Chapter 42: Family Ties (Part 2)
Xie Yang no longer dared to tease Qi Xu about being clingy.
His WeChat nickname for Qi Xu changed from [Clingy] back to [Husband] typed by Xie Yang himself.
“I was wrong.”
Xie Yang looked up weakly, his eyes slightly red and misty with tears, crying softly.
His hands rested on Qi Xu’s legs, his breathing becoming more rapid, and tiny beads of sweat mixed with his tears fell onto Qi Xu’s body.
Flushed and exhausted, Xie Yang lay limp in Qi Xu’s arms.
Qi Xu tenderly wiped away his tears and held him close, comforting him for a while longer.
Xie Yang, completely worn out, fell into a deep sleep. In the end, it was Qi Xu who packed his luggage for him.
The next morning, while Xie Yang was still sleeping, Qi Xu carried him to the car and personally drove him back to his hometown.
When Xie Yang woke up, they were already in Liuli Village.
Qi Xu parked the car at the village entrance.
Xie Yang rolled down the window, glanced at the familiar archway, then turned to Qi Xu with a look of shock.
“Why did you bring me back?”
“No, wait.”
“I mean, why are you the one bringing me back? Weren’t you just supposed to drop me off at the station?”
Qi Xu chuckled softly, “Baby, I checked the route. It’s only a two or three-hour drive from our home. I can even come back the same day.”
Xie Yang suddenly felt enlightened.
He had been sad about spending the winter break apart from Qi Xu.
But now he realized they weren’t that far apart.
If he wanted to see Qi Xu, he could easily take a bus.
And Qi Xu could come visit him anytime as well.
He had been overthinking it.
Xie Yang directed Qi Xu to drive to his house. As soon as Qi Xu carried his luggage inside, Xie Yang started trying to send him away.
Qi Xu: ?
Qi Xu pulled him into his arms, sat him on his lap, and, holding his chin, said unhappily, “You’ve got some nerve, trying to kick me out?”
Xie Yang’s throat went dry, and he stuttered, “I-I wasn’t, didn’t we agree that y-you’d go home too?”
He didn’t dare to actually drive Qi Xu away.
He was just worried.
It was obvious why Qi Xu didn’t want to go home—it was because he wanted to be with Xie Yang. So even though his family was urging him, he had no intention of returning.
This made Xie Yang anxious. He didn’t know how Qi Xu’s family would perceive him.
Would they think he was being unreasonable or overly dramatic?
They hadn’t even formally met, yet he was already leaving a bad impression.
Qi Xu said, “Give me a kiss, and I’ll go. I’ll come back tomorrow.”
Tomorrow?
That wouldn’t work!
Xie Yang softened his tone, pleading with him, “Can you come after I finish everything? Then you can stay with me here for a few days. I want you to see where I live. We can visit the local market and buy lots of fireworks to set off together. I can also cook my specialty dishes for you.”
After speaking, he proactively kissed the corner of Qi Xu’s lips.
He lightly pressed his lips together, his eyes moist and looking at Qi Xu with hands clasped in a pleading gesture: “Please, please.”
Qi Xu felt even more reluctant to leave.
But he understood Xie Yang’s concerns and knew his family was waiting for him, urging him to return home soon. He couldn’t stay much longer.
Qi Xu said, “I’ll listen to you, but…”
Xie Yang asked, “But what?”
Qi Xu continued, “We need to video chat every day. Don’t ignore my messages. If you don’t respond for too long, I’ll drive over to find you. Eat properly; don’t just have a few bites. You weighed 103 pounds last night. If you come back thinner instead of gaining weight, you know what the consequences will be.”
Xie Yang: “…”
Last night, he weighed himself after a big meal. He probably didn’t even weigh 103 pounds now!
And he didn’t want to know what the consequences would be!
Xie Yang planned to reason with Qi Xu, but after futile attempts to struggle and several kisses, Qi Xu finally left.
He stood at the doorway, watching Qi Xu’s car drive away.
It wasn’t just Qi Xu who found it hard to part.
Ever since they confirmed their relationship, they had been inseparable, meeting every day despite their busy schedules and making time for meals together.
Suddenly being apart felt very unsettling.
Feeling a bit melancholic, Xie Yang turned back into the house and noticed a large “Demolish” character prominently painted on the white wall, encircled in a big red circle.
He was momentarily stunned, then suddenly understood why his father had been so roundabout in asking about the property’s deed.
He quickly ran to the neighbor’s house to check and, sure enough, saw the same character painted on their wall.
It was clear this wasn’t a prank.
Just then, Aunt Wu was about to go out to buy groceries. Seeing someone standing in front of the house, she recognized Xie Yang and smiled with surprise, “Xie Yang, when did you come back?”
Xie Yang immediately put on a cheerful smile, “Hi, Aunt Wu. I just got back and saw this character at the door. I thought it was a prank, so I came to check.”
Aunt Wu beamed with joy and quickly explained, “It’s not a prank. The village has issued notices. We’re now demolition households, finally after all these years.”
Xie Yang could sense her deep joy and couldn’t help but ask, “Have you heard how much compensation we’ll get?”
Aunt Wu gestured with her fingers, “That’s what my husband heard. Whether it’s accurate, I’m not sure, but it shouldn’t be far off.”
Xie Yang was a bit surprised but then thought that even though this was the countryside, it was still part of S City. He nodded and smiled, “That sounds pretty good.”
No wonder his father wanted to reclaim the house from him.
Aunt Wu’s expression suddenly changed. She looked around to make sure no one was nearby and then whispered to Xie Yang, “The deed is with you, right? Not in the house?”
Xie Yang shook his head, “No, I brought it to school. Why?”
Actually, it was in Qi Xu’s apartment.
Aunt Wu’s voice carried a hint of annoyance and frustration, “I don’t know where your dad heard it from, but he suddenly came back a few days ago. I saw him rummaging around when I passed by, probably looking for that deed. When he saw me, he tried to probe if your grandmother had transferred the house to you before she passed. I told him it was your family matter, and how would I know? But he didn’t look happy. I think he won’t give up easily. Be careful.”
She spat in disgust and cursed, “They’ve gone to the city to enjoy life and still covet the little bit left at home. Truly heartless.”
Xie Yang smiled slightly but didn’t respond.
Back then, everyone in the village knew how Xie Chuan had abandoned his wife and child to become a rich son-in-law.
While they despised him, they also sympathized with the young Xie Yang.
Especially Xie Yang’s neighbors, who were particularly caring towards him and his grandmother due to the hardships they faced. They often brought over meat, vegetables, and candies.
When his grandmother was seriously ill, the village even donated a considerable amount of money. After she passed away, the villagers helped organize the funeral.
Xie Yang was very grateful for Aunt Wu’s reminder.
He politely declined her offer to eat at her house and quickly returned home to start cleaning.
Just as Aunt Wu had mentioned, there were indeed signs that the house had been rummaged through.
Normally, Xie Yang kept everything at home neatly arranged, so the current mess suggested someone had been searching through it, making it look like the house had been burglarized.
Xie Yang sighed. It seemed he might need to change the locks before the official demolition.
Or perhaps he should start preparing in advance, deciding what items to take with him.
However, his bigger concern was the impending demolition, which was inevitable. The property deed was in his name, and he wasn’t sure how to handle the compensation money or what his parents wanted him to do with it.
It was clear that both his parents were aware of the demolition. The situation might escalate into a big fight, with each side tearing into the other, making things ugly.
His gentle nature made him ill-suited for handling such conflicts.
He didn’t feel the thrill of sudden wealth; instead, he didn’t want to touch a penny of the unexpected fortune.
Xie Yang had an idea in mind but was hesitant.
He wanted to call Qi Xu to ask for his opinion but thought that at this hour, Qi Xu was probably already home, enjoying time with his family. He didn’t want to interrupt their reunion.
Never mind, I’ll just take it one step at a time.
Xie Yang started moving items out of the house, washing them thoroughly in the yard with a hose.
The weather was especially nice in the days leading up to the New Year, perfect for airing out blankets and clothes.
The cherry tree in the yard was blooming and would bear fruit soon.
It was a tree he and his grandmother had planted together when he was little.
If he had to choose one thing to take with him, he would unhesitatingly take this cherry tree.
Unfortunately, he didn’t have a place to replant the cherry tree.
After finishing all the cleaning, Xie Yang was exhausted.
The yard was lined with drying tables, chairs, and utensils.
Initially, he planned to make do with some porridge for dinner, but Aunt Wu brought over a bowl of noodles, generously topped with meat.
Aunt Wu said, “You child, you get so busy you forget to eat.”
Xie Yang smiled awkwardly, “Thank you, Aunt Wu.”
Just as he was taking his first bites, Qi Xu video-called him.
“Having dinner? What are you eating?”
Xie Yang had been worried Qi Xu would call and see that he was only eating plain porridge and get upset. Now, he didn’t have to worry. He pointed the camera at his bowl, “Look, Aunt Wu from next door brought me this big bowl of noodles. I might not even be able to finish it.”
Though Xie Yang was smiling, his exhaustion was evident. Qi Xu felt a pang of sympathy, “Are you tired?”
Xie Yang: “I’m fine. It’s just that I haven’t been home in a long time, and there’s dust everywhere, so it’s a bit troublesome to clean.”
Qi Xu: “I should have arranged for a cleaning service.”
Xie Yang shook his head, “No, that’s not necessary. I want to do it myself.”
He originally thought that since he had left the house neat and tidy the last time he left, it would only need a light dusting.
But unexpected things happened, and now he needed to clean everything thoroughly.
With the New Year approaching, many places handling procedures would start to close for the holidays.
Xie Yang didn’t want to delay things until after the New Year, so he looked at Qi Xu and asked tentatively, “Brother, are you done with your work?”
Qi Xu: “What work? I’m bored stiff at home.”
As soon as he got home today, he was bombarded with chatter for hours, making his ears itch.
Xie Yang hesitated, then slowly said, “Could you meet me at the station at 10 o’clock tomorrow? I need to get some things from home.”
Qi Xu: “Wait for me at home early tomorrow morning. I’ll drive over to pick you up. Or tell me what you need, and I’ll find it and bring it to you.”
Xie Yang frowned, “That’s too much trouble. I don’t want you to get exhausted.”
Qi Xu: “How can it be exhausting to see someone you like?”
Xie Yang felt moved by his words.
Early the next morning, Xie Yang got up and, after putting away the tables and chairs that had been drying all night, went to Aunt Wu’s house to ask for her help in changing the locks.
Aunt Wu agreed, “Alright, go take care of your things. I’ll oversee the locksmith and hold the keys for you when you come back.”
Xie Yang nodded gratefully. After thinking it over last night, he decided that changing the locks was urgent. He didn’t want his freshly cleaned house to be ransacked again.
Qi Xu arrived early. Hearing Xie Yang’s voice from the neighboring yard, he didn’t rush to call out. Instead, he leaned against the car door, thoughtfully looking at the “Demolish” character on the wall.
Seeing him, Xie Yang was overjoyed and ran into his arms.
“Brother.”
Qi Xu patted his head, “Shall we go now?”
Xie Yang: “Yes, we’re in a bit of a hurry.”
He looked at the documents in his hand, feeling a bit sentimental. Getting the procedures done early would give him peace of mind.
Qi Xu: “If you want to keep the house, I won’t let anyone disturb your life.”
Xie Yang looked at him and smiled, “Have you guessed what I’m going to do?”
Qi Xu: “I’ve guessed part of it. As for what I don’t know, do you want to tell me?”
Xie Yang took a deep breath and began, “Actually, the house was meant for my mom.”
Back then, when Xie Chuan had an affair and Rong Man divorced him, neither of them chose to take Xie Yang. But in his grandmother’s heart, the family owed Rong Man. After all, Rong Man was a successful businesswoman who had married into their family. After Xie Yang was born, she focused on being a stay-at-home mom, caring for her child, husband, and mother-in-law. She was flawless in every way. But Xie Chuan’s affair broke her spirit, making her cry for the first time in front of Xie Yang’s grandmother.
Afterward, when they divorced, they left young Xie Yang behind.
Before his grandmother passed away, she wanted to transfer the house to Rong Man, hoping she would take Xie Yang and take good care of him.
However, at that time, Rong Man was newly married and pregnant, so his grandmother ultimately didn’t voice her wish.
In the end, the house was left to Xie Yang.
Qi Xu said quietly, “But she didn’t take good care of you, did she?”
“Well…” Xie Yang dragged out the sound as he pondered for a while before smiling gently. “Maybe everyone has their own reasons, or perhaps some sacrifices are inevitable for personal happiness.”
It took him a long time to understand and accept this concept.
Living under someone else’s roof was uncomfortable, and surviving in the cracks left him struggling to breathe.
He didn’t want to get entangled in their grievances anymore.
The timing of his plan came sooner than expected.
He had arranged to meet Rong Man at a quiet café.
Qi Xu waited outside.
When he arrived, Rong Man was already there. Seeing him brought a sparkle to her eyes.
She felt that Xie Yang seemed different, a bit chubbier and more energetic than the last time they met.
Rong Man asked, “Why did you need to see me so urgently? Is there something wrong?”
Last night, Xie Yang suddenly called her, asking to meet at a nearby café and to bring several documents. She had some guesses but didn’t think too much about it.
Xie Yang took out the property deed from his bag, along with two bank cards and a notebook.
Rong Man was taken aback and smiled a bit awkwardly, “What’s this about?”
Xie Yang calmly explained, “I’m planning to transfer Grandma’s house to you. Father doesn’t know about my decision, but if you choose to accept, I’ll inform him after the paperwork is done. As for the demolition compensation, I don’t want to be involved. I hope you can discuss it with him directly.”
Rong Man was surprised by his decision but still refused, “The house was left to you by Grandma. You’ve grown up, and the demolition compensation could be useful for buying a house or starting a business.”
Xie Yang shook his head, “This was Grandma’s wish. She felt she owed you something.”
Rong Man, feeling a pang of sorrow as she remembered the late elderly woman, said, “The issues between Xie Chuan and me are our own.”
Xie Yang replied, “Houses in the city center are expensive. You and Uncle still have mortgage pressures, and Xiao Hang needs tutoring. He’s young with endless possibilities. This money will make things easier for you.”
He had noticed that his mother’s handbag had changed. Although she still dressed elegantly, it was clear she was worn out.
He knew what to say to touch her heart and make her accept this.
Xie Yang’s words left Rong Man in silent contemplation for a long time. She finally asked, “What about you?”
The cost of housing, employment opportunities, material conditions, and living standards in S City were all significant challenges.
Xie Yang didn’t answer her question. Instead, he took out the two bank cards and placed them in front of her. “I want to ask you a favor.”
Rong Man said, “Go ahead.”
Xie Yang explained, “These two cards contain the child support payments you and Father have sent me over the years. I haven’t touched a single penny. I want you to give them back to Father.”
Rong Man looked at him in shock, her eyes welling up with tears.
She was at a loss for words, breathing heavily and choking out, “No wonder… no wonder…”
Those worn-out clothes and shoes weren’t because he was unwilling to spend money; it was because he hadn’t used the money at all.
No wonder she always found him so thin. She had attributed it to the stress of studying and considered other possibilities, but never this.
She couldn’t fathom how Xie Yang had managed all these years alone.
Overwhelmed with guilt, Rong Man broke down in tears for the first time in front of Xie Yang.
Xie Yang’s emotions were complicated, with sadness taking the forefront.
He fought back tears, determined not to let his emotions sway his decision.
Rong Man struggled to regain her composure. She looked at Xie Yang and said sorrowfully, “Yang Yang, are you doing this to cut ties with me?”
Xie Yang lowered his gaze, his fingers twisting the hem of his shirt until they turned white. But he still stuck to his answer, “Yes, I hope you and Father won’t interfere in my life anymore.”
Rong Man couldn’t accept this. She stood up and went to the restroom.
Watching her leave, Xie Yang felt a sense of loneliness. He wasn’t sure if what he was doing was right.
But as soon as he spoke, he felt a significant relief from the years of pent-up emotions.
He no longer had to face a stepmother who didn’t like him, or the shadows of his childhood, and the cruel insults could finally end today.
He wouldn’t have to maintain a facade of a relationship with his stepfather or force himself into their family of three.
When Rong Man returned, her makeup was ruined by tears, and her eyes were swollen.
She placed the property deed and the two cards back in front of Xie Yang, holding back tears as she said, “I don’t agree.”
Xie Yang remained silent, keeping his head down.
He hadn’t expected his mother to reject his proposal.
To him, this decision seemed beneficial for everyone, sparing them the effort and strain of maintaining a fragile relationship.
Rong Man continued, “In the future, I won’t force you to do things you don’t like. When I want to see you, I’ll invite you out for a meal like this. We can just chat or eat together. You don’t have to come to my place if you don’t want to. I won’t force you anymore, alright?”
Xie Yang looked up at her abruptly, momentarily stunned.
Rong Man held his hand and said, “I’ve made many mistakes in the past. It was my fault. Can you forgive me?”
Xie Yang didn’t know what to say, but his expression softened.
Rong Man added, “Keep the property deed and buy yourself a small place. Keep the money in those cards and use it for living expenses. That way, I can feel at ease.”
Xie Yang hadn’t expected the situation to take such a turn. Perhaps the outcome wasn’t as bleak as he had feared.
He decided to accept.
But he still insisted on transferring the house to his mother. Watching her gradually calm down, he decided to be honest with her: “There’s something I’ve wanted to tell you for a long time. Initially, I thought it might not be necessary to say.”
After all, he believed that if he cut ties with his mother, then she wouldn’t need to know.
But now that the situation had changed, he felt he had to be honest.
Hearing this, Rong Man quickly said, “What could there be between us that you can’t tell me?”
Xie Yang: “I’ve started dating.”
Rong Man smiled, “You’re old enough. Dating is completely normal. How could I ever stop you?”
“But he’s a boy.” Xie Yang took a deep breath and added in the face of Rong Man’s stiffening expression, “I never told you because I was afraid you wouldn’t accept it.”
Rong Man: “…”
Hold it in, don’t say anything.
After all, her child was just thinking about cutting ties with her!
Under Xie Yang’s anxious gaze, Rong Man maintained her smile, “When will you bring him over so I can meet him?”
Xie Yang was surprised that his mother accepted it so easily and blurted out, “He can come now. He’s waiting outside.”
Rong Man: “…”
She can’t.