CM: C15

Chapter: 15 | Chapter Fifteen

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Chapter Fifteen

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This novel was posted on cnt18 [dot] blogsp0t [dot] com, by anasiana. If you're not reading it there, you get what you get ￣へ￣)

Chapter Pic

_{The small boy removed the hands covering his face. So now on that pale little face, only the nose had a bright red hue. He must've knocked into Helian Qing's leg.}
Han Yang did not have a class the following day, so when his biological clock prompted him to wake up that morning, he noticed Helian Qing was still asleep as well, even though, around this time, that man normally would have already left for work.

The small boy removed the hands covering his face. So now on that pale little face, only the nose had a bright red hue. He must've knocked into Helian Qing's leg.

_{Grandpa, in turn, responded by also repeatedly urging Han Yang to do the same. Afterwards, he asked the same question just as he had always done in the past during their calls, "Xiao Yang, are you dating anyone over there?"}
"Helian Qing." Han Yang shook the man, "Hurry and get up, you'll be late for work."

Grandpa, in turn, responded by also repeatedly urging Han Yang to do the same. Afterwards, he asked the same question just as he had always done in the past during their calls, "Xiao Yang, are you dating anyone over there?"

_{"Ow!" The little boy who bumped his nose cried out in pain, "I hit my nose!"}"Shopping then?" Han Yang suggested.

"Ow!" The little boy who bumped his nose cried out in pain, "I hit my nose!"

_{After the movie, the two went out for dinner then returned home.}"I understand, don't worry." Han Yang soon heard the shower stop, so he said a few more words to Grandpa before he hung up the phone.

After the movie, the two went out for dinner then returned home.

_{Han Yang took the cup of milk and began drinking it.}Done with cleaning himself up, he returned to the bedroom to the sight of a missing Helian Qing. Alerted by a sound from outside the bedroom, he then went out to investigate only to find Helian Qing in the kitchen, still wearing his pyjamas.

Han Yang took the cup of milk and began drinking it.

_{When Helian Qing's lips were merely a couple of centimetres away from his own, Han Yang spoke up, "Kids nowadays are too outrageous! How can they just casually kiss someone, huh?!"}
"I'm not going today, so stop being so noisy." Helian Qing moved and hugged the younger man tighter.

When Helian Qing's lips were merely a couple of centimetres away from his own, Han Yang spoke up, "Kids nowadays are too outrageous! How can they just casually kiss someone, huh?!"

_{Helian Qing did not utter a word. He simply turned his back to the lad, before heading up the mountain path. Han Yang stuck out his tongue from behind him, then proceeded to catch up to him.}When the two were done getting ready, they left.

Helian Qing did not utter a word. He simply turned his back to the lad, before heading up the mountain path. Han Yang stuck out his tongue from behind him, then proceeded to catch up to him.

_{Han Yang chuckled softly, then again said, "Goodnight."}"Maybe we could go play..." Han Yang stopped mid-sentence, his line of sight glued towards the scenery beyond the car's window, as he noticed the leaves of the Ginkgo trees has all turned yellow. The roadside was now blanketed in a thin film of leaves, and was very beautiful. During this time, he had been so preoccupied with his situation with Helian Qing that he had all but forgotten it was already November, and the season of admiring the changing Ginkgo trees had arrived.

Han Yang chuckled softly, then again said, "Goodnight."

_{"Who confessed to you, huh!" Han Yang held his forehead. {That was only a suggestion, wasn't it?}}Both sides of the path were lined with ginkgo trees. In that moment, the wind blew, causing a few leaves to fall, covering the ground in a layer of gold and for the air to fill with a warm fragrance.

"Who confessed to you, huh!" Han Yang held his forehead. That was only a suggestion, wasn't it?

_{Finally, they made it all the way to the top. There were a lot more people there, and just as Helian Qing stepped off the stairs, a kid ran straight into him out of nowhere. His hands then quickly darted to catch the kid, in order to keep the little one from falling.}
"Is it really okay for you to skip work like this?" Han Yang questioned.

Finally, they made it all the way to the top. There were a lot more people there, and just as Helian Qing stepped off the stairs, a kid ran straight into him out of nowhere. His hands then quickly darted to catch the kid, in order to keep the little one from falling.

_{Han Yang took the cup of milk and began drinking it.}
Now peeved by his pestering, Helian Qing propped his head up with his arm and looked at the younger man with displeasure, "Last night you confessed to me but today you're pushing me to go to work? What is it you really want to do, hm?"

Han Yang took the cup of milk and began drinking it.

_{Seeming to be around four years old, the kid looked at Han Yang, blinking his eyes, before miserably wailing, "Waaah! I want {Big Brother} to kiss it." pouting and leaning closer towards Han Yang after he said so. A large hand, Helian Qing's, blocked him and covered his face.}"CLICK——"

Seeming to be around four years old, the kid looked at Han Yang, blinking his eyes, before miserably wailing, "Waaah! I want Big Brother to kiss it." pouting and leaning closer towards Han Yang after he said so. A large hand, Helian Qing's, blocked him and covered his face.

_{"Good, good, that's good." Grandpa laughed gaily, "Don't forget to be extra careful when you're outside, you understand don't you?"}Noticing he was not kissing Big Brother, the little boy raised his head, looking towards Helian Qing who flashed him a grim smile, and said, "Don't go around kissing so casually. Believe it or not, wouldn't sticking out your mouth get it bumped by accident too?"

"Good, good, that's good." Grandpa laughed gaily, "Don't forget to be extra careful when you're outside, you understand don't you?"

_{Han Yang squatted down and patted the young one, asking, "Where did you get bumped, let {Uncle} have a look."}Seeing Han Yang praising him, the kid giggled a couple of times, then suddenly reached out his little hands to seize Han Yang's face and smack him with a kiss.

Han Yang squatted down and patted the young one, asking, "Where did you get bumped, let Uncle have a look."

_{"Let's go watch the Ginkgo trees." Helian Qing suddenly declared.}
"Who confessed to you, huh!" Han Yang held his forehead. That was only a suggestion, wasn't it?

"Let's go watch the Ginkgo trees." Helian Qing suddenly declared.

_{As he gazed at the continuous and unceasing stretch of gold laid out ahead of him, the wind again blew some leaves into the air, swirling them around a few times, before allowing them the fall on his shoulders. This act made him suddenly experience a sobering sense of peace.}"CLICK——"

As he gazed at the continuous and unceasing stretch of gold laid out ahead of him, the wind again blew some leaves into the air, swirling them around a few times, before allowing them the fall on his shoulders. This act made him suddenly experience a sobering sense of peace.

_{"I got better already." Han Yang proclaimed as he took the milk, "When watching a movie, you have to eat popcorn. Otherwise, it'd just be boring."}
"Dried salted fish."Helian Qing sneered.

"I got better already." Han Yang proclaimed as he took the milk, "When watching a movie, you have to eat popcorn. Otherwise, it'd just be boring."

_{Prompting him to capture one of those leaves and raise the bit of fallen ember towards the sky. Sunlight soon shone through the lifted frond, the rays then falling onto his face, making his eyes squint and the corners of his lips expose a faint smile.}Helian Qing, paying no mind to the other man, turned off the stove before pouring the contents of the pot into a nearby cup.

Prompting him to capture one of those leaves and raise the bit of fallen ember towards the sky. Sunlight soon shone through the lifted frond, the rays then falling onto his face, making his eyes squint and the corners of his lips expose a faint smile.

_{It was milk.}
"But aren't you the one who fell for a salted fish?" Han Yang retorted.

It was milk.

_{The milk had just a bit of sugar added, giving it a faintly sweetened taste, which so happened to be just how he preferred it. Slipping down his throat, the warm liquid flowed into his gut, making the that place nice and warm, and gave him a very comforting feeling.}"I'm not going today, so stop being so noisy." Helian Qing moved and hugged the younger man tighter.

The milk had just a bit of sugar added, giving it a faintly sweetened taste, which so happened to be just how he preferred it. Slipping down his throat, the warm liquid flowed into his gut, making the that place nice and warm, and gave him a very comforting feeling.

_{"Huh? Didn't you decide that already?" Han Yang turned to look at him. Based on the man's words earlier that morning, he thought the other had made plans beforehand.}When Helian Qing's lips were merely a couple of centimetres away from his own, Han Yang spoke up, "Kids nowadays are too outrageous! How can they just casually kiss someone, huh?!"

"Huh? Didn't you decide that already?" Han Yang turned to look at him. Based on the man's words earlier that morning, he thought the other had made plans beforehand.

_{"Does it hurt?" Han Yang asked as he touched the child's nose gently.}At bedtime, Han Yang continuously thought about how he should tell his grandpa about his situation with Helian Qing. Grandpa spent his entire life in their small village, so it was uncertain whether a man marrying another man was something he could accept. Thus, all he could wish for, was to not scare the elderly man too much.

"Does it hurt?" Han Yang asked as he touched the child's nose gently.

_{"Why are you so antsy? There'll be more for you to see later." Helian Qing commented.}
"Oh, you've even got backchats now, huh?" Helian Qing raised his chin before asking, "Then, do you know what people courting each other do right?"

"Why are you so antsy? There'll be more for you to see later." Helian Qing commented.

_{春宵苦短日高起，从此君王不早朝:Spring night(late night rendezvous) bitterly cut bitterly short by sunrise, from then on the king no longer attended his morning court.}"Let's go watch the Ginkgo trees." Helian Qing suddenly declared.

春宵苦短日高起，从此君王不早朝:Spring night(late night rendezvous) bitterly cut bitterly short by sunrise, from then on the king no longer attended his morning court. [A basic interpretation by me, poems are tricky][]This is a line from the poem "長恨歌 ： The Song of Everlasting Regret" by Bai Juyi(白居易) in 806BCE. The poem is about the Tang Dynasty Emperor, Xuanzhong, and his Imperial Consort, Yang Guifei (She is one of the Four Great Beauties of Ancient China btw). The emperor favoured Yang Guifei so much that after she became his consort he would "never again attend a morning court" after their late-night rendezvous~[]So you could see the comparison HY is making after HLQ ditches work after their night of confessions -- I mean "suggestions" 😉[]Anyway, it's a sad poem, and a very famous one if you were wondering. Links to the Wikisource page and two translated versions are below if you want to read more.[]boo []If you do read the poem please note: The An-Lushan/An-shi Rebellion(安史之乱) occurred during this period. An Lushan was a general respected by the aforementioned Emperor and favoured by Yang Guifei (like a son...😶), he later went on to create his short-lived Yan Dynasty after rebelling from the Tang Dynasty. You should probably read up on this first for context. []银杏: yín xìng: lit. silver apricot, aka, Ginkgo/Maidenhair (tree). Pic above. As the only remaining species of its kind and one of the world's living fossils, the Ginkgo tree during autumn is known for its frond-like leaves turning a bright golden yellow in a very short span of time before they fall (10-15 days). [] 出息: chū xī: to have promise/potential. 没出息 is it's antonym which means no potential, or good for nothing. []^4. 姜汁牛奶: jiang zhi niu nai: ginger milk (curd).Pic:[]"Uncle/Big Brother" are just ways to refer to yourself or be referred to by/with someone younger.[]iana: my heart... my precious little heart can-NOT (/∇＼*)｡o○♡💞

_{Since this was a date, they were certainly unlikely to end it in the middle of the day, so the two headed back to the city to go see a movie.} Why does this give me a sort of "With a high risen sun bitterly cutting their Nights of Spring short; from then on his Majesty no longer attended his morning court" kind of feeling... Han Yang wondered. He then shook the thoughts away, rested his head atop his pillow and went back to sleep as well.

Since this was a date, they were certainly unlikely to end it in the middle of the day, so the two headed back to the city to go see a movie.

_{Both sides of the path were lined with ginkgo trees. In that moment, the wind blew, causing a few leaves to fall, covering the ground in a layer of gold and for the air to fill with a warm fragrance.}
"What do they do?" Han Yang asked without any shyness and wholeheartedly as well.

Both sides of the path were lined with ginkgo trees. In that moment, the wind blew, causing a few leaves to fall, covering the ground in a layer of gold and for the air to fill with a warm fragrance.

_{"I got better already." Han Yang proclaimed as he took the milk, "When watching a movie, you have to eat popcorn. Otherwise, it'd just be boring."}"Date." Helian Qing stated, before laying back down and hugging the younger man once more, "Let's sleep for a bit longer, why do you have to be so troublesome this early in the morning?"

"I got better already." Han Yang proclaimed as he took the milk, "When watching a movie, you have to eat popcorn. Otherwise, it'd just be boring."

_{Those people around them, more or less, threw a few curious glances, however in that moment Han Yang did not pay them the slightest bit of attention.}
"Date." Helian Qing stated, before laying back down and hugging the younger man once more, "Let's sleep for a bit longer, why do you have to be so troublesome this early in the morning?"

Those people around them, more or less, threw a few curious glances, however in that moment Han Yang did not pay them the slightest bit of attention.

_{Han Yang, "..."}The milk had just a bit of sugar added, giving it a faintly sweetened taste, which so happened to be just how he preferred it. Slipping down his throat, the warm liquid flowed into his gut, making the that place nice and warm, and gave him a very comforting feeling.

Han Yang, "..."

_{Helian Qing mouthed, his eyes fixed on the just taken photograph.}Helian Qing's face darkened immediately. Upon seeing that, the young woman promptly apologised before taking the boy into her arms then leave.

Helian Qing mouthed, his eyes fixed on the just taken photograph.

_{Han Yang did not have a class the following day, so when his biological clock prompted him to wake up that morning, he noticed Helian Qing was still asleep as well, even though, around this time, that man normally would have already left for work.}Those people around them, more or less, threw a few curious glances, however in that moment Han Yang did not pay them the slightest bit of attention.

Han Yang did not have a class the following day, so when his biological clock prompted him to wake up that morning, he noticed Helian Qing was still asleep as well, even though, around this time, that man normally would have already left for work.

_{Han Yang turned his head to look in the direction of the little boy, now waving at him, then lifted his hand to the place where the little fella had kissed, unable to help himself from smiling.}
Why does this give me a sort of "With a high risen sun bitterly cutting their Nights of Spring short; from then on his Majesty no longer attended his morning court"^[1] kind of feeling... Han Yang wondered. He then shook the thoughts away, rested his head atop his pillow and went back to sleep as well.

Han Yang turned his head to look in the direction of the little boy, now waving at him, then lifted his hand to the place where the little fella had kissed, unable to help himself from smiling.

_{To which Helian Qing waved him off, then said, "Don't block the tree."}Han Yang did not have a class the following day, so when his biological clock prompted him to wake up that morning, he noticed Helian Qing was still asleep as well, even though, around this time, that man normally would have already left for work.

To which Helian Qing waved him off, then said, "Don't block the tree."

_{A scoff sounded beside him, causing Han Yang to look back and see an expressionless Helian Qing staring down him.}With the help of Helian Qing's teasing, Han Yang thoughts were no longer in knots in how he would lay out all his cards on the table for his grandfather. Gradually, his eyes began to close, and soon, he had completely fallen asleep.

A scoff sounded beside him, causing Han Yang to look back and see an expressionless Helian Qing staring down him.

_{Han Yang, "Goodnight, Princess Qing."}
Later that day, when the two rose again, it was already ten in the morning. Helian Qing went to wash up first, while Han Yang went to change his clothes. After Helian Qing was finished, he was able to go wash up too.

Han Yang, "Goodnight, Princess Qing."

_{The kid, "..."}
Done with cleaning himself up, he returned to the bedroom to the sight of a missing Helian Qing. Alerted by a sound from outside the bedroom, he then went out to investigate only to find Helian Qing in the kitchen, still wearing his pyjamas.

The kid, "..."

_{Since Han Yang started university, he had only been preoccupied with studying and working as a private tutor, so there was no way for him to simply forsake those responsibilities for other activities. Then later, he worked on programming projects with his mentor, which again left him with no extra time.}"Really?" Helian Qing seized the lad's waist with his hand, pulling that person into his embrace, then leaned closer to his ear to say, "If you really can't sleep, I don't mind doing something else."

Since Han Yang started university, he had only been preoccupied with studying and working as a private tutor, so there was no way for him to simply forsake those responsibilities for other activities. Then later, he worked on programming projects with his mentor, which again left him with no extra time. Thus, after being in L-City for two whole years, this was his first time going out to view the falling maidenhair leaves.

_{"Aren't you going to drink some?" Han Yang asked while cupping the drink within his hands.}"I'm not going today, so stop being so noisy." Helian Qing moved and hugged the younger man tighter.

"Aren't you going to drink some?" Han Yang asked while cupping the drink within his hands.

_{Since Han Yang started university, he had only been preoccupied with studying and working as a private tutor, so there was no way for him to simply forsake those responsibilities for other activities. Then later, he worked on programming projects with his mentor, which again left him with no extra time.}
"Are you making breakfast? I can do that." Actually, Han Yang was scared the man would burn the pot, so he went over to help him at once.

Since Han Yang started university, he had only been preoccupied with studying and working as a private tutor, so there was no way for him to simply forsake those responsibilities for other activities. Then later, he worked on programming projects with his mentor, which again left him with no extra time. Thus, after being in L-City for two whole years, this was his first time going out to view the falling maidenhair leaves.

_{Chapter Fifteen}
Helian Qing, paying no mind to the other man, turned off the stove before pouring the contents of the pot into a nearby cup.

Chapter Fifteen

_{When the two were done getting ready, they left.}"..." Han Yang then rebutted, "You think too much."

When the two were done getting ready, they left.

_{Helian Qing groaned in affirmation, swung the car around the corner, then headed in the other direction.}Han Yang squatted down and patted the young one, asking, "Where did you get bumped, let Uncle have a look."

Helian Qing groaned in affirmation, swung the car around the corner, then headed in the other direction.

_{Later that day, when the two rose again, it was already ten in the morning. Helian Qing went to wash up first, while Han Yang went to change his clothes. After Helian Qing was finished, he was able to go wash up too.}
It was milk.

Later that day, when the two rose again, it was already ten in the morning. Helian Qing went to wash up first, while Han Yang went to change his clothes. After Helian Qing was finished, he was able to go wash up too.

_{Both sides of the path were lined with ginkgo trees. In that moment, the wind blew, causing a few leaves to fall, covering the ground in a layer of gold and for the air to fill with a warm fragrance.}How can that be considered drinking, huh! Han Yang's face became heated. With a lowered head, he then finished his milk and pretended whatever that was—never happened. Though contrarily, his heart thumped and thumped, as it skipped incessantly.

Both sides of the path were lined with ginkgo trees. In that moment, the wind blew, causing a few leaves to fall, covering the ground in a layer of gold and for the air to fill with a warm fragrance.

_{After the movie, the two went out for dinner then returned home.}Helian Qing, "Do you really want to not sleep tonight?"

After the movie, the two went out for dinner then returned home.

_{"Where do you want to go?" Helian Qing asked in return.}When Helian Qing's lips were merely a couple of centimetres away from his own, Han Yang spoke up, "Kids nowadays are too outrageous! How can they just casually kiss someone, huh?!"

"Where do you want to go?" Helian Qing asked in return.

_{Seeming to be around four years old, the kid looked at Han Yang, blinking his eyes, before miserably wailing, "Waaah! I want Big Brother to kiss it." pouting and leaning closer towards Han Yang after he said so. A large hand, Helian Qing's, blocked him and covered his face.}
The man then placed the used pot into the sink, his back still facing Han Yang as he spoke, "Drink the milk, we'll head out for something to eat in a little while."

Seeming to be around four years old, the kid looked at Han Yang, blinking his eyes, before miserably wailing, "Waaah! I want Big Brother to kiss it." pouting and leaning closer towards Han Yang after he said so. A large hand, Helian Qing's, blocked him and covered his face.

_{After the movie, the two went out for dinner then returned home.}"Why are you so antsy? There'll be more for you to see later." Helian Qing commented.

After the movie, the two went out for dinner then returned home.

_{Tossing the leaf away, Han Yang walked ahead on his own, using his phone to take pictures of the nearby surroundings as he went on. Although Helian Qing brought a camera, he was not that good at using it, and might as well had just used his phone which was less trouble.}Since this was a date, they were certainly unlikely to end it in the middle of the day, so the two headed back to the city to go see a movie.

Tossing the leaf away, Han Yang walked ahead on his own, using his phone to take pictures of the nearby surroundings as he went on. Although Helian Qing brought a camera, he was not that good at using it, and might as well had just used his phone which was less trouble.

_{A newly built eight storey tower crowned the top of the location. Its stepped path adorned with more Maidenhair trees as it went up, creating a truly beautiful view. Quite a number of people had come out for recreation, as well as checking out the sights. Han Yang was no different than them, and Helian Qing went up with him.}"I'm not going today, so stop being so noisy." Helian Qing moved and hugged the younger man tighter.

A newly built eight storey tower crowned the top of the location. Its stepped path adorned with more Maidenhair trees as it went up, creating a truly beautiful view. Quite a number of people had come out for recreation, as well as checking out the sights. Han Yang was no different than them, and Helian Qing went up with him.

_{The man then placed the used pot into the sink, his back still facing Han Yang as he spoke, "Drink the milk, we'll head out for something to eat in a little while."}
Han Yang took the cup of milk and began drinking it.

The man then placed the used pot into the sink, his back still facing Han Yang as he spoke, "Drink the milk, we'll head out for something to eat in a little while."

_Mine."Are you making breakfast? I can do that." Actually, Han Yang was scared the man would burn the pot, so he went over to help him at once.

Mine.

_{Helian Qing mouthed, his eyes fixed on the just taken photograph.}Han Yang turned to look at him and saw the man's focus fixed straight ahead, as he drove the car. Seeing this, he took the opportunity to smile a little, "Alright, you can take me."

Helian Qing mouthed, his eyes fixed on the just taken photograph.

_{The milk had just a bit of sugar added, giving it a faintly sweetened taste, which so happened to be just how he preferred it. Slipping down his throat, the warm liquid flowed into his gut, making the that place nice and warm, and gave him a very comforting feeling.}Princess Qing, your decision was indeed very capricious!

The milk had just a bit of sugar added, giving it a faintly sweetened taste, which so happened to be just how he preferred it. Slipping down his throat, the warm liquid flowed into his gut, making the that place nice and warm, and gave him a very comforting feeling.

_{Han Yang did not say a word. His back remained pressed against the tree trunk, while his eyes were trained on Helian Qing, who moved even closer.}
The milk had just a bit of sugar added, giving it a faintly sweetened taste, which so happened to be just how he preferred it. Slipping down his throat, the warm liquid flowed into his gut, making the that place nice and warm, and gave him a very comforting feeling.

Han Yang did not say a word. His back remained pressed against the tree trunk, while his eyes were trained on Helian Qing, who moved even closer.

_{Han Yang's fingers twitched, but he did not struggle, as he simply followed him.}Unaccustomed to having his picture taken, Han Yang stretched out his hand to block its view, "Don't take my picture."

Han Yang's fingers twitched, but he did not struggle, as he simply followed him.

_{"But here is beautiful too!" Han Yang replied as he took out his phone to take a few pictures.}Han Yang, "..."

"But here is beautiful too!" Han Yang replied as he took out his phone to take a few pictures.

_{"Fine." Han Yang could only compliantly nod.}The Ginkgo trees on the other side of the mountain had already lost more than half of their leaves, so there were hardly any people there. The further they went in, the more peaceful it became. As they kept walking, soon the only ones left were Han Yang and Helian Qing.

"Fine." Han Yang could only compliantly nod.

_{What the something else was referring to, Han Yang could guess without much thought!!}
"Aren't you going to drink some?" Han Yang asked while cupping the drink within his hands.

What the something else was referring to, Han Yang could guess without much thought!!

_{"Where are we going?" Han Yang asked.}Han Yang did not have a class the following day, so when his biological clock prompted him to wake up that morning, he noticed Helian Qing was still asleep as well, even though, around this time, that man normally would have already left for work.

"Where are we going?" Han Yang asked.

_{Noticing he was not kissing Big Brother, the little boy raised his head, looking towards Helian Qing who flashed him a grim smile, and said, "Don't go around kissing so casually. Believe it or not, wouldn't sticking out your mouth get it bumped by accident too?"}
Helian Qing put the washed pot aside, then turned to face the lad. Moving towards him before lowering his head to lick the traces of milk that stained the shorter man's lips, declaring, "Now I drank some. Tastes good."

Noticing he was not kissing Big Brother, the little boy raised his head, looking towards Helian Qing who flashed him a grim smile, and said, "Don't go around kissing so casually. Believe it or not, wouldn't sticking out your mouth get it bumped by accident too?"

_{Han Yang chased after him, "That was just a kid, you can't be so petty that even this..."}"Huh? Didn't you decide that already?" Han Yang turned to look at him. Based on the man's words earlier that morning, he thought the other had made plans beforehand.

Han Yang chased after him, "That was just a kid, you can't be so petty that even this..."

_{"Ow!" The little boy who bumped his nose cried out in pain, "I hit my nose!"}"But here is beautiful too!" Han Yang replied as he took out his phone to take a few pictures.

"Ow!" The little boy who bumped his nose cried out in pain, "I hit my nose!"

_{Han Yang originally intended to buy some popcorn, but Helian Qing prohibited it, citing his stomach still being not fully recovered as his reason. In the end, he bought the lad a cup of warm ginger-milk^[4].}He held Han Yang's lips gently between his own, skirting the outline of the boy's, bit by bit, simply lingering on the space between them, without penetration. His hand, which originally propped itself above the smaller man's head, now descended. His fingers interlacing between the spaces of the smaller man's, gripping them firmly.

Han Yang originally intended to buy some popcorn, but Helian Qing prohibited it, citing his stomach still being not fully recovered as his reason. In the end, he bought the lad a cup of warm ginger-milk^[4].

_{Han Yang turned to look at him and saw the man's focus fixed straight ahead, as he drove the car. Seeing this, he took the opportunity to smile a little, "Alright, you can take me."}
How can that be considered drinking, huh! Han Yang's face became heated. With a lowered head, he then finished his milk and pretended whatever that was—never happened. Though contrarily, his heart thumped and thumped, as it skipped incessantly.

Han Yang turned to look at him and saw the man's focus fixed straight ahead, as he drove the car. Seeing this, he took the opportunity to smile a little, "Alright, you can take me."

_{Han Yang chased after him, "That was just a kid, you can't be so petty that even this..."}
When the two were done getting ready, they left.

Han Yang chased after him, "That was just a kid, you can't be so petty that even this..."

_{"{CLICK}——"}Seeming to be around four years old, the kid looked at Han Yang, blinking his eyes, before miserably wailing, "Waaah! I want Big Brother to kiss it." pouting and leaning closer towards Han Yang after he said so. A large hand, Helian Qing's, blocked him and covered his face.

"CLICK——"

_{So, Han Yang grabbed his hand, pulled it out, then spat out two words, "Good night."}Seeming to be around four years old, the kid looked at Han Yang, blinking his eyes, before miserably wailing, "Waaah! I want Big Brother to kiss it." pouting and leaning closer towards Han Yang after he said so. A large hand, Helian Qing's, blocked him and covered his face.

So, Han Yang grabbed his hand, pulled it out, then spat out two words, "Good night."

_{A scoff sounded beside him, causing Han Yang to look back and see an expressionless Helian Qing staring down him.}
"Where are we going?" Han Yang asked.

A scoff sounded beside him, causing Han Yang to look back and see an expressionless Helian Qing staring down him.

_{Han Yang, "..."}
"To eat." Helian Qing replied simply.

Han Yang, "..."

_{"It's no problem." Han Yang smiled, raising his hand to stroke the little one's head, "He's very cute."}"Huh? Didn't you decide that already?" Han Yang turned to look at him. Based on the man's words earlier that morning, he thought the other had made plans beforehand.

"It's no problem." Han Yang smiled, raising his hand to stroke the little one's head, "He's very cute."

_{"Let's go watch the Ginkgo trees." Helian Qing suddenly declared.}"I was here a few years ago. Back then, the tower wasn't built as yet." Helian Qing hung the camera from his arm, then took out a thermos bottle from his bag and handed it to Han Yang.

"Let's go watch the Ginkgo trees." Helian Qing suddenly declared.

_N/A
"What about after we eat?" Han Yang questioned.

N/A

_{"Oh, you've even got backchats now, huh?" Helian Qing raised his chin before asking, "Then, do you know what people courting each other do right?"}Han Yang, "..."

"Oh, you've even got backchats now, huh?" Helian Qing raised his chin before asking, "Then, do you know what people courting each other do right?"

_{"Really?" Helian Qing seized the lad's waist with his hand, pulling that person into his embrace, then leaned closer to his ear to say, "If you really can't sleep, I don't mind {doing} something else."}"Just now, weren't you able to say it?" Helian Qing asked, "Do you want me to teach you?"

"Really?" Helian Qing seized the lad's waist with his hand, pulling that person into his embrace, then leaned closer to his ear to say, "If you really can't sleep, I don't mind doing something else."

_{Helian Qing, paying no mind to the other man, turned off the stove before pouring the contents of the pot into a nearby cup.}
"Where do you want to go?" Helian Qing asked in return.

Helian Qing, paying no mind to the other man, turned off the stove before pouring the contents of the pot into a nearby cup.

_{Han Yang glanced towards the bathroom, deciding right then to divulge a little bit of news, replying, "There is someone I've been getting along with. Later when there's time, I'll bring them back so you can have a proper meeting."}
"Huh? Didn't you decide that already?" Han Yang turned to look at him. Based on the man's words earlier that morning, he thought the other had made plans beforehand.

Han Yang glanced towards the bathroom, deciding right then to divulge a little bit of news, replying, "There is someone I've been getting along with. Later when there's time, I'll bring them back so you can have a proper meeting."

_{Outside the viewing area, Helian Qing found a spot to park the car. The two men then bought their tickets and went in.}"Sorry, I'm so sorry. Kids just don't know any better." A young woman ran over and hugged the little guy. It turned out she had just turned around for a second to buy a juice and had never expected the young boy to scamper off.

Outside the viewing area, Helian Qing found a spot to park the car. The two men then bought their tickets and went in.

_{"The only thing I decided was to skip work." Helian Qing shot him a glance.}"..." Han Yang then rebutted, "You think too much."

"The only thing I decided was to skip work." Helian Qing shot him a glance.

_{"To eat." Helian Qing replied simply.}
"The only thing I decided was to skip work." Helian Qing shot him a glance.

"To eat." Helian Qing replied simply.

_N/A Helian Qing wrinkled his brows, raised his hand and rested it on Han Yang's face, rubbing his cheek, exactly in the place where the child had kissed.

N/A

_{"It's no problem." Han Yang smiled, raising his hand to stroke the little one's head, "He's very cute."}
Princess Qing, your decision was indeed very capricious!

"It's no problem." Han Yang smiled, raising his hand to stroke the little one's head, "He's very cute."

_{"Just now, weren't you able to say it?" Helian Qing asked, "Do you want me to teach you?"}
Having never been in a relationship, Han Yang was unsure as to what people on dates would do. Thinking it over for a while, he proposed, "Do you want to go see a movie?"

"Just now, weren't you able to say it?" Helian Qing asked, "Do you want me to teach you?"

_{Later that day, when the two rose again, it was already ten in the morning. Helian Qing went to wash up first, while Han Yang went to change his clothes. After Helian Qing was finished, he was able to go wash up too.}Home, Han Yang took advantage of the time Helian Qing spent in the shower to give his grandpa a call. He reminded the older gentleman to take care and stay warm, given the colder weather.

Later that day, when the two rose again, it was already ten in the morning. Helian Qing went to wash up first, while Han Yang went to change his clothes. After Helian Qing was finished, he was able to go wash up too.

_{Since this was a date, they were certainly unlikely to end it in the middle of the day, so the two headed back to the city to go see a movie.} Helian Qing groaned, "Just hurry up and get some sleep."

Since this was a date, they were certainly unlikely to end it in the middle of the day, so the two headed back to the city to go see a movie.

_{Home, Han Yang took advantage of the time Helian Qing spent in the shower to give his grandpa a call. He reminded the older gentleman to take care and stay warm, given the colder weather.}
"It's up to you," Helian Qing responded.

Home, Han Yang took advantage of the time Helian Qing spent in the shower to give his grandpa a call. He reminded the older gentleman to take care and stay warm, given the colder weather.

_{Helian Qing did not utter a word. He simply turned his back to the lad, before heading up the mountain path. Han Yang stuck out his tongue from behind him, then proceeded to catch up to him.}
"Shopping then?" Han Yang suggested.

Helian Qing did not utter a word. He simply turned his back to the lad, before heading up the mountain path. Han Yang stuck out his tongue from behind him, then proceeded to catch up to him.

_{Of course not.}
"It doesn't matter," Helian Qing stated.

Of course not.

_{"Tch, how promising." Hearing what he said, Helian Qing laughed, after which he moved forward slightly to kiss him.}When they were done eating their lunch, Helian Qing drove them to Yao County. In that district, there was a scenic spot to view the changing leaves of the maidenhair trees, and the journey would take about half an hour by car. As they drew nearer to the location of the attraction, a large expanse of the trees could be seen, leaving Han Yang wowed as he pressed himself against the car's window.

"Tch, how promising." Hearing what he said, Helian Qing laughed, after which he moved forward slightly to kiss him.

_{"Ow!" The little boy who bumped his nose cried out in pain, "I hit my nose!"}
"Maybe we could go play..." Han Yang stopped mid-sentence, his line of sight glued towards the scenery beyond the car's window, as he noticed the leaves of the Ginkgo trees has all turned yellow^[2]. The roadside was now blanketed in a thin film of leaves, and was very beautiful. During this time, he had been so preoccupied with his situation with Helian Qing that he had all but forgotten it was already November, and the season of admiring the changing Ginkgo trees had arrived.

"Ow!" The little boy who bumped his nose cried out in pain, "I hit my nose!"

_{Han Yang chuckled softly, then again said, "Goodnight."}When they were done eating their lunch, Helian Qing drove them to Yao County. In that district, there was a scenic spot to view the changing leaves of the maidenhair trees, and the journey would take about half an hour by car. As they drew nearer to the location of the attraction, a large expanse of the trees could be seen, leaving Han Yang wowed as he pressed himself against the car's window.

Han Yang chuckled softly, then again said, "Goodnight."

_{Having never been in a relationship, Han Yang was unsure as to what people on dates would do. Thinking it over for a while, he proposed, "Do you want to go see a movie?"}"But here is beautiful too!" Han Yang replied as he took out his phone to take a few pictures.

Having never been in a relationship, Han Yang was unsure as to what people on dates would do. Thinking it over for a while, he proposed, "Do you want to go see a movie?"

_{Han Yang chuckled softly, then again said, "Goodnight."}
"Let's go watch the Ginkgo trees." Helian Qing suddenly declared.

Han Yang chuckled softly, then again said, "Goodnight."

_{"Have you ever been here before?" About halfway up, Han Yang stopped to ask Helian Qing.}When they both came down from the mountain, Han Yang's face still had a reddish tint. His hand firmly gripped Helian Qing's, as the other led him all the way down.

"Have you ever been here before?" About halfway up, Han Yang stopped to ask Helian Qing.

_{{Princess Qing, your decision was indeed very capricious!}}Seeing Han Yang praising him, the kid giggled a couple of times, then suddenly reached out his little hands to seize Han Yang's face and smack him with a kiss.

Princess Qing, your decision was indeed very capricious!

_{Han Yang chuckled softly, then again said, "Goodnight."}"But aren't you the one who fell for a salted fish?" Han Yang retorted.

Han Yang chuckled softly, then again said, "Goodnight."

_{"Shopping then?" Han Yang suggested.}
Han Yang turned to look at him and saw the man's focus fixed straight ahead, as he drove the car. Seeing this, he took the opportunity to smile a little, "Alright, you can take me."

"Shopping then?" Han Yang suggested.

_{"Shopping then?" Han Yang suggested.}Now peeved by his pestering, Helian Qing propped his head up with his arm and looked at the younger man with displeasure, "Last night you confessed to me but today you're pushing me to go to work? What is it you really want to do, hm?"

"Shopping then?" Han Yang suggested.

_{Seeming to be around four years old, the kid looked at Han Yang, blinking his eyes, before miserably wailing, "Waaah! I want {Big Brother} to kiss it." pouting and leaning closer towards Han Yang after he said so. A large hand, Helian Qing's, blocked him and covered his face.}Han Yang turned to look at him and saw the man's focus fixed straight ahead, as he drove the car. Seeing this, he took the opportunity to smile a little, "Alright, you can take me."

Seeming to be around four years old, the kid looked at Han Yang, blinking his eyes, before miserably wailing, "Waaah! I want Big Brother to kiss it." pouting and leaning closer towards Han Yang after he said so. A large hand, Helian Qing's, blocked him and covered his face.

_{At first, Han Yang was stunned, but when he thought about the man's silent act all the way there, his immediate reaction was to ask in astonishment, "You... you couldn't be jealous, could you?"}"What do they do?" Han Yang asked without any shyness and wholeheartedly as well.

At first, Han Yang was stunned, but when he thought about the man's silent act all the way there, his immediate reaction was to ask in astonishment, "You... you couldn't be jealous, could you?"

_{Surrounded by a gloriously yellowed backdrop, the silhouette of the two embraced in their kiss had become akin to the image within an oil painting.}
Helian Qing groaned in affirmation, swung the car around the corner, then headed in the other direction.

Surrounded by a gloriously yellowed backdrop, the silhouette of the two embraced in their kiss had become akin to the image within an oil painting.

_{"Aren't you going to drink some?" Han Yang asked while cupping the drink within his hands.}
When they were done eating their lunch, Helian Qing drove them to Yao County. In that district, there was a scenic spot to view the changing leaves of the maidenhair trees, and the journey would take about half an hour by car. As they drew nearer to the location of the attraction, a large expanse of the trees could be seen, leaving Han Yang wowed as he pressed himself against the car's window.

"Aren't you going to drink some?" Han Yang asked while cupping the drink within his hands.

_{Now peeved by his pestering, Helian Qing propped his head up with his arm and looked at the younger man with displeasure, "Last night you confessed to me but today you're pushing me to go to work? What is it you really want to do, hm?"}"Just now, weren't you able to say it?" Helian Qing asked, "Do you want me to teach you?"

Now peeved by his pestering, Helian Qing propped his head up with his arm and looked at the younger man with displeasure, "Last night you confessed to me but today you're pushing me to go to work? What is it you really want to do, hm?"

_{Han Yang's fingers twitched, but he did not struggle, as he simply followed him.}"I got better already." Han Yang proclaimed as he took the milk, "When watching a movie, you have to eat popcorn. Otherwise, it'd just be boring."

Han Yang's fingers twitched, but he did not struggle, as he simply followed him.

_{春宵苦短日高起，从此君王不早朝:Spring night(late night rendezvous) bitterly cut bitterly short by sunrise, from then on the king no longer attended his morning court.}
"Why are you so antsy? There'll be more for you to see later." Helian Qing commented.

春宵苦短日高起，从此君王不早朝:Spring night(late night rendezvous) bitterly cut bitterly short by sunrise, from then on the king no longer attended his morning court. [A basic interpretation by me, poems are tricky][]This is a line from the poem "長恨歌 ： The Song of Everlasting Regret" by Bai Juyi(白居易) in 806BCE. The poem is about the Tang Dynasty Emperor, Xuanzhong, and his Imperial Consort, Yang Guifei (She is one of the Four Great Beauties of Ancient China btw). The emperor favoured Yang Guifei so much that after she became his consort he would "never again attend a morning court" after their late-night rendezvous~[]So you could see the comparison HY is making after HLQ ditches work after their night of confessions -- I mean "suggestions" 😉[]Anyway, it's a sad poem, and a very famous one if you were wondering. Links to the Wikisource page and two translated versions are below if you want to read more.[]boo []If you do read the poem please note: The An-Lushan/An-shi Rebellion(安史之乱) occurred during this period. An Lushan was a general respected by the aforementioned Emperor and favoured by Yang Guifei (like a son...😶), he later went on to create his short-lived Yan Dynasty after rebelling from the Tang Dynasty. You should probably read up on this first for context. []银杏: yín xìng: lit. silver apricot, aka, Ginkgo/Maidenhair (tree). Pic above. As the only remaining species of its kind and one of the world's living fossils, the Ginkgo tree during autumn is known for its frond-like leaves turning a bright golden yellow in a very short span of time before they fall (10-15 days). [] 出息: chū xī: to have promise/potential. 没出息 is it's antonym which means no potential, or good for nothing. []^4. 姜汁牛奶: jiang zhi niu nai: ginger milk (curd).Pic:[]"Uncle/Big Brother" are just ways to refer to yourself or be referred to by/with someone younger.[]iana: my heart... my precious little heart can-NOT (/∇＼*)｡o○♡💞

_{Finally, they made it all the way to the top. There were a lot more people there, and just as Helian Qing stepped off the stairs, a kid ran straight into him out of nowhere. His hands then quickly darted to catch the kid, in order to keep the little one from falling.}"Why are you so antsy? There'll be more for you to see later." Helian Qing commented.

Finally, they made it all the way to the top. There were a lot more people there, and just as Helian Qing stepped off the stairs, a kid ran straight into him out of nowhere. His hands then quickly darted to catch the kid, in order to keep the little one from falling.

_{Han Yang recalled how he called him a dried salted fish yesterday and said, "I can't sleep."}
"But here is beautiful too!" Han Yang replied as he took out his phone to take a few pictures.

Han Yang recalled how he called him a dried salted fish yesterday and said, "I can't sleep."

_{Helian Qing groaned, "Just hurry up and get some sleep."}"Oh, you've even got backchats now, huh?" Helian Qing raised his chin before asking, "Then, do you know what people courting each other do right?"

Helian Qing groaned, "Just hurry up and get some sleep."

_{"Good, good, that's good." Grandpa laughed gaily, "Don't forget to be extra careful when you're outside, you understand don't you?"}Seeming to be around four years old, the kid looked at Han Yang, blinking his eyes, before miserably wailing, "Waaah! I want Big Brother to kiss it." pouting and leaning closer towards Han Yang after he said so. A large hand, Helian Qing's, blocked him and covered his face.

"Good, good, that's good." Grandpa laughed gaily, "Don't forget to be extra careful when you're outside, you understand don't you?"

_{Tossing the leaf away, Han Yang walked ahead on his own, using his phone to take pictures of the nearby surroundings as he went on. Although Helian Qing brought a camera, he was not that good at using it, and might as well had just used his phone which was less trouble.}
Outside the viewing area, Helian Qing found a spot to park the car. The two men then bought their tickets and went in.

Tossing the leaf away, Han Yang walked ahead on his own, using his phone to take pictures of the nearby surroundings as he went on. Although Helian Qing brought a camera, he was not that good at using it, and might as well had just used his phone which was less trouble.

_{"Tch, how promising." Hearing what he said, Helian Qing laughed, after which he moved forward slightly to kiss him.}Done with cleaning himself up, he returned to the bedroom to the sight of a missing Helian Qing. Alerted by a sound from outside the bedroom, he then went out to investigate only to find Helian Qing in the kitchen, still wearing his pyjamas.

"Tch, how promising." Hearing what he said, Helian Qing laughed, after which he moved forward slightly to kiss him.

_{Now peeved by his pestering, Helian Qing propped his head up with his arm and looked at the younger man with displeasure, "Last night you confessed to me but today you're pushing me to go to work? What is it you really want to do, hm?"}
Both sides of the path were lined with ginkgo trees. In that moment, the wind blew, causing a few leaves to fall, covering the ground in a layer of gold and for the air to fill with a warm fragrance.

Now peeved by his pestering, Helian Qing propped his head up with his arm and looked at the younger man with displeasure, "Last night you confessed to me but today you're pushing me to go to work? What is it you really want to do, hm?"

_{Helian Qing wrinkled his brows, raised his hand and rested it on Han Yang's face, rubbing his cheek, exactly in the place where the child had kissed.}Helian Qing mouthed, his eyes fixed on the just taken photograph.

Helian Qing wrinkled his brows, raised his hand and rested it on Han Yang's face, rubbing his cheek, exactly in the place where the child had kissed.

_{"Dried salted fish."Helian Qing sneered.}"The only thing I decided was to skip work." Helian Qing shot him a glance.

"Dried salted fish."Helian Qing sneered.

_{{Of course not.}}Han Yang glanced towards the bathroom, deciding right then to divulge a little bit of news, replying, "There is someone I've been getting along with. Later when there's time, I'll bring them back so you can have a proper meeting."

Of course not.

_{Seeing Han Yang praising him, the kid giggled a couple of times, then suddenly reached out his little hands to seize Han Yang's face and smack him with a kiss.}
Since Han Yang started university, he had only been preoccupied with studying and working as a private tutor, so there was no way for him to simply forsake those responsibilities for other activities. Then later, he worked on programming projects with his mentor, which again left him with no extra time. Thus, after being in L-City for two whole years, this was his first time going out to view the falling maidenhair leaves.

Seeing Han Yang praising him, the kid giggled a couple of times, then suddenly reached out his little hands to seize Han Yang's face and smack him with a kiss.

_{{Of course not.}}Seeming to be around four years old, the kid looked at Han Yang, blinking his eyes, before miserably wailing, "Waaah! I want Big Brother to kiss it." pouting and leaning closer towards Han Yang after he said so. A large hand, Helian Qing's, blocked him and covered his face.

Of course not.

_{At bedtime, Han Yang continuously thought about how he should tell his grandpa about his situation with Helian Qing. Grandpa spent his entire life in their small village, so it was uncertain whether a man marrying another man was something he could accept. Thus, all he could wish for, was to not scare the elderly man too much.}The man then placed the used pot into the sink, his back still facing Han Yang as he spoke, "Drink the milk, we'll head out for something to eat in a little while."

At bedtime, Han Yang continuously thought about how he should tell his grandpa about his situation with Helian Qing. Grandpa spent his entire life in their small village, so it was uncertain whether a man marrying another man was something he could accept. Thus, all he could wish for, was to not scare the elderly man too much.

_{"Huh? Didn't you decide that already?" Han Yang turned to look at him. Based on the man's words earlier that morning, he thought the other had made plans beforehand.}
As he gazed at the continuous and unceasing stretch of gold laid out ahead of him, the wind again blew some leaves into the air, swirling them around a few times, before allowing them the fall on his shoulders. This act made him suddenly experience a sobering sense of peace.

"Huh? Didn't you decide that already?" Han Yang turned to look at him. Based on the man's words earlier that morning, he thought the other had made plans beforehand.

_{"It doesn't matter," Helian Qing stated.} "Aren't you going to drink some?" Han Yang asked while cupping the drink within his hands.

"It doesn't matter," Helian Qing stated.

_{Han Yang did not have a class the following day, so when his biological clock prompted him to wake up that morning, he noticed Helian Qing was still asleep as well, even though, around this time, that man normally would have already left for work.}"What about after we eat?" Han Yang questioned.

Han Yang did not have a class the following day, so when his biological clock prompted him to wake up that morning, he noticed Helian Qing was still asleep as well, even though, around this time, that man normally would have already left for work.

_{Helian Qing, who followed behind him, soon called out to him just a second before snapping another picture.}
Prompting him to capture one of those leaves and raise the bit of fallen ember towards the sky. Sunlight soon shone through the lifted frond, the rays then falling onto his face, making his eyes squint and the corners of his lips expose a faint smile.

Helian Qing, who followed behind him, soon called out to him just a second before snapping another picture.

_{When Helian Qing's lips were merely a couple of centimetres away from his own, Han Yang spoke up, "Kids nowadays are too outrageous! How can they just casually kiss someone, huh?!"} "You can eat it when you're fully recovered." Helian Qing, unmoved, took him into the theatre.

When Helian Qing's lips were merely a couple of centimetres away from his own, Han Yang spoke up, "Kids nowadays are too outrageous! How can they just casually kiss someone, huh?!"

_{Grandpa, in turn, responded by also repeatedly urging Han Yang to do the same. Afterwards, he asked the same question just as he had always done in the past during their calls, "Xiao Yang, are you dating anyone over there?"}At first, Han Yang was stunned, but when he thought about the man's silent act all the way there, his immediate reaction was to ask in astonishment, "You... you couldn't be jealous, could you?"

Grandpa, in turn, responded by also repeatedly urging Han Yang to do the same. Afterwards, he asked the same question just as he had always done in the past during their calls, "Xiao Yang, are you dating anyone over there?"

_{"The only thing I decided was to skip work." Helian Qing shot him a glance.}"Helian Qing." Han Yang shook the man, "Hurry and get up, you'll be late for work."

"The only thing I decided was to skip work." Helian Qing shot him a glance.

_{Unaccustomed to having his picture taken, Han Yang stretched out his hand to block its view, "Don't take my picture."}
"CLICK——"

Unaccustomed to having his picture taken, Han Yang stretched out his hand to block its view, "Don't take my picture."

_{Helian Qing's hand instantly paused. He then scoffed, turned around and left.}Han Yang squatted down and patted the young one, asking, "Where did you get bumped, let Uncle have a look."

Helian Qing's hand instantly paused. He then scoffed, turned around and left.

_{Helian Qing groaned, "Just hurry up and get some sleep."}
From the sudden sounding of a camera's shutter beside him, Han Yang twisted his head to see Helian Qing holding up a camera and snapping a picture, with the lens pointing towards him.

Helian Qing groaned, "Just hurry up and get some sleep."

_{He held Han Yang's lips gently between his own, skirting the outline of the boy's, bit by bit, simply lingering on the space between them, without penetration. His hand, which originally propped itself above the smaller man's head, now descended. His fingers interlacing between the spaces of the smaller man's, gripping them firmly.} 春宵苦短日高起，从此君王不早朝:Spring night(late night rendezvous) bitterly cut bitterly short by sunrise, from then on the king no longer attended his morning court. [A basic interpretation by me, poems are tricky][]This is a line from the poem "長恨歌 ： The Song of Everlasting Regret" by Bai Juyi(白居易) in 806BCE. The poem is about the Tang Dynasty Emperor, Xuanzhong, and his Imperial Consort, Yang Guifei (She is one of the Four Great Beauties of Ancient China btw). The emperor favoured Yang Guifei so much that after she became his consort he would "never again attend a morning court" after their late-night rendezvous~[]So you could see the comparison HY is making after HLQ ditches work after their night of confessions -- I mean "suggestions" 😉[]Anyway, it's a sad poem, and a very famous one if you were wondering. Links to the Wikisource page and two translated versions are below if you want to read more.[]boo []If you do read the poem please note: The An-Lushan/An-shi Rebellion(安史之乱) occurred during this period. An Lushan was a general respected by the aforementioned Emperor and favoured by Yang Guifei (like a son...😶), he later went on to create his short-lived Yan Dynasty after rebelling from the Tang Dynasty. You should probably read up on this first for context. []银杏: yín xìng: lit. silver apricot, aka, Ginkgo/Maidenhair (tree). Pic above. As the only remaining species of its kind and one of the world's living fossils, the Ginkgo tree during autumn is known for its frond-like leaves turning a bright golden yellow in a very short span of time before they fall (10-15 days). [] 出息: chū xī: to have promise/potential. 没出息 is it's antonym which means no potential, or good for nothing. []^4. 姜汁牛奶: jiang zhi niu nai: ginger milk (curd).Pic:[]"Uncle/Big Brother" are just ways to refer to yourself or be referred to by/with someone younger.[]iana: my heart... my precious little heart can-NOT (/∇＼*)｡o○♡💞

He held Han Yang's lips gently between his own, skirting the outline of the boy's, bit by bit, simply lingering on the space between them, without penetration. His hand, which originally propped itself above the smaller man's head, now descended. His fingers interlacing between the spaces of the smaller man's, gripping them firmly.

_{The Ginkgo trees on the other side of the mountain had already lost more than half of their leaves, so there were hardly any people there. The further they went in, the more peaceful it became. As they kept walking, soon the only ones left were Han Yang and Helian Qing.}
Unaccustomed to having his picture taken, Han Yang stretched out his hand to block its view, "Don't take my picture."

The Ginkgo trees on the other side of the mountain had already lost more than half of their leaves, so there were hardly any people there. The further they went in, the more peaceful it became. As they kept walking, soon the only ones left were Han Yang and Helian Qing.

_{"Fine." Han Yang could only compliantly nod.}Helian Qing wrinkled his brows, raised his hand and rested it on Han Yang's face, rubbing his cheek, exactly in the place where the child had kissed.

"Fine." Han Yang could only compliantly nod.

_{A newly built eight storey tower crowned the top of the location. Its stepped path adorned with more Maidenhair trees as it went up, creating a truly beautiful view. Quite a number of people had come out for recreation, as well as checking out the sights. Han Yang was no different than them, and Helian Qing went up with him.}
To which Helian Qing waved him off, then said, "Don't block the tree."

A newly built eight storey tower crowned the top of the location. Its stepped path adorned with more Maidenhair trees as it went up, creating a truly beautiful view. Quite a number of people had come out for recreation, as well as checking out the sights. Han Yang was no different than them, and Helian Qing went up with him.

_{Han Yang chuckled softly, then again said, "Goodnight."}"But aren't you the one who fell for a salted fish?" Han Yang retorted.

Han Yang chuckled softly, then again said, "Goodnight."

_{Han Yang, "Goodnight, Princess Qing."}Helian Qing's face darkened immediately. Upon seeing that, the young woman promptly apologised before taking the boy into her arms then leave.

Han Yang, "Goodnight, Princess Qing."

_{Han Yang's fingers twitched, but he did not struggle, as he simply followed him.}Han Yang did not have a class the following day, so when his biological clock prompted him to wake up that morning, he noticed Helian Qing was still asleep as well, even though, around this time, that man normally would have already left for work.

Han Yang's fingers twitched, but he did not struggle, as he simply followed him.

_{Done with cleaning himself up, he returned to the bedroom to the sight of a missing Helian Qing. Alerted by a sound from outside the bedroom, he then went out to investigate only to find Helian Qing in the kitchen, still wearing his pyjamas.}
Han Yang, "..."

Done with cleaning himself up, he returned to the bedroom to the sight of a missing Helian Qing. Alerted by a sound from outside the bedroom, he then went out to investigate only to find Helian Qing in the kitchen, still wearing his pyjamas.

_{Walking for a while, Helian Qing stopped abruptly. Han Yang, in turn, stopped as well, lifting his head to look at him, "What's wrong?"}Helian Qing groaned in affirmation, swung the car around the corner, then headed in the other direction.

Walking for a while, Helian Qing stopped abruptly. Han Yang, in turn, stopped as well, lifting his head to look at him, "What's wrong?"

_{Tossing the leaf away, Han Yang walked ahead on his own, using his phone to take pictures of the nearby surroundings as he went on. Although Helian Qing brought a camera, he was not that good at using it, and might as well had just used his phone which was less trouble.}Those people around them, more or less, threw a few curious glances, however in that moment Han Yang did not pay them the slightest bit of attention.

Tossing the leaf away, Han Yang walked ahead on his own, using his phone to take pictures of the nearby surroundings as he went on. Although Helian Qing brought a camera, he was not that good at using it, and might as well had just used his phone which was less trouble.

_{Both sides of the path were lined with ginkgo trees. In that moment, the wind blew, causing a few leaves to fall, covering the ground in a layer of gold and for the air to fill with a warm fragrance.}When they were done eating their lunch, Helian Qing drove them to Yao County. In that district, there was a scenic spot to view the changing leaves of the maidenhair trees, and the journey would take about half an hour by car. As they drew nearer to the location of the attraction, a large expanse of the trees could be seen, leaving Han Yang wowed as he pressed himself against the car's window.

Both sides of the path were lined with ginkgo trees. In that moment, the wind blew, causing a few leaves to fall, covering the ground in a layer of gold and for the air to fill with a warm fragrance.

_{When Grandpa said dating anyone, he was referring to a girlfriend. Currently in Han Yang's home town, it seemed like the youths around his own age were all getting married and having kids. Therefore, every time they spoke over the phone, Grandpa would ask this very question.}
Tossing the leaf away, Han Yang walked ahead on his own, using his phone to take pictures of the nearby surroundings as he went on. Although Helian Qing brought a camera, he was not that good at using it, and might as well had just used his phone which was less trouble.

When Grandpa said dating anyone, he was referring to a girlfriend. Currently in Han Yang's home town, it seemed like the youths around his own age were all getting married and having kids. Therefore, every time they spoke over the phone, Grandpa would ask this very question.

_{{How can that be considered drinking, huh!} Han Yang's face became heated. With a lowered head, he then finished his milk and pretended whatever that was—never happened. Though contrarily, his heart thumped and thumped, as it skipped incessantly.}"Is it really okay for you to skip work like this?" Han Yang questioned.

How can that be considered drinking, huh! Han Yang's face became heated. With a lowered head, he then finished his milk and pretended whatever that was—never happened. Though contrarily, his heart thumped and thumped, as it skipped incessantly.

_{"CLICK——"}
Helian Qing, who followed behind him, soon called out to him just a second before snapping another picture.

"CLICK——"

_{"Maybe we could go play..}"Really?" Helian Qing seized the lad's waist with his hand, pulling that person into his embrace, then leaned closer to his ear to say, "If you really can't sleep, I don't mind doing something else."

"Maybe we could go play..." Han Yang stopped mid-sentence, his line of sight glued towards the scenery beyond the car's window, as he noticed the leaves of the Ginkgo trees has all turned yellow. The roadside was now blanketed in a thin film of leaves, and was very beautiful. During this time, he had been so preoccupied with his situation with Helian Qing that he had all but forgotten it was already November, and the season of admiring the changing Ginkgo trees had arrived.

_{When the two were done getting ready, they left.}He held Han Yang's lips gently between his own, skirting the outline of the boy's, bit by bit, simply lingering on the space between them, without penetration. His hand, which originally propped itself above the smaller man's head, now descended. His fingers interlacing between the spaces of the smaller man's, gripping them firmly.

When the two were done getting ready, they left.

_{Both sides of the path were lined with ginkgo trees. In that moment, the wind blew, causing a few leaves to fall, covering the ground in a layer of gold and for the air to fill with a warm fragrance.}When they both came down from the mountain, Han Yang's face still had a reddish tint. His hand firmly gripped Helian Qing's, as the other led him all the way down.

Both sides of the path were lined with ginkgo trees. In that moment, the wind blew, causing a few leaves to fall, covering the ground in a layer of gold and for the air to fill with a warm fragrance.

_{Helian Qing's steps came to a halt, he then spun around and pressed the lad against a nearby Ginkgo tree, leaning one of his arms against the truck, above the smaller man's head, with him then lowering his head as he said, "Say that again."}
Under the Ginkgo tree, Han Yang's entire person seemed extraordinarily warm, even more so, as the corners of his lips slightly lifted into a smile that was utterly beautiful.

Helian Qing's steps came to a halt, he then spun around and pressed the lad against a nearby Ginkgo tree, leaning one of his arms against the truck, above the smaller man's head, with him then lowering his head as he said, "Say that again."

_{At bedtime, Han Yang continuously thought about how he should tell his grandpa about his situation with Helian Qing. Grandpa spent his entire life in their small village, so it was uncertain whether a man marrying another man was something he could accept. Thus, all he could wish for, was to not scare the elderly man too much.}When the two were done getting ready, they left.

At bedtime, Han Yang continuously thought about how he should tell his grandpa about his situation with Helian Qing. Grandpa spent his entire life in their small village, so it was uncertain whether a man marrying another man was something he could accept. Thus, all he could wish for, was to not scare the elderly man too much.

_{With the help of Helian Qing's teasing, Han Yang thoughts were no longer in knots in how he would lay out all his cards on the table for his grandfather. Gradually, his eyes began to close, and soon, he had completely fallen asleep.}"Let's go watch the Ginkgo trees." Helian Qing suddenly declared.

With the help of Helian Qing's teasing, Han Yang thoughts were no longer in knots in how he would lay out all his cards on the table for his grandfather. Gradually, his eyes began to close, and soon, he had completely fallen asleep.

_{"But here is beautiful too!" Han Yang replied as he took out his phone to take a few pictures.}Of course not.

"But here is beautiful too!" Han Yang replied as he took out his phone to take a few pictures.

_{From the sudden sounding of a camera's shutter beside him, Han Yang twisted his head to see Helian Qing holding up a camera and snapping a picture, with the lens pointing towards him.}
Mine.

From the sudden sounding of a camera's shutter beside him, Han Yang twisted his head to see Helian Qing holding up a camera and snapping a picture, with the lens pointing towards him.

_{Chapter Fifteen}Earlier that morning, before they left, Helian Qing had packed the bag. Han Yang did not expect that Helian Qing even brought a thermos and drinking warm water in such weather was very satisfying. He drank two mouthfuls then looked at Helian Qing who was opening a bottle of mineral water, tugging the man, he then said, "Drink some warm water, okay?" before he handed the thermos to him.

Chapter Fifteen

_{Under the Ginkgo tree, Han Yang's entire person seemed extraordinarily warm, even more so, as the corners of his lips slightly lifted into a smile that was utterly beautiful.}
Helian Qing mouthed, his eyes fixed on the just taken photograph.

Under the Ginkgo tree, Han Yang's entire person seemed extraordinarily warm, even more so, as the corners of his lips slightly lifted into a smile that was utterly beautiful.

_{Han Yang originally intended to buy some popcorn, but Helian Qing prohibited it, citing his stomach still being not fully recovered as his reason. In the end, he bought the lad a cup of warm ginger-milk^[4].}
A newly built eight storey tower crowned the top of the location. Its stepped path adorned with more Maidenhair trees as it went up, creating a truly beautiful view. Quite a number of people had come out for recreation, as well as checking out the sights. Han Yang was no different than them, and Helian Qing went up with him.

Han Yang originally intended to buy some popcorn, but Helian Qing prohibited it, citing his stomach still being not fully recovered as his reason. In the end, he bought the lad a cup of warm ginger-milk^[4].

_{Helian Qing, "Do you really want to not sleep tonight?"}Tossing the leaf away, Han Yang walked ahead on his own, using his phone to take pictures of the nearby surroundings as he went on. Although Helian Qing brought a camera, he was not that good at using it, and might as well had just used his phone which was less trouble.

Helian Qing, "Do you really want to not sleep tonight?"

_{"Is it really okay for you to skip work like this?" Han Yang questioned.}
The mountain air was very refreshing and other than a few local residents who came for a stroll, the path they took did not have many people passing by. Han Yang walked—then stopped, walked again—then stopped, taking pictures all over the place. It was not long before his phone had more than a few pictures stored, he had even managed to sneakily snap a couple photos of Helian Qing as well.

"Is it really okay for you to skip work like this?" Han Yang questioned.

_{"To eat." Helian Qing replied simply.}Prompting him to capture one of those leaves and raise the bit of fallen ember towards the sky. Sunlight soon shone through the lifted frond, the rays then falling onto his face, making his eyes squint and the corners of his lips expose a faint smile.

"To eat." Helian Qing replied simply.

_{Han Yang dropped his hand, coughing, "Let's go, we're behind on our sightseeing."}
"Have you ever been here before?" About halfway up, Han Yang stopped to ask Helian Qing.

Han Yang dropped his hand, coughing, "Let's go, we're behind on our sightseeing."

_{Han Yang, "..."}"Oh, you've even got backchats now, huh?" Helian Qing raised his chin before asking, "Then, do you know what people courting each other do right?"

Han Yang, "..."

_Mine.Han Yang's fingers twitched, but he did not struggle, as he simply followed him.

Mine.

_{After mulling it over for a good while, Han Yang truly believed there was no way to resolve that matter, causing him to impatiently toss and turn on the bed. Because of his floundering, Helian Qing said, "Are you a sautéed saltfish now?"}Han Yang chuckled softly, then again said, "Goodnight."

After mulling it over for a good while, Han Yang truly believed there was no way to resolve that matter, causing him to impatiently toss and turn on the bed. Because of his floundering, Helian Qing said, "Are you a sautéed saltfish now?"

_{"I'm not going today, so stop being so noisy." Helian Qing moved and hugged the younger man tighter.}
"I was here a few years ago. Back then, the tower wasn't built as yet." Helian Qing hung the camera from his arm, then took out a thermos bottle from his bag and handed it to Han Yang.

"I'm not going today, so stop being so noisy." Helian Qing moved and hugged the younger man tighter.

_{Han Yang's fingers twitched, but he did not struggle, as he simply followed him.}Helian Qing groaned, "Just hurry up and get some sleep."

Han Yang's fingers twitched, but he did not struggle, as he simply followed him.

_{At first, Han Yang was stunned, but when he thought about the man's silent act all the way there, his immediate reaction was to ask in astonishment, "You... you couldn't be jealous, could you?"}At first, Han Yang was stunned, but when he thought about the man's silent act all the way there, his immediate reaction was to ask in astonishment, "You... you couldn't be jealous, could you?"

At first, Han Yang was stunned, but when he thought about the man's silent act all the way there, his immediate reaction was to ask in astonishment, "You... you couldn't be jealous, could you?"

_{"But here is beautiful too!" Han Yang replied as he took out his phone to take a few pictures.}
Earlier that morning, before they left, Helian Qing had packed the bag. Han Yang did not expect that Helian Qing even brought a thermos and drinking warm water in such weather was very satisfying. He drank two mouthfuls then looked at Helian Qing who was opening a bottle of mineral water, tugging the man, he then said, "Drink some warm water, okay?" before he handed the thermos to him.

"But here is beautiful too!" Han Yang replied as he took out his phone to take a few pictures.

_{Han Yang squatted down and patted the young one, asking, "Where did you get bumped, let {Uncle} have a look."}"It's no problem." Han Yang smiled, raising his hand to stroke the little one's head, "He's very cute."

Han Yang squatted down and patted the young one, asking, "Where did you get bumped, let Uncle have a look."

_{"Are you making breakfast? I can do that." Actually, Han Yang was scared the man would burn the pot, so he went over to help him at once.}The mountain air was very refreshing and other than a few local residents who came for a stroll, the path they took did not have many people passing by. Han Yang walked—then stopped, walked again—then stopped, taking pictures all over the place. It was not long before his phone had more than a few pictures stored, he had even managed to sneakily snap a couple photos of Helian Qing as well.

"Are you making breakfast? I can do that." Actually, Han Yang was scared the man would burn the pot, so he went over to help him at once.

_{Helian Qing's hand instantly paused. He then scoffed, turned around and left.}"I was here a few years ago. Back then, the tower wasn't built as yet." Helian Qing hung the camera from his arm, then took out a thermos bottle from his bag and handed it to Han Yang.

Helian Qing's hand instantly paused. He then scoffed, turned around and left.

_{"Sorry, I'm so sorry. Kids just don't know any better." A young woman ran over and hugged the little guy. It turned out she had just turned around for a second to buy a juice and had never expected the young boy to scamper off.}
Helian Qing looked at the bottle, but ultimately still drank the mineral water. Afterwards, he placed both of their bottles back into the bag, pulling Han Yang, "Let's go."

"Sorry, I'm so sorry. Kids just don't know any better." A young woman ran over and hugged the little guy. It turned out she had just turned around for a second to buy a juice and had never expected the young boy to scamper off.

_{"Really?" Helian Qing seized the lad's waist with his hand, pulling that person into his embrace, then leaned closer to his ear to say, "If you really can't sleep, I don't mind {doing} something else."}Han Yang, "..."

"Really?" Helian Qing seized the lad's waist with his hand, pulling that person into his embrace, then leaned closer to his ear to say, "If you really can't sleep, I don't mind doing something else."

_{"Is it really okay for you to skip work like this?" Han Yang questioned.}Han Yang took the cup of milk and began drinking it.

"Is it really okay for you to skip work like this?" Han Yang questioned.

_{"It's no problem." Han Yang smiled, raising his hand to stroke the little one's head, "He's very cute."}The heat from the man's palm seeped through his hand, disseminating itself throughout his entire body, making him feel as though his core was comparable to those Ginkgo leaves spread out completely to their limit, exuding a pleasant warmth.

"It's no problem." Han Yang smiled, raising his hand to stroke the little one's head, "He's very cute."

_{"Dried salted fish."Helian Qing sneered.}
Han Yang's fingers twitched, but he did not struggle, as he simply followed him.

"Dried salted fish."Helian Qing sneered.

_{When Grandpa said dating anyone, he was referring to a girlfriend. Currently in Han Yang's home town, it seemed like the youths around his own age were all getting married and having kids. Therefore, every time they spoke over the phone, Grandpa would ask this very question.}"CLICK——"

When Grandpa said dating anyone, he was referring to a girlfriend. Currently in Han Yang's home town, it seemed like the youths around his own age were all getting married and having kids. Therefore, every time they spoke over the phone, Grandpa would ask this very question.

_{Why does this give me a sort of "With a high risen sun bitterly cutting their Nights of Spring short; from then on his Majesty no longer attended his morning court" kind of feeling... Han Yang wondered. He then shook the thoughts away, rested his head atop his pillow and went back to sleep as well.}
Finally, they made it all the way to the top. There were a lot more people there, and just as Helian Qing stepped off the stairs, a kid ran straight into him out of nowhere. His hands then quickly darted to catch the kid, in order to keep the little one from falling.

Why does this give me a sort of "With a high risen sun bitterly cutting their Nights of Spring short; from then on his Majesty no longer attended his morning court" kind of feeling... Han Yang wondered. He then shook the thoughts away, rested his head atop his pillow and went back to sleep as well.

_{Seeing Han Yang praising him, the kid giggled a couple of times, then suddenly reached out his little hands to seize Han Yang's face and smack him with a kiss.}When Helian Qing's lips were merely a couple of centimetres away from his own, Han Yang spoke up, "Kids nowadays are too outrageous! How can they just casually kiss someone, huh?!"

Seeing Han Yang praising him, the kid giggled a couple of times, then suddenly reached out his little hands to seize Han Yang's face and smack him with a kiss.

_{春宵苦短日高起，从此君王不早朝:Spring night(late night rendezvous) bitterly cut bitterly short by sunrise, from then on the king no longer attended his morning court.}When Helian Qing's lips were merely a couple of centimetres away from his own, Han Yang spoke up, "Kids nowadays are too outrageous! How can they just casually kiss someone, huh?!"

春宵苦短日高起，从此君王不早朝:Spring night(late night rendezvous) bitterly cut bitterly short by sunrise, from then on the king no longer attended his morning court. [A basic interpretation by me, poems are tricky][]This is a line from the poem "長恨歌 ： The Song of Everlasting Regret" by Bai Juyi(白居易) in 806BCE. The poem is about the Tang Dynasty Emperor, Xuanzhong, and his Imperial Consort, Yang Guifei (She is one of the Four Great Beauties of Ancient China btw). The emperor favoured Yang Guifei so much that after she became his consort he would "never again attend a morning court" after their late-night rendezvous~[]So you could see the comparison HY is making after HLQ ditches work after their night of confessions -- I mean "suggestions" 😉[]Anyway, it's a sad poem, and a very famous one if you were wondering. Links to the Wikisource page and two translated versions are below if you want to read more.[]boo []If you do read the poem please note: The An-Lushan/An-shi Rebellion(安史之乱) occurred during this period. An Lushan was a general respected by the aforementioned Emperor and favoured by Yang Guifei (like a son...😶), he later went on to create his short-lived Yan Dynasty after rebelling from the Tang Dynasty. You should probably read up on this first for context. []银杏: yín xìng: lit. silver apricot, aka, Ginkgo/Maidenhair (tree). Pic above. As the only remaining species of its kind and one of the world's living fossils, the Ginkgo tree during autumn is known for its frond-like leaves turning a bright golden yellow in a very short span of time before they fall (10-15 days). [] 出息: chū xī: to have promise/potential. 没出息 is it's antonym which means no potential, or good for nothing. []^4. 姜汁牛奶: jiang zhi niu nai: ginger milk (curd).Pic:[]"Uncle/Big Brother" are just ways to refer to yourself or be referred to by/with someone younger.[]iana: my heart... my precious little heart can-NOT (/∇＼*)｡o○♡💞

_{"Have you ever been here before?" About halfway up, Han Yang stopped to ask Helian Qing.}Han Yang did not have a class the following day, so when his biological clock prompted him to wake up that morning, he noticed Helian Qing was still asleep as well, even though, around this time, that man normally would have already left for work.

"Have you ever been here before?" About halfway up, Han Yang stopped to ask Helian Qing.

_{"The only thing I decided was to skip work." Helian Qing shot him a glance.}
"Ow!" The little boy who bumped his nose cried out in pain, "I hit my nose!"

"The only thing I decided was to skip work." Helian Qing shot him a glance.

_{What the {something else} was referring to, Han Yang could guess without much thought!!}"What do they do?" Han Yang asked without any shyness and wholeheartedly as well.

What the something else was referring to, Han Yang could guess without much thought!!

_{"Good, good, that's good." Grandpa laughed gaily, "Don't forget to be extra careful when you're outside, you understand don't you?"}Just making Princess Qing a bit happier is good. Han Yang mused.

"Good, good, that's good." Grandpa laughed gaily, "Don't forget to be extra careful when you're outside, you understand don't you?"

_{When they were done eating their lunch, Helian Qing drove them to Yao County. In that district, there was a scenic spot to view the changing leaves of the maidenhair trees, and the journey would take about half an hour by car. As they drew nearer to the location of the attraction, a large expanse of the trees could be seen, leaving Han Yang wowed as he pressed himself against the car's window.}
Han Yang squatted down and patted the young one, asking, "Where did you get bumped, let Uncle have a look."

When they were done eating their lunch, Helian Qing drove them to Yao County. In that district, there was a scenic spot to view the changing leaves of the maidenhair trees, and the journey would take about half an hour by car. As they drew nearer to the location of the attraction, a large expanse of the trees could be seen, leaving Han Yang wowed as he pressed himself against the car's window.

_{"Just now, weren't you able to say it?" Helian Qing asked, "Do you want me to teach you?"}Helian Qing groaned in affirmation, swung the car around the corner, then headed in the other direction.

"Just now, weren't you able to say it?" Helian Qing asked, "Do you want me to teach you?"

_{Helian Qing tsked, "Goodnight, dried-salted fish."}
The small boy removed the hands covering his face. So now on that pale little face, only the nose had a bright red hue. He must've knocked into Helian Qing's leg.

Helian Qing tsked, "Goodnight, dried-salted fish."

_{The heat from the man's palm seeped through his hand, disseminating itself throughout his entire body, making him feel as though his core was comparable to those Ginkgo leaves spread out completely to their limit, exuding a pleasant warmth.}"Does it hurt?" Han Yang asked as he touched the child's nose gently.

The heat from the man's palm seeped through his hand, disseminating itself throughout his entire body, making him feel as though his core was comparable to those Ginkgo leaves spread out completely to their limit, exuding a pleasant warmth.

_{{Of course not.}}The heat from the man's palm seeped through his hand, disseminating itself throughout his entire body, making him feel as though his core was comparable to those Ginkgo leaves spread out completely to their limit, exuding a pleasant warmth.

Of course not.

_{Outside the viewing area, Helian Qing found a spot to park the car. The two men then bought their tickets and went in.}Helian Qing groaned, "Just hurry up and get some sleep."

Outside the viewing area, Helian Qing found a spot to park the car. The two men then bought their tickets and went in.

_{The milk had just a bit of sugar added, giving it a faintly sweetened taste, which so happened to be just how he preferred it. Slipping down his throat, the warm liquid flowed into his gut, making the that place nice and warm, and gave him a very comforting feeling.}
"Does it hurt?" Han Yang asked as he touched the child's nose gently.

The milk had just a bit of sugar added, giving it a faintly sweetened taste, which so happened to be just how he preferred it. Slipping down his throat, the warm liquid flowed into his gut, making the that place nice and warm, and gave him a very comforting feeling.

_{The man then placed the used pot into the sink, his back still facing Han Yang as he spoke, "Drink the milk, we'll head out for something to eat in a little while."}At bedtime, Han Yang continuously thought about how he should tell his grandpa about his situation with Helian Qing. Grandpa spent his entire life in their small village, so it was uncertain whether a man marrying another man was something he could accept. Thus, all he could wish for, was to not scare the elderly man too much.

The man then placed the used pot into the sink, his back still facing Han Yang as he spoke, "Drink the milk, we'll head out for something to eat in a little while."

_{From the sudden sounding of a camera's shutter beside him, Han Yang twisted his head to see Helian Qing holding up a camera and snapping a picture, with the lens pointing towards him.}At first, Han Yang was stunned, but when he thought about the man's silent act all the way there, his immediate reaction was to ask in astonishment, "You... you couldn't be jealous, could you?"

From the sudden sounding of a camera's shutter beside him, Han Yang twisted his head to see Helian Qing holding up a camera and snapping a picture, with the lens pointing towards him.

_{After the movie, the two went out for dinner then returned home.}
Seeming to be around four years old, the kid looked at Han Yang, blinking his eyes, before miserably wailing, "Waaah! I want Big Brother to kiss it." pouting and leaning closer towards Han Yang after he said so. A large hand, Helian Qing's, blocked him and covered his face.

After the movie, the two went out for dinner then returned home.

_{Helian Qing's face darkened immediately. Upon seeing that, the young woman promptly apologised before taking the boy into her arms then leave.}
Noticing he was not kissing Big Brother, the little boy raised his head, looking towards Helian Qing who flashed him a grim smile, and said, "Don't go around kissing so casually. Believe it or not, wouldn't sticking out your mouth get it bumped by accident too?"

Helian Qing's face darkened immediately. Upon seeing that, the young woman promptly apologised before taking the boy into her arms then leave.

_{"Date." Helian Qing stated, before laying back down and hugging the younger man once more, "Let's sleep for a bit longer, why do you have to be so troublesome this early in the morning?"} Helian Qing groaned, "Just hurry up and get some sleep."

"Date." Helian Qing stated, before laying back down and hugging the younger man once more, "Let's sleep for a bit longer, why do you have to be so troublesome this early in the morning?"

_{Helian Qing's hand instantly paused. He then scoffed, turned around and left.}
Han Yang, "..."

Helian Qing's hand instantly paused. He then scoffed, turned around and left.

_{"{CLICK}——"}"Are you making breakfast? I can do that." Actually, Han Yang was scared the man would burn the pot, so he went over to help him at once.

"CLICK——"

_{Han Yang's fingers twitched, but he did not struggle, as he simply followed him.}Since this was a date, they were certainly unlikely to end it in the middle of the day, so the two headed back to the city to go see a movie.

Han Yang's fingers twitched, but he did not struggle, as he simply followed him.

_{Noticing he was not kissing {Big Brother}, the little boy raised his head, looking towards Helian Qing who flashed him a grim smile, and said, "Don't go around kissing so casually. Believe it or not, wouldn't sticking out your mouth get it bumped by accident too?"}Han Yang did not have a class the following day, so when his biological clock prompted him to wake up that morning, he noticed Helian Qing was still asleep as well, even though, around this time, that man normally would have already left for work.

Noticing he was not kissing Big Brother, the little boy raised his head, looking towards Helian Qing who flashed him a grim smile, and said, "Don't go around kissing so casually. Believe it or not, wouldn't sticking out your mouth get it bumped by accident too?"

_{Helian Qing wrinkled his brows, raised his hand and rested it on Han Yang's face, rubbing his cheek, exactly in the place where the child had kissed.}
The kid, "..."

Helian Qing wrinkled his brows, raised his hand and rested it on Han Yang's face, rubbing his cheek, exactly in the place where the child had kissed.

_{Later that day, when the two rose again, it was already ten in the morning. Helian Qing went to wash up first, while Han Yang went to change his clothes. After Helian Qing was finished, he was able to go wash up too.}"What do they do?" Han Yang asked without any shyness and wholeheartedly as well.

Later that day, when the two rose again, it was already ten in the morning. Helian Qing went to wash up first, while Han Yang went to change his clothes. After Helian Qing was finished, he was able to go wash up too.

_{Helian Qing's steps came to a halt, he then spun around and pressed the lad against a nearby Ginkgo tree, leaning one of his arms against the truck, above the smaller man's head, with him then lowering his head as he said, "Say that again."}While he spoke, his hand which was originally embracing Han Yang's waist slipped into Han Yang's pyjamas, then under his shirt, touching his waist.

Helian Qing's steps came to a halt, he then spun around and pressed the lad against a nearby Ginkgo tree, leaning one of his arms against the truck, above the smaller man's head, with him then lowering his head as he said, "Say that again."

_{"I'm not going today, so stop being so noisy." Helian Qing moved and hugged the younger man tighter.}At bedtime, Han Yang continuously thought about how he should tell his grandpa about his situation with Helian Qing. Grandpa spent his entire life in their small village, so it was uncertain whether a man marrying another man was something he could accept. Thus, all he could wish for, was to not scare the elderly man too much.

"I'm not going today, so stop being so noisy." Helian Qing moved and hugged the younger man tighter.

_{"Where are we going?" Han Yang asked.}
"Sorry, I'm so sorry. Kids just don't know any better." A young woman ran over and hugged the little guy. It turned out she had just turned around for a second to buy a juice and had never expected the young boy to scamper off.

"Where are we going?" Han Yang asked.

_{Tossing the leaf away, Han Yang walked ahead on his own, using his phone to take pictures of the nearby surroundings as he went on. Although Helian Qing brought a camera, he was not that good at using it, and might as well had just used his phone which was less trouble.}Han Yang dropped his hand, coughing, "Let's go, we're behind on our sightseeing."

Tossing the leaf away, Han Yang walked ahead on his own, using his phone to take pictures of the nearby surroundings as he went on. Although Helian Qing brought a camera, he was not that good at using it, and might as well had just used his phone which was less trouble.

_{"Good, good, that's good." Grandpa laughed gaily, "Don't forget to be extra careful when you're outside, you understand don't you?"}The small boy removed the hands covering his face. So now on that pale little face, only the nose had a bright red hue. He must've knocked into Helian Qing's leg.

"Good, good, that's good." Grandpa laughed gaily, "Don't forget to be extra careful when you're outside, you understand don't you?"

_{Helian Qing tsked, "Goodnight, dried-salted fish."}"But here is beautiful too!" Han Yang replied as he took out his phone to take a few pictures.

Helian Qing tsked, "Goodnight, dried-salted fish."

_{Earlier that morning, before they left, Helian Qing had packed the bag. Han Yang did not expect that Helian Qing even brought a thermos and drinking warm water in such weather was very satisfying. He drank two mouthfuls then looked at Helian Qing who was opening a bottle of mineral water, tugging the man, he then said, "Drink some warm water, okay?" before he handed the thermos to him.}
"It's no problem." Han Yang smiled, raising his hand to stroke the little one's head, "He's very cute."

Earlier that morning, before they left, Helian Qing had packed the bag. Han Yang did not expect that Helian Qing even brought a thermos and drinking warm water in such weather was very satisfying. He drank two mouthfuls then looked at Helian Qing who was opening a bottle of mineral water, tugging the man, he then said, "Drink some warm water, okay?" before he handed the thermos to him.

_{Chapter Fifteen}"Date." Helian Qing stated, before laying back down and hugging the younger man once more, "Let's sleep for a bit longer, why do you have to be so troublesome this early in the morning?"

Chapter Fifteen

_{At bedtime, Han Yang continuously thought about how he should tell his grandpa about his situation with Helian Qing. Grandpa spent his entire life in their small village, so it was uncertain whether a man marrying another man was something he could accept. Thus, all he could wish for, was to not scare the elderly man too much.}
Seeing Han Yang praising him, the kid giggled a couple of times, then suddenly reached out his little hands to seize Han Yang's face and smack him with a kiss.

At bedtime, Han Yang continuously thought about how he should tell his grandpa about his situation with Helian Qing. Grandpa spent his entire life in their small village, so it was uncertain whether a man marrying another man was something he could accept. Thus, all he could wish for, was to not scare the elderly man too much.

_{Helian Qing groaned, "Just hurry up and get some sleep."}The kid, "..."

Helian Qing groaned, "Just hurry up and get some sleep."

_{Han Yang squatted down and patted the young one, asking, "Where did you get bumped, let {Uncle} have a look."}Helian Qing groaned in affirmation, swung the car around the corner, then headed in the other direction.

Han Yang squatted down and patted the young one, asking, "Where did you get bumped, let Uncle have a look."

_{"Who confessed to you, huh!" Han Yang held his forehead. That was only a suggestion, wasn't it?}
Helian Qing's face darkened immediately. Upon seeing that, the young woman promptly apologised before taking the boy into her arms then leave.

"Who confessed to you, huh!" Han Yang held his forehead. That was only a suggestion, wasn't it?

_{Helian Qing wrinkled his brows, raised his hand and rested it on Han Yang's face, rubbing his cheek, exactly in the place where the child had kissed.}"I'm not going today, so stop being so noisy." Helian Qing moved and hugged the younger man tighter.

Helian Qing wrinkled his brows, raised his hand and rested it on Han Yang's face, rubbing his cheek, exactly in the place where the child had kissed.

_{"{CLICK}——"}The Ginkgo trees on the other side of the mountain had already lost more than half of their leaves, so there were hardly any people there. The further they went in, the more peaceful it became. As they kept walking, soon the only ones left were Han Yang and Helian Qing.

"CLICK——"

_{"Shopping then?" Han Yang suggested.}When they were done eating their lunch, Helian Qing drove them to Yao County. In that district, there was a scenic spot to view the changing leaves of the maidenhair trees, and the journey would take about half an hour by car. As they drew nearer to the location of the attraction, a large expanse of the trees could be seen, leaving Han Yang wowed as he pressed himself against the car's window.

"Shopping then?" Han Yang suggested.

_{Outside the viewing area, Helian Qing found a spot to park the car. The two men then bought their tickets and went in.}
Han Yang turned his head to look in the direction of the little boy, now waving at him, then lifted his hand to the place where the little fella had kissed, unable to help himself from smiling.

Outside the viewing area, Helian Qing found a spot to park the car. The two men then bought their tickets and went in.

_{"Oh." Helian Qing had a sudden realisation and replied, "Did our date make you too excited?"}Just making Princess Qing a bit happier is good. Han Yang mused.

"Oh." Helian Qing had a sudden realisation and replied, "Did our date make you too excited?"

_{Han Yang's fingers twitched, but he did not struggle, as he simply followed him.}Both sides of the path were lined with ginkgo trees. In that moment, the wind blew, causing a few leaves to fall, covering the ground in a layer of gold and for the air to fill with a warm fragrance.

Han Yang's fingers twitched, but he did not struggle, as he simply followed him.

_{After the movie, the two went out for dinner then returned home.}Helian Qing, paying no mind to the other man, turned off the stove before pouring the contents of the pot into a nearby cup.

After the movie, the two went out for dinner then returned home.

_{How can that be considered drinking, huh! Han Yang's face became heated. With a lowered head, he then finished his milk and pretended whatever that was—never happened. Though contrarily, his heart thumped and thumped, as it skipped incessantly.}
A scoff sounded beside him, causing Han Yang to look back and see an expressionless Helian Qing staring down him.

How can that be considered drinking, huh! Han Yang's face became heated. With a lowered head, he then finished his milk and pretended whatever that was—never happened. Though contrarily, his heart thumped and thumped, as it skipped incessantly.

_{"Shopping then?" Han Yang suggested.}Mine.

"Shopping then?" Han Yang suggested.

_{"Have you ever been here before?" About halfway up, Han Yang stopped to ask Helian Qing.}
Han Yang dropped his hand, coughing, "Let's go, we're behind on our sightseeing."

"Have you ever been here before?" About halfway up, Han Yang stopped to ask Helian Qing.

_{Noticing he was not kissing {Big Brother}, the little boy raised his head, looking towards Helian Qing who flashed him a grim smile, and said, "Don't go around kissing so casually. Believe it or not, wouldn't sticking out your mouth get it bumped by accident too?"}Helian Qing, who followed behind him, soon called out to him just a second before snapping another picture.

Noticing he was not kissing Big Brother, the little boy raised his head, looking towards Helian Qing who flashed him a grim smile, and said, "Don't go around kissing so casually. Believe it or not, wouldn't sticking out your mouth get it bumped by accident too?"

_{"I understand, don't worry." Han Yang soon heard the shower stop, so he said a few more words to Grandpa before he hung up the phone.}
Helian Qing did not utter a word. He simply turned his back to the lad, before heading up the mountain path. Han Yang stuck out his tongue from behind him, then proceeded to catch up to him.

"I understand, don't worry." Han Yang soon heard the shower stop, so he said a few more words to Grandpa before he hung up the phone.

_{"Aren't you going to drink some?" Han Yang asked while cupping the drink within his hands.}The mountain air was very refreshing and other than a few local residents who came for a stroll, the path they took did not have many people passing by. Han Yang walked—then stopped, walked again—then stopped, taking pictures all over the place. It was not long before his phone had more than a few pictures stored, he had even managed to sneakily snap a couple photos of Helian Qing as well.

"Aren't you going to drink some?" Han Yang asked while cupping the drink within his hands.

_{Noticing he was not kissing {Big Brother}, the little boy raised his head, looking towards Helian Qing who flashed him a grim smile, and said, "Don't go around kissing so casually. Believe it or not, wouldn't sticking out your mouth get it bumped by accident too?"} 春宵苦短日高起，从此君王不早朝:Spring night(late night rendezvous) bitterly cut bitterly short by sunrise, from then on the king no longer attended his morning court. [A basic interpretation by me, poems are tricky][]This is a line from the poem "長恨歌 ： The Song of Everlasting Regret" by Bai Juyi(白居易) in 806BCE. The poem is about the Tang Dynasty Emperor, Xuanzhong, and his Imperial Consort, Yang Guifei (She is one of the Four Great Beauties of Ancient China btw). The emperor favoured Yang Guifei so much that after she became his consort he would "never again attend a morning court" after their late-night rendezvous~[]So you could see the comparison HY is making after HLQ ditches work after their night of confessions -- I mean "suggestions" 😉[]Anyway, it's a sad poem, and a very famous one if you were wondering. Links to the Wikisource page and two translated versions are below if you want to read more.[]boo []If you do read the poem please note: The An-Lushan/An-shi Rebellion(安史之乱) occurred during this period. An Lushan was a general respected by the aforementioned Emperor and favoured by Yang Guifei (like a son...😶), he later went on to create his short-lived Yan Dynasty after rebelling from the Tang Dynasty. You should probably read up on this first for context. []银杏: yín xìng: lit. silver apricot, aka, Ginkgo/Maidenhair (tree). Pic above. As the only remaining species of its kind and one of the world's living fossils, the Ginkgo tree during autumn is known for its frond-like leaves turning a bright golden yellow in a very short span of time before they fall (10-15 days). [] 出息: chū xī: to have promise/potential. 没出息 is it's antonym which means no potential, or good for nothing. []^4. 姜汁牛奶: jiang zhi niu nai: ginger milk (curd).Pic:[]"Uncle/Big Brother" are just ways to refer to yourself or be referred to by/with someone younger.[]iana: my heart... my precious little heart can-NOT (/∇＼*)｡o○♡💞

Noticing he was not kissing Big Brother, the little boy raised his head, looking towards Helian Qing who flashed him a grim smile, and said, "Don't go around kissing so casually. Believe it or not, wouldn't sticking out your mouth get it bumped by accident too?"

_{While he spoke, his hand which was originally embracing Han Yang's waist slipped into Han Yang's pyjamas, then under his shirt, touching his waist.}
The Ginkgo trees on the other side of the mountain had already lost more than half of their leaves, so there were hardly any people there. The further they went in, the more peaceful it became. As they kept walking, soon the only ones left were Han Yang and Helian Qing.

While he spoke, his hand which was originally embracing Han Yang's waist slipped into Han Yang's pyjamas, then under his shirt, touching his waist.

_{Helian Qing's hand instantly paused. He then scoffed, turned around and left.}"Oh, you've even got backchats now, huh?" Helian Qing raised his chin before asking, "Then, do you know what people courting each other do right?"

Helian Qing's hand instantly paused. He then scoffed, turned around and left.

_{Han Yang turned his head to look in the direction of the little boy, now waving at him, then lifted his hand to the place where the little fella had kissed, unable to help himself from smiling.}When Helian Qing's lips were merely a couple of centimetres away from his own, Han Yang spoke up, "Kids nowadays are too outrageous! How can they just casually kiss someone, huh?!"

Han Yang turned his head to look in the direction of the little boy, now waving at him, then lifted his hand to the place where the little fella had kissed, unable to help himself from smiling.

_{"Sorry, I'm so sorry. Kids just don't know any better." A young woman ran over and hugged the little guy. It turned out she had just turned around for a second to buy a juice and had never expected the young boy to scamper off.}The heat from the man's palm seeped through his hand, disseminating itself throughout his entire body, making him feel as though his core was comparable to those Ginkgo leaves spread out completely to their limit, exuding a pleasant warmth.

"Sorry, I'm so sorry. Kids just don't know any better." A young woman ran over and hugged the little guy. It turned out she had just turned around for a second to buy a juice and had never expected the young boy to scamper off.

_{Han Yang's fingers twitched, but he did not struggle, as he simply followed him.}
Walking for a while, Helian Qing stopped abruptly. Han Yang, in turn, stopped as well, lifting his head to look at him, "What's wrong?"

Han Yang's fingers twitched, but he did not struggle, as he simply followed him.

_{"Are you making breakfast? I can do that." Actually, Han Yang was scared the man would burn the pot, so he went over to help him at once.}
Helian Qing wrinkled his brows, raised his hand and rested it on Han Yang's face, rubbing his cheek, exactly in the place where the child had kissed.

"Are you making breakfast? I can do that." Actually, Han Yang was scared the man would burn the pot, so he went over to help him at once.

_{Han Yang, "..."}
At first, Han Yang was stunned, but when he thought about the man's silent act all the way there, his immediate reaction was to ask in astonishment, "You... you couldn't be jealous, could you?"

Han Yang, "..."

_{Since this was a date, they were certainly unlikely to end it in the middle of the day, so the two headed back to the city to go see a movie.} So, Han Yang grabbed his hand, pulled it out, then spat out two words, "Good night."

Since this was a date, they were certainly unlikely to end it in the middle of the day, so the two headed back to the city to go see a movie.

_{Helian Qing groaned, "Just hurry up and get some sleep."}Han Yang chased after him, "That was just a kid, you can't be so petty that even this..."

Helian Qing groaned, "Just hurry up and get some sleep."

_{"I was here a few years ago. Back then, the tower wasn't built as yet." Helian Qing hung the camera from his arm, then took out a thermos bottle from his bag and handed it to Han Yang.}
Helian Qing's hand instantly paused. He then scoffed, turned around and left.

"I was here a few years ago. Back then, the tower wasn't built as yet." Helian Qing hung the camera from his arm, then took out a thermos bottle from his bag and handed it to Han Yang.

_{Under the Ginkgo tree, Han Yang's entire person seemed extraordinarily warm, even more so, as the corners of his lips slightly lifted into a smile that was utterly beautiful.}Home, Han Yang took advantage of the time Helian Qing spent in the shower to give his grandpa a call. He reminded the older gentleman to take care and stay warm, given the colder weather.

Under the Ginkgo tree, Han Yang's entire person seemed extraordinarily warm, even more so, as the corners of his lips slightly lifted into a smile that was utterly beautiful.

_{"Oh." Helian Qing had a sudden realisation and replied, "Did our date make you too excited?"}"Dried salted fish."Helian Qing sneered.

"Oh." Helian Qing had a sudden realisation and replied, "Did our date make you too excited?"

_{He held Han Yang's lips gently between his own, skirting the outline of the boy's, bit by bit, simply lingering on the space between them, without penetration. His hand, which originally propped itself above the smaller man's head, now descended. His fingers interlacing between the spaces of the smaller man's, gripping them firmly.}
Han Yang chased after him, "That was just a kid, you can't be so petty that even this..."

He held Han Yang's lips gently between his own, skirting the outline of the boy's, bit by bit, simply lingering on the space between them, without penetration. His hand, which originally propped itself above the smaller man's head, now descended. His fingers interlacing between the spaces of the smaller man's, gripping them firmly.

_{"What do they do?" Han Yang asked without any shyness and wholeheartedly as well.}
Helian Qing's steps came to a halt, he then spun around and pressed the lad against a nearby Ginkgo tree, leaning one of his arms against the truck, above the smaller man's head, with him then lowering his head as he said, "Say that again."

"What do they do?" Han Yang asked without any shyness and wholeheartedly as well.

_{"I was here a few years ago. Back then, the tower wasn't built as yet." Helian Qing hung the camera from his arm, then took out a thermos bottle from his bag and handed it to Han Yang.}"What about after we eat?" Han Yang questioned.

"I was here a few years ago. Back then, the tower wasn't built as yet." Helian Qing hung the camera from his arm, then took out a thermos bottle from his bag and handed it to Han Yang.

_{Finally, they made it all the way to the top. There were a lot more people there, and just as Helian Qing stepped off the stairs, a kid ran straight into him out of nowhere. His hands then quickly darted to catch the kid, in order to keep the little one from falling.}Helian Qing's hand instantly paused. He then scoffed, turned around and left.

Finally, they made it all the way to the top. There were a lot more people there, and just as Helian Qing stepped off the stairs, a kid ran straight into him out of nowhere. His hands then quickly darted to catch the kid, in order to keep the little one from falling.

_{When the two were done getting ready, they left.}
Han Yang did not say a word. His back remained pressed against the tree trunk, while his eyes were trained on Helian Qing, who moved even closer.

When the two were done getting ready, they left.

_{"Sorry, I'm so sorry. Kids just don't know any better." A young woman ran over and hugged the little guy. It turned out she had just turned around for a second to buy a juice and had never expected the young boy to scamper off.} 春宵苦短日高起，从此君王不早朝:Spring night(late night rendezvous) bitterly cut bitterly short by sunrise, from then on the king no longer attended his morning court. [A basic interpretation by me, poems are tricky][]This is a line from the poem "長恨歌 ： The Song of Everlasting Regret" by Bai Juyi(白居易) in 806BCE. The poem is about the Tang Dynasty Emperor, Xuanzhong, and his Imperial Consort, Yang Guifei (She is one of the Four Great Beauties of Ancient China btw). The emperor favoured Yang Guifei so much that after she became his consort he would "never again attend a morning court" after their late-night rendezvous~[]So you could see the comparison HY is making after HLQ ditches work after their night of confessions -- I mean "suggestions" 😉[]Anyway, it's a sad poem, and a very famous one if you were wondering. Links to the Wikisource page and two translated versions are below if you want to read more.[]boo []If you do read the poem please note: The An-Lushan/An-shi Rebellion(安史之乱) occurred during this period. An Lushan was a general respected by the aforementioned Emperor and favoured by Yang Guifei (like a son...😶), he later went on to create his short-lived Yan Dynasty after rebelling from the Tang Dynasty. You should probably read up on this first for context. []银杏: yín xìng: lit. silver apricot, aka, Ginkgo/Maidenhair (tree). Pic above. As the only remaining species of its kind and one of the world's living fossils, the Ginkgo tree during autumn is known for its frond-like leaves turning a bright golden yellow in a very short span of time before they fall (10-15 days). [] 出息: chū xī: to have promise/potential. 没出息 is it's antonym which means no potential, or good for nothing. []^4. 姜汁牛奶: jiang zhi niu nai: ginger milk (curd).Pic:[]"Uncle/Big Brother" are just ways to refer to yourself or be referred to by/with someone younger.[]iana: my heart... my precious little heart can-NOT (/∇＼*)｡o○♡💞

"Sorry, I'm so sorry. Kids just don't know any better." A young woman ran over and hugged the little guy. It turned out she had just turned around for a second to buy a juice and had never expected the young boy to scamper off.

_{Han Yang squatted down and patted the young one, asking, "Where did you get bumped, let Uncle have a look."}
"Just now, weren't you able to say it?" Helian Qing asked, "Do you want me to teach you?"

Han Yang squatted down and patted the young one, asking, "Where did you get bumped, let Uncle have a look."

_{"Oh, you've even got backchats now, huh?" Helian Qing raised his chin before asking, "Then, do you know what people courting each other do right?"}Helian Qing's steps came to a halt, he then spun around and pressed the lad against a nearby Ginkgo tree, leaning one of his arms against the truck, above the smaller man's head, with him then lowering his head as he said, "Say that again."

"Oh, you've even got backchats now, huh?" Helian Qing raised his chin before asking, "Then, do you know what people courting each other do right?"

_{{Of course not.}}To which Helian Qing waved him off, then said, "Don't block the tree."

Of course not.

_{Both sides of the path were lined with ginkgo trees. In that moment, the wind blew, causing a few leaves to fall, covering the ground in a layer of gold and for the air to fill with a warm fragrance.}The kid, "..."

Both sides of the path were lined with ginkgo trees. In that moment, the wind blew, causing a few leaves to fall, covering the ground in a layer of gold and for the air to fill with a warm fragrance.

_{Helian Qing groaned in affirmation, swung the car around the corner, then headed in the other direction.}
Of course not.

Helian Qing groaned in affirmation, swung the car around the corner, then headed in the other direction.

_{The heat from the man's palm seeped through his hand, disseminating itself throughout his entire body, making him feel as though his core was comparable to those Ginkgo leaves spread out completely to their limit, exuding a pleasant warmth.}
When Helian Qing's lips were merely a couple of centimetres away from his own, Han Yang spoke up, "Kids nowadays are too outrageous! How can they just casually kiss someone, huh?!"

The heat from the man's palm seeped through his hand, disseminating itself throughout his entire body, making him feel as though his core was comparable to those Ginkgo leaves spread out completely to their limit, exuding a pleasant warmth.

_{"Are you making breakfast? I can do that." Actually, Han Yang was scared the man would burn the pot, so he went over to help him at once.}"I got better already." Han Yang proclaimed as he took the milk, "When watching a movie, you have to eat popcorn. Otherwise, it'd just be boring."

"Are you making breakfast? I can do that." Actually, Han Yang was scared the man would burn the pot, so he went over to help him at once.

_{Han Yang, "..."}Seeming to be around four years old, the kid looked at Han Yang, blinking his eyes, before miserably wailing, "Waaah! I want Big Brother to kiss it." pouting and leaning closer towards Han Yang after he said so. A large hand, Helian Qing's, blocked him and covered his face.

Han Yang, "..."

_{"Does it hurt?" Han Yang asked as he touched the child's nose gently.}Prompting him to capture one of those leaves and raise the bit of fallen ember towards the sky. Sunlight soon shone through the lifted frond, the rays then falling onto his face, making his eyes squint and the corners of his lips expose a faint smile.

"Does it hurt?" Han Yang asked as he touched the child's nose gently.

_{Having never been in a relationship, Han Yang was unsure as to what people on dates would do. Thinking it over for a while, he proposed, "Do you want to go see a movie?"}
"Tch, how promising^[3]." Hearing what he said, Helian Qing laughed, after which he moved forward slightly to kiss him.

Having never been in a relationship, Han Yang was unsure as to what people on dates would do. Thinking it over for a while, he proposed, "Do you want to go see a movie?"

_{"I'm not going today, so stop being so noisy." Helian Qing moved and hugged the younger man tighter.}Han Yang did not have a class the following day, so when his biological clock prompted him to wake up that morning, he noticed Helian Qing was still asleep as well, even though, around this time, that man normally would have already left for work.

"I'm not going today, so stop being so noisy." Helian Qing moved and hugged the younger man tighter.

_{"It doesn't matter," Helian Qing stated.}
He held Han Yang's lips gently between his own, skirting the outline of the boy's, bit by bit, simply lingering on the space between them, without penetration. His hand, which originally propped itself above the smaller man's head, now descended. His fingers interlacing between the spaces of the smaller man's, gripping them firmly.

"It doesn't matter," Helian Qing stated.

_{"I was here a few years ago. Back then, the tower wasn't built as yet." Helian Qing hung the camera from his arm, then took out a thermos bottle from his bag and handed it to Han Yang.}Han Yang's fingers twitched, but he did not struggle, as he simply followed him.

"I was here a few years ago. Back then, the tower wasn't built as yet." Helian Qing hung the camera from his arm, then took out a thermos bottle from his bag and handed it to Han Yang.

_{"What about after we eat?" Han Yang questioned.}N/A

"What about after we eat?" Han Yang questioned.

_{"Oh, you've even got backchats now, huh?" Helian Qing raised his chin before asking, "Then, do you know what people courting each other do right?"}
Surrounded by a gloriously yellowed backdrop, the silhouette of the two embraced in their kiss had become akin to the image within an oil painting.

"Oh, you've even got backchats now, huh?" Helian Qing raised his chin before asking, "Then, do you know what people courting each other do right?"

_{After mulling it over for a good while, Han Yang truly believed there was no way to resolve that matter, causing him to impatiently toss and turn on the bed. Because of his floundering, Helian Qing said, "Are you a sautéed saltfish now?"}
When they both came down from the mountain, Han Yang's face still had a reddish tint. His hand firmly gripped Helian Qing's, as the other led him all the way down.

After mulling it over for a good while, Han Yang truly believed there was no way to resolve that matter, causing him to impatiently toss and turn on the bed. Because of his floundering, Helian Qing said, "Are you a sautéed saltfish now?"

_{"Shopping then?" Han Yang suggested.}"I was here a few years ago. Back then, the tower wasn't built as yet." Helian Qing hung the camera from his arm, then took out a thermos bottle from his bag and handed it to Han Yang.

"Shopping then?" Han Yang suggested.

_{"Date." Helian Qing stated, before laying back down and hugging the younger man once more, "Let's sleep for a bit longer, why do you have to be so troublesome this early in the morning?"}
The heat from the man's palm seeped through his hand, disseminating itself throughout his entire body, making him feel as though his core was comparable to those Ginkgo leaves spread out completely to their limit, exuding a pleasant warmth.

"Date." Helian Qing stated, before laying back down and hugging the younger man once more, "Let's sleep for a bit longer, why do you have to be so troublesome this early in the morning?"

_{Helian Qing's steps came to a halt, he then spun around and pressed the lad against a nearby Ginkgo tree, leaning one of his arms against the truck, above the smaller man's head, with him then lowering his head as he said, "Say that again."}"Where are we going?" Han Yang asked.

Helian Qing's steps came to a halt, he then spun around and pressed the lad against a nearby Ginkgo tree, leaning one of his arms against the truck, above the smaller man's head, with him then lowering his head as he said, "Say that again."

_{"Have you ever been here before?" About halfway up, Han Yang stopped to ask Helian Qing.}Just making Princess Qing a bit happier is good. Han Yang mused.

"Have you ever been here before?" About halfway up, Han Yang stopped to ask Helian Qing.

_{"Really?" Helian Qing seized the lad's waist with his hand, pulling that person into his embrace, then leaned closer to his ear to say, "If you really can't sleep, I don't mind doing something else."}
Those people around them, more or less, threw a few curious glances, however in that moment Han Yang did not pay them the slightest bit of attention.

"Really?" Helian Qing seized the lad's waist with his hand, pulling that person into his embrace, then leaned closer to his ear to say, "If you really can't sleep, I don't mind doing something else."

_{Since this was a date, they were certainly unlikely to end it in the middle of the day, so the two headed back to the city to go see a movie.} Han Yang chuckled softly, then again said, "Goodnight."

Since this was a date, they were certainly unlikely to end it in the middle of the day, so the two headed back to the city to go see a movie.

_{Helian Qing's steps came to a halt, he then spun around and pressed the lad against a nearby Ginkgo tree, leaning one of his arms against the truck, above the smaller man's head, with him then lowering his head as he said, "Say that again."}"Oh." Helian Qing had a sudden realisation and replied, "Did our date make you too excited?"

Helian Qing's steps came to a halt, he then spun around and pressed the lad against a nearby Ginkgo tree, leaning one of his arms against the truck, above the smaller man's head, with him then lowering his head as he said, "Say that again."

_{When Helian Qing's lips were merely a couple of centimetres away from his own, Han Yang spoke up, "Kids nowadays are too outrageous! How can they just casually kiss someone, huh?!"} Unaccustomed to having his picture taken, Han Yang stretched out his hand to block its view, "Don't take my picture."

When Helian Qing's lips were merely a couple of centimetres away from his own, Han Yang spoke up, "Kids nowadays are too outrageous! How can they just casually kiss someone, huh?!"

_{"Tch, how promising." Hearing what he said, Helian Qing laughed, after which he moved forward slightly to kiss him.}
Just making Princess Qing a bit happier is good. Han Yang mused.

"Tch, how promising." Hearing what he said, Helian Qing laughed, after which he moved forward slightly to kiss him.

_{"Maybe we could go play..}
Since this was a date, they were certainly unlikely to end it in the middle of the day, so the two headed back to the city to go see a movie.

"Maybe we could go play..." Han Yang stopped mid-sentence, his line of sight glued towards the scenery beyond the car's window, as he noticed the leaves of the Ginkgo trees has all turned yellow. The roadside was now blanketed in a thin film of leaves, and was very beautiful. During this time, he had been so preoccupied with his situation with Helian Qing that he had all but forgotten it was already November, and the season of admiring the changing Ginkgo trees had arrived.

_{"Does it hurt?" Han Yang asked as he touched the child's nose gently.}"I'm not going today, so stop being so noisy." Helian Qing moved and hugged the younger man tighter.

"Does it hurt?" Han Yang asked as he touched the child's nose gently.

_{Han Yang chuckled softly, then again said, "Goodnight."}Seeing Han Yang praising him, the kid giggled a couple of times, then suddenly reached out his little hands to seize Han Yang's face and smack him with a kiss.

Han Yang chuckled softly, then again said, "Goodnight."

_{"What about after we eat?" Han Yang questioned.}"Is it really okay for you to skip work like this?" Han Yang questioned.

"What about after we eat?" Han Yang questioned.

_{Helian Qing looked at the bottle, but ultimately still drank the mineral water. Afterwards, he placed both of their bottles back into the bag, pulling Han Yang, "Let's go."}
Han Yang originally intended to buy some popcorn, but Helian Qing prohibited it, citing his stomach still being not fully recovered as his reason. In the end, he bought the lad a cup of warm ginger-milk^[4].

Helian Qing looked at the bottle, but ultimately still drank the mineral water. Afterwards, he placed both of their bottles back into the bag, pulling Han Yang, "Let's go."

_{"What about after we eat?" Han Yang questioned.}
"I got better already." Han Yang proclaimed as he took the milk, "When watching a movie, you have to eat popcorn. Otherwise, it'd just be boring."

"What about after we eat?" Han Yang questioned.

_{At first, Han Yang was stunned, but when he thought about the man's silent act all the way there, his immediate reaction was to ask in astonishment, "You... you couldn't be jealous, could you?"}The Ginkgo trees on the other side of the mountain had already lost more than half of their leaves, so there were hardly any people there. The further they went in, the more peaceful it became. As they kept walking, soon the only ones left were Han Yang and Helian Qing.

At first, Han Yang was stunned, but when he thought about the man's silent act all the way there, his immediate reaction was to ask in astonishment, "You... you couldn't be jealous, could you?"

_{It was milk.}Just making Princess Qing a bit happier is good. Han Yang mused.

It was milk.

_{"Oh." Helian Qing had a sudden realisation and replied, "Did our date make you too excited?"}Noticing he was not kissing Big Brother, the little boy raised his head, looking towards Helian Qing who flashed him a grim smile, and said, "Don't go around kissing so casually. Believe it or not, wouldn't sticking out your mouth get it bumped by accident too?"

"Oh." Helian Qing had a sudden realisation and replied, "Did our date make you too excited?"

_{"Fine." Han Yang could only compliantly nod.}
"You can eat it when you're fully recovered." Helian Qing, unmoved, took him into the theatre.

"Fine." Han Yang could only compliantly nod.

_{When Grandpa said dating anyone, he was referring to a girlfriend. Currently in Han Yang's home town, it seemed like the youths around his own age were all getting married and having kids. Therefore, every time they spoke over the phone, Grandpa would ask this very question.}"Sorry, I'm so sorry. Kids just don't know any better." A young woman ran over and hugged the little guy. It turned out she had just turned around for a second to buy a juice and had never expected the young boy to scamper off.

When Grandpa said dating anyone, he was referring to a girlfriend. Currently in Han Yang's home town, it seemed like the youths around his own age were all getting married and having kids. Therefore, every time they spoke over the phone, Grandpa would ask this very question.

_{"..." Han Yang then rebutted, "You think too much."}
"Fine." Han Yang could only compliantly nod.

"..." Han Yang then rebutted, "You think too much."

_{"Date." Helian Qing stated, before laying back down and hugging the younger man once more, "Let's sleep for a bit longer, why do you have to be so troublesome this early in the morning?"} Why does this give me a sort of "With a high risen sun bitterly cutting their Nights of Spring short; from then on his Majesty no longer attended his morning court" kind of feeling... Han Yang wondered. He then shook the thoughts away, rested his head atop his pillow and went back to sleep as well.

"Date." Helian Qing stated, before laying back down and hugging the younger man once more, "Let's sleep for a bit longer, why do you have to be so troublesome this early in the morning?"

_{Since Han Yang started university, he had only been preoccupied with studying and working as a private tutor, so there was no way for him to simply forsake those responsibilities for other activities. Then later, he worked on programming projects with his mentor, which again left him with no extra time.}Han Yang glanced towards the bathroom, deciding right then to divulge a little bit of news, replying, "There is someone I've been getting along with. Later when there's time, I'll bring them back so you can have a proper meeting."

Since Han Yang started university, he had only been preoccupied with studying and working as a private tutor, so there was no way for him to simply forsake those responsibilities for other activities. Then later, he worked on programming projects with his mentor, which again left him with no extra time. Thus, after being in L-City for two whole years, this was his first time going out to view the falling maidenhair leaves.

_{Helian Qing, paying no mind to the other man, turned off the stove before pouring the contents of the pot into a nearby cup.}"Date." Helian Qing stated, before laying back down and hugging the younger man once more, "Let's sleep for a bit longer, why do you have to be so troublesome this early in the morning?"

Helian Qing, paying no mind to the other man, turned off the stove before pouring the contents of the pot into a nearby cup.

_{Just making Princess Qing a bit happier is good. Han Yang mused.}
After the movie, the two went out for dinner then returned home.

Just making Princess Qing a bit happier is good. Han Yang mused.

_{A newly built eight storey tower crowned the top of the location. Its stepped path adorned with more Maidenhair trees as it went up, creating a truly beautiful view. Quite a number of people had come out for recreation, as well as checking out the sights. Han Yang was no different than them, and Helian Qing went up with him.}Helian Qing, who followed behind him, soon called out to him just a second before snapping another picture.

A newly built eight storey tower crowned the top of the location. Its stepped path adorned with more Maidenhair trees as it went up, creating a truly beautiful view. Quite a number of people had come out for recreation, as well as checking out the sights. Han Yang was no different than them, and Helian Qing went up with him.

_{The kid, "..."}Of course not.

The kid, "..."

_{It was milk.}With the help of Helian Qing's teasing, Han Yang thoughts were no longer in knots in how he would lay out all his cards on the table for his grandfather. Gradually, his eyes began to close, and soon, he had completely fallen asleep.

It was milk.

_{"But aren't you the one who fell for a salted fish?" Han Yang retorted.}
Home, Han Yang took advantage of the time Helian Qing spent in the shower to give his grandpa a call. He reminded the older gentleman to take care and stay warm, given the colder weather.

"But aren't you the one who fell for a salted fish?" Han Yang retorted.

_{The mountain air was very refreshing and other than a few local residents who came for a stroll, the path they took did not have many people passing by. Han Yang walked—then stopped, walked again—then stopped, taking pictures all over the place. It was not long before his phone had more than a few pictures stored, he had even managed to sneakily snap a couple photos of Helian Qing as well.}"Date." Helian Qing stated, before laying back down and hugging the younger man once more, "Let's sleep for a bit longer, why do you have to be so troublesome this early in the morning?"

The mountain air was very refreshing and other than a few local residents who came for a stroll, the path they took did not have many people passing by. Han Yang walked—then stopped, walked again—then stopped, taking pictures all over the place. It was not long before his phone had more than a few pictures stored, he had even managed to sneakily snap a couple photos of Helian Qing as well.

_{Helian Qing mouthed, his eyes fixed on the just taken photograph.}
Grandpa, in turn, responded by also repeatedly urging Han Yang to do the same. Afterwards, he asked the same question just as he had always done in the past during their calls, "Xiao Yang, are you dating anyone over there?"

Helian Qing mouthed, his eyes fixed on the just taken photograph.

_{With the help of Helian Qing's teasing, Han Yang thoughts were no longer in knots in how he would lay out all his cards on the table for his grandfather. Gradually, his eyes began to close, and soon, he had completely fallen asleep.}"Helian Qing." Han Yang shook the man, "Hurry and get up, you'll be late for work."

With the help of Helian Qing's teasing, Han Yang thoughts were no longer in knots in how he would lay out all his cards on the table for his grandfather. Gradually, his eyes began to close, and soon, he had completely fallen asleep.

_{"Does it hurt?" Han Yang asked as he touched the child's nose gently.}
When Grandpa said dating anyone, he was referring to a girlfriend. Currently in Han Yang's home town, it seemed like the youths around his own age were all getting married and having kids. Therefore, every time they spoke over the phone, Grandpa would ask this very question.

"Does it hurt?" Han Yang asked as he touched the child's nose gently.

_{"Oh, you've even got backchats now, huh?" Helian Qing raised his chin before asking, "Then, do you know what people courting each other do right?"}Helian Qing, paying no mind to the other man, turned off the stove before pouring the contents of the pot into a nearby cup.

"Oh, you've even got backchats now, huh?" Helian Qing raised his chin before asking, "Then, do you know what people courting each other do right?"

_{Helian Qing put the washed pot aside, then turned to face the lad. Moving towards him before lowering his head to lick the traces of milk that stained the shorter man's lips, declaring, "Now I drank some. Tastes good."}
Han Yang glanced towards the bathroom, deciding right then to divulge a little bit of news, replying, "There is someone I've been getting along with. Later when there's time, I'll bring them back so you can have a proper meeting."

Helian Qing put the washed pot aside, then turned to face the lad. Moving towards him before lowering his head to lick the traces of milk that stained the shorter man's lips, declaring, "Now I drank some. Tastes good."

_{"What about after we eat?" Han Yang questioned.}"Where are we going?" Han Yang asked.

"What about after we eat?" Han Yang questioned.

_{With the help of Helian Qing's teasing, Han Yang thoughts were no longer in knots in how he would lay out all his cards on the table for his grandfather. Gradually, his eyes began to close, and soon, he had completely fallen asleep.}
"Good, good, that's good." Grandpa laughed gaily, "Don't forget to be extra careful when you're outside, you understand don't you?"

With the help of Helian Qing's teasing, Han Yang thoughts were no longer in knots in how he would lay out all his cards on the table for his grandfather. Gradually, his eyes began to close, and soon, he had completely fallen asleep.

_{"Who confessed to you, huh!" Han Yang held his forehead. {That was only a suggestion, wasn't it?}}Both sides of the path were lined with ginkgo trees. In that moment, the wind blew, causing a few leaves to fall, covering the ground in a layer of gold and for the air to fill with a warm fragrance.

"Who confessed to you, huh!" Han Yang held his forehead. That was only a suggestion, wasn't it?

_{{Why does this give me a sort of "With a high risen sun bitterly cutting their Nights of Spring short; from then on his Majesty no longer attended his morning court" kind of feeling}... Han Yang wondered. He then shook the thoughts away, rested his head atop his pillow and went back to sleep as well.}How can that be considered drinking, huh! Han Yang's face became heated. With a lowered head, he then finished his milk and pretended whatever that was—never happened. Though contrarily, his heart thumped and thumped, as it skipped incessantly.

Why does this give me a sort of "With a high risen sun bitterly cutting their Nights of Spring short; from then on his Majesty no longer attended his morning court" kind of feeling... Han Yang wondered. He then shook the thoughts away, rested his head atop his pillow and went back to sleep as well.

_{Han Yang did not have a class the following day, so when his biological clock prompted him to wake up that morning, he noticed Helian Qing was still asleep as well, even though, around this time, that man normally would have already left for work.}
"I understand, don't worry." Han Yang soon heard the shower stop, so he said a few more words to Grandpa before he hung up the phone.

Han Yang did not have a class the following day, so when his biological clock prompted him to wake up that morning, he noticed Helian Qing was still asleep as well, even though, around this time, that man normally would have already left for work.

_{"Are you making breakfast? I can do that." Actually, Han Yang was scared the man would burn the pot, so he went over to help him at once.}The Ginkgo trees on the other side of the mountain had already lost more than half of their leaves, so there were hardly any people there. The further they went in, the more peaceful it became. As they kept walking, soon the only ones left were Han Yang and Helian Qing.

"Are you making breakfast? I can do that." Actually, Han Yang was scared the man would burn the pot, so he went over to help him at once.

_{"It's no problem." Han Yang smiled, raising his hand to stroke the little one's head, "He's very cute."}Unaccustomed to having his picture taken, Han Yang stretched out his hand to block its view, "Don't take my picture."

"It's no problem." Han Yang smiled, raising his hand to stroke the little one's head, "He's very cute."

_{What the {something else} was referring to, Han Yang could guess without much thought!!}"It's no problem." Han Yang smiled, raising his hand to stroke the little one's head, "He's very cute."

What the something else was referring to, Han Yang could guess without much thought!!

_{At first, Han Yang was stunned, but when he thought about the man's silent act all the way there, his immediate reaction was to ask in astonishment, "You... you couldn't be jealous, could you?"}
At bedtime, Han Yang continuously thought about how he should tell his grandpa about his situation with Helian Qing. Grandpa spent his entire life in their small village, so it was uncertain whether a man marrying another man was something he could accept. Thus, all he could wish for, was to not scare the elderly man too much.

At first, Han Yang was stunned, but when he thought about the man's silent act all the way there, his immediate reaction was to ask in astonishment, "You... you couldn't be jealous, could you?"

_{When Helian Qing's lips were merely a couple of centimetres away from his own, Han Yang spoke up, "Kids nowadays are too outrageous! How can they just casually kiss someone, huh?!"} Han Yang recalled how he called him a dried salted fish yesterday and said, "I can't sleep."

When Helian Qing's lips were merely a couple of centimetres away from his own, Han Yang spoke up, "Kids nowadays are too outrageous! How can they just casually kiss someone, huh?!"

_{When the two were done getting ready, they left.}Han Yang originally intended to buy some popcorn, but Helian Qing prohibited it, citing his stomach still being not fully recovered as his reason. In the end, he bought the lad a cup of warm ginger-milk^[4].

When the two were done getting ready, they left.

_{Prompting him to capture one of those leaves and raise the bit of fallen ember towards the sky. Sunlight soon shone through the lifted frond, the rays then falling onto his face, making his eyes squint and the corners of his lips expose a faint smile.}Helian Qing groaned, "Just hurry up and get some sleep."

Prompting him to capture one of those leaves and raise the bit of fallen ember towards the sky. Sunlight soon shone through the lifted frond, the rays then falling onto his face, making his eyes squint and the corners of his lips expose a faint smile.

_{So, Han Yang grabbed his hand, pulled it out, then spat out two words, "Good night."}
After mulling it over for a good while, Han Yang truly believed there was no way to resolve that matter, causing him to impatiently toss and turn on the bed. Because of his floundering, Helian Qing said, "Are you a sautéed saltfish now?"

So, Han Yang grabbed his hand, pulled it out, then spat out two words, "Good night."

_{Helian Qing's face darkened immediately. Upon seeing that, the young woman promptly apologised before taking the boy into her arms then leave.}"To eat." Helian Qing replied simply.

Helian Qing's face darkened immediately. Upon seeing that, the young woman promptly apologised before taking the boy into her arms then leave.

_{Since this was a date, they were certainly unlikely to end it in the middle of the day, so the two headed back to the city to go see a movie.} Han Yang took the cup of milk and began drinking it.

Since this was a date, they were certainly unlikely to end it in the middle of the day, so the two headed back to the city to go see a movie.

_{"I understand, don't worry." Han Yang soon heard the shower stop, so he said a few more words to Grandpa before he hung up the phone.}"Does it hurt?" Han Yang asked as he touched the child's nose gently.

"I understand, don't worry." Han Yang soon heard the shower stop, so he said a few more words to Grandpa before he hung up the phone.

_{As he gazed at the continuous and unceasing stretch of gold laid out ahead of him, the wind again blew some leaves into the air, swirling them around a few times, before allowing them the fall on his shoulders. This act made him suddenly experience a sobering sense of peace.}
Han Yang recalled how he called him a dried salted fish yesterday and said, "I can't sleep."

As he gazed at the continuous and unceasing stretch of gold laid out ahead of him, the wind again blew some leaves into the air, swirling them around a few times, before allowing them the fall on his shoulders. This act made him suddenly experience a sobering sense of peace.

_{"Oh, you've even got backchats now, huh?" Helian Qing raised his chin before asking, "Then, do you know what people courting each other do right?"}Just making Princess Qing a bit happier is good. Han Yang mused.

"Oh, you've even got backchats now, huh?" Helian Qing raised his chin before asking, "Then, do you know what people courting each other do right?"

_{While he spoke, his hand which was originally embracing Han Yang's waist slipped into Han Yang's pyjamas, then under his shirt, touching his waist.}At bedtime, Han Yang continuously thought about how he should tell his grandpa about his situation with Helian Qing. Grandpa spent his entire life in their small village, so it was uncertain whether a man marrying another man was something he could accept. Thus, all he could wish for, was to not scare the elderly man too much.

While he spoke, his hand which was originally embracing Han Yang's waist slipped into Han Yang's pyjamas, then under his shirt, touching his waist.

_{"Fine." Han Yang could only compliantly nod.}A scoff sounded beside him, causing Han Yang to look back and see an expressionless Helian Qing staring down him.

"Fine." Han Yang could only compliantly nod.

_{"Where do you want to go?" Helian Qing asked in return.}
"Oh." Helian Qing had a sudden realisation and replied, "Did our date make you too excited?"

"Where do you want to go?" Helian Qing asked in return.

_{Prompting him to capture one of those leaves and raise the bit of fallen ember towards the sky. Sunlight soon shone through the lifted frond, the rays then falling onto his face, making his eyes squint and the corners of his lips expose a faint smile.}
"..." Han Yang then rebutted, "You think too much."

Prompting him to capture one of those leaves and raise the bit of fallen ember towards the sky. Sunlight soon shone through the lifted frond, the rays then falling onto his face, making his eyes squint and the corners of his lips expose a faint smile.

_{To which Helian Qing waved him off, then said, "Don't block the tree."}
"Really?" Helian Qing seized the lad's waist with his hand, pulling that person into his embrace, then leaned closer to his ear to say, "If you really can't sleep, I don't mind doing something else."

To which Helian Qing waved him off, then said, "Don't block the tree."

_{The Ginkgo trees on the other side of the mountain had already lost more than half of their leaves, so there were hardly any people there. The further they went in, the more peaceful it became. As they kept walking, soon the only ones left were Han Yang and Helian Qing.}Helian Qing tsked, "Goodnight, dried-salted fish."

The Ginkgo trees on the other side of the mountain had already lost more than half of their leaves, so there were hardly any people there. The further they went in, the more peaceful it became. As they kept walking, soon the only ones left were Han Yang and Helian Qing.

_{"Really?" Helian Qing seized the lad's waist with his hand, pulling that person into his embrace, then leaned closer to his ear to say, "If you really can't sleep, I don't mind {doing} something else."}The heat from the man's palm seeped through his hand, disseminating itself throughout his entire body, making him feel as though his core was comparable to those Ginkgo leaves spread out completely to their limit, exuding a pleasant warmth.

"Really?" Helian Qing seized the lad's waist with his hand, pulling that person into his embrace, then leaned closer to his ear to say, "If you really can't sleep, I don't mind doing something else."

_{"It doesn't matter," Helian Qing stated.} Why does this give me a sort of "With a high risen sun bitterly cutting their Nights of Spring short; from then on his Majesty no longer attended his morning court" kind of feeling... Han Yang wondered. He then shook the thoughts away, rested his head atop his pillow and went back to sleep as well.

"It doesn't matter," Helian Qing stated.

_{"You can eat it when you're fully recovered." Helian Qing, unmoved, took him into the theatre.}
While he spoke, his hand which was originally embracing Han Yang's waist slipped into Han Yang's pyjamas, then under his shirt, touching his waist.

"You can eat it when you're fully recovered." Helian Qing, unmoved, took him into the theatre.

_{Han Yang chased after him, "That was just a kid, you can't be so petty that even this..."}"Oh." Helian Qing had a sudden realisation and replied, "Did our date make you too excited?"

Han Yang chased after him, "That was just a kid, you can't be so petty that even this..."

_{The milk had just a bit of sugar added, giving it a faintly sweetened taste, which so happened to be just how he preferred it. Slipping down his throat, the warm liquid flowed into his gut, making the that place nice and warm, and gave him a very comforting feeling.}Han Yang did not say a word. His back remained pressed against the tree trunk, while his eyes were trained on Helian Qing, who moved even closer.

The milk had just a bit of sugar added, giving it a faintly sweetened taste, which so happened to be just how he preferred it. Slipping down his throat, the warm liquid flowed into his gut, making the that place nice and warm, and gave him a very comforting feeling.

_{"Are you making breakfast? I can do that." Actually, Han Yang was scared the man would burn the pot, so he went over to help him at once.}A scoff sounded beside him, causing Han Yang to look back and see an expressionless Helian Qing staring down him.

"Are you making breakfast? I can do that." Actually, Han Yang was scared the man would burn the pot, so he went over to help him at once.

_{"Helian Qing." Han Yang shook the man, "Hurry and get up, you'll be late for work."}
What the something else was referring to, Han Yang could guess without much thought!!

"Helian Qing." Han Yang shook the man, "Hurry and get up, you'll be late for work."

_{The mountain air was very refreshing and other than a few local residents who came for a stroll, the path they took did not have many people passing by. Han Yang walked—then stopped, walked again—then stopped, taking pictures all over the place. It was not long before his phone had more than a few pictures stored, he had even managed to sneakily snap a couple photos of Helian Qing as well.}
So, Han Yang grabbed his hand, pulled it out, then spat out two words, "Good night."

The mountain air was very refreshing and other than a few local residents who came for a stroll, the path they took did not have many people passing by. Han Yang walked—then stopped, walked again—then stopped, taking pictures all over the place. It was not long before his phone had more than a few pictures stored, he had even managed to sneakily snap a couple photos of Helian Qing as well.

_{As he gazed at the continuous and unceasing stretch of gold laid out ahead of him, the wind again blew some leaves into the air, swirling them around a few times, before allowing them the fall on his shoulders. This act made him suddenly experience a sobering sense of peace.}"It's no problem." Han Yang smiled, raising his hand to stroke the little one's head, "He's very cute."

As he gazed at the continuous and unceasing stretch of gold laid out ahead of him, the wind again blew some leaves into the air, swirling them around a few times, before allowing them the fall on his shoulders. This act made him suddenly experience a sobering sense of peace.

_{"Dried salted fish."Helian Qing sneered.}Han Yang's fingers twitched, but he did not struggle, as he simply followed him.

"Dried salted fish."Helian Qing sneered.

_{"Good, good, that's good." Grandpa laughed gaily, "Don't forget to be extra careful when you're outside, you understand don't you?"}
Helian Qing tsked, "Goodnight, dried-salted fish."

"Good, good, that's good." Grandpa laughed gaily, "Don't forget to be extra careful when you're outside, you understand don't you?"

_{Finally, they made it all the way to the top. There were a lot more people there, and just as Helian Qing stepped off the stairs, a kid ran straight into him out of nowhere. His hands then quickly darted to catch the kid, in order to keep the little one from falling.}To which Helian Qing waved him off, then said, "Don't block the tree."

Finally, they made it all the way to the top. There were a lot more people there, and just as Helian Qing stepped off the stairs, a kid ran straight into him out of nowhere. His hands then quickly darted to catch the kid, in order to keep the little one from falling.

_{Under the Ginkgo tree, Han Yang's entire person seemed extraordinarily warm, even more so, as the corners of his lips slightly lifted into a smile that was utterly beautiful.}The mountain air was very refreshing and other than a few local residents who came for a stroll, the path they took did not have many people passing by. Han Yang walked—then stopped, walked again—then stopped, taking pictures all over the place. It was not long before his phone had more than a few pictures stored, he had even managed to sneakily snap a couple photos of Helian Qing as well.

Under the Ginkgo tree, Han Yang's entire person seemed extraordinarily warm, even more so, as the corners of his lips slightly lifted into a smile that was utterly beautiful.

_{Earlier that morning, before they left, Helian Qing had packed the bag. Han Yang did not expect that Helian Qing even brought a thermos and drinking warm water in such weather was very satisfying. He drank two mouthfuls then looked at Helian Qing who was opening a bottle of mineral water, tugging the man, he then said, "Drink some warm water, okay?" before he handed the thermos to him.}Han Yang chuckled softly, then again said, "Goodnight."

Earlier that morning, before they left, Helian Qing had packed the bag. Han Yang did not expect that Helian Qing even brought a thermos and drinking warm water in such weather was very satisfying. He drank two mouthfuls then looked at Helian Qing who was opening a bottle of mineral water, tugging the man, he then said, "Drink some warm water, okay?" before he handed the thermos to him.

_{"Oh." Helian Qing had a sudden realisation and replied, "Did our date make you too excited?"}
Han Yang, "Goodnight, Princess Qing."

"Oh." Helian Qing had a sudden realisation and replied, "Did our date make you too excited?"

_{{Princess Qing, your decision was indeed very capricious!}}"Good, good, that's good." Grandpa laughed gaily, "Don't forget to be extra careful when you're outside, you understand don't you?"

Princess Qing, your decision was indeed very capricious!

_{Han Yang chuckled softly, then again said, "Goodnight."}Just making Princess Qing a bit happier is good. Han Yang mused.

Han Yang chuckled softly, then again said, "Goodnight."

_Mine.
Helian Qing, "Do you really want to not sleep tonight?"

Mine.

_{Han Yang dropped his hand, coughing, "Let's go, we're behind on our sightseeing."}"To eat." Helian Qing replied simply.

Han Yang dropped his hand, coughing, "Let's go, we're behind on our sightseeing."

_{"I was here a few years ago. Back then, the tower wasn't built as yet." Helian Qing hung the camera from his arm, then took out a thermos bottle from his bag and handed it to Han Yang.}Han Yang squatted down and patted the young one, asking, "Where did you get bumped, let Uncle have a look."

"I was here a few years ago. Back then, the tower wasn't built as yet." Helian Qing hung the camera from his arm, then took out a thermos bottle from his bag and handed it to Han Yang.

_{Helian Qing, "Do you really want to not sleep tonight?"}
Han Yang chuckled softly, then again said, "Goodnight."

Helian Qing, "Do you really want to not sleep tonight?"

_{Princess Qing, your decision was indeed very capricious!}
Helian Qing groaned, "Just hurry up and get some sleep."

Princess Qing, your decision was indeed very capricious!

_{A scoff sounded beside him, causing Han Yang to look back and see an expressionless Helian Qing staring down him.}"Is it really okay for you to skip work like this?" Han Yang questioned.

A scoff sounded beside him, causing Han Yang to look back and see an expressionless Helian Qing staring down him.

_{When they both came down from the mountain, Han Yang's face still had a reddish tint. His hand firmly gripped Helian Qing's, as the other led him all the way down.}
With the help of Helian Qing's teasing, Han Yang thoughts were no longer in knots in how he would lay out all his cards on the table for his grandfather. Gradually, his eyes began to close, and soon, he had completely fallen asleep.

When they both came down from the mountain, Han Yang's face still had a reddish tint. His hand firmly gripped Helian Qing's, as the other led him all the way down.

---

Author's Note:

N/A

Notes:

^1. 春宵苦短日高起，从此君王不早朝:Spring night(late night rendezvous) bitterly cut bitterly short by sunrise, from then on the king no longer attended his morning court. [A basic interpretation by me, poems are tricky]

This is a line from the poem "長恨歌 ： The Song of Everlasting Regret" by Bai Juyi(白居易) in 806BCE. The poem is about the Tang Dynasty Emperor, Xuanzhong, and his Imperial Consort, Yang Guifei (She is one of the Four Great Beauties of Ancient China btw). The emperor favoured Yang Guifei so much that after she became his consort he would "never again attend a morning court" after their late-night rendezvous~

So you could see the comparison HY is making after HLQ ditches work after their night of confessions -- I mean "suggestions" 😉

Anyway, it's a sad poem, and a very famous one if you were wondering. Links to the Wikisource page and two translated versions are below if you want to read more.
Wikisource: here
Alternate translation #1: here
Alternate translation #2: here
If you do read the poem please note: The An-Lushan/An-shi Rebellion(安史之乱) occurred during this period. An Lushan was a general respected by the aforementioned Emperor and favoured by Yang Guifei (like a son...😶), he later went on to create his short-lived Yan Dynasty after rebelling from the Tang Dynasty. You should probably read up on this first for context.

^2.银杏: yín xìng: lit. silver apricot, aka, Ginkgo/Maidenhair (tree). Pic above. As the only remaining species of its kind and one of the world's living fossils, the Ginkgo tree during autumn is known for its frond-like leaves turning a bright golden yellow in a very short span of time before they fall (10-15 days).

^3. 出息: chū xī: to have promise/potential. 没出息 is it's antonym which means no potential, or good for nothing.

^4. 姜汁牛奶: jiang zhi niu nai: ginger milk (curd).

Pic:

"Uncle/Big Brother" are just ways to refer to yourself or be referred to by/with someone younger.

iana: my heart... my precious little heart can-NOT (/∇＼*)｡o○♡💞

current iana: I'm all edited out for the day, the other chapters will be added later this week hopefully.

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