Waiting For You To Come Online – Chapter 50

Chapter 50: The First Day of the Lunar New Year

On the first day of the Lunar New Year, Xie Yang woke up early. He was in the kitchen making breakfast while replying to messages. Since midnight, his WeChat had been flooded with New Year greetings from friends and family. He also sent his best wishes to those close to him.

He had already packed his luggage the night before. There wasn’t anything particularly valuable, so the trunk wasn’t even full.

“Meow.”

The little tabby cat, having finished its milk, ran over to him, pawing at his pants to get his attention. Xie Yang picked it up, patted its small head, and smiled, “We’re moving to a new home.”

“Meow.”

The cat purred contentedly.

Taking advantage of Qi Xu still being asleep, Xie Yang carried the kitten back to the small ditch where he had originally found it. He looked around the area but couldn’t find any other cats.

It was the New Year, and the constant fireworks and rituals by the villagers had probably scared away the animals. Despite searching for several days, Xie Yang found no trace of the kitten’s mother.

The fish he had placed in the corner remained untouched. He had no choice but to take the little tabby cat back to the house.

Xie Yang had hoped to find the mother cat and take it along as well, but after so many days of searching in vain, he had to let go of that idea.

On the way back, he ran into Aunt Wu and chatted with her for a while, saying his goodbyes.

Knowing he was leaving that day, Aunt Wu was a bit reluctant to see him go. But farewells are a part of life, and every gathering must eventually end.

When he returned to the house, Qi Xu was already up, sitting in the yard with a look of utter despair. Xie Yang rarely saw him like this, and it was a bit amusing.

He brought out the small wontons he had made for breakfast and placed them in front of Qi Xu, “Why are you up so early? Why not sleep a bit more?”

Qi Xu’s voice was weary, “I couldn’t sleep without you there.”

Xie Yang knew he was joking, but even so, it made him blush.

Qi Xu looked visibly tired. It was the first day of the New Year, and starting from midnight, villagers had been performing rituals and setting off fireworks, making it noisy and lively. It wouldn’t quiet down for a while, and falling back asleep was even harder once woken up.

Xie Yang, on the other hand, had long been used to it after so many years. Plus, he had been so busy the day before that he fell asleep as soon as he hit the bed. The occasional fireworks and firecrackers didn’t wake him; he slept soundly.

“Meow.”

The little tabby cat meowed softly at his feet, wanting food. Xie Yang only gave it a bit of milk powder, afraid it might eat too much. They had a two-hour car ride ahead, and he wasn’t sure if the cat would get car sick. It would be a disaster if it threw up in Qi Xu’s car.

After breakfast, Xie Yang meticulously went through the house, checking for anything he might have missed and ensuring all the switches were off. Then, with a heavy heart, he locked the door.

He put the little tabby cat in a small box and placed it in the back seat of the car. But the kitten kept crying, its meows heart-wrenching, so Xie Yang let it out.

The kitten was wary of the unfamiliar surroundings, but when Xie Yang held it on his lap, it calmed down and fell asleep, comforted by his scent.

Xie Yang stroked its head, feeling a bit sad.

He rolled down the window and looked at the familiar scenery passing by, his heart heavy.

To many people, getting a substantial compensation for demolition was a good thing. It meant being able to buy a house, a car, or start a business, securing a comfortable life.

But for Xie Yang, it wasn’t just about memories. It was about losing his only home.

The car was quiet. Qi Xu didn’t disturb his thoughts.

He knew Xie Yang needed time and a quiet space more than any comfort.

Not long after, Xie Yang, holding the kitten, curled up in the passenger seat and fell asleep.

Like two stray kittens with no home, seeking warmth from each other.

Qi Xu sighed softly.

When Xie Yang woke up again, two hours had passed.

“Awake?” Qi Xu asked.

Xie Yang rubbed his tired eyes and looked curiously out the window. “Where are we?”

The scenery outside didn’t match what he had imagined for Qi Xu’s home. The road was shaded by trees, making it hard to discern their location. It wasn’t until the car emerged from the woods that Xie Yang’s view opened up to reveal a massive lake, surrounded by expansive greenery and flowers, with a huge castle nestled among the trees.

“We’re almost home,” Qi Xu said.

Hearing this, Xie Yang’s eyes widened in shock, his mind blank. He hadn’t yet processed the sight of the castle.

Seeing Xie Yang’s silence, Qi Xu asked again, “Are you hungry? Want to eat first?”

Xie Yang shook his head, feeling conflicted.

It seemed his boyfriend really was a little prince living in a castle. Did that make him the Cinderella fortunate enough to be chosen by the prince?

“Do you actually live here?” Xie Yang asked.

“Yeah, it’s just a bit far from the city center. If you’re not comfortable here, we can find somewhere else to stay,” Qi Xu replied.

Xie Yang’s heart was heavy with worry. Could a family like Qi Xu’s really accept their relationship? And he was visiting for the first time without bringing any gifts, which seemed terribly impolite. Yet, on the other hand, he felt relieved he hadn’t bought anything, fearing it would seem inadequate.

As the car entered the underground garage, Xie Yang still hadn’t recovered. He looked at Qi Xu, reluctant to move. “I’m not ready,” he said timidly.

Qi Xu held his hand, comforting him. “Don’t be scared. It’s just going home, and this is your home too.”

“My home?” Xie Yang echoed softly.

Qi Xu smiled. “Didn’t you propose to me? I accepted.”

Xie Yang blushed. “That time doesn’t count.”

Qi Xu asked, “If I proposed to you now, would you accept?”

Xie Yang hesitated, caught off guard by Qi Xu’s teasing look. He bit his lip. “I’m really nervous.”

Since it was the first day of the Lunar New Year, Qi Xu’s parents were surely at home. He couldn’t avoid this forever; he had to take this step.

Qi Xu unbuckled Xie Yang’s seatbelt and leaned in to kiss him gently. “Don’t worry. They’ve seen your photos and know you’re staying for a while. They’re excited to meet you. We don’t have strict rules, so there’s nothing to fear.”

Swallowing hard, Xie Yang asked, “What if something unexpected happens?”

“Unexpected?” Qi Xu echoed, puzzled.

“Like giving me a check to make me leave while you’re not around…” Xie Yang’s voice trailed off.

Qi Xu flicked his forehead and laughed. “How much do you think is fair? Or what would you choose? Tell me.”

Xie Yang clutched his head, embarrassed. “I’d choose you, of course.”

Qi Xu chuckled. “Whatever you want, I can give you, including money. But…”

“But what?” Xie Yang asked eagerly.

“If someone actually gives you money to leave me, you can take it as pocket money because I’m never going to break up with you. And a breakup you initiate doesn’t count.”

Xie Yang blinked, slowly processing his words.

Qi Xu sighed, pulling Xie Yang into his arms. “Stop watching those melodramatic TV dramas with Su Huai.”

Xie Yang hastily denied it. “I haven’t.”

After Qi Xu had scolded him about it once, he hadn’t watched any more silly dramas.

Qi Xu said, “It’s about time to eat. Let’s have a meal and rest for a bit.”

Xie Yang heard the fatigue in his voice and quickly nodded.

Before entering the house, Xie Yang took a deep breath, anxiously looking at Qi Xu. “Do I look okay?”

Qi Xu smiled, giving him a once-over. “You look great, very well-behaved.”

Not giving Xie Yang time to reconsider, Qi Xu took his hand and quickly led him to the first-floor hall.

Qi Xu’s mother was sitting in the living room, sipping tea, with a few guests beside her.

“Mom,” Qi Xu called out.

Xie Yang quickly greeted the elegant lady sitting in the middle, nervously stammering, “H-hello, Auntie.”

Qi’s mother looked at them as they walked in, her curious gaze fixed on Xie Yang. She nodded in satisfaction. “We were just talking about you two, and here you are.”

She then turned to the wealthy lady and her daughter sitting beside her and said to Qi Xu, “This is your Aunt Bai, and her daughter, Xiao Ran, who is the same age as you and just returned from the United States.”

Xie Yang felt a bit awkward. Since Auntie had introduced them, Qi Xu should greet them, but he only glanced at them without saying a word. Xie Yang tugged at his sleeve.

Qi Xu, with an expressionless face, said, “Hello, Auntie.”

Mrs. Bai responded softly.

Qi’s mother noticed Xie Yang tugging at Qi Xu’s sleeve, a hint of surprise in her eyes. She knew her son’s temperament well, and it was unexpected to see him being influenced like this. She smiled gently and invited Xie Yang to sit next to her.

Xie Yang looked to Qi Xu for help, feeling a bit lost.

Qi Xu led him to sit beside his mother, never letting go of his hand the entire time.

Qi’s mother had someone pour him a cup of tea and spoke kindly, “Are you tired from the journey?”

Xie Yang shyly shook his head. He wasn’t tired since he had slept the entire way, unlike Qi Xu who had driven for a long time and was probably exhausted.

Qi’s mother nodded with a smile and turned to Mrs. Bai. “This is my future daughter-in-law, who went to the same high school as Xiao Xu and is now at S University. We plan to discuss the wedding after they graduate, and we’ll definitely send you an invitation.”

Xie Yang’s eyes widened in shock as he looked at Qi Xu.

Qi Xu whispered in his ear, “I argued with her and lost, so we agreed on having the wedding after graduation.”

Xie Yang was speechless. Was that the main point?

Mrs. Bai forced a smile. “In that case, I look forward to the wedding banquet.”

Qi’s mother glanced at the time and suggested, “It’s getting late. Would you like to stay for lunch?”

Mrs. Bai stiffly replied, “No, thank you. We have other plans for lunch, so we’ll be going.”

Qi’s mother smiled slightly and instructed the butler, “See them out.”

After Mrs. Bai and her daughter left, Qi’s mother finally had a chance to talk properly with Xie Yang. She carefully observed the young man in front of her.

Clean and well-behaved was her first impression of Xie Yang.

He looked just like he did in the photos from Qi Xu’s social media—big, round eyes, pure and innocent, like a little deer, looking at her nervously and shyly.

He seemed easily bullied, and she suspected her son must have bullied him often.

Qi Xu wrapped his arm around Xie Yang’s waist and pulled him closer, complaining, “You’re going to scare him.”

Qi’s mother was speechless. She hadn’t even said anything yet, how could she have scared him?

Xie Yang quickly said, “No, no, I’m not scared,” not wanting to leave a bad impression on Auntie.

Qi’s mother moved closer and couldn’t resist pinching his cheek. So cute, she thought, this was the kind of soft, adorable son she had imagined having.

“Have you finished packing? I’ll have the butler arrange a room for you. Treat this as your own home.”

Qi Xu snorted, “He’s staying with me.”

Xie Yang couldn’t help but secretly pinch his waist. How could he say that in front of Auntie?

Qi’s mother was speechless again. Knowing her son, she thought it was unlikely he hadn’t already been intimate with Xie Yang.

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