Chapter 4
Light from the morning sun trickled through the tiny slits of the blinds covering the bedroom’s French windows. The bright specs shone as they lit up the floorboards.
Due to his inner biological clock, HeLian Qing had already woken up long ago, yet he remained reclined on the bed, maintaining the same position. All this was because on this particr morning he awoke to discover the one who tried to avoid him, as well as keep a distance between them, was now deeply asleep on the pit of his stomach.
Unlike their first two interactions, which consisted mostly of polite alienation, after falling asleep Han Yang seemed to appear unimaginably more gentle. In that room, his features became indescribably soft. The corners of his mouth rose ever so slightly, as he dreamt of something quite amusing, he even acted like a spoiled kid, nuzzling against him a few times.
HeLian Qing was quite surprised by this, looking at him with interest as he awaited the sort of expression the other would have because of their unexpected positioning.
Tranted by -iana-, When writing code, Han Yang waspletely obsessed. He was so absorbed while doing this task that he didn’t even notice when someone opened the door and entered the room.
Ten minutester, Han Yang woke up. HeLian Qing’s sudden return had made his nerves a little tense, causing him to not fall asleep until it was past midnight.
Tranted by -iana-, long bangs, which often obstructed his vision, a long paper binder was taken from the printed data files he had to mp the stray hairs up.
Last night, he had a dream. He dreamt about his childhood, about his old house and his huge dog, Pang Jiaozi[1], ying in an open field. At that time, he was just eight years old so when Pang Jiaozi stood up, it was almost as tall as him. Back then when he yed with Pang Jiaozi, it would often use its head to gently brush against him, coaxing him. He in turn, would chase Pang Jiaozi around the field until his Grandpa came calling for him to return home for his meal.
Now, that dream of his younger years faded into the distance, Grandpa had be old and grey, and Pang Jiaozi, who had been at his side as he grew up, had also passed away.
Stretching out his arms then rubbing his eyes, Han Yang squinted as he stared towards the blinds where the bright light shone through wearing a bewildered expression.
Tranted by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang feltlong bangs, which often obstructed his vision, a long paper binder was taken from the printed data files he had to mp the stray embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be
Having just woken up he was a bit confused, though it was not umon for him to be in a daze for a few seconds before he becamepletely alert. After his spirit returned he was left stunned– speechless–at the sight of HeLian Qing’s hanging head staring down at him and that he was actuallyying on the other’s stomach.
Tranted by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be
Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be.
Tranted by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be
For HeLian Qing, when he saw Han Yang rubbing his eyes he knew at once the younger man had woken up. Having waited expectingly to observe his reaction, he found that Han Yang wore a nk expression as he looked ahead, face disying no emotion whatsoever at their current positions and neither did he utter a word. HeLian Qing also noticed that Han Yang who began to get off the bed, unexpectedly, stayed......
Tranted by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be
The Han Yang staring at him nkly was awfully cute, HeLian Qing thought to himself.
Tranted by -iana-, long bangs, which often obstructed his vision, a long paper binder was taken from the printed data files he had to mp the stray hairs up.
“I’m sorry.” Han Yang quickly got off his body. He did not know for how long HeLian Qing had been awake, or if he had been sleeping like that sincest night wouldn’t the other be quite tired having spent all that time holding such a posture.
Tranted by -iana-, long bangs, which often obstructed his vision, a long paper binder was taken from the printed data files he had to mp the stray hairs up.
While apologising, he couldn’t help but wonder about his dream where he was clearly hugging Pang Jiaozi, and how exactly he ended up on top of HeLian Qing, embracing him.
Tranted by -iana-, long bangs, which often obstructed his vision, a long paper binder was taken from the printed data files he had to mp the stray hairs up.
......Not only that, but also about how that man’s bad temperament wouldn’t be as good Jiaozi’s.
Tranted by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be
With his newfound freedom, HeLian Qing massaged his stiffened shoulder. In order to allow that just awakened one sleepfortably, he had kept his arm quite still. What he did not expect was Han Yang to be, well, okay. Instead, he predicted that other would arise to treat him as a ‘great scourge[2]’ before hastily retreating like always. Tch, he hasn’t run away yet, huh?
Tranted by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be
Seeing HeLian Qing rubbing his shoulders, Han Yang unintentionally said, “I didn’t mean to do it, are you okay?”
Tranted by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be
At once, HeLian Qing’s arm stopped, immediately rubbing less in an attempt to downy the action after catching a glimspe of Han Yang, “I never expected something like this to happen, yesterday you even kept your distance from me still.”
Tranted by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be
“......” Han Yang had no words, at his discovery of HeLian Qing not taking a jab at[3] him as usual.
Tranted by -iana-, long bangs, which often obstructed his vision, a long paper binder was taken from the printed data files he had to mp the stray hairs up.
Lifting the quilt, HeLian Qing got off the bed, heading to his wardrobe to look for a change of clothes. Turning around, he saw Han Yang still sitting on the bed, “I’m going to take a shower, you should go tidy yourself up so we can go grab something to eat.”
Tranted by -iana-, long bangs, which often obstructed his vision, a long paper binder was taken from the printed data files he had to mp the stray hairs up.
“Do you usually shower this early in the morning?[4]” Han Yang asked absentmindedly, regretting his question as soon as the words left his lips. He looked at the man’s face to see that, all too familiar, mocking mein emerge just as expected.
Tranted by -iana-, long bangs, which often obstructed his vision, a long paper binder was taken from the printed data files he had to mp the stray hairs up.
“I’m going to wash off the drool you left on my gut.” HeLian Qing stated before heading off to the bathroom. He said he was going to clean off my drool.
Tranted by -iana-, long bangs, which often obstructed his vision, a long paper binder was taken from the printed data files he had to mp the stray hairs up.
Immediately after the door was closed, Han Yang wiped the corners of his mouth only to realise they were in fact, dry.
Tranted by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be
‘Such a sharp-tongue’, Han Yangmented in his heart.
Tranted by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be
At noon during lunch, HeLian Qing received a phone-call, addressing the caller as, HeLian Lao Yezi, as in, HeLian Qing’s Grandfather.
[T/n: Lao Yezi is a respectful way of addressing an elderly male.]
Han Yang, even though he did not personally know HeLian Lao Yezi, he nevertheless, knew how Lao Yezi had a lot of influence in L-City’s corporate sector. This old man was quite different from his own kind Grandpa, so in his heart he couldn’t help but feel a bit nervous at that fact. Though he kept those feelings from showing on his face as he lowered his head and continued eating in silence.
“Yeah.” HeLian Qing said to the caller, his eyes then swept towards the tight-lipped student who still had not said a word, before leisurely stating, “I’m bringing your granddaughter-inw[5] back with me.”
Tranted by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be
Han Yang’s chopsticks stopped in an instant, his expression froze.
Tranted by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be
The corners of HeLian Qing’s lips rose a smidge as he added a few more sentences before hanging up his phone. cing the device down beside him, he nced at Han Yang, “Contrary to what I’d expect, you seem rather calm.”
Tranted by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be
His tone was neither soft nor hard. Unable to decipher what that meant, Han Yang raised his head to meet him face to face, “If I’m not calm would you let me go back?”
Tranted by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be
“What do you think?” HeLian Qing asked.
Tranted by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be
It was impossible to respond to such a question.
Tranted by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be
Han Yang already knew from what he witnessedst night and of what HeLian Qing said, he wouldn’t be able to back out of this asion. Also, what HeLian Qing had said earlier was actually wrong, it was not that he wasn’t nervous, just that there was nothing to be done about it even if he was, except for taking things one step at a time.
Tranted by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be
“Don’t I have to buy a gift for when I arrive?” Han Yang asked in the car, after all, it was his first time meeting them. If he brought nothing with him it woulde off very impolite, however, Han Yang himself didn’t know what he could buy. For a family as prominent as the Helian’s, and him still being a college student who hasn’t yet had a steady job, any gift he buys might seem insignificant.
Tranted by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be
“I’ll buy it, okay. Besides, soon it’ll be them who should be giving you gifts.” HeLian Qing held the steering wheel, stealing nces at Han Yang who sat beside him, “Just a bit of sweet talker[6], huh.”
Tranted by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be
“......” Han Yang’s face deadpanned.
Tranted by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be
HeLian Qing scoffed and grinned, not saying anything further.
Tranted by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be
Whenpared to the small vige he grew up in, Han Yang definitely thought HeLian Qing’s three bedroom, living room plus dining room house was already more than luxurious. But at this time, when he caught sight of the HeLian’s family home he knew it wasn’t just more extravagant, it was too extravagant.
Tranted by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be
The four storey medium-sized vi was not that tall, but it did spread to cover a wide area. Whening through the entrance one was immediately greeted by a huge courtyard about the size of a football field, in addition, beside it was a garden, a pond, and so on.
Tranted by -iana-, long bangs, which often obstructed his vision, a long paper binder was taken from the printed data files he had to mp the stray hairs up.
HeLian Qing exined that normally, due to work, he stayed in his apartment so now only his grandfather, parents as well as their servants lived in the family home.
Tranted by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be
Surely it couldn’t be each person lived on a floor of their own? Han Yang let his imagination run wild. Thinking of his family’s own tiny, one story house he couldn’t help but sigh the line, ‘As expected, from the diabolic nature of capitalists.’
Tranted by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be
After parking the car in the courtyard, HeLian Qing took out a few bags of gifts, handing them to a servant waiting nearby then brought Han Yang into the house.
A bitter, having already entered the house, only a few servants were around and neither HeLian Qing’s father nor mother were at home. Seeing HeLian Qing’s arrival they respectfully weed him, adding no unnecessary small-talk which made that extremely huge room appear cold.
Tranted by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be
Compared to this, Han Yang preferred his family’s bungalow, even though it was small and old, it had warmth,fort and joy.
Tranted by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be
“Is Lao Yezi upstairs?” HeLian Qing asked.
Tranted by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be
“Lao Yezi finished his meal then headed to his study soon after.” The servant respectfully replied.
Tranted by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be
Everyone in the house knew of Lao Yezi’s habit of heading upstairs after lunch to y chess, HeLian Qing nodde in response then pulled Han Yang up the stars at once. Surely enough, on the second floor in the study, they found Lao Yezi.
Tranted by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be
Laying eyes on Lao Yezi, Han Yang’s originally slightly rxed nerves became a tad tense yet again. Before him was HeLian Qing’s grandfather, a man who was once a top ranking leader in the business world. Compared to his own grandfather who sat in the yard and yed with children, this manpletely different.
Tranted by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang feltlong bangs, which often obstructed his vision, a long paper binder was taken from the printed data files he had to mp the stray embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be
“Grandad.” HeLian Qing called out to the old man ying chess. Han Yang was unsure on how to address the man, moving his lips to call to HeLian Lao Yezi, he just followed after HeLian Qing then stood beside him.
Tranted by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang feltlong bangs, which often obstructed his vision, a long paper binder was taken from the printed data files he had to mp the stray embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be
Lao Yezi groaned an ‘En’ in response, still not lifting his head to look at them, gaze just as it was before set on his chessboard, contemting his next move.
Tranted by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang feltlong bangs, which often obstructed his vision, a long paper binder was taken from the printed data files he had to mp the stray embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be
HeLian Qing seemed ustomed to the old man’s habit, disturbing him no more. He instead took Han Yang to sit beside him at a tea table and began steeping some tea.
Tranted by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang feltlong bangs, which often obstructed his vision, a long paper binder was taken from the printed data files he had to mp the stray embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be
While he sat making the tea, his waist and back were held straight, the sleeves of his shirt drew up slightly at his movements which were all natural and unforced, exuding an air of elegance and beauty. He then poured a cup of tea, handing it to Han Yang, who said thank you in return. Holding the cup in both hands, Han Yang gently took a sip, the warm liquid brought relief to his nerve-racked heart.
Tranted by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang feltlong bangs, which often obstructed his vision, a long paper binder was taken from the printed data files he had to mp the stray embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be
“What are you so nervous about?” HeLian Qing nced at him.
Tranted by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang feltlong bangs, which often obstructed his vision, a long paper binder was taken from the printed data files he had to mp the stray embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be
“Han Yang peeked towards where Lao YeZi yed chess all by his lonesome, whispering, “Is it okay that we’re here?”
Tranted by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang feltlong bangs, which often obstructed his vision, a long paper binder was taken from the printed data files he had to mp the stray embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be
“It’s not a problem, Lao Yezi just doesn’t like to disturbed while he’s ying chess.” HeLian Qing drank some tea, “Besides, aftering back for a few visits you’ll get used to it.”
Tranted by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang feltlong bangs, which often obstructed his vision, a long paper binder was taken from the printed data files he had to mp the stray embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be
“......” But I don’t want to.
Tranted by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang feltlong bangs, which often obstructed his vision, a long paper binder was taken from the printed data files he had to mp the stray embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be
Han Yang simply lowered his head and drank his tea, no longer uttering a word. HeLian Qing also stopped teasing him.
....................
-iana-