Chapter 51
As the Lunar New Year approached, Pei Songji accompanied Jing Ciying back to his hometown.
As soon as they exited the train station, Jing Ciying’s aunt and her family were waiting.
Ruoruo, as always, rushed towards Jing Ciying, hugging him tightly. “Brother! I missed you so much!”
Jing Ciying stumbled back slightly, chuckling and ruffling her hair. “You’ve grown taller.”
“I have!” she said, then peered behind him. “Where’s the cat? Mom said you got a cat. Didn’t you bring him?”
“No, he’s timid. He doesn’t like going out.”
“Then who’s feeding him while you’re away?”
“Don’t worry, someone is taking care of him.”
“Oh, good.” She looked at Pei Songji, a puzzled expression on her face.
They had met before; she clearly recognized him. Jing Ciying guessed she was unsure how to address him.
His aunt probably hadn’t told her about their relationship yet.
He was about to tell her to call him “Brother” as well, when she asked, “Brother, what should I call him? Brother-in-law?”
Jing Ciying was startled, quickly covering her mouth. “Just call him ‘Brother,’ like me.”
“Okay.” She pulled away from him and turned to Pei Songji. “Hello, Brother.”
Pei Songji chuckled, pulling out a small, red velvet box. “Hello. A little something for you.”
“What is it?” she asked, taking the box and opening it, her eyes widening. Inside was a delicate bracelet, adorned with sparkling blue gemstones, exquisitely crafted.
The lavish gift stunned her. She looked at Jing Ciying, her eyes wide. “Brother, you’ve found yourself a sugar daddy! You…”
This time, it was her mother who covered her mouth.
“This is too much! We can’t accept this,” his aunt said, trying to return the gift.
But Pei Songji said, “Aunt, this is a meeting gift for my… little sister. And a bribe for changing her address. If she doesn’t accept it, how can I ask her to call me ‘Brother’?”
His aunt hesitated. Jing Ciying intervened, placing the bracelet back in Ruoruo’s hand. “Ruoruo, you have to call him ‘Brother’ now.”
“Brother! Brother! Brother!”
Freed from her mother’s grasp, Ruoruo repeated the word excitedly, making them all laugh.
“Alright, let’s go home, Aunt. I’m starving,” Jing Ciying said, taking his aunt’s arm.
“Yes, let’s go. I’ve prepared everything. Dinner is ready.”
As they walked, Jing Ciying glanced back to see Pei Songji, laden with bags, walking behind them with Ruoruo, who was chattering excitedly, Pei Songji listening patiently.
He caught Pei Songji’s eye, and they exchanged smiles.
Ruoruo thought they were being disgustingly sweet but refrained from commenting, mindful of her expensive gift.
Back at the apartment, his aunt and uncle started preparing dinner. Jing Ciying and Pei Songji offered to help, but they were shooed away.
“You must be tired after your journey. Ruoruo, go and get your brothers some tea.”
“Okay,” she said, then pulled out her phone. “Brother, I’ll buy you some milk tea.”
“Do you even have any money?” Jing Ciying asked, amused.
“Don’t underestimate me,” she said, showing him her WeChat balance. Over 500 yuan.
“Impressive. Aren’t you afraid of getting scolded by Mom?” Few parents approved of children spending their allowance on takeout.
She grinned. “Normally, I wouldn’t dare. But you’re here, and so is my other brother. Mom won’t scold me today.”
She handed him her phone. “Choose whatever you want.”
Jing Ciying smiled, letting Pei Songji choose first.
Neither of them liked milk tea, but they ordered some to appease Ruoruo.
Their aunt, busy in the kitchen, emerged later to find them all sipping milk tea.
She knew who was responsible. She looked at Ruoruo.
Ruoruo quickly grabbed two more cups from the table, offering one to her mother. “I ordered one for you too, Mom.”
With company present, his aunt couldn’t scold her. She smiled, pinching Ruoruo’s cheek. “Is this what you call ‘tea’?”
“Milk tea is tea too.”
“Alright, alright.” She put the milk tea down, then whispered to Ruoruo, “No allowance for a week.”
“Mom!” Ruoruo wailed.
“Come and help set the table. Dinner is ready.”
“Okay.”
Jing Ciying and Pei Songji helped carry the dishes.
The table was laden with food.
“Let’s have a toast! Welcome home!” his aunt said, signaling his uncle to fetch some alcohol.
He returned with a bottle of red wine.
“Red wine? This is a bit much, isn’t it, Aunt?” Jing Ciying said.
“It’s your first time bringing Xiao Pei home. We have to celebrate,” she said, pouring Pei Songji a glass.
Pei Songji quickly stood up and filled everyone else’s glasses.
Ruoruo also wanted some, but her mother refused. “Stick to your milk tea.”
“Just a little bit, Mom.”
“Not even a drop.”
She put the wine away and raised her glass. “Cheers! Welcome home!”
“Thank you, Aunt,” Jing Ciying said, raising his glass.
“Thank you, Aunt,” Pei Songji echoed.
She smiled, and they clinked glasses, the sound echoing in the room, like ice breaking, a new beginning.
After dinner, Ruoruo dragged Jing Ciying and her mother to the living room to watch TV, leaving Pei Songji to play chess with her father.
A romantic drama was playing, the main characters confessing their love for each other.
Ruoruo leaned closer to Jing Ciying and whispered, “Brother, have you told that brother ‘I love you’ yet?”
Jing Ciying blushed, embarrassed, and resorted to his usual threat. “If you’re bored, we can study. I don’t mind tutoring you in math.”
Ruoruo immediately quieted down.
He glanced at Pei Songji, who was watching them, mouthing the words, “What are you talking about?”
He mouthed back, “Not telling.”
Ruoruo leaned closer again. “You two are more lovey-dovey than teenagers.”
“Are you dating someone?” Jing Ciying asked, amused.
His aunt’s ears perked up. “Are you dating someone?” she asked, her voice sharp.
“No! No!” Ruoruo exclaimed, surprised by the sudden change of topic. “It’s someone else in my class.”
“Really?” her mother asked, skeptical.
“Yes! I wouldn’t lie to you!”
Although she trusted Ruoruo, she couldn’t resist launching into a lecture about the dangers of teenage romance.
Ruoruo tuned her out, vowing never to interfere in her brother and brother-in-law’s relationship again.
After dinner, Jing Ciying and Pei Songji returned to their apartment.
His aunt had wanted them to stay, but with only three bedrooms, he and Pei Songji would have to share a room, which felt awkward with his aunt present. He declined her offer.
Although Pei Songji had been to his apartment before, he hadn’t been welcome then, just observed it from afar. This was his first time inside.
It was a simple, ordinary apartment, but it felt warm and welcoming.
Although no one lived there permanently, his aunt cleaned it regularly, so it was clean and tidy.
But it was cold, partly because the heating wasn’t on, partly because it had been unoccupied for a while.
“Come in,” Jing Ciying said, after a moment of hesitation, remembering to offer Pei Songji slippers.
He gave him a tour of the apartment. “This was my grandparents’ room, this was my sister’s, and this is mine.”
His room was small, simply furnished, but it held traces of his life here: two stuffed animals from a claw machine, books scattered on the desk, a basketball in the corner, posters and stickers on the walls.
Looking around, Pei Songji could almost picture a teenage Jing Ciying living here.
“Are you cold?” Jing Ciying asked, rummaging through the closet for extra blankets, not noticing Pei Songji’s wistful expression.
“Not really,” Pei Songji replied.
The apartments above and below them had their heating on, so it wasn’t too cold.
But Jing Ciying, worried about Pei Songji, who was used to central heating, urged him to take a shower and get some rest.
They showered and then lay down in bed. Although he hadn’t slept here in a long time, a familiar comfort enveloped him.
He hadn’t liked being here alone, surrounded by memories of his lost family.
He had always considered himself strong, but in the quiet emptiness of the apartment, he realized he wasn’t.
He was scared, he was lonely, just an ordinary person trying to survive.
“What are you thinking about?” Pei Songji asked softly.
“Nothing,” he said, not wanting to admit his vulnerability. “Just… it’s a bit cold.”
Pei Songji pulled him closer, into a warm embrace. “It’s warmer like this.”
“You…” He had been about to protest, but the warmth of Pei Songji’s body was comforting.
He hugged him back.
There wasn’t much to see or do in his small hometown, so they quickly explored all the familiar places.
Pei Songji seemed surprisingly familiar with the area, and Jing Ciying remembered he had lived there for a while.
Then he realized there was one important place he hadn’t taken him to.
The cemetery.
He had met Pei Songji’s family; it was only fair to introduce him to his own.
He took him to the cemetery.
He had been there alone last time. Now, Pei Songji was by his side.
He placed his parents’ favorite things before their graves. “Mom, Dad, I’m here. And I brought someone with me. This is Pei Songji.”
Although addressing tombstones, Pei Songji said politely, “Hello, Uncle, Aunt.”
“He’s my… boyfriend. You must be surprised. But it’s true. I know this isn’t what you expected, but I hope you’ll… bless us.”
“Don’t worry about me. I’ve found someone I want to spend my life with. I’m happy.”
“You always said happiness is what matters most, so you would approve, right?”
“I might be moving to Lincheng permanently, but I’ll visit you every year. I was born here. I have so many happy memories here. This place is like an old treasure chest, filled with memories I cherish.”
“I’m doing well now. Really. There was a difficult period, but it’s over. I believe things will only get better from now on.”
“I just… I miss you. And I miss my sister.”
“If you miss me too, send me a dream. But no scolding, please. I just want your blessings.”
“Or just… visit me. That’s enough.”
He continued talking, his voice a soft murmur, until it was almost dark. He checked his watch. Almost 7:00 pm.
“It’s getting late. We should go.”
“Okay.” Pei Songji placed the flowers he had brought before their graves.
“Don’t worry,” he whispered to the tombstones. “I’ll take care of him.”
There was no response, of course.
But as they turned to leave, a gentle breeze, unlike the usual harsh winter wind, swept past them, warm and comforting, like an embrace.
Jing Ciying, feeling a sudden reluctance to leave, turned back.
“Goodbye, Mom, Dad,” he whispered.
A dried leaf swirled in the wind, as if in response.
Jing Ciying was quiet and withdrawn after their visit to the cemetery. Pei Songji knew he was missing his family, the upcoming New Year amplifying his loneliness. He tried to distract him, keeping him busy.
The next morning, he took him to pick up Ruoruo, and they went shopping for New Year decorations and snacks.
Ruoruo, delighted, dragged Jing Ciying to the snack aisle, while Pei Songji bought decorations: ribbons, lights, couplets, and paper cuttings.
Back at the apartment, Ruoruo was eager to start decorating.
Jing Ciying noticed something.
The apartment felt much warmer than usual.
Although the neighboring apartments had their heating on, it had never been this warm before.
“Is the heating on?” he asked.
“I had someone pay the bill,” Pei Songji replied.
“But we’re only staying for a few days,” Jing Ciying said, thinking it was unnecessary.
Pei Songji understood. “We’re celebrating New Year’s here. I want you to be warm and comfortable.”
Jing Ciying couldn’t argue with that. He took off his coat and joined Ruoruo in decorating the apartment.
They spent the afternoon transforming the space, hanging red paper cuttings with auspicious characters on the doors and windows, stringing colorful ribbons and lights, the festive decorations dispelling the usual coldness, filling the apartment with warmth and cheer.
“It looks so festive! Like a wedding room!” Ruoruo exclaimed.
Jing Ciying wanted to gag her.
But Pei Songji, to his annoyance, agreed. “It does.”
He wanted to throw them both out, but he couldn’t, so he stuffed their mouths with snacks.
The sounds of firecrackers intensified as New Year’s Eve approached.
They spent the day at his aunt’s apartment. Firecrackers exploded from early morning, his aunt made dumplings in the kitchen, he and his uncle hung spring couplets, and Ruoruo joined the other children outside, setting off firecrackers.
As dusk settled, fireworks bloomed in the darkening sky.
His aunt called them for dinner.
Ruoruo, who had been playing video games with Jing Ciying, put down her phone. “Brother, dinner’s ready!” Then, remembering her manners, she added, “Brother Songji, dinner’s ready!”
“Coming,” they said, joining her at the dining table, which was laden with food.
It was an even more lavish spread than before, the dishes overflowing, leaving no space on the table.
Jing Ciying didn’t know where to begin.
“Aunt, this is too much,” he said.
“Of course! It’s our first New Year’s together as a family,” she said, including Pei Songji in their circle.
He glanced at Pei Songji, who was beaming.
“Cheers to our first New Year’s together!” Jing Ciying said, raising his glass.
“Cheers!” everyone echoed.
“Alright, eat up,” his aunt said.
They all started eating, but despite their best efforts, they couldn’t finish everything. They did finish the alcohol, however.
Jing Ciying, caught up in the festive spirit, had drunk more than usual and was feeling slightly tipsy.
He had planned to stay and watch the New Year’s Gala, but his aunt, seeing his state, suggested Pei Songji take him home.
It wasn’t far, so he refused a car ride, and Pei Songji, holding his hand, walked him home.
The streets were quiet, most people at home celebrating with their families. They walked hand in hand, no longer needing to hide their affection.
Jing Ciying seemed happy, staring at their intertwined hands.
“Why are you staring at our hands?” Pei Songji asked, amused.
“Nothing,” Jing Ciying chuckled, his words slightly slurred. “Just… happy. My aunt said we’re family now.”
“Me too,” Pei Songji said softly.
“Family,” Jing Ciying repeated, giggling.
They arrived at his apartment. Pei Songji helped him take off his coat. “Do you want to go to bed?”
“No, I want to watch the gala.”
“Okay.”
“Together.”
“Okay, we’ll watch it together,” Pei Songji said, turning on the TV.
Jing Ciying brought snacks from the refrigerator, and they sat on the sofa, watching the gala.
The apartment was warm and cozy, decorated with festive ribbons and paper cuttings, the sounds of fireworks echoing outside.
Jing Ciying, still tipsy, started to feel sleepy, but he refused to go to bed, insisting on watching the gala with Pei Songji.
“You like the gala that much?” Pei Songji asked, amused.
Jing Ciying yawned. “No.”
“Then why?”
“I’ll tell you later.”
Pei Songji didn’t know what he meant by “later,” but he was happy to wait.
The fireworks intensified, and the countdown began on TV.
“Ten, nine, eight, seven…”
“Happy New Year!” Jing Ciying said, turning and kissing Pei Songji softly as the clock struck midnight.
It was a quick, light kiss, and Pei Songji was still processing it when Jing Ciying pulled away.
“Happy New Year,” Pei Songji replied, his hand instinctively going to his lips, the warmth of the kiss lingering.
The New Year seemed to have re-energized Jing Ciying, his eyes clearing.
He looked around the apartment, transformed by the festive decorations. “I understand now,” he said. “You were afraid I was dwelling on the past, so you wanted to create new memories here, fill this place with… ‘us.'”
“You figured it out,” Pei Songji said, smiling.
“Of course. I’m not stupid.”
“So, do you have new memories now?”
Jing Ciying looked at him, his eyes filled with affection. “Yes. And we’ll create many more, right here, in this… home.”
“Good.” Pei Songji leaned in and kissed him, a long, slow kiss under the exploding fireworks.
“Our first New Year’s together,” he whispered, his gaze locked on Jing Ciying’s. “And we’ll be together for many more to come.”
Jing Ciying, although still slightly tipsy, felt a warmth spreading through him. “Happy New Year, boyfriend,” he murmured.
