Chapter 48: Baby Opens the Door
The lingering twilight, the enchanting glow of dusk.
The light in the bedroom gradually dimmed. A gentle breeze seeped through the cracks in the curtains and into the room.
Xie Yang shivered under the blanket, curled up in Qi Xu’s embrace, sinking into a deep sleep against the warmth.
Qi Xu tucked the blanket around him and lowered his head to quietly admire his peaceful sleeping face.
Xie Yang’s face still carried the remnants of emotions, a faint pink hue that was both bright and captivating, yet also revealing traces of exhaustion between his brows.
Qi Xu gently wiped away the tear stains at the corners of his eyes.
He had cried for quite a while just now, his eyelids still slightly swollen.
He didn’t sleep very soundly either.
Qi Xu carefully applied some medication for him.
It was just some swelling, no bleeding.
He was about to hold Xie Yang and sleep for a while.
Suddenly, scratching at the door followed by continuous meowing interrupted them.
Qi Xu glanced at Xie Yang sleeping in his arms, his brows slightly furrowed.
Helplessly, he had to give up on the idea of cuddling with his wife and opened the bedroom door, picking up the cat that had been scratching at it, and took it back to the living room.
“What’s all the noise about?”
The little tabby lightly scratched at him, seeming dissatisfied, then ran towards the bedroom again. Qi Xu intercepted it halfway, grabbing its nape.
Qi Xu lifted it up and said expressionlessly, “Don’t disturb my wife’s sleep.”
“Meow.”
The little tabby kept struggling.
Qi Xu glanced at the sky outside, then touched its little belly.
It was late, and it was probably hungry.
He remembered there was some fish in the fridge that Xie Yang had specifically left for the cat’s dinner.
Qi Xu stuffed the little tabby into his pocket to prevent it from running to the bedroom and disturbing Xie Yang’s sleep.
The little tabby kept biting his clothes, making threatening “meow” sounds.
Qi Xu followed Xie Yang’s method of steaming fish fillets, added a bit more water to the bowl, and mashed the fish into a paste to feed the cat.
The little tabby wolfed down the fish eagerly, looking truly famished.
Qi Xu smiled and patted its head, finally avoiding its claws.
With the cat’s dinner settled, he had to sort out dinner for himself and Xie Yang.
Xie Yang had only fallen asleep around five in the evening, so it would probably be around ten by the time he woke up again.
Qi Xu took out some ingredients from the fridge, just enough to make a braised beef with tomatoes, stir-fried asparagus, and a pork rib soup.
He actually didn’t know how to cook; he had only learned cooking after moving in with Xie Yang.
Starting from eight o’clock in the evening, the village was filled with the continuous sound of fireworks, accompanied by the beating of drums and gongs for the lion dance, making it very lively.
Qi Xu walked quickly to the bedroom and gently turned the door lock.
A small night light was on in the room. Xie Yang, in his pajamas, sat blankly on the bed, looking like he hadn’t fully woken up yet.
Seeing him come in, Xie Yang rubbed his eyes and asked, “What time is it?”
Qi Xu approached the bedside, helped him put on his clothes, and coaxed, “It’s still early, go back to sleep.”
“Mm.”
Xie Yang leaned against his chest, murmuring, “So sleepy.”
Qi Xu gently patted his back and whispered warmly, “How about putting on Bluetooth earphones and sleeping a bit more?”
Bang—
A loud firework exploded in the sky. Xie Yang lifted his head from Qi Xu’s embrace, wanting to go to the window to take a look. He held Qi Xu’s arm and just stood up when his legs started trembling again.
Before he could throw himself back onto the bed, Qi Xu picked him up and gently placed him on the blanket.
“Where do you want to go?”
Xie Yang looked down, feeling a bit embarrassed. Even though this wasn’t their first time, he still felt shy facing Qi Xu after each moment of intimacy. He whispered, “I want to see the fireworks.”
With such loud fireworks, they must be beautiful.
Qi Xu picked him up again, walked slowly to the yard, and gently placed him on a chair.
From here, they had a perfect view of the fireworks outside.
Qi Xu asked, “Does it still hurt?”
Xie Yang’s face flushed, and he shook his head.
He knew Qi Xu had applied medicine for him. It wasn’t very painful, just a bit sore and swollen.
It felt like…
That sensation of something foreign hadn’t completely faded.
Qi Xu turned on the yard lights, moved a small table next to Xie Yang, and brought out the dishes that had been kept warm in the kitchen.
Xie Yang smiled in surprise, “Smells so good.”
His appetite was instantly piqued.
Qi Xu ladled a bowl of soup for him. “You eat first.”
Xie Yang called out to his back, “Where are you going?”
Qi Xu brought out some fireworks from the storage room, smiling. “I’ll set off the fireworks for you. Didn’t you say you wanted to see them?”
Xie Yang watched as he made several trips back and forth. He had thought Qi Xu was just humoring him with a few small fireworks, but it turned out he had bought a lot.
Qi Xu arranged the fireworks neatly, lit the fuses, and said with some regret, “Some of the fireworks are really nice, but they didn’t fit in the car. When we go back to the city, we’ll set off more, better ones. Consider these a little appetizer for tonight.”
Xie Yang smiled, “It’s okay, we should be heading back in a couple of days anyway.”
Although he enjoyed staying in the countryside, he didn’t want Qi Xu to be running back and forth, exhausting himself.
Since there wasn’t much to do, it was better to return earlier.
Xie Yang said, “Come and eat.”
The little tabby cat sat by his feet, pawing at his pants. Xie Yang suddenly remembered he had forgotten to feed it.
Qi Xu clicked his tongue. “I already fed it. It ate a lot.”
Its belly was still rounded, clearly full.
It was just being affectionate with Xie Yang.
Xie Yang patted the little tabby cat’s head and smiled, “It must be tempted by the smell of the food. Let’s give it some goat milk before bed.”
The corn and pork rib soup was sweet and comforting, warming him up with one bowl.
The sweet and sour braised beef with tomatoes was also delicious. Xie Yang, copying Qi Xu, took a photo and posted it on his social media.
The fireworks went on for a long time, stopping only after Xie Yang finished his meal.
He had never set off fireworks in the yard before.
To him, fireworks were a luxury.
Watching Qi Xu clean up the dishes, busying himself, Xie Yang lay on the table and gradually fell asleep.
When Qi Xu picked him up, he didn’t wake.
The soft blanket and familiar scent allowed Xie Yang to sleep deeply.
Qi Xu closed the window to muffle the noise of the fireworks outside.
“Meow.”
The little tabby cat sat by the bed, trying to jump up but failing repeatedly.
Qi Xu lowered the mosquito net, tucked the blanket around Xie Yang, and carried the cat out of the bedroom.
The little tabby struggled in his arms, meowing loudly.
Qi Xu tapped its little head and smiled, “You’re really scolding me, huh?”
He returned to the kitchen, cleaned up the food scraps, and then went to the yard to tidy up the leftover fireworks and trash, throwing them into a nearby garbage bin.
After cleaning up, he followed Xie Yang’s instructions and prepared some goat milk powder for the cat. After watching it finish drinking, he wiped off the milk residue and took a bath himself.
The sound of fireworks continued outside.
Qi Xu returned to the bedroom with a damp body, and after a busy day, he could finally hold his wife and sleep.
The next morning.
Xie Yang was once again awakened by the sound of firecrackers.
During the New Year, every day was a celebration, and people set off firecrackers to honor the gods.
Especially today, New Year’s Eve.
Xie Yang used the leftover braised beef with tomatoes from last night to make two bowls of noodle soup.
Footsteps approached from behind, and Xie Yang turned to look.
“I was just about to call you to get up.”
Qi Xu hugged him from behind, wrapping his arms around Xie Yang’s waist, and hung on him. “Why are you up so early? Did you sleep well?”
Xie Yang said, “Yes, I got up to make breakfast for you.”
Qi Xu kissed him and whispered in his ear, “It doesn’t matter if I eat or not. Just don’t tire yourself out.”
Xie Yang, feeling refreshed after a good sleep, pried Qi Xu’s hands away, had him sit down, and brought the noodles to him. “After eating, you should go home.”
Qi Xu asked, “Are you chasing me away?”
Xie Yang, feeling guilty, said, “No, I’m not.”
Qi Xu huffed, “No rush.”
Xie Yang: “!!!”
But he was really anxious.
If they drove back now, they could make it in time for lunch.
Qi Xu deliberately ate very slowly.
Xie Yang watched him eagerly, wishing he could help him finish those last few bites of noodles.
After finishing breakfast, Qi Xu played with the kitten for a while.
Under Xie Yang’s expectant gaze, Qi Xu finally suggested heading home. Before leaving, he took several of Xie Yang’s homemade pastries, saying he wanted to share them with his family.
Xie Yang: “Maybe not…”
Qi Xu hugged him tightly and smiled, “See you tomorrow.”
Xie Yang: “Tomorrow?”
Qi Xu patted his head and said, “Take some time to pack your things.”
Xie Yang nodded, “Hmm?”
Qi Xu: “We’ll head back tomorrow.”
Really, tomorrow?
Was he suggesting they return on New Year’s Day?
Xie Yang hesitated but eventually agreed, “Okay, I’ll be home waiting for you.”
After Qi Xu left, Xie Yang finally felt at ease to start working.
He asked Aunt Wu to help slaughter the chicken and then went to the market to buy a lot of groceries.
Even though it was a solo New Year’s Eve dinner, he wanted to make it a feast.
The little calico cat stayed by Xie Yang’s side, tail raised, looking very happy.
Ding—
A message came through on his phone. Checking the time, he realized it had only been a bit over an hour. Could Qi Xu have driven that fast?
He glanced at the message, and his smile slowly faded.
It wasn’t from Qi Xu.
Dad: [I heard you went back to the village?]
Dad: [Didn’t I tell you we’d go together later to pay respects to your grandmother?]
Dad: [How could you go back without telling me?]
Reading the series of messages from his father, filled with dissatisfaction, Xie Yang didn’t know how to respond and didn’t want to.
Their house was soon to be demolished, and his father still talked about Xie Yang coming back after graduation to help rebuild it.
If his father had been honest from the start, Xie Yang wouldn’t have had to be so resolute.
Dad: [The village demolition isn’t confirmed yet. Don’t believe everything the villagers say. I have connections and know the situation. Don’t worry. When the time comes, transfer the house title back to me. I have a house in the old district. It’s big enough. I was planning to give it to you after graduation.]
Xie Yang smiled bitterly, angered. He didn’t want to ruin his New Year’s mood, so he mimicked his father’s style, spinning a lie: [Thanks, Dad. I was worried about having nowhere to live, but now I’m relieved. As for the house title, let’s discuss it after the New Year.]
Dad: [Come home for a meal after the New Year.]
Dad: [Your aunt keeps talking about you, worried you’re spending the holiday alone.]
Xie Yang admired his father’s audacity. Such words were not only insincere but also stirred up unpleasantness for both him and his aunt, making neither of them feel good.
Knowing full well they couldn’t stand each other, his father still lied through his teeth.
Xie Yang didn’t reply again. In a couple of days, after he moved, he’d delete and block his father’s number.
He wouldn’t even mind getting a new SIM card.
As for packing, there wasn’t much he wanted to take. The only thing he really wanted was the cherry tree in the yard, which he and his grandmother had planted together.
They had watched it grow, bit by bit.
It held special meaning for him.
The home appliances are all very old; even if sold, they’d only be worth scrap metal.
The clothes and pants are also worn out, having been washed so many times they’re faded. He has plenty of clothes now and doesn’t need these old ones.
The furniture left behind is also in poor condition, looking like a pile of broken wood.
Although the house isn’t completely bare, many items are so old they’d be useless to take along and would just end up as clutter.
Ultimately, they’re just a pile of junk that will need to be thrown away eventually.
The only thing of sentimental value left by his grandmother is a small jewelry box, which he keeps with him. It’s currently in Qi Xu’s apartment.
The only other thing is the cherry tree.
But the cherry tree is not small, and even if he managed to move it, he wouldn’t know where to plant it. The balcony in the apartment is large, but not large enough for a cherry tree.
Lost in thought, Xie Yang almost cut himself while chopping vegetables.
Around dinner time, Rong Man called him, happily asking what he was making for New Year’s Eve dinner and when he would be back in the city. She wanted to have a meal with him and her son once he returned.
Xie Yang: “I’m going back tomorrow.”
Rong Man: “So soon?”
Xie Yang: “Yeah, it’s pretty boring in the countryside.”
Rong Man: “Does the school open during the holidays?”
Xie Yang was taken aback. He had forgotten about that.
The school was on a two-month break and wouldn’t open so soon.
He wasn’t good at lying and eventually admitted he was living with his boyfriend.
Rong Man was silent for a moment.
Xie Yang softly said, “I really like him, and we’ll be together forever.”
Rong Man: “I can see that he really likes you.”
Xie Yang happily replied, “Yeah.”
After hanging up, Rong Man sent him a big red envelope on WeChat.
Rong Man: “A new year, a new beginning.”
Rong Man: “Talk to mom when you have time.”
Then she sent another red envelope.
Rong Man: “This one is for your boyfriend.”
Rong Man: “Wishing you both happiness.”
Rong Man: “Mom will always support you!”
Xie Yang accepted the red envelope.
Xie Yang: “Thanks, mom. 💗”
While busy making New Year’s Eve dinner, Aunt Wu from next door brought him a bowl of stewed lamb.
“Yang Yang, I heard from your uncle that you’re going back tomorrow?”
Xie Yang quickly took the bowl of lamb, thanking her, “Thanks, Aunt Wu. You’re too kind. Yes, I’m leaving tomorrow and probably won’t be coming back.”
Aunt Wu: “Well, if your dad finds out you gave the house to your mom, he’ll definitely cause trouble. Better not let him find you. Living at school is safer.”
Xie Yang smiled without explaining.
Aunt Wu: “By the way, I’ve seen a boy coming in and out of your house these days. Did you bring a classmate home?”
Xie Yang nodded, “Yes, he’s a classmate. He lives nearby, so he often comes over.”
Aunt Wu: “That’s good. It’s nice to have friends around.”
Xie Yang gave her the prepared New Year’s gifts.
Aunt Wu smiled, “You’re too polite.”
Xie Yang: “Thank you for looking after me all these years.”
Aunt Wu accepted the gifts, and they chatted for a while. The impending farewell made them both a bit emotional.
What Xie Yang would miss the most were his neighbors.
From the afternoon, the village grew lively.
Firecrackers kept going off, scaring the little calico cat into hiding under the sofa.
Xie Yang spent the afternoon preparing ingredients and slowly making many dishes until nightfall.
The sound of fireworks outside was deafening.
Qi Xu called just as he finished cooking.
Qi Xu: “What are you up to?”
Xie Yang: “I just finished cooking and am feeding the kitten. Look.”
Xie Yang opened the camera and sent him some pictures of the kitten.
Qi Xu: “What about you? What are you eating?”
Xie Yang: “I spent the afternoon cooking. I made braised prawns, fried fish with five spices, Dongpo pork, and my favorite fish-flavored eggplant…”
Qi Xu chuckled: “Why did you make my favorite dishes?”
Xie Yang blushed.
While planning the New Year’s Eve dinner, he kept thinking of Qi Xu’s favorite dishes.
“I did it on purpose. I wanted to show you the dishes you can’t eat.”
“Yeah, that’s it.”
Qi Xu laughed: “You’re getting bold.”
Xie Yang instantly became meek: “No, I was just joking. Don’t take it seriously.”
Beep—
A car horn sounded outside.
Xie Yang curiously looked towards the gate.
Qi Xu: “Baby, open the door.”
Xie Yang was stunned. He quickly ran to the gate and opened it.
A familiar car was parked there with its lights on, facing him.
Xie Yang ran up to him, excitedly asking, “Why are you here? Have you eaten? How long have you been here?”
Qi Xu pinched his cheek and smiled.
“I missed you, so I came.”
“A new year, of course, has to be spent with you.”
So domestic ah 💗😖