Chapter 18: Happy Winter Solstice
Another Winter Solstice1 had arrived.
Recently, the temperature had dropped to zero degrees, and the weather forecast predicted snow tonight.
Xie Yang sat in the back of the bus, quietly listening to music.
Hearing the WeChat notification sound, a smile appeared on his face.
CX330: Your favorite roasted sweet potato.
The roasted sweet potato looked tempting, but Xie Yang’s eyes lingered on the hand in the photo for a long time.
It was a hand with distinct knuckles, long and fair, with faintly visible veins and perfectly trimmed nails, very clean.
It was the most beautiful hand Xie Yang had ever seen.
Caramel Pudding: Can I have a bite?
Caramel Pudding: Salivating soybean emoji.
CX330: Should I get someone to deliver it to you quickly?
Xie Yang knew well about his efficiency and believed he meant what he said.
Although they had been in an online relationship for some time, he still wasn’t ready to share his real-life contact details with CX330.
He wasn’t prepared for a real-life meeting yet.
Caramel Pudding: I’m on the bus^^
CX330: Going out to eat?
CX330: The weather isn’t great. Come home early after you eat.
Xie Yang glanced out the window. The sky was gray, and it was getting dark even though it was only four in the afternoon. Winter nights arrived early.
Remembering the forecast for snow tonight, he had brought an umbrella when he went out.
Caramel Pudding: I brought an umbrella.
CX330: It’s very cold today. Did you wear extra layers?
Caramel Pudding: I’m wearing a lot. The air on the bus doesn’t circulate well, but it’s warm.
CX330: Is the place you’re going far?
Caramel Pudding: Not too far, about an hour’s ride. I’m going to my mom’s for dinner.
Since the beginning of December, his mom had called him, insisting he come home for dinner on the Winter Solstice. Xie Yang hadn’t thought much about it, planning to make up excuses to decline when the time came.
But a few days before the Winter Solstice, his mom called again.
The Winter Solstice is a time for family reunions.
Xie Yang had many excuses, but none worked. Hearing his mom’s choked-up voice, he finally agreed to come.
In truth, he didn’t enjoy these so-called reunion dinners at his mom’s house, whether it was the Winter Solstice, New Year, or any other family gathering.
To him, he always felt like an outsider trying to fit into their family of three.
Perhaps his mom noticed his discomfort, but she still hoped to mend his relationship with her family.
Or maybe she simply felt sorry for seeing him so alone.
In any case, it was hard for Xie Yang to refuse his mom’s kind intentions.
After more than an hour on the bus, he finally arrived in the old neighborhood.
Perhaps due to the holiday, the vegetable market had closed early, leaving only a few street vendors.
Xie Yang bought a bag of tangerines and a bag of grapes from an old lady’s fruit stand at the entrance of the community.
Winter fruits were expensive, and the holiday prices were even higher.
Though Xie Yang had saved some money recently, he still felt a bit of a pinch.
However, it wouldn’t be proper to arrive empty-handed as a guest at his mom’s house.
Carrying the two bags of fruit, he walked into the community. Every household had their lights on, and the smell of cooking filled the air, reaching Xie Yang’s nose.
This place was full of life, just like the home he dreamed of.
Xie Yang politely knocked on the door.
It was Xiao Hang who opened it. Seeing Xie Yang, he eagerly hugged him around the waist, complaining, “Brother, you’re so late. I’ve been waiting for you all afternoon.”
Xie Yang patted his head and comforted him, “Next time, brother will come earlier.”
This was his usual way of pacifying children.
Xiao Hang cheerfully said, “It’s a deal then!”
Xiao Hang pulled him inside. His uncle poured him a glass of water and said with a faint smile, “Your mom’s been talking about you all afternoon, wondering why you were still not here.”
Xie Yang greeted him with a “Uncle.”
Hearing his words, Xie Yang smiled apologetically and said, “I had some papers to write, so it took a bit longer.”
Rong Man emerged from the kitchen and, hearing this, felt reassured. She reminded him to rest and couldn’t help but mutter, “How can you have so much coursework in college?”
Xie Yang didn’t explain and didn’t engage in the conversation.
In fact, he had already finished his homework. He had a part-time job today, which paid triple wages.
He got off work at four in the afternoon. The boss had said it was a holiday, so they closed early to let everyone go home and celebrate.
He even received a small red envelope from the boss.
After work, Xie Yang took the bus, which is why he arrived so late.
CX330: Are you there yet?
Caramel Pudding: Yes, I’m here. Getting ready to wash my hands and eat.
CX330: I’m about to eat, too.
Caramel Pudding: Are you having a feast tonight?
CX330: It’s about the same as usual.
CX330’s casual photo left Xie Yang feeling stunned.
The large dining table was filled with over a dozen dishes, each one exquisitely prepared and expensive.
Xie Yang silently returned to the chat interface. Looking at CX330’s message, he felt a vast chasm of wealth between them.
He had to admit, there was an insurmountable gap between them.
CX330: What delicious food are you having today?
Before today, every mealtime, CX330 would ask him what he was eating and would even ask for pictures.
At first, Xie Yang didn’t understand why CX330 was so insistent on knowing, but CX330 explained that it was because he wanted to share. He hoped Xie Yang would want to share things with him.
Everyday life, meals, classes, games, or any happy or unhappy events were things he wanted Xie Yang to share with him.
But at this moment, Xie Yang hesitated.
The difference in wealth and social class became tangible to him.
Still, Xie Yang took a photo of the meal his mom had carefully prepared.
Although they were just simple home-cooked dishes, to Xie Yang, they were irreplaceable.
He rarely had the chance to eat his mom’s cooking.
CX330: There’s eggplant, which you love.
Xie Yang was taken aback and looked at the dish on the table.
He hadn’t expected CX330 to know that he liked eggplant. He didn’t recall ever telling him.
CX330: Curious how I knew?
Caramel Pudding: Yes, how did you find out?
CX330: Because it shows up quite often in your photos.
Xie Yang smiled, so that’s how he figured it out.
Rong Man placed the braised eggplant in front of him and teased, “Who are you messaging? Smiling so happily, is it your girlfriend?”
Xie Yang was surprised by his mom’s intuition and quickly denied it, “No, just chatting with my roommate.”
Rong Man nodded and didn’t press further, only commenting, “You should date in college. It’ll be harder to find someone after you graduate.”
Xie Yang: “My studies are too heavy. I don’t have time for a relationship.”
Rong Man disagreed, “That’s not true. College relationships are more pure.”
Before Xie Yang could respond, his uncle chimed in, “Dating in college can be expensive. It’s better to wait until you have a stable job after graduation.”
Xie Yang: “Yes, I think so too.”
Rong Man wanted to say more but glanced at her husband, understanding the hidden meaning behind his words.
If Xie Yang were to start a romantic relationship, the daily expenses for the young couple would definitely add up.
In that case, the allowance Rong Man gave Xie Yang might not be enough.
And their family had already set their sights on real estate in the city recently, requiring them to use up all their savings from the past ten to twenty years for the down payment.
They also had Xiao Hang, enrolled in various tutoring and interest classes, which cost a considerable amount each month.
So, she did not approve of Xie Yang dating.
Rong Man naturally understood his meaning and didn’t say anything more.
Xie Yang just lowered his eyes and quietly ate his food.
He understood many things.
But there was no need to delve deeper.
After dinner, Rong Man took out the winter coat she had prepared long ago and smiled, “I saw this outfit when we were shopping last time. I thought it would suit you perfectly, and it fits you just right.”
Xie Yang: “Thank you, Mom.”
Rong Man held his hand, furrowing her brows slightly, “Why are you so cold? Did you not wear enough?”
Xie Yang shook his head, “I’m dressed warmly.”
Rong Man glanced outside and worriedly said, “It looks like it’s going to snow. How about staying here tonight?”
Xie Yang politely declined, “I made plans to hang out with my roommate tomorrow. It’s too far from here.”
Rong Man had to give up when she heard this.
She helped Xie Yang put on the coat and gave him some snacks.
Rong Man wanted to accompany him to the entrance of the residential area but was refused by Xie Yang, “It’s dark now, and it’s snowing outside. You shouldn’t come.”
Watching Xie Yang walk away, Rong Man sighed silently.
This knot in her heart seemed impossible to untie.
Carrying a large bag of things, Xie Yang arrived at the bus stop.
In the direction of the old city, there weren’t many buses. He missed one, and the next one was a long wait after work.
The cold wind carried snowflakes, chilling him to the bone. The biting cold seeped into his body.
Xie Yang caught a snowflake in his hand, snapped a photo before it melted, and sent it to CX330.
Caramel Pudding: Look, it’s snowing.
CX330: Why are your hands so red? Is it very cold?
Caramel Pudding: Not really. I put on another coat just now.
He had forgotten to bring gloves when he left home this morning.
CX330: What are you doing outside?
Xie Yang didn’t explain much, just brushed it off casually.
Caramel Pudding: Heading back to the dorm now.
Qi Xu saw this message and suddenly remembered the afternoon when Little Assistant mentioned going to his mom’s house for dinner. At the time, he found that statement a bit odd.
Now, everything seemed to make sense.
Because it was Mom’s home, not his.
So he was going there, not returning.
CX330: Are there still buses at this time? Is it convenient to catch a cab?
CX330: If you have to wait long.
“I wonder if I can come pick you up,” he typed the message but hadn’t sent it when Little Assistant replied.
Caramel Pudding: Waited so long, finally the bus came.
Caramel Pudding: Happy spinning.jpg
Qi Xu rubbed his forehead. When could his Little Assistant trust him more, rely on him more?
CX330: Take care and let me know if anything happens.
Caramel Pudding: Got it.
Caramel Pudding: Heart.jpg
Actually, he just knew what CX330 was probably going to say.
For a moment, he didn’t know how to refuse. Fortunately, the bus he had been waiting for finally arrived at the stop.
There were very few people traveling by bus at night, especially today, as everyone was home enjoying their reunion dinner.
The empty bus only had the driver and the two of them.
Caramel Pudding: On the bus now. It’s empty inside, so I can sit wherever I want.
Caramel Pudding: Like a private charter. Cool.jpg
Qi Xu was actually quite worried, but in the end, he didn’t say anything about sending him home.
CX330: How about we voice chat?
Caramel Pudding: Okay, let me get my earphones.
Xie Yang usually didn’t refuse voice chatting with CX330.
CX330 liked voice chatting with him, and it was one of the essential courses for their online relationship.
Xie Yang always kept this in mind.
Xie Yang: “Good evening, Brother.”
Qi Xu: “Good evening, Baby.”
A faint blush spread across Xie Yang’s face, and he pursed his lips without replying.
Too unconventional.
Being called “Baby” with such a pleasant voice, so gently.
Even though he had heard it countless times, he still felt shy.
Qi Xu probably guessed that Little Assistant was feeling shy. Every time, he deliberately teased him by using various affectionate terms.
When Little Assistant got shy, he would refuse to talk.
Qi Xu chuckled, “After Winter Solstice comes Christmas. Baby, is there anything you want as a gift?”
Gift?
CX330 reminded him.
He had known CX330 for so long and had never given him a gift.
On the other hand, CX330 would often ask him what he wanted.
Even if it was something he said casually, CX330 would remember it.
He knew his preferences, respected his privacy.
Knowing he needed a part-time job, CX330 would always find reasons to give him red envelopes.
Even when Xie Yang refused every time, CX330 could only sigh with helplessness.
CX330 would play all kinds of games with him and never mind his gaming skills.
He had never seen CX330 lose his temper.
They had never quarreled during all this time.
Both of them were cautiously maintaining this relationship.
So when he heard CX330 mention Christmas, Xie Yang was already thinking about what gift to give him.
He wanted to express his feelings to CX330.
Xie Yang: “I don’t really want anything. What about you?”
CX330 seemed to come from a well-off family, so Xie Yang was a bit distressed. Whatever he gave might seem cheap.
Qi Xu exclaimed with surprise, “Baby, do you want to give me a gift?”
Xie Yang blushed and hesitantly said, “I don’t like surprises turning into scares, so I thought I’d ask your opinion first.”
Qi Xu laughed, “Anything is fine. Even if it’s just a pen, a piece of paper, or a flower, I’ll be very happy. It’ll also feel very meaningful because it’s the first gift Baby gave me.”
Xie Yang’s gift idea would take some time, and with only three days left until Christmas, he was afraid it wouldn’t arrive in time.
But he couldn’t think of anything better.
Xie Yang planned the route to get off the bus later, unsure if the shop was closed today due to the festival.
Qi Xu: “I also want to give Baby a gift.”
Hearing CX330’s slightly aggrieved voice, he suddenly remembered a way to appease a child.
Xie Yang: “Let me give you a gift this time. How about Gege giving me a gift next time?”
His voice was slow and somewhat coquettish.
Qi Xu felt like he was being coaxed.
“Yes, I’ll listen.”
Note :
- The Winter Solstice, which typically occurs around December 21st or 22nd in the Northern Hemisphere, is the shortest day and longest night of the year ↩︎
Finally FINALLY no more slowburn