.}
The stuff they got for the festival was ready, and the house was swept clean, so all that was left was to wait for New Year's Eve. The day before the eve of the festival, Han Yang was unable to help from again asking Helian Qing, "Are you sure you're not going to head back to celebrate the New Year with the others?"

"You don't have to worry about that, Grandpa," Han Yang said, with Helian Qing also nodding alongside him.

_{Han Yang as a child was very thoughtful and clever, there was no need to worry about him in the least. When he was still very little, he would simply help in doing the household chores together.}Helian Qing's hand stopped, he was a bit shocked, "When did you do it?"

Han Yang as a child was very thoughtful and clever, there was no need to worry about him in the least. When he was still very little, he would simply help in doing the household chores together. Then when he attended primary school, because he did not have a father or a mother, his classmates pushed him aside along with refusing to talk to him. If it wasn't for that time the other children in his class fought with him, he might have still been unaware of how much Han Yang had been suffering at school.

_{"No-no, it hasn't. Hahahaha..." Han Yang giggled while holding his belly, "Hurry and let me go, Ow-ow-ow, my stomach hurts."}
"How many times are you going to ask this? Are Saltfish and goldfish half-siblings or something?" Helian Qing glanced at him and scoffed.

"No-no, it hasn't. Hahahaha..." Han Yang giggled while holding his belly, "Hurry and let me go, Ow-ow-ow, my stomach hurts."

_{{"So why are you being so troublesome?" Helian Qing scoffed, leaning his head sideways to look him, "I came to the house of my wife's family, what's so bad about that?"}}"You're not happy?" Helian Qing asked.

"So why are you being so troublesome?" Helian Qing scoffed, leaning his head sideways to look him, "I came to the house of my wife's family, what's so bad about that?"

_{"..." Han Yang peered at the other man silently. Where could he have been going that it allowed him to pass by this family's front gate, huh!}
This was sarcasm about his poor memory, wasn't it? Han Yang frowned, saying, "It's only because I feel this isn't a good thing. Aunty Su and the others must definitely be wanting for you to return to celebrate the New Year with them, after all, they are your parents."

"..." Han Yang peered at the other man silently. Where could he have been going that it allowed him to pass by this family's front gate, huh!

_{Grandpa pointed to the radishes and the pakchoi; leading him to them. Helian Qing stooped down, took hold of the radish sprout right above its root then yanked it out with force, enough to cause the tail to snap in half.}That jacket was the one worn in the house by Grandpa when he wanted to stay warm by the fire, and because he wore other clothes beneath it, it's size was rather large. Helian Qing wore the coat, even though it was a little short, the size was a decent fit nonetheless, but sadly, this floral printed green outfit made him lose heart. Grandpa also wanted to go find him a pair of boots, but he fervently refused.

Grandpa pointed to the radishes and the pakchoi; leading him to them. Helian Qing stooped down, took hold of the radish sprout right above its root then yanked it out with force, enough to cause the tail to snap in half.

_{When they made it to the kitchen, Helian Qing pulled Han Yang into his embrace, lowered his head and kissed him passionately.}Helian Qing grabbed his hand, saying with irritation, "Are you stroking a cat?"

When they made it to the kitchen, Helian Qing pulled Han Yang into his embrace, lowered his head and kissed him passionately.

_{"Come on now, give it another try." Grandpa placed the whole radish into the basket.}
"They're your parents too." Helian Qing interrupted, caressing his ear, "And besides, they're already on their way."

"Come on now, give it another try." Grandpa placed the whole radish into the basket.

_{Following those past few days of separation, Han Yang also missed him very much, thus his hands now gripped the other man's back—drawing him even closer into his arms in response.}First, Han Yang took him to buy dried fruits and nuts, as well as some snacks. After paying the bill, and carrying two big bags of goods, they went on to purchase red envelopes, couplets^[4], firecrackers, and so on. Then, done with shopping, they were both toting two giant bags each.

Following those past few days of separation, Han Yang also missed him very much, thus his hands now gripped the other man's back—drawing him even closer into his arms in response.

_{Helian Qing nodded reluctantly, moving his hand to pinch the back of the lad's neck.}"I told my grandfather about us," Han Yang revealed.

Helian Qing nodded reluctantly, moving his hand to pinch the back of the lad's neck.

_{"Alright then, go ahead, go on," Grandpa waved them off, sitting himself back down before he began watching the television.}
"What?" Han Yang was stunned momentarily.

"Alright then, go ahead, go on," Grandpa waved them off, sitting himself back down before he began watching the television.

_{First, Han Yang took him to buy dried fruits and nuts, as well as some snacks. After paying the bill, and carrying two big bags of goods, they went on to purchase red envelopes, couplets^[4], firecrackers, and so on. Then, done with shopping, they were both toting two giant bags each.}"Come on now, give it another try." Grandpa placed the whole radish into the basket.

First, Han Yang took him to buy dried fruits and nuts, as well as some snacks. After paying the bill, and carrying two big bags of goods, they went on to purchase red envelopes, couplets^[4], firecrackers, and so on. Then, done with shopping, they were both toting two giant bags each.

_{As the saying goes: absence makes the heart grow fonder, so once the two were lying in bed, kisses and touches were inevitable. Unfortunately, due to the hindrance posed by Grandpa being in the neighbouring room, they never accomplished that final step.}
"They're on their way here." Helian Qing revealed a proud grin, "They'll arrive this afternoon, so tidy up all prim and proper, and prepare to meet your father and mother by law, got that?"

As the saying goes: absence makes the heart grow fonder, so once the two were lying in bed, kisses and touches were inevitable. Unfortunately, due to the hindrance posed by Grandpa being in the neighbouring room, they never accomplished that final step.

_{Grandpa: "..."}
Han Yang: "..."

Grandpa: "..."

_{Perhaps it was due to the change of location from the norm, but Helian Qing did not sleep very well. So, the next morning, while the sky was still dark, he woke up.}That jacket was the one worn in the house by Grandpa when he wanted to stay warm by the fire, and because he wore other clothes beneath it, it's size was rather large. Helian Qing wore the coat, even though it was a little short, the size was a decent fit nonetheless, but sadly, this floral printed green outfit made him lose heart. Grandpa also wanted to go find him a pair of boots, but he fervently refused.

Perhaps it was due to the change of location from the norm, but Helian Qing did not sleep very well. So, the next morning, while the sky was still dark, he woke up.

_{"You're happy to such an extent, yet you're so low-key?" Helian Qing smirked, grumbling a meaningful “hm?”.}When they made it to the kitchen, Helian Qing pulled Han Yang into his embrace, lowered his head and kissed him passionately.

"You're happy to such an extent, yet you're so low-key?" Helian Qing smirked, grumbling a meaningful “hm?”.

---

Author's Note:

N/A

Notes:

^1. 蛋花汤: dàn huā tāng: egg drop soup. Since it's a simple one, beaten eggs poured into boiling broth/stock.

^2. 小别胜新婚: xiǎo biè shèng xīnhūn: Meaning - short partings makes the reunion sweeter/better than the honeymoon, i.e. absence makes the heart grow fonder.

^3. 见风使舵: jiàn fēng shǐ duò: (idiom) see where the wind blows; meaning - go along with a certain situation; jump on the bandwagon/go with the flow/ fall in line/....

^4. Red Envelopes (红包), are used to give monetary gifts.Couplets (对联) are poems written on long strips and hung on the door during New Year celebrations.

Pic below

[Things I was too lazy to number]

-The stove:

It's a coal stove, so here are some examples(simple to ornate).

Pics:

So, to light it our lovely Princess would have to blow through a pipe to help the flames catch.

-Sorrow/dearly: these are both interpretations of the word (心疼:to love dearly or feel sorry for)

-The polite form of 'you' is always used for elders.

-Helian Qing called Grandpa, Lao Yezi [translated as 'Grandfather'] so this polite title is what got the man got all flustered.

- And the pic at the top is an explanation for the 'Before returning home vs After returning home' meme that had HY in shambles.

*INHALES*..and that's it!

If Mo Suya saw how her boy acted in front of Grandpa her jaw would drop!😁

See you next chapter 💕

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