CM: C23

Chapter: 23 | Chapter Twenty-Three

• Previous
• Next
• ToC

Chapter Twenty-Three

---

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

_{Currently standing in that room were the two who used him to repay their debt to Helian Qing—his parents. Han Yang had thought he would never again lay eyes on them, even more so, that it would happen at his home.}
After Han Yang finished taking his exams, he did not return home. This was because he still had to go over to Dr. Chen Qingqing's, since his course of treatment had yet to be completed.

Currently standing in that room were the two who used him to repay their debt to Helian Qing—his parents. Han Yang had thought he would never again lay eyes on them, even more so, that it would happen at his home.

_{The middle-aged man was struck dumb, his mouth gaping, not knowing what to say.}
Normally, when returning to his hometown, Han Yang would take a train given how affordable its fare was, in addition to student only having to pay half the price. So, despite the fact the journey was indeed much longer, he would also have the opportunity to get a bed. But this time around, Helian Qing had given him a plane ticket, and when the day for him to leave came, that man also dropped him off at the airport.

The middle-aged man was struck dumb, his mouth gaping, not knowing what to say.

_{"I want to spend more time at home with Grandpa." Han Yang squeezed the man's hands held within his own, "You know he's the only one at home, and it's very lonely there."}As a man who lived most of his life, Grandpa had seen quite a lot of people and things, so immediately—just from witnessing Han Yang's attitude—he had discerned that they have already met. Besides that, he could also tell that those two had done something bad to Han Yang. Otherwise, given his temperament, Han Yang would be very unlikely to have treated them so coldly. Although he still did not know the specific details regarding the matter, he did however remember that his precious grandson may have been wronged, thus the shield over his heart exploded. Searching beside him, Grandpa grabbed hold of a broom and drove those people out. "Get the hell out! Go, get out, leave! Don't be a nuisance in our home!" Literally shooing those people away, bringing the matter to a close.

"I want to spend more time at home with Grandpa." Han Yang squeezed the man's hands held within his own, "You know he's the only one at home, and it's very lonely there."

_{Han Yang evaded his hands, grinning as he said, "I can carry it myself. Let's get inside quickly, it's too cold out here."}
Helian Qing had originally intended to go back with him, but at the end of the year his company had become considerably busier, and for the time being, he was still unable to leave. So, all he could do now, was wear a sour-look on his face as he sent the other person off.

Han Yang evaded his hands, grinning as he said, "I can carry it myself. Let's get inside quickly, it's too cold out here."

_{Those feelings carried on until the night of that very day when he received a call from Helian Qing. A strange feeling filled him the moment he saw the I'm coming call from the man, after all, they had just chatted a little while ago, why would he be calling all of a sudden.}The middle-aged man was struck dumb, his mouth gaping, not knowing what to say.

Those feelings carried on until the night of that very day when he received a call from Helian Qing. A strange feeling filled him the moment he saw the I'm coming call from the man, after all, they had just chatted a little while ago, why would he be calling all of a sudden.

_{"What meeting..." the sharp gaze the man swept towards Han Yang made him switch his topic, "Alright, I'll wait for you to come meet me."}Helian Qing hummed, changing the topic, "Have you thought it over?"

"What meeting..." the sharp gaze the man swept towards Han Yang made him switch his topic, "Alright, I'll wait for you to come meet me."

_{"Oh... Striving to better oneself is good thing," Grandpa stated. "Didn't you say a little while ago that his grandfather wanted to play a game of Chinese Chess with me?"}
"You always look so handsome, don't put such a sour look on your face, okay?" Han Yang pinched the man's cheek, teasing him.

"Oh... Striving to better oneself is good thing," Grandpa stated. "Didn't you say a little while ago that his grandfather wanted to play a game of Chinese Chess with me?"

_{The middle-aged woman seemed as if she were in contemplation, remained mum for a few seconds before craning her head downwards then covering her mouth; appearing to now be in tears. Beside her, the middle-aged man also wore a rigid expression, as he just stood there awkwardly.}"I'll wait until you get here to tell you, so let's not talk about it now, alright—phone calls are pricey. Remember to be careful on your way, you understand right?" Grandpa kept him in suspense, but from the way he said it, it should be a good thing.

The middle-aged woman seemed as if she were in contemplation, remained mum for a few seconds before craning her head downwards then covering her mouth; appearing to now be in tears. Beside her, the middle-aged man also wore a rigid expression, as he just stood there awkwardly.

_{Han Yang did not look at her, choosing to help Grandpa take a seat before he said, "Now you've seen me, so now both of you can go."}
Helian Qing, in turn, looked at him expressionlessly, silently displaying his irritation.

Han Yang did not look at her, choosing to help Grandpa take a seat before he said, "Now you've seen me, so now both of you can go."

_{"What nine o'clock, what are you..." his words came to an abrupt stop, while his fingers were almost unable to hold onto the phone.}"That's good, that's really good," Grandpa, feeling a sense of gratitude, nodded. From the beginning he had been distressed over Han Yang's legs, and always blamed himself for not having run into Han Yang earlier.

"What nine o'clock, what are you..." his words came to an abrupt stop, while his fingers were almost unable to hold onto the phone.

_{With arms outstretched, Helian Qing took the other man into his embrace—hugging him vigorously—then let him go, shooing him away, "Go on, hurry!"}Qing Gége: They're kept at home.

With arms outstretched, Helian Qing took the other man into his embrace—hugging him vigorously—then let him go, shooing him away, "Go on, hurry!"

_{{Salted Fish: Is your meeting over?}}"Xiao Yang..." the middle-aged woman still wanted to say something, but Han Yang cut her off to say: "Leave."

Salted Fish: Is your meeting over?

_{Hang Yang pursed his lips, not saying a word. But the middle-aged man, after a period of hesitation, then said, "Xiao Yang, we know we don't deserve you, but we don't want to do anything other than spend New Year's with you."}
Using the man's shoulders for support, Han Yang—tiptoeing slightly—kissed the other on his lips, coaxing, "I'll be back at the start of the new school term. You'll be fine at home with Aunty Su and the others."

Hang Yang pursed his lips, not saying a word. But the middle-aged man, after a period of hesitation, then said, "Xiao Yang, we know we don't deserve you, but we don't want to do anything other than spend New Year's with you."

_{Han Yang rubbed his nose, then revealed he and Helian Wing had already registered their marriage.}Hang Yang pursed his lips, not saying a word. But the middle-aged man, after a period of hesitation, then said, "Xiao Yang, we know we don't deserve you, but we don't want to do anything other than spend New Year's with you."

Han Yang rubbed his nose, then revealed he and Helian Wing had already registered their marriage.

_{"So, are they or aren't they, huh?" Grandpa was simply confused by them.}"Xiao Yang..." the middle-aged woman still wanted to say something, but Han Yang cut her off to say: "Leave."

"So, are they or aren't they, huh?" Grandpa was simply confused by them.

_{Was this describing him? Han Yang laughed.}
With the lad's kiss Helian Qing's complexion got a little better, but upon hearing what he said afterwards he simply felt unhappy, asking stiffly, "The start of the school term?" When you leave now there's still almost a month before the semester begins.

Was this describing him? Han Yang laughed.

_{Han Yang had not mentioned to his grandfather that this day was the one he would be returning home because every time he went back, the elderly man would always wait for him at the entrance to their village. Han Yang would then worry about whether he had waited a long time, so for this reason he simply did not tell.}
"I want to spend more time at home with Grandpa." Han Yang squeezed the man's hands held within his own, "You know he's the only one at home, and it's very lonely there."

Han Yang had not mentioned to his grandfather that this day was the one he would be returning home because every time he went back, the elderly man would always wait for him at the entrance to their village. Han Yang would then worry about whether he had waited a long time, so for this reason he simply did not tell.

_{"Yes-yes-yes! We are!" the middle-aged woman declared excitedly, fearing Han Yang would overrule them. "We are Xiao Yang's—"}The next day, Han Yang had thoroughly come to understand the saying: a day apart seems like a lifetime^[4]. Every day, without fail, he would video chat with Helian Qing, but he would also feel like it was not enough. Because he could not touch him, he missed Helian Qing's embrace; because he could not feel him, he missed the heat of his body.

"Yes-yes-yes! We are!" the middle-aged woman declared excitedly, fearing Han Yang would overrule them. "We are Xiao Yang's—"

_{Han Yang took the broom from the old man, putting it aside, then stroked his back.}"Utterly unconscionable!!" Finding out Han Yang's birth-givers had used him to pay off their debt made Grandpa infuriated to the point where he rose to his feet, took up the broom, intending to chase after those people and beat them up, prompting Han Yang to hurriedly move to hold him back.

Han Yang took the broom from the old man, putting it aside, then stroked his back.

_{"We met." Han Yang sat beside him, then told him about the situation regarding his parents' debt repayment.} Rolling around in a good few circles, Han Yang could not help but send Helian Qing another message via WeChat. Quite a while passed since the message had been sent with no response in return, so all he could then do was put aside his phone and force himself to get some rest.

"We met." Han Yang sat beside him, then told him about the situation regarding his parents' debt repayment.

_{"Not anymore!" Han Yang interjected in a slightly raised tone, turning to look at the woman after he spoke, then repeated, "Now, you aren't anymore."}
Helian Qing hummed, changing the topic, "Have you thought it over?"

"Not anymore!" Han Yang interjected in a slightly raised tone, turning to look at the woman after he spoke, then repeated, "Now, you aren't anymore."

_{"You always look so handsome, don't put such a sour look on your face, okay?" Han Yang pinched the man's cheek, teasing him.}"He's busy at work. He's been working overtime for the past few days," Han Yang replied.

"You always look so handsome, don't put such a sour look on your face, okay?" Han Yang pinched the man's cheek, teasing him.

_{"I can hear you clearly, I can see you clearly too," Helian Qing revealed. "Turn around, look to your nine o'clock ^[5]."}"At home, by the fire. Where are you? And how big did the rumour get?" Han Yang asked out of curiosity.

"I can hear you clearly, I can see you clearly too," Helian Qing revealed. "Turn around, look to your nine o'clock ^[5]."

_{Getting to the small town at the outskirts of the city took two hours, and following his arrival to this town, Han Yang went to find a motorcycle taxi to take him to his village.}"Really? Why didn't you tell me? I should hurry and go buy some groceries to give you a tasty meal then!" Grandpa's voice sounded very excited.

Getting to the small town at the outskirts of the city took two hours, and following his arrival to this town, Han Yang went to find a motorcycle taxi to take him to his village.

_{"At home, by the fire. Where are you? And how big did the rumour get?" Han Yang asked out of curiosity.}
Han Yang listened to him as he asked this again, coughing lightly, before saying, "First I'll go back and talk to Grandpa."

"At home, by the fire. Where are you? And how big did the rumour get?" Han Yang asked out of curiosity.

_{Rolling around in a good few circles, Han Yang could not help but send Helian Qing another message via WeChat. Quite a while passed since the message had been sent with no response in return, so all he could then do was put aside his phone and force himself to get some rest.} Han Yang pulled his suitcase inside, knitted his brows slightly, looking at them, "Why are the two of you here?"

Rolling around in a good few circles, Han Yang could not help but send Helian Qing another message via WeChat. Quite a while passed since the message had been sent with no response in return, so all he could then do was put aside his phone and force himself to get some rest.

_{Helian Qing hummed, changing the topic, "Have you thought it over?"}It was currently already the time for the security check, so Han Yang took his suitcase and said, "I have to go now. You should hurry and get back home, I'll call you when I get there."

Helian Qing hummed, changing the topic, "Have you thought it over?"

_{"Utterly unconscionable!!" Finding out Han Yang's birth-givers had used him to pay off their debt made Grandpa infuriated to the point where he rose to his feet, took up the broom, intending to chase after those people and beat them up, prompting Han Yang to hurriedly move to hold him back.}
The last time he asked that question was at the press conference. Then on that same night he returned, pressed Han Yang against a wall to ask that very question once more. With regard to their wedding, Han Yang actually had no objections—in fact, it could be said he looked forward to it. After all, he too wanted to have a formal ceremony with his loved ones in attendance, but he also wanted to discuss it with his grandfather first. Since if he truly wanted to do this, he hoped that his grandfather would be there, and he would get the elder man's blessings.

"Utterly unconscionable!!" Finding out Han Yang's birth-givers had used him to pay off their debt made Grandpa infuriated to the point where he rose to his feet, took up the broom, intending to chase after those people and beat them up, prompting Han Yang to hurriedly move to hold him back.

_{"Oh, wait a bit, I'll go to the patio." Han Yang stood up then went outside. When he got to the patio he asked, "Is it better now? It's windy outside, can you hear me clearly?"} "Oh, wait a bit, I'll go to the patio." Han Yang stood up then went outside. When he got to the patio he asked, "Is it better now? It's windy outside, can you hear me clearly?"

"Oh, wait a bit, I'll go to the patio." Han Yang stood up then went outside. When he got to the patio he asked, "Is it better now? It's windy outside, can you hear me clearly?"

_{By the time Han Yang made it to the station the train had just arrived when Grandpa called, asking him when he planned on coming back home.}Han Yang did not look at her, choosing to help Grandpa take a seat before he said, "Now you've seen me, so now both of you can go."

By the time Han Yang made it to the station the train had just arrived when Grandpa called, asking him when he planned on coming back home.

_{"So, are they or aren't they, huh?" Grandpa was simply confused by them.}
Helian Qing naturally understood the lad's way of thinking, as well as knowing how important his sole relative was to him. If he had not, he would have kidnapped that Salted Fish and taken him to a church a long time ago!

"So, are they or aren't they, huh?" Grandpa was simply confused by them.

_{"I'm so pissed." Grandpa took a seat on a stool, panting, broom still in hand. "I went and invited those wolves into the house!"}
Seeing the man's lips pursed along with his silence, Han Yang pinched the corners of the man's mouth with his fingers, smiling as he said, "I promise you, it'll be soon. Grandpa is a very good person; I definitely will not turn my back on you."

"I'm so pissed." Grandpa took a seat on a stool, panting, broom still in hand. "I went and invited those wolves into the house!"

_{Normally, when returning to his hometown, Han Yang would take a train given how affordable its fare was, in addition to student only having to pay half the price. So, despite the fact the journey was indeed much longer, he would also have the opportunity to get a bed.}Hang Yang pursed his lips, not saying a word. But the middle-aged man, after a period of hesitation, then said, "Xiao Yang, we know we don't deserve you, but we don't want to do anything other than spend New Year's with you."

Normally, when returning to his hometown, Han Yang would take a train given how affordable its fare was, in addition to student only having to pay half the price. So, despite the fact the journey was indeed much longer, he would also have the opportunity to get a bed. But this time around, Helian Qing had given him a plane ticket, and when the day for him to leave came, that man also dropped him off at the airport.

_{"Okay, alright," Grandpa replied giddily. "Oh, by the way, you coming back today is really great, because there something I really need you to come back and confirm."}
"Ha." Helian Qing laughed coldly. "Who exactly would turn their back on who?"

"Okay, alright," Grandpa replied giddily. "Oh, by the way, you coming back today is really great, because there something I really need you to come back and confirm."

_{Normally, when returning to his hometown, Han Yang would take a train given how affordable its fare was, in addition to student only having to pay half the price. So, despite the fact the journey was indeed much longer, he would also have the opportunity to get a bed.}"Yes-yes-yes! We are!" the middle-aged woman declared excitedly, fearing Han Yang would overrule them. "We are Xiao Yang's—"

Normally, when returning to his hometown, Han Yang would take a train given how affordable its fare was, in addition to student only having to pay half the price. So, despite the fact the journey was indeed much longer, he would also have the opportunity to get a bed. But this time around, Helian Qing had given him a plane ticket, and when the day for him to leave came, that man also dropped him off at the airport.

_{"I want to spend more time at home with Grandpa." Han Yang squeezed the man's hands held within his own, "You know he's the only one at home, and it's very lonely there."}"Shut up!" Han Yang yelled in anger, cutting him off, looking back at his grandfather who did not understand, then shouted towards those people to drive them out: "I told you to leave my house, now!"

"I want to spend more time at home with Grandpa." Han Yang squeezed the man's hands held within his own, "You know he's the only one at home, and it's very lonely there."

_{"Explain." Grandpa sat down, resting the broom across his lap, wearing an "After you're done explaining—I'm still gonna to go get him" look.}After ending the call, he had planned on taking a nap until he saw there was a WeChat message Qing Gége had sent. Han Yang opened it to see that it was a picture of a salted fish carrying a bag on its back, walking under the sun.

"Explain." Grandpa sat down, resting the broom across his lap, wearing an "After you're done explaining—I'm still gonna to go get him" look.

_{Grandpa pulled Han Yang aside, explaining, "Xiao Yang, these two guests just came to our place today, saying they wanted to find the son they had lost many years ago, and the description they gave of their child was remarkably similar to you at that age. They just happened to be the village's entrance when they ran into A'Gui's wife, who just brought them over.}
"Don't turn your back on me." Han Yang immediately modified his last statement, "Satisfied now?"

Grandpa pulled Han Yang aside, explaining, "Xiao Yang, these two guests just came to our place today, saying they wanted to find the son they had lost many years ago, and the description they gave of their child was remarkably similar to you at that age. They just happened to be the village's entrance when they ran into A'Gui's wife, who just brought them over. I even asked them a few things about you, and it was also really similar! So can you check them out quickly to see whether they're your mama and papa?"

_{"Leave? What's going on here?" Grandpa, not understanding the situation, asked. Turning to look at those three persons, before questioning Han Yang, "Xiao Yang, do you know them? Are they not your parents?"}Those feelings carried on until the night of that very day when he received a call from Helian Qing. A strange feeling filled him the moment he saw the I'm coming call from the man, after all, they had just chatted a little while ago, why would he be calling all of a sudden.

"Leave? What's going on here?" Grandpa, not understanding the situation, asked. Turning to look at those three persons, before questioning Han Yang, "Xiao Yang, do you know them? Are they not your parents?"

_{The middle-aged woman seemed as if she were in contemplation, remained mum for a few seconds before craning her head downwards then covering her mouth; appearing to now be in tears. Beside her, the middle-aged man also wore a rigid expression, as he just stood there awkwardly.}Was this describing him? Han Yang laughed.

The middle-aged woman seemed as if she were in contemplation, remained mum for a few seconds before craning her head downwards then covering her mouth; appearing to now be in tears. Beside her, the middle-aged man also wore a rigid expression, as he just stood there awkwardly.

_{Once he arrived at Y-City, Han Yang gave Helian Qing a call as soon as he was out of the airport. He told him he had already gotten off the plane and was planning to head straight to the transfer station then back to his village. Helian Qing was presently in the middle of a meeting, so after urging him to be careful on his way there, he ended the call.}
Helian Qing was a bit satisfied at the moment, again reaching out to encircle the scarf Han Yang wore around his neck, saying, "Where a bit more layers when you return, and wait for me to come meet you."

Once he arrived at Y-City, Han Yang gave Helian Qing a call as soon as he was out of the airport. He told him he had already gotten off the plane and was planning to head straight to the transfer station then back to his village. Helian Qing was presently in the middle of a meeting, so after urging him to be careful on his way there, he ended the call.

_{After he caught his breath, Grandpa turned to the lad and asked, "What's going on? Xiao Yang, are those two really your parents?"}"Of course, you don't! For you, there's a 24-hour standby," Han Yang said in jest, poking the coal inside the fire pit with a poker.

After he caught his breath, Grandpa turned to the lad and asked, "What's going on? Xiao Yang, are those two really your parents?"

_{After Han Yang finished taking his exams, he did not return home. This was because he still had to go over to Dr. Chen Qingqing's, since his course of treatment had yet to be completed.}"Yeah. Lao Yezi heard that you taught me all of my chess skills and wishes very much to be able to play a round with you." Han Yang passed on Lao Yezi's words.

After Han Yang finished taking his exams, he did not return home. This was because he still had to go over to Dr. Chen Qingqing's, since his course of treatment had yet to be completed.

_{Done with the inspection Han Yang took a look back, discovering Helian Qing still stood in the same spot with his gaze turned towards him. He waved at the man, who nodded in return, then made an "I call you" gesture with his hands before he turned and left.}
"What meeting..." the sharp gaze the man swept towards Han Yang made him switch his topic, "Alright, I'll wait for you to come meet me."

Done with the inspection Han Yang took a look back, discovering Helian Qing still stood in the same spot with his gaze turned towards him. He waved at the man, who nodded in return, then made an "I call you" gesture with his hands before he turned and left.

_{"I'll wait until you get here to tell you, so let's not talk about it now, alright—phone calls are pricey. Remember to be careful on your way, you understand right?" Grandpa kept him in suspense, but from the way he said it, it should be a good thing.}
It was currently already the time for the security check, so Han Yang took his suitcase and said, "I have to go now. You should hurry and get back home, I'll call you when I get there."

"I'll wait until you get here to tell you, so let's not talk about it now, alright—phone calls are pricey. Remember to be careful on your way, you understand right?" Grandpa kept him in suspense, but from the way he said it, it should be a good thing.

_{Han Yang evaded his hands, grinning as he said, "I can carry it myself. Let's get inside quickly, it's too cold out here."}"Shut up!" Han Yang yelled in anger, cutting him off, looking back at his grandfather who did not understand, then shouted towards those people to drive them out: "I told you to leave my house, now!"

Han Yang evaded his hands, grinning as he said, "I can carry it myself. Let's get inside quickly, it's too cold out here."

_{Han Yang thought the gesture he made to drive him off was rather funny. Pulling his suitcase behind him, he went over to the security check point.}"How could such a callous set of parents exist in this world!" Grandpa cursed. "They even went as far as using their own son as reimbursement!"

Han Yang thought the gesture he made to drive him off was rather funny. Pulling his suitcase behind him, he went over to the security check point.

_{"Good to know." Helian Qing, now satisfied, paid his comment no mind to then ask, "Where are you?"}The last time he asked that question was at the press conference. Then on that same night he returned, pressed Han Yang against a wall to ask that very question once more. With regard to their wedding, Han Yang actually had no objections—in fact, it could be said he looked forward to it. After all, he too wanted to have a formal ceremony with his loved ones in attendance, but he also wanted to discuss it with his grandfather first. Since if he truly wanted to do this, he hoped that his grandfather would be there, and he would get the elder man's blessings.

"Good to know." Helian Qing, now satisfied, paid his comment no mind to then ask, "Where are you?"

_{"Of course, you don't! For you, there's a 24-hour standby," Han Yang said in jest, poking the coal inside the fire pit with a poker.}
With arms outstretched, Helian Qing took the other man into his embrace—hugging him vigorously—then let him go, shooing him away, "Go on, hurry!"

"Of course, you don't! For you, there's a 24-hour standby," Han Yang said in jest, poking the coal inside the fire pit with a poker.

_{"What nine o'clock, what are you..." his words came to an abrupt stop, while his fingers were almost unable to hold onto the phone.}"I want to spend more time at home with Grandpa." Han Yang squeezed the man's hands held within his own, "You know he's the only one at home, and it's very lonely there."

"What nine o'clock, what are you..." his words came to an abrupt stop, while his fingers were almost unable to hold onto the phone.

_{Seeing the man's lips pursed along with his silence, Han Yang pinched the corners of the man's mouth with his fingers, smiling as he said, "I promise you, it'll be soon. Grandpa is a very good person; I definitely will not turn my back on you."}Grandpa, ignoring that, added, "What could I do? A'Gui's wife was here with me from the start, and only left just a moment ago."

Seeing the man's lips pursed along with his silence, Han Yang pinched the corners of the man's mouth with his fingers, smiling as he said, "I promise you, it'll be soon. Grandpa is a very good person; I definitely will not turn my back on you."

_{Han Yang rubbed his nose, then revealed he and Helian Wing had already registered their marriage.}
Han Yang thought the gesture he made to drive him off was rather funny. Pulling his suitcase behind him, he went over to the security check point.

Han Yang rubbed his nose, then revealed he and Helian Wing had already registered their marriage.

_{Han Yang's words came to an abrupt halt. With one foot still outside the threshold, he stared at the two people inside the house for a while without the slightest reaction.}"That's true. Grandpa will get you a baked sweet potato; have you had lunch yet?" Grandpa asked.

Han Yang's words came to an abrupt halt. With one foot still outside the threshold, he stared at the two people inside the house for a while without the slightest reaction.

_{Following the end of their chat, Han Yang hugging a pillow, rolled around on his bed, discovering he could not fall asleep. This had only been the first day since his departure, yet he already began missing Helian Qing. Previously, being alone had felt good to him, but now, he had grown accustomed to sleeping as a pair; and to his surprise, even the covers felt a little cold.}"Why did you call me all of a sudden?" Han Yang answered the call and asked.

Following the end of their chat, Han Yang hugging a pillow, rolled around on his bed, discovering he could not fall asleep. This had only been the first day since his departure, yet he already began missing Helian Qing. Previously, being alone had felt good to him, but now, he had grown accustomed to sleeping as a pair; and to his surprise, even the covers felt a little cold.

_{Han Yang evaded his hands, grinning as he said, "I can carry it myself. Let's get inside quickly, it's too cold out here."}"It's alright, Grandpa. You don't have to worry." Han Yang patted the older gentleman's shoulder.

Han Yang evaded his hands, grinning as he said, "I can carry it myself. Let's get inside quickly, it's too cold out here."

_{Grandpa nodded, then asked, "Then why didn't he come back here with you?"}
Done with the inspection Han Yang took a look back, discovering Helian Qing still stood in the same spot with his gaze turned towards him. He waved at the man, who nodded in return, then made an "I call you" gesture with his hands before he turned and left.

Grandpa nodded, then asked, "Then why didn't he come back here with you?"

_{Later that night when Han Yang was in bed, he video chatted with Helian Qing—not at all telling him that his grandfather already knew about them, as he planned to give him that surprise upon his return.}
Once he arrived at Y-City, Han Yang gave Helian Qing a call as soon as he was out of the airport. He told him he had already gotten off the plane and was planning to head straight to the transfer station then back to his village. Helian Qing was presently in the middle of a meeting, so after urging him to be careful on his way there, he ended the call.

Later that night when Han Yang was in bed, he video chatted with Helian Qing—not at all telling him that his grandfather already knew about them, as he planned to give him that surprise upon his return.

_{Han Yang threw her a glance, not responding, and instead turned to his grandfather to say, "Grandpa, didn't I tell you not to bring any and everyone back home. You're here alone, what if something happened to you?"}
By the time Han Yang made it to the station the train had just arrived when Grandpa called, asking him when he planned on coming back home.

Han Yang threw her a glance, not responding, and instead turned to his grandfather to say, "Grandpa, didn't I tell you not to bring any and everyone back home. You're here alone, what if something happened to you?"

_{"Xiao Yang..." the middle-aged woman called out to him.}"Not anymore!" Han Yang interjected in a slightly raised tone, turning to look at the woman after he spoke, then repeated, "Now, you aren't anymore."

"Xiao Yang..." the middle-aged woman called out to him.

_{"What?!" Grandpa jumped from his seat upon hearing wat the lad had said. "Did that guy force you? Grandpa will go sort him out!" Yet again going to grab his broom while Han Yang struggled to hold him back. "It's alright, I'm alright. Grandpa, you have to listen to everything I have to say first!"}"Why did you call me all of a sudden?" Han Yang answered the call and asked.

"What?!" Grandpa jumped from his seat upon hearing wat the lad had said. "Did that guy force you? Grandpa will go sort him out!" Yet again going to grab his broom while Han Yang struggled to hold him back. "It's alright, I'm alright. Grandpa, you have to listen to everything I have to say first!"

_{After some time, he really did manage to fall asleep; completely unaware that after Helian Qing returned from his bath then saw the message: "I can't sleep without you", would end up spending the rest of his night sleepless.}
Han Yang had not mentioned to his grandfather that this day was the one he would be returning home because every time he went back, the elderly man would always wait for him at the entrance to their village. Han Yang would then worry about whether he had waited a long time, so for this reason he simply did not tell.

After some time, he really did manage to fall asleep; completely unaware that after Helian Qing returned from his bath then saw the message: "I can't sleep without you", would end up spending the rest of his night sleepless.

_{"Xiao Yang..." the middle-aged woman called out to him.}Seeing the man's lips pursed along with his silence, Han Yang pinched the corners of the man's mouth with his fingers, smiling as he said, "I promise you, it'll be soon. Grandpa is a very good person; I definitely will not turn my back on you."

"Xiao Yang..." the middle-aged woman called out to him.

_{The last time he asked that question was at the press conference. Then on that same night he returned, pressed Han Yang against a wall to ask that very question once more.}
"I'm coming back today, and I'm already on my way." Since he had already made it halfway there, Han Yang did not hide it.

The last time he asked that question was at the press conference. Then on that same night he returned, pressed Han Yang against a wall to ask that very question once more. With regard to their wedding, Han Yang actually had no objections—in fact, it could be said he looked forward to it. After all, he too wanted to have a formal ceremony with his loved ones in attendance, but he also wanted to discuss it with his grandfather first. Since if he truly wanted to do this, he hoped that his grandfather would be there, and he would get the elder man's blessings.

_{If it was before, maybe Han Yang would have felt sad, but now, he simply felt nothing at all. Not caring about one's own blood relations was no different than saying they were not worth having one's concern.}"I'm coming back today, and I'm already on my way." Since he had already made it halfway there, Han Yang did not hide it.

If it was before, maybe Han Yang would have felt sad, but now, he simply felt nothing at all. Not caring about one's own blood relations was no different than saying they were not worth having one's concern.

_{After messaging each other for a while, Helian Qing got busy with work again, so Han Yang put his phone back into his bag then got some rest.}Grandpa nodded, then asked, "Then why didn't he come back here with you?"

After messaging each other for a while, Helian Qing got busy with work again, so Han Yang put his phone back into his bag then got some rest.

_{Han Yang listened to him as he asked this again, coughing lightly, before saying, "First I'll go back and talk to Grandpa."}Han Yang nodded. Although he did not want to admit it, they were, however, his parents by blood.

Han Yang listened to him as he asked this again, coughing lightly, before saying, "First I'll go back and talk to Grandpa."

_{Qing Gége: They're kept at home.}
"Really? Why didn't you tell me? I should hurry and go buy some groceries to give you a tasty meal then!" Grandpa's voice sounded very excited.

Qing Gége: They're kept at home.

_{After he caught his breath, Grandpa turned to the lad and asked, "What's going on? Xiao Yang, are those two really your parents?"}Han Yang pulled his suitcase inside, knitted his brows slightly, looking at them, "Why are the two of you here?"

After he caught his breath, Grandpa turned to the lad and asked, "What's going on? Xiao Yang, are those two really your parents?"

_{As a man who lived most of his life, Grandpa had seen quite a lot of people and things, so immediately—just from witnessing Han Yang's attitude—he had discerned that they have already met. Besides that, he could also tell that those two had done something bad to Han Yang.}
"There's no need for you to rush, I'll go with you when I get there," Han Yang said with a laugh.

As a man who lived most of his life, Grandpa had seen quite a lot of people and things, so immediately—just from witnessing Han Yang's attitude—he had discerned that they have already met. Besides that, he could also tell that those two had done something bad to Han Yang. Otherwise, given his temperament, Han Yang would be very unlikely to have treated them so coldly. Although he still did not know the specific details regarding the matter, he did however remember that his precious grandson may have been wronged, thus the shield over his heart exploded. Searching beside him, Grandpa grabbed hold of a broom and drove those people out. "Get the hell out! Go, get out, leave! Don't be a nuisance in our home!" Literally shooing those people away, bringing the matter to a close.

_{Witnessing such a fierce side coming from the older man, Han Yang fawned all over him—being swept away by his grandfather's racket, and completely forgetting about his matter with Helian Qing.}"Why did you call me all of a sudden?" Han Yang answered the call and asked.

Witnessing such a fierce side coming from the older man, Han Yang fawned all over him—being swept away by his grandfather's racket, and completely forgetting about his matter with Helian Qing.

_{Seeing the man's lips pursed along with his silence, Han Yang pinched the corners of the man's mouth with his fingers, smiling as he said, "I promise you, it'll be soon. Grandpa is a very good person; I definitely will not turn my back on you."}"Don't turn your back on me." Han Yang immediately modified his last statement, "Satisfied now?"

Seeing the man's lips pursed along with his silence, Han Yang pinched the corners of the man's mouth with his fingers, smiling as he said, "I promise you, it'll be soon. Grandpa is a very good person; I definitely will not turn my back on you."

_{If it was before, maybe Han Yang would have felt sad, but now, he simply felt nothing at all. Not caring about one's own blood relations was no different than saying they were not worth having one's concern.}
"Okay, alright," Grandpa replied giddily. "Oh, by the way, you coming back today is really great, because there something I really need you to come back and confirm."

If it was before, maybe Han Yang would have felt sad, but now, he simply felt nothing at all. Not caring about one's own blood relations was no different than saying they were not worth having one's concern.

_{Han Yang thought the gesture he made to drive him off was rather funny. Pulling his suitcase behind him, he went over to the security check point.}"That's good, that's really good," Grandpa, feeling a sense of gratitude, nodded. From the beginning he had been distressed over Han Yang's legs, and always blamed himself for not having run into Han Yang earlier.

Han Yang thought the gesture he made to drive him off was rather funny. Pulling his suitcase behind him, he went over to the security check point.

_{"Not anymore!" Han Yang interjected in a slightly raised tone, turning to look at the woman after he spoke, then repeated, "Now, you aren't anymore."}"It's alright, Grandpa. You don't have to worry." Han Yang patted the older gentleman's shoulder.

"Not anymore!" Han Yang interjected in a slightly raised tone, turning to look at the woman after he spoke, then repeated, "Now, you aren't anymore."

_N/A
"What is it?" Han Yang asked.

N/A

_{Finally making his way to the front yard of his house, Han Yang pushed open the gate, calling out, "Grandpa!" then went in. Just as his call ended, a short old man wearing an army green cotton-padded coat along with a matching cap, came out from inside the house.}"Okay, alright," Grandpa replied giddily. "Oh, by the way, you coming back today is really great, because there something I really need you to come back and confirm."

Finally making his way to the front yard of his house, Han Yang pushed open the gate, calling out, "Grandpa!" then went in. Just as his call ended, a short old man wearing an army green cotton-padded coat along with a matching cap, came out from inside the house.

_{When the thought of there still being almost an entire month until he could meet the other man, Han Yang felt it was too hard to bear; but when he thought of going back earlier, he hated the idea of having to part with his grandfather so soon.}"I'll wait until you get here to tell you, so let's not talk about it now, alright—phone calls are pricey. Remember to be careful on your way, you understand right?" Grandpa kept him in suspense, but from the way he said it, it should be a good thing.

When the thought of there still being almost an entire month until he could meet the other man, Han Yang felt it was too hard to bear; but when he thought of going back earlier, he hated the idea of having to part with his grandfather so soon.

_{With the lad's kiss Helian Qing's complexion got a little better, but upon hearing what he said afterwards he simply felt unhappy, asking stiffly, "The start of the school term?" When you leave now there's still almost a month before the semester begins.}
"I'll wait until you get here to tell you, so let's not talk about it now, alright—phone calls are pricey. Remember to be careful on your way, you understand right?" Grandpa kept him in suspense, but from the way he said it, it should be a good thing.

With the lad's kiss Helian Qing's complexion got a little better, but upon hearing what he said afterwards he simply felt unhappy, asking stiffly, "The start of the school term?" When you leave now there's still almost a month before the semester begins.

_{"Then what did those things they said mean? Have you met them before?" Grandpa continued to ask.}
"Yeah. You shouldn't come out to wait for me, okay," Han Yang added before he hung up the phone.

"Then what did those things they said mean? Have you met them before?" Grandpa continued to ask.

_{"Explain." Grandpa sat down, resting the broom across his lap, wearing an "After you're done explaining—I'm still gonna to go get him" look.}Seeing the man's lips pursed along with his silence, Han Yang pinched the corners of the man's mouth with his fingers, smiling as he said, "I promise you, it'll be soon. Grandpa is a very good person; I definitely will not turn my back on you."

"Explain." Grandpa sat down, resting the broom across his lap, wearing an "After you're done explaining—I'm still gonna to go get him" look.

_{Han Yang threw her a glance, not responding, and instead turned to his grandfather to say, "Grandpa, didn't I tell {you} not to bring any and everyone back home. {You're} here alone, what if something happened to {you}?"}After ending the call, he had planned on taking a nap until he saw there was a WeChat message Qing Gége had sent. Han Yang opened it to see that it was a picture of a salted fish carrying a bag on its back, walking under the sun.

Han Yang threw her a glance, not responding, and instead turned to his grandfather to say, "Grandpa, didn't I tell you not to bring any and everyone back home. You're here alone, what if something happened to you?"

_{"So, are they or aren't they, huh?" Grandpa was simply confused by them.}"That's true. Grandpa will get you a baked sweet potato; have you had lunch yet?" Grandpa asked.

"So, are they or aren't they, huh?" Grandpa was simply confused by them.

_{"There's no need for you to rush, I'll go with you when I get there," Han Yang said with a laugh.}
After ending the call, he had planned on taking a nap until he saw there was a WeChat message Qing Gége had sent. Han Yang opened it to see that it was a picture of a salted fish carrying a bag on its back, walking under the sun.

"There's no need for you to rush, I'll go with you when I get there," Han Yang said with a laugh.

_{The man's face was forced to fluster because of the younger man's gaze, with even more shame forming within his heart, as he then hurriedly explained, "I know you still blame us for using you to repay out debts, but you must also understand that we were at the end of our ropes! Plus, despite the fact that Mr. Helian is a man, you being married off to him isn't without benefits.}Han Yang nodded. Although he did not want to admit it, they were, however, his parents by blood.

The man's face was forced to fluster because of the younger man's gaze, with even more shame forming within his heart, as he then hurriedly explained, "I know you still blame us for using you to repay out debts, but you must also understand that we were at the end of our ropes! Plus, despite the fact that Mr. Helian is a man, you being married off to him isn't without benefits. You see, right not you may not be doing well but—"

_{Han Yang thought the gesture he made to drive him off was rather funny. Pulling his suitcase behind him, he went over to the security check point.}
Was this describing him? Han Yang laughed.

Han Yang thought the gesture he made to drive him off was rather funny. Pulling his suitcase behind him, he went over to the security check point.

_{After ending the call, he had planned on taking a nap until he saw there was a WeChat message Qing Gége had sent. Han Yang opened it to see that it was a picture of a salted fish carrying a bag on its back, walking under the sun.}"Yes-yes-yes! We are!" the middle-aged woman declared excitedly, fearing Han Yang would overrule them. "We are Xiao Yang's—"

After ending the call, he had planned on taking a nap until he saw there was a WeChat message Qing Gége had sent. Han Yang opened it to see that it was a picture of a salted fish carrying a bag on its back, walking under the sun.

_{The middle-aged woman seemed as if she were in contemplation, remained mum for a few seconds before craning her head downwards then covering her mouth; appearing to now be in tears. Beside her, the middle-aged man also wore a rigid expression, as he just stood there awkwardly.}The last time he asked that question was at the press conference. Then on that same night he returned, pressed Han Yang against a wall to ask that very question once more. With regard to their wedding, Han Yang actually had no objections—in fact, it could be said he looked forward to it. After all, he too wanted to have a formal ceremony with his loved ones in attendance, but he also wanted to discuss it with his grandfather first. Since if he truly wanted to do this, he hoped that his grandfather would be there, and he would get the elder man's blessings.

The middle-aged woman seemed as if she were in contemplation, remained mum for a few seconds before craning her head downwards then covering her mouth; appearing to now be in tears. Beside her, the middle-aged man also wore a rigid expression, as he just stood there awkwardly.

_{After ranted on for a good while, Grandpa stopped, recalling something else which prompted him to ask, "What was that 'you being married' thing that son of a bіtсh mentioned? Didn't you repay the debt with labour? So why are you married again?"}Finally making his way to the front yard of his house, Han Yang pushed open the gate, calling out, "Grandpa!" then went in. Just as his call ended, a short old man wearing an army green cotton-padded coat along with a matching cap, came out from inside the house.

After ranted on for a good while, Grandpa stopped, recalling something else which prompted him to ask, "What was that 'you being married' thing that son of a bіtсh mentioned? Didn't you repay the debt with labour? So why are you married again?"

_{Those feelings carried on until the night of that very day when he received a call from Helian Qing. A strange feeling filled him the moment he saw the I'm coming call from the man, after all, they had just chatted a little while ago, why would he be calling all of a sudden.}
Salted Fish: Is your meeting over?

Those feelings carried on until the night of that very day when he received a call from Helian Qing. A strange feeling filled him the moment he saw the I'm coming call from the man, after all, they had just chatted a little while ago, why would he be calling all of a sudden.

_{"Do I have to ask for permission to call you?" Helian Qing responded to his question with his own.}Qing Gége: Yeah. Where are you?

"Do I have to ask for permission to call you?" Helian Qing responded to his question with his own.

_{"What nine o'clock, what are you..." his words came to an abrupt stop, while his fingers were almost unable to hold onto the phone.}"Really." Han Yang replied in assurance. "Didn't I mention to you before that I was having my legs treated, well the one who arranged it was him."

"What nine o'clock, what are you..." his words came to an abrupt stop, while his fingers were almost unable to hold onto the phone.

_{"That's good, that's really good," Grandpa, feeling a sense of gratitude, nodded. From the beginning he had been distressed over Han Yang's legs, and always blamed himself for not having run into Han Yang earlier.}
Qing Gége: Yeah. Where are you?

"That's good, that's really good," Grandpa, feeling a sense of gratitude, nodded. From the beginning he had been distressed over Han Yang's legs, and always blamed himself for not having run into Han Yang earlier.

_{Using the man's shoulders for support, Han Yang—tiptoeing slightly—kissed the other on his lips, coaxing, "I'll be back at the start of the new school term. You'll be fine at home with Aunty Su and the others."}Using the man's shoulders for support, Han Yang—tiptoeing slightly—kissed the other on his lips, coaxing, "I'll be back at the start of the new school term. You'll be fine at home with Aunty Su and the others."

Using the man's shoulders for support, Han Yang—tiptoeing slightly—kissed the other on his lips, coaxing, "I'll be back at the start of the new school term. You'll be fine at home with Aunty Su and the others."

_{Those feelings carried on until the night of that very day when he received a call from Helian Qing. A strange feeling filled him the moment he saw the I'm coming call from the man, after all, they had just chatted a little while ago, why would he be calling all of a sudden.}If it was before, maybe Han Yang would have felt sad, but now, he simply felt nothing at all. Not caring about one's own blood relations was no different than saying they were not worth having one's concern.

Those feelings carried on until the night of that very day when he received a call from Helian Qing. A strange feeling filled him the moment he saw the I'm coming call from the man, after all, they had just chatted a little while ago, why would he be calling all of a sudden.

_{Those feelings carried on until the night of that very day when he received a call from Helian Qing. A strange feeling filled him the moment he saw the I'm coming call from the man, after all, they had just chatted a little while ago, why would he be calling all of a sudden.}Helian Qing naturally understood the lad's way of thinking, as well as knowing how important his sole relative was to him. If he had not, he would have kidnapped that Salted Fish and taken him to a church a long time ago!

Those feelings carried on until the night of that very day when he received a call from Helian Qing. A strange feeling filled him the moment he saw the I'm coming call from the man, after all, they had just chatted a little while ago, why would he be calling all of a sudden.

_{Qing Gége: Yeah. Where are you?}
Salted Fish: I'm just about halfway there. Where did you get so many salted fish, huh?

Qing Gége: Yeah. Where are you?

_{"It's alright, Grandpa. You don't have to worry." Han Yang patted the older gentleman's shoulder.}Was this describing him? Han Yang laughed.

"It's alright, Grandpa. You don't have to worry." Han Yang patted the older gentleman's shoulder.

_{"He's busy at work. He's been working overtime for the past few days," Han Yang replied.}Han Yang did not look at her, choosing to help Grandpa take a seat before he said, "Now you've seen me, so now both of you can go."

"He's busy at work. He's been working overtime for the past few days," Han Yang replied.

_{Seeing he was rather uneasy, the other party did not dare look at him while they stood beside the fireplace.}"What?!" Grandpa jumped from his seat upon hearing wat the lad had said. "Did that guy force you? Grandpa will go sort him out!" Yet again going to grab his broom while Han Yang struggled to hold him back. "It's alright, I'm alright. Grandpa, you have to listen to everything I have to say first!"

Seeing he was rather uneasy, the other party did not dare look at him while they stood beside the fireplace.

_{After ending the call, he had planned on taking a nap until he saw there was a WeChat message Qing Gége had sent. Han Yang opened it to see that it was a picture of a salted fish carrying a bag on its back, walking under the sun.}
Qing Gége: They're kept^[1] at home.

After ending the call, he had planned on taking a nap until he saw there was a WeChat message Qing Gége had sent. Han Yang opened it to see that it was a picture of a salted fish carrying a bag on its back, walking under the sun.

_{"Shut up!" Han Yang yelled in anger, cutting him off, looking back at his grandfather who did not understand, then shouted towards those people to drive them out: "I told you to leave my house, now!"}"How could such a callous set of parents exist in this world!" Grandpa cursed. "They even went as far as using their own son as reimbursement!"

"Shut up!" Han Yang yelled in anger, cutting him off, looking back at his grandfather who did not understand, then shouted towards those people to drive them out: "I told you to leave my house, now!"

_{After Han Yang finished taking his exams, he did not return home. This was because he still had to go over to Dr. Chen Qingqing's, since his course of treatment had yet to be completed.}"You always look so handsome, don't put such a sour look on your face, okay?" Han Yang pinched the man's cheek, teasing him.

After Han Yang finished taking his exams, he did not return home. This was because he still had to go over to Dr. Chen Qingqing's, since his course of treatment had yet to be completed.

_{The last time he asked that question was at the press conference. Then on that same night he returned, pressed Han Yang against a wall to ask that very question once more.}"Do I have to ask for permission to call you?" Helian Qing responded to his question with his own.

The last time he asked that question was at the press conference. Then on that same night he returned, pressed Han Yang against a wall to ask that very question once more. With regard to their wedding, Han Yang actually had no objections—in fact, it could be said he looked forward to it. After all, he too wanted to have a formal ceremony with his loved ones in attendance, but he also wanted to discuss it with his grandfather first. Since if he truly wanted to do this, he hoped that his grandfather would be there, and he would get the elder man's blessings.

_{Getting to the small town at the outskirts of the city took two hours, and following his arrival to this town, Han Yang went to find a motorcycle taxi to take him to his village.}
Because of his clowning around, Han Yang held on to his phone and chatted along with him on WeChat. The account Helian Qing used was the one Han Yang had set up last time, where the name was just Qing Gége and the profile picture was a cartoon princess' headdress. His, however, was named Saltfish, and his profile picture was a cartoon salted fish. For his signature, Han Yang had: My Qing Gége; while Helian Qing's was: My Saltfish. One time, when he was in class, Han Yang had his chat with Helian Qing seen by She Zhang, who cried out "It's burning my eyes"^[2], before saying, "They won't give us single fellas a way to survive at all!"

Getting to the small town at the outskirts of the city took two hours, and following his arrival to this town, Han Yang went to find a motorcycle taxi to take him to his village.

_{"At home, by the fire. Where are you? And how big did the rumour get?" Han Yang asked out of curiosity.}Getting to the small town at the outskirts of the city took two hours, and following his arrival to this town, Han Yang went to find a motorcycle taxi to take him to his village.

"At home, by the fire. Where are you? And how big did the rumour get?" Han Yang asked out of curiosity.

_{With arms outstretched, Helian Qing took the other man into his embrace—hugging him vigorously—then let him go, shooing him away, "Go on, hurry!"}
After messaging each other for a while, Helian Qing got busy with work again, so Han Yang put his phone back into his bag then got some rest.

With arms outstretched, Helian Qing took the other man into his embrace—hugging him vigorously—then let him go, shooing him away, "Go on, hurry!"

_{Those feelings carried on until the night of that very day when he received a call from Helian Qing. A strange feeling filled him the moment he saw the I'm coming call from the man, after all, they had just chatted a little while ago, why would he be calling all of a sudden.}Helian Qing was a bit satisfied at the moment, again reaching out to encircle the scarf Han Yang wore around his neck, saying, "Where a bit more layers when you return, and wait for me to come meet you."

Those feelings carried on until the night of that very day when he received a call from Helian Qing. A strange feeling filled him the moment he saw the I'm coming call from the man, after all, they had just chatted a little while ago, why would he be calling all of a sudden.

_{"Don't turn your back on me." Han Yang immediately modified his last statement, "Satisfied now?"}"At home, by the fire. Where are you? And how big did the rumour get?" Han Yang asked out of curiosity.

"Don't turn your back on me." Han Yang immediately modified his last statement, "Satisfied now?"

_{"Really? Why didn't you tell me? I should hurry and go buy some groceries to give you a tasty meal then!" Grandpa's voice sounded very excited.}
Getting to the small town at the outskirts of the city took two hours, and following his arrival to this town, Han Yang went to find a motorcycle taxi to take him to his village.

"Really? Why didn't you tell me? I should hurry and go buy some groceries to give you a tasty meal then!" Grandpa's voice sounded very excited.

_{As a man who lived most of his life, Grandpa had seen quite a lot of people and things, so immediately—just from witnessing Han Yang's attitude—he had discerned that they have already met. Besides that, he could also tell that those two had done something bad to Han Yang.}Han Yang threw her a glance, not responding, and instead turned to his grandfather to say, "Grandpa, didn't I tell you not to bring any and everyone back home. You're here alone, what if something happened to you?"

As a man who lived most of his life, Grandpa had seen quite a lot of people and things, so immediately—just from witnessing Han Yang's attitude—he had discerned that they have already met. Besides that, he could also tell that those two had done something bad to Han Yang. Otherwise, given his temperament, Han Yang would be very unlikely to have treated them so coldly. Although he still did not know the specific details regarding the matter, he did however remember that his precious grandson may have been wronged, thus the shield over his heart exploded. Searching beside him, Grandpa grabbed hold of a broom and drove those people out. "Get the hell out! Go, get out, leave! Don't be a nuisance in our home!" Literally shooing those people away, bringing the matter to a close.

_{Seeing the man's lips pursed along with his silence, Han Yang pinched the corners of the man's mouth with his fingers, smiling as he said, "I promise you, it'll be soon. Grandpa is a very good person; I definitely will not turn my back on you."}
When the vehicle arrived at the village's entrance, Han Yang got off, then gave out a few snacks he brought back with him to the children of a couple families who lived near the entrance. Han Yang's house was not far from the entrance, just about three to five minutes away. Plus, the road to the village was also paved, so dragging along a suitcase posed no difficulty for him as well.

Seeing the man's lips pursed along with his silence, Han Yang pinched the corners of the man's mouth with his fingers, smiling as he said, "I promise you, it'll be soon. Grandpa is a very good person; I definitely will not turn my back on you."

_{"I have. You don't need to busy yourself if there's anything I can..."}
Finally making his way to the front yard of his house, Han Yang pushed open the gate, calling out, "Grandpa!" then went in. Just as his call ended, a short old man wearing an army green cotton-padded coat along with a matching cap, came out from inside the house.

"I have. You don't need to busy yourself if there's anything I can..."

_{"No, it doesn't hurt. You don't have to worry," Han Yang said with a smile. After this stage of his treatment, to some degree his knee really did get better; and Dr. Chen had said if they kept at it, it would get much better in the future.}
"Oh my gosh, my baby boy finally came back!" Grandpa giddily scuttled over to meet him, trying to take the suitcase the lad had in tow.

"No, it doesn't hurt. You don't have to worry," Han Yang said with a smile. After this stage of his treatment, to some degree his knee really did get better; and Dr. Chen had said if they kept at it, it would get much better in the future.

_{"Utterly unconscionable!!" Finding out Han Yang's birth-givers had used him to pay off their debt made Grandpa infuriated to the point where he rose to his feet, took up the broom, intending to chase after those people and beat them up, prompting Han Yang to hurriedly move to hold him back.}"At home, by the fire. Where are you? And how big did the rumour get?" Han Yang asked out of curiosity.

"Utterly unconscionable!!" Finding out Han Yang's birth-givers had used him to pay off their debt made Grandpa infuriated to the point where he rose to his feet, took up the broom, intending to chase after those people and beat them up, prompting Han Yang to hurriedly move to hold him back.

_{"I want to spend more time at home with Grandpa." Han Yang squeezed the man's hands held within his own, "You know he's the only one at home, and it's very lonely there."}By the time Han Yang made it to the station the train had just arrived when Grandpa called, asking him when he planned on coming back home.

"I want to spend more time at home with Grandpa." Han Yang squeezed the man's hands held within his own, "You know he's the only one at home, and it's very lonely there."

_{"Then what did those things they said mean? Have you met them before?" Grandpa continued to ask.}Because of his clowning around, Han Yang held on to his phone and chatted along with him on WeChat. The account Helian Qing used was the one Han Yang had set up last time, where the name was just Qing Gége and the profile picture was a cartoon princess' headdress. His, however, was named Saltfish, and his profile picture was a cartoon salted fish. For his signature, Han Yang had: My Qing Gége; while Helian Qing's was: My Saltfish. One time, when he was in class, Han Yang had his chat with Helian Qing seen by She Zhang, who cried out "It's burning my eyes", before saying, "They won't give us single fellas a way to survive at all!"

"Then what did those things they said mean? Have you met them before?" Grandpa continued to ask.

_{Helian Qing, in turn, looked at him expressionlessly, silently displaying his irritation.}
Han Yang evaded his hands, grinning as he said, "I can carry it myself. Let's get inside quickly, it's too cold out here."

Helian Qing, in turn, looked at him expressionlessly, silently displaying his irritation.

_{With arms outstretched, Helian Qing took the other man into his embrace—hugging him vigorously—then let him go, shooing him away, "Go on, hurry!"}"I want to spend more time at home with Grandpa." Han Yang squeezed the man's hands held within his own, "You know he's the only one at home, and it's very lonely there."

With arms outstretched, Helian Qing took the other man into his embrace—hugging him vigorously—then let him go, shooing him away, "Go on, hurry!"

_{After he caught his breath, Grandpa turned to the lad and asked, "What's going on? Xiao Yang, are those two really your parents?"}
"Yeah, that's right. Get inside quickly and warm up by the fire. So, was the trip here cold?" Grandpa pulled him into the house.

After he caught his breath, Grandpa turned to the lad and asked, "What's going on? Xiao Yang, are those two really your parents?"

_{"Yeah. {You} shouldn't come out to wait for me, okay," Han Yang added before he hung up the phone.}"How could such a callous set of parents exist in this world!" Grandpa cursed. "They even went as far as using their own son as reimbursement!"

"Yeah. You shouldn't come out to wait for me, okay," Han Yang added before he hung up the phone.

_{Helian Qing had originally intended to go back with him, but at the end of the year his company had become considerably busier, and for the time being, he was still unable to leave. So, all he could do now, was wear a sour-look on his face as he sent the other person off.}Salted Fish: I'm just about halfway there. Where did you get so many salted fish, huh?

Helian Qing had originally intended to go back with him, but at the end of the year his company had become considerably busier, and for the time being, he was still unable to leave. So, all he could do now, was wear a sour-look on his face as he sent the other person off.

_{Grandpa, still doubtful about the matter, asked, "Really? You're not trying to trick Grandpa, right?"}
"No, it wasn't cold. I wore enough layers." Han Yang grinned as he went inside with him, adding while walking beside him, "But, the house is also nice and toasty, and warming up next to you by the fire is the warmest of all."

Grandpa, still doubtful about the matter, asked, "Really? You're not trying to trick Grandpa, right?"

_{"You always look so handsome, don't put such a sour look on your face, okay?" Han Yang pinched the man's cheek, teasing him.}
"That's true. Grandpa will get you a baked sweet potato; have you had lunch yet?" Grandpa asked.

"You always look so handsome, don't put such a sour look on your face, okay?" Han Yang pinched the man's cheek, teasing him.

_{After messaging each other for a while, Helian Qing got busy with work again, so Han Yang put his phone back into his bag then got some rest.}"I can hear you clearly, I can see you clearly too," Helian Qing revealed. "Turn around, look to your nine o'clock ^[5]."

After messaging each other for a while, Helian Qing got busy with work again, so Han Yang put his phone back into his bag then got some rest.

_{Han Yang pulled his suitcase inside, knitted his brows slightly, looking at them, "Why are the two of you here?"}The middle-aged woman seemed as if she were in contemplation, remained mum for a few seconds before craning her head downwards then covering her mouth; appearing to now be in tears. Beside her, the middle-aged man also wore a rigid expression, as he just stood there awkwardly.

Han Yang pulled his suitcase inside, knitted his brows slightly, looking at them, "Why are the two of you here?"

_{"Really." Han Yang replied in assurance. "Didn't I mention to {you} before that I was having my legs treated, well the one who arranged it was him."}Getting to the small town at the outskirts of the city took two hours, and following his arrival to this town, Han Yang went to find a motorcycle taxi to take him to his village.

"Really." Han Yang replied in assurance. "Didn't I mention to you before that I was having my legs treated, well the one who arranged it was him."

_{Outside the low wall bordering the yard, wearing a long black overcoat, with the dark grey scarf Han Yang had gifted him wrapped around his neck, was Helian Qing, who then said into the phone held in his hand, "It's so damn cold."}
"I have. You don't need to busy yourself if there's anything I can..."

Outside the low wall bordering the yard, wearing a long black overcoat, with the dark grey scarf Han Yang had gifted him wrapped around his neck, was Helian Qing, who then said into the phone held in his hand, "It's so damn cold."

_{Han Yang's words came to an abrupt halt. With one foot still outside the threshold, he stared at the two people inside the house for a while without the slightest reaction.}
Han Yang's words came to an abrupt halt. With one foot still outside the threshold, he stared at the two people inside the house for a while without the slightest reaction.

Han Yang's words came to an abrupt halt. With one foot still outside the threshold, he stared at the two people inside the house for a while without the slightest reaction.

_{"He's busy at work. He's been working overtime for the past few days," Han Yang replied.}
Seeing he was rather uneasy, the other party did not dare look at him while they stood beside the fireplace.

"He's busy at work. He's been working overtime for the past few days," Han Yang replied.

_{Han Yang threw her a glance, not responding, and instead turned to his grandfather to say, "Grandpa, didn't I tell {you} not to bring any and everyone back home. {You're} here alone, what if something happened to {you}?"}"Do I have to ask for permission to call you?" Helian Qing responded to his question with his own.

Han Yang threw her a glance, not responding, and instead turned to his grandfather to say, "Grandpa, didn't I tell you not to bring any and everyone back home. You're here alone, what if something happened to you?"

_{Because of his clowning around, Han Yang held on to his phone and chatted along with him on WeChat. The account Helian Qing used was the one Han Yang had set up last time, where the name was just Qing Gége and the profile picture was a cartoon princess' headdress.}With arms outstretched, Helian Qing took the other man into his embrace—hugging him vigorously—then let him go, shooing him away, "Go on, hurry!"

Because of his clowning around, Han Yang held on to his phone and chatted along with him on WeChat. The account Helian Qing used was the one Han Yang had set up last time, where the name was just Qing Gége and the profile picture was a cartoon princess' headdress. His, however, was named Saltfish, and his profile picture was a cartoon salted fish. For his signature, Han Yang had: My Qing Gége; while Helian Qing's was: My Saltfish. One time, when he was in class, Han Yang had his chat with Helian Qing seen by She Zhang, who cried out "It's burning my eyes", before saying, "They won't give us single fellas a way to survive at all!"

_{"Shut up!" Han Yang yelled in anger, cutting him off, looking back at his grandfather who did not understand, then shouted towards those people to drive them out: "I told you to leave my house, now!"}
Han Yang pulled his suitcase inside, knitted his brows slightly, looking at them, "Why are the two of you here?"

"Shut up!" Han Yang yelled in anger, cutting him off, looking back at his grandfather who did not understand, then shouted towards those people to drive them out: "I told you to leave my house, now!"

_{Han Yang listened to him as he asked this again, coughing lightly, before saying, "First I'll go back and talk to Grandpa."}
Currently standing in that room were the two who used him to repay their debt to Helian Qing—his parents. Han Yang had thought he would never again lay eyes on them, even more so, that it would happen at his home.

Han Yang listened to him as he asked this again, coughing lightly, before saying, "First I'll go back and talk to Grandpa."

_{Han Yang embraced him around his shoulders, saying, "Don't worry, okay. He's very good to me."}"Explain." Grandpa sat down, resting the broom across his lap, wearing an "After you're done explaining—I'm still gonna to go get him" look.

Han Yang embraced him around his shoulders, saying, "Don't worry, okay. He's very good to me."

_{Grandpa nodded, then asked, "Then why didn't he come back here with you?"}"What meeting..." the sharp gaze the man swept towards Han Yang made him switch his topic, "Alright, I'll wait for you to come meet me."

Grandpa nodded, then asked, "Then why didn't he come back here with you?"

_{With the lad's kiss Helian Qing's complexion got a little better, but upon hearing what he said afterwards he simply felt unhappy, asking stiffly, "The start of the school term?" {When you leave now there's still almost a month before the semester begins.}}Helian Qing, in turn, looked at him expressionlessly, silently displaying his irritation.

With the lad's kiss Helian Qing's complexion got a little better, but upon hearing what he said afterwards he simply felt unhappy, asking stiffly, "The start of the school term?" When you leave now there's still almost a month before the semester begins.

_{Han Yang was detailed in his explanation of the situation between Helian Qing and himself; putting a lot of emphasis on the part where Helian Qing made arrangements for a doctor to treat his legs, as well as the man's own efforts to learn the massages to help him rub them.}
Upon noticing his displeasure, those people grew even more anxious; avoiding his gaze by turning their attention towards his grandfather.

Han Yang was detailed in his explanation of the situation between Helian Qing and himself; putting a lot of emphasis on the part where Helian Qing made arrangements for a doctor to treat his legs, as well as the man's own efforts to learn the massages to help him rub them.

_{Currently standing in that room were the two who used him to repay their debt to Helian Qing—his parents. Han Yang had thought he would never again lay eyes on them, even more so, that it would happen at his home.}Helian Qing hummed, changing the topic, "Have you thought it over?"

Currently standing in that room were the two who used him to repay their debt to Helian Qing—his parents. Han Yang had thought he would never again lay eyes on them, even more so, that it would happen at his home.

_{Helian Qing was a bit satisfied at the moment, again reaching out to encircle the scarf Han Yang wore around his neck, saying, "Where a bit more layers when you return, and wait for me to come meet you."}
Grandpa pulled Han Yang aside, explaining, "Xiao Yang, these two guests just came to our place today, saying they wanted to find the son they had lost many years ago, and the description they gave of their child was remarkably similar to you at that age. They just happened to be the village's entrance when they ran into A'Gui's wife, who just brought them over. I even asked them a few things about you, and it was also really similar! So can you check them out quickly to see whether they're your mama and papa?"

Helian Qing was a bit satisfied at the moment, again reaching out to encircle the scarf Han Yang wore around his neck, saying, "Where a bit more layers when you return, and wait for me to come meet you."

_{{Qing Gége: They're kept at home.}} N/A

Qing Gége: They're kept at home.

_{"New Year's?" Han Yang repeated, then asked, "Then why, in all those years that have gone by, didn't you come find me to celebrate the New Year? Since you were able to find me here now, why exactly were you unable to do so before?"}
"Xiao Yang..." the middle-aged woman called out to him.

"New Year's?" Han Yang repeated, then asked, "Then why, in all those years that have gone by, didn't you come find me to celebrate the New Year? Since you were able to find me here now, why exactly were you unable to do so before?"

_{If it was before, maybe Han Yang would have felt sad, but now, he simply felt nothing at all. Not caring about one's own blood relations was no different than saying they were not worth having one's concern.}Grandpa nodded, then asked, "Then why didn't he come back here with you?"

If it was before, maybe Han Yang would have felt sad, but now, he simply felt nothing at all. Not caring about one's own blood relations was no different than saying they were not worth having one's concern.

_{Han Yang did not look at her, choosing to help Grandpa take a seat before he said, "Now you've seen me, so now both of you can go."}"Oh... Striving to better oneself is good thing," Grandpa stated. "Didn't you say a little while ago that his grandfather wanted to play a game of Chinese Chess with me?"

Han Yang did not look at her, choosing to help Grandpa take a seat before he said, "Now you've seen me, so now both of you can go."

_{"I'm coming back today, and I'm already on my way." Since he had already made it halfway there, Han Yang did not hide it.}
Han Yang threw her a glance, not responding, and instead turned to his grandfather to say, "Grandpa, didn't I tell you not to bring any and everyone back home. You're here alone, what if something happened to you?"

"I'm coming back today, and I'm already on my way." Since he had already made it halfway there, Han Yang did not hide it.

_{"Why did you call me all of a sudden?" Han Yang answered the call and asked.}Witnessing such a fierce side coming from the older man, Han Yang fawned all over him—being swept away by his grandfather's racket, and completely forgetting about his matter with Helian Qing.

"Why did you call me all of a sudden?" Han Yang answered the call and asked.

_{The man's face was forced to fluster because of the younger man's gaze, with even more shame forming within his heart, as he then hurriedly explained, "I know you still blame us for using you to repay out debts, but you must also understand that we were at the end of our ropes! Plus, despite the fact that Mr. Helian is a man, you being married off to him isn't without benefits.}
"No... we're not..." the middle-aged man tried to explain but Han Yang interrupted him, stating: "I was not talking to you."

The man's face was forced to fluster because of the younger man's gaze, with even more shame forming within his heart, as he then hurriedly explained, "I know you still blame us for using you to repay out debts, but you must also understand that we were at the end of our ropes! Plus, despite the fact that Mr. Helian is a man, you being married off to him isn't without benefits. You see, right not you may not be doing well but—"

_{"Oh, wait a bit, I'll go to the patio." Han Yang stood up then went outside. When he got to the patio he asked, "Is it better now? It's windy outside, can you hear me clearly?"} Grandpa nodded, then asked, "Then why didn't he come back here with you?"

"Oh, wait a bit, I'll go to the patio." Han Yang stood up then went outside. When he got to the patio he asked, "Is it better now? It's windy outside, can you hear me clearly?"

_{It was currently already the time for the security check, so Han Yang took his suitcase and said, "I have to go now. You should hurry and get back home, I'll call you when I get there."}
The middle-aged man was struck dumb, his mouth gaping, not knowing what to say.

It was currently already the time for the security check, so Han Yang took his suitcase and said, "I have to go now. You should hurry and get back home, I'll call you when I get there."

_{Seeing he was rather uneasy, the other party did not dare look at him while they stood beside the fireplace.}"That's true. Grandpa will get you a baked sweet potato; have you had lunch yet?" Grandpa asked.

Seeing he was rather uneasy, the other party did not dare look at him while they stood beside the fireplace.

_{"Don't turn your back on me." Han Yang immediately modified his last statement, "Satisfied now?"}
Grandpa, ignoring that, added, "What could I do? A'Gui's wife was here with me from the start, and only left just a moment ago."

"Don't turn your back on me." Han Yang immediately modified his last statement, "Satisfied now?"

_{"Really." Han Yang replied in assurance. "Didn't I mention to you before that I was having my legs treated, well the one who arranged it was him."}
"Xiao Yang, you mustn't misunderstand, we don't have any other intentions. We were just celebrating the New Year and thought of coming to see you," the middle-aged woman elaborated, her eyes carrying concern.

"Really." Han Yang replied in assurance. "Didn't I mention to you before that I was having my legs treated, well the one who arranged it was him."

_{Hang Yang pursed his lips, not saying a word. But the middle-aged man, after a period of hesitation, then said, "Xiao Yang, we know we don't deserve you, but we don't want to do anything other than spend New Year's with you."}"Oh, wait a bit, I'll go to the patio." Han Yang stood up then went outside. When he got to the patio he asked, "Is it better now? It's windy outside, can you hear me clearly?"

Hang Yang pursed his lips, not saying a word. But the middle-aged man, after a period of hesitation, then said, "Xiao Yang, we know we don't deserve you, but we don't want to do anything other than spend New Year's with you."

_{"What nine o'clock, what are you..." his words came to an abrupt stop, while his fingers were almost unable to hold onto the phone.}
Han Yang did not look at her, choosing to help Grandpa take a seat before he said, "Now you've seen me, so now both of you can go."

"What nine o'clock, what are you..." his words came to an abrupt stop, while his fingers were almost unable to hold onto the phone.

_{Having heard him, Grandpa could not help but straighten his back and proudly declaring, "Of course I will! I'm someone who started playing chess when I was just six years old. When I have some time, I make sure to go find him to play a round or two and frustrate his spirit to no end!"}
"Xiao Yang..." the middle-aged woman still wanted to say something, but Han Yang cut her off to say: "Leave."

Having heard him, Grandpa could not help but straighten his back and proudly declaring, "Of course I will! I'm someone who started playing chess when I was just six years old. When I have some time, I make sure to go find him to play a round or two and frustrate his spirit to no end!"

_{The next day, Han Yang had thoroughly come to understand the saying: a day apart seems like a lifetime^[4]. Every day, without fail, he would video chat with Helian Qing, but he would also feel like it was not enough. Because he could not touch him, he missed Helian Qing's embrace; because he could not feel him, he missed the heat of his body.}Rolling around in a good few circles, Han Yang could not help but send Helian Qing another message via WeChat. Quite a while passed since the message had been sent with no response in return, so all he could then do was put aside his phone and force himself to get some rest.

The next day, Han Yang had thoroughly come to understand the saying: a day apart seems like a lifetime^[4]. Every day, without fail, he would video chat with Helian Qing, but he would also feel like it was not enough. Because he could not touch him, he missed Helian Qing's embrace; because he could not feel him, he missed the heat of his body.

_{"Why did you call me all of a sudden?" Han Yang answered the call and asked.}
"Leave? What's going on here?" Grandpa, not understanding the situation, asked. Turning to look at those three persons, before questioning Han Yang, "Xiao Yang, do you know them? Are they not your parents?"

"Why did you call me all of a sudden?" Han Yang answered the call and asked.

_{Using the man's shoulders for support, Han Yang—tiptoeing slightly—kissed the other on his lips, coaxing, "I'll be back at the start of the new school term. You'll be fine at home with Aunty Su and the others."}After he caught his breath, Grandpa turned to the lad and asked, "What's going on? Xiao Yang, are those two really your parents?"

Using the man's shoulders for support, Han Yang—tiptoeing slightly—kissed the other on his lips, coaxing, "I'll be back at the start of the new school term. You'll be fine at home with Aunty Su and the others."

_{Getting to the small town at the outskirts of the city took two hours, and following his arrival to this town, Han Yang went to find a motorcycle taxi to take him to his village.}Helian Qing, in turn, looked at him expressionlessly, silently displaying his irritation.

Getting to the small town at the outskirts of the city took two hours, and following his arrival to this town, Han Yang went to find a motorcycle taxi to take him to his village.

_{When the thought of there still being almost an entire month until he could meet the other man, Han Yang felt it was too hard to bear; but when he thought of going back earlier, he hated the idea of having to part with his grandfather so soon.}
"Yes-yes-yes! We are!" the middle-aged woman declared excitedly, fearing Han Yang would overrule them. "We are Xiao Yang's—"

When the thought of there still being almost an entire month until he could meet the other man, Han Yang felt it was too hard to bear; but when he thought of going back earlier, he hated the idea of having to part with his grandfather so soon.

_{"Yes-yes-yes! We are!" the middle-aged woman declared excitedly, fearing Han Yang would overrule them. "We are Xiao Yang's—"}
"Not anymore!" Han Yang interjected in a slightly raised tone, turning to look at the woman after he spoke, then repeated, "Now, you aren't anymore."

"Yes-yes-yes! We are!" the middle-aged woman declared excitedly, fearing Han Yang would overrule them. "We are Xiao Yang's—"

_{Following the end of their chat, Han Yang hugging a pillow, rolled around on his bed, discovering he could not fall asleep. This had only been the first day since his departure, yet he already began missing Helian Qing. Previously, being alone had felt good to him, but now, he had grown accustomed to sleeping as a pair; and to his surprise, even the covers felt a little cold.}"Yes-yes-yes! We are!" the middle-aged woman declared excitedly, fearing Han Yang would overrule them. "We are Xiao Yang's—"

Following the end of their chat, Han Yang hugging a pillow, rolled around on his bed, discovering he could not fall asleep. This had only been the first day since his departure, yet he already began missing Helian Qing. Previously, being alone had felt good to him, but now, he had grown accustomed to sleeping as a pair; and to his surprise, even the covers felt a little cold.

_{By the time Han Yang made it to the station the train had just arrived when Grandpa called, asking him when he planned on coming back home.}
The middle-aged woman seemed as if she were in contemplation, remained mum for a few seconds before craning her head downwards then covering her mouth; appearing to now be in tears. Beside her, the middle-aged man also wore a rigid expression, as he just stood there awkwardly.

By the time Han Yang made it to the station the train had just arrived when Grandpa called, asking him when he planned on coming back home.

_{Grandpa, still doubtful about the matter, asked, "Really? You're not trying to trick Grandpa, right?"}"What nine o'clock, what are you..." his words came to an abrupt stop, while his fingers were almost unable to hold onto the phone.

Grandpa, still doubtful about the matter, asked, "Really? You're not trying to trick Grandpa, right?"

_{"There's no need for you to rush, I'll go with you when I get there," Han Yang said with a laugh.}Witnessing such a fierce side coming from the older man, Han Yang fawned all over him—being swept away by his grandfather's racket, and completely forgetting about his matter with Helian Qing.

"There's no need for you to rush, I'll go with you when I get there," Han Yang said with a laugh.

_{Outside the low wall bordering the yard, wearing a long black overcoat, with the dark grey scarf Han Yang had gifted him wrapped around his neck, was Helian Qing, who then said into the phone held in his hand, "It's so damn cold."}Han Yang was detailed in his explanation of the situation between Helian Qing and himself; putting a lot of emphasis on the part where Helian Qing made arrangements for a doctor to treat his legs, as well as the man's own efforts to learn the massages to help him rub them.

Outside the low wall bordering the yard, wearing a long black overcoat, with the dark grey scarf Han Yang had gifted him wrapped around his neck, was Helian Qing, who then said into the phone held in his hand, "It's so damn cold."

_{"What?!" Grandpa jumped from his seat upon hearing wat the lad had said. "Did that guy force you? Grandpa will go sort him out!" Yet again going to grab his broom while Han Yang struggled to hold him back. "It's alright, I'm alright. Grandpa, you have to listen to everything I have to say first!"}
"So, are they or aren't they, huh?" Grandpa was simply confused by them.

"What?!" Grandpa jumped from his seat upon hearing wat the lad had said. "Did that guy force you? Grandpa will go sort him out!" Yet again going to grab his broom while Han Yang struggled to hold him back. "It's alright, I'm alright. Grandpa, you have to listen to everything I have to say first!"

_{"Do I have to ask for permission to call you?" Helian Qing responded to his question with his own.}
Hang Yang pursed his lips, not saying a word. But the middle-aged man, after a period of hesitation, then said, "Xiao Yang, we know we don't deserve you, but we don't want to do anything other than spend New Year's with you."

"Do I have to ask for permission to call you?" Helian Qing responded to his question with his own.

_{"Utterly unconscionable!!" Finding out Han Yang's birth-givers had used him to pay off their debt made Grandpa infuriated to the point where he rose to his feet, took up the broom, intending to chase after those people and beat them up, prompting Han Yang to hurriedly move to hold him back.}Grandpa pulled Han Yang aside, explaining, "Xiao Yang, these two guests just came to our place today, saying they wanted to find the son they had lost many years ago, and the description they gave of their child was remarkably similar to you at that age. They just happened to be the village's entrance when they ran into A'Gui's wife, who just brought them over. I even asked them a few things about you, and it was also really similar! So can you check them out quickly to see whether they're your mama and papa?"

"Utterly unconscionable!!" Finding out Han Yang's birth-givers had used him to pay off their debt made Grandpa infuriated to the point where he rose to his feet, took up the broom, intending to chase after those people and beat them up, prompting Han Yang to hurriedly move to hold him back.

_{Finally making his way to the front yard of his house, Han Yang pushed open the gate, calling out, "Grandpa!" then went in. Just as his call ended, a short old man wearing an army green cotton-padded coat along with a matching cap, came out from inside the house.}"No, it wasn't cold. I wore enough layers." Han Yang grinned as he went inside with him, adding while walking beside him, "But, the house is also nice and toasty, and warming up next to you by the fire is the warmest of all."

Finally making his way to the front yard of his house, Han Yang pushed open the gate, calling out, "Grandpa!" then went in. Just as his call ended, a short old man wearing an army green cotton-padded coat along with a matching cap, came out from inside the house.

_{As a man who lived most of his life, Grandpa had seen quite a lot of people and things, so immediately—just from witnessing Han Yang's attitude—he had discerned that they have already met. Besides that, he could also tell that those two had done something bad to Han Yang.}"Not anymore!" Han Yang interjected in a slightly raised tone, turning to look at the woman after he spoke, then repeated, "Now, you aren't anymore."

As a man who lived most of his life, Grandpa had seen quite a lot of people and things, so immediately—just from witnessing Han Yang's attitude—he had discerned that they have already met. Besides that, he could also tell that those two had done something bad to Han Yang. Otherwise, given his temperament, Han Yang would be very unlikely to have treated them so coldly. Although he still did not know the specific details regarding the matter, he did however remember that his precious grandson may have been wronged, thus the shield over his heart exploded. Searching beside him, Grandpa grabbed hold of a broom and drove those people out. "Get the hell out! Go, get out, leave! Don't be a nuisance in our home!" Literally shooing those people away, bringing the matter to a close.

_{"Leave? What's going on here?" Grandpa, not understanding the situation, asked. Turning to look at those three persons, before questioning Han Yang, "Xiao Yang, do you know them? Are they not your parents?"}
"New Year's?" Han Yang repeated, then asked, "Then why, in all those years that have gone by, didn't you come find me to celebrate the New Year? Since you were able to find me here now, why exactly were you unable to do so before?"

"Leave? What's going on here?" Grandpa, not understanding the situation, asked. Turning to look at those three persons, before questioning Han Yang, "Xiao Yang, do you know them? Are they not your parents?"

_{"Good to know." Helian Qing, now satisfied, paid his comment no mind to then ask, "Where are you?"}
The man's face was forced to fluster because of the younger man's gaze, with even more shame forming within his heart, as he then hurriedly explained, "I know you still blame us for using you to repay out debts, but you must also understand that we were at the end of our ropes! Plus, despite the fact that Mr. Helian is a man, you being married off to him isn't without benefits. You see, right not you may not be doing well but—"

"Good to know." Helian Qing, now satisfied, paid his comment no mind to then ask, "Where are you?"

_{"Utterly unconscionable!!" Finding out Han Yang's birth-givers had used him to pay off their debt made Grandpa infuriated to the point where he rose to his feet, took up the broom, intending to chase after those people and beat them up, prompting Han Yang to hurriedly move to hold him back.}"He's busy at work. He's been working overtime for the past few days," Han Yang replied.

"Utterly unconscionable!!" Finding out Han Yang's birth-givers had used him to pay off their debt made Grandpa infuriated to the point where he rose to his feet, took up the broom, intending to chase after those people and beat them up, prompting Han Yang to hurriedly move to hold him back.

_{"That's good, that's really good," Grandpa, feeling a sense of gratitude, nodded. From the beginning he had been distressed over Han Yang's legs, and always blamed himself for not having run into Han Yang earlier.}"How could such a callous set of parents exist in this world!" Grandpa cursed. "They even went as far as using their own son as reimbursement!"

"That's good, that's really good," Grandpa, feeling a sense of gratitude, nodded. From the beginning he had been distressed over Han Yang's legs, and always blamed himself for not having run into Han Yang earlier.

_{"Oh, wait a bit, I'll go to the patio." Han Yang stood up then went outside. When he got to the patio he asked, "Is it better now? It's windy outside, can you hear me clearly?"}
"Shut up!" Han Yang yelled in anger, cutting him off, looking back at his grandfather who did not understand, then shouted towards those people to drive them out: "I told you to leave my house, now!"

"Oh, wait a bit, I'll go to the patio." Han Yang stood up then went outside. When he got to the patio he asked, "Is it better now? It's windy outside, can you hear me clearly?"

_{"Leave? What's going on here?" Grandpa, not understanding the situation, asked. Turning to look at those three persons, before questioning Han Yang, "Xiao Yang, do you know them? Are they not your parents?"}"I'm coming back today, and I'm already on my way." Since he had already made it halfway there, Han Yang did not hide it.

"Leave? What's going on here?" Grandpa, not understanding the situation, asked. Turning to look at those three persons, before questioning Han Yang, "Xiao Yang, do you know them? Are they not your parents?"

_{"Xiao Yang..." the middle-aged woman called out to him.}
"What debt? What man?" Grandpa held on to a few key words.

"Xiao Yang..." the middle-aged woman called out to him.

_{Was this describing him? Han Yang laughed.}Having heard him, Grandpa could not help but straighten his back and proudly declaring, "Of course I will! I'm someone who started playing chess when I was just six years old. When I have some time, I make sure to go find him to play a round or two and frustrate his spirit to no end!"

Was this describing him? Han Yang laughed.

_{"It's alright, Grandpa. You don't have to worry." Han Yang patted the older gentleman's shoulder.}
"It's alright, Grandpa. You don't have to worry." Han Yang patted the older gentleman's shoulder.

"It's alright, Grandpa. You don't have to worry." Han Yang patted the older gentleman's shoulder.

_{With arms outstretched, Helian Qing took the other man into his embrace—hugging him vigorously—then let him go, shooing him away, "Go on, hurry!"}"Good to know." Helian Qing, now satisfied, paid his comment no mind to then ask, "Where are you?"

With arms outstretched, Helian Qing took the other man into his embrace—hugging him vigorously—then let him go, shooing him away, "Go on, hurry!"

_{Rolling around in a good few circles, Han Yang could not help but send Helian Qing another message via WeChat. Quite a while passed since the message had been sent with no response in return, so all he could then do was put aside his phone and force himself to get some rest.} Those feelings carried on until the night of that very day when he received a call from Helian Qing. A strange feeling filled him the moment he saw the I'm coming call from the man, after all, they had just chatted a little while ago, why would he be calling all of a sudden.

Rolling around in a good few circles, Han Yang could not help but send Helian Qing another message via WeChat. Quite a while passed since the message had been sent with no response in return, so all he could then do was put aside his phone and force himself to get some rest.

_{"Xiao Yang..." the middle-aged woman still wanted to say something, but Han Yang cut her off to say: "Leave."}Chapter Twenty-Three

"Xiao Yang..." the middle-aged woman still wanted to say something, but Han Yang cut her off to say: "Leave."

_{"Yeah. Lao Yezi heard that you taught me all of my chess skills and wishes very much to be able to play a round with you." Han Yang passed on Lao Yezi's words.}
As a man who lived most of his life, Grandpa had seen quite a lot of people and things, so immediately—just from witnessing Han Yang's attitude—he had discerned that they have already met. Besides that, he could also tell that those two had done something bad to Han Yang. Otherwise, given his temperament, Han Yang would be very unlikely to have treated them so coldly. Although he still did not know the specific details regarding the matter, he did however remember that his precious grandson may have been wronged, thus the shield over his heart exploded. Searching beside him, Grandpa grabbed hold of a broom and drove those people out. "Get the hell out! Go, get out, leave! Don't be a nuisance in our home!" Literally shooing those people away, bringing the matter to a close.

"Yeah. Lao Yezi heard that you taught me all of my chess skills and wishes very much to be able to play a round with you." Han Yang passed on Lao Yezi's words.

_{Han Yang embraced him around his shoulders, saying, "Don't worry, okay. He's very good to me."}
"I'm so pissed." Grandpa took a seat on a stool, panting, broom still in hand. "I went and invited those wolves into the house!"

Han Yang embraced him around his shoulders, saying, "Don't worry, okay. He's very good to me."

_{"Ha." Helian Qing laughed coldly. "Who exactly would turn their back on who?"}The middle-aged man was struck dumb, his mouth gaping, not knowing what to say.

"Ha." Helian Qing laughed coldly. "Who exactly would turn their back on who?"

_{Finally making his way to the front yard of his house, Han Yang pushed open the gate, calling out, "Grandpa!" then went in. Just as his call ended, a short old man wearing an army green cotton-padded coat along with a matching cap, came out from inside the house.}After ranted on for a good while, Grandpa stopped, recalling something else which prompted him to ask, "What was that 'you being married' thing that son of a bіtсh mentioned? Didn't you repay the debt with labour? So why are you married again?"

Finally making his way to the front yard of his house, Han Yang pushed open the gate, calling out, "Grandpa!" then went in. Just as his call ended, a short old man wearing an army green cotton-padded coat along with a matching cap, came out from inside the house.

_{"What debt? What man?" Grandpa held on to a few key words.}
Han Yang took the broom from the old man, putting it aside, then stroked his back.

"What debt? What man?" Grandpa held on to a few key words.

_{The man's face was forced to fluster because of the younger man's gaze, with even more shame forming within his heart, as he then hurriedly explained, "I know you still blame us for using you to repay out debts, but you must also understand that we were at the end of our ropes! Plus, despite the fact that Mr. Helian is a man, you being married off to him isn't without benefits.}Chapter Twenty-Three

The man's face was forced to fluster because of the younger man's gaze, with even more shame forming within his heart, as he then hurriedly explained, "I know you still blame us for using you to repay out debts, but you must also understand that we were at the end of our ropes! Plus, despite the fact that Mr. Helian is a man, you being married off to him isn't without benefits. You see, right not you may not be doing well but—"

_{Helian Qing naturally understood the lad's way of thinking, as well as knowing how important his sole relative was to him. If he had not, he would have kidnapped that Salted Fish and taken him to a church a long time ago!}The middle-aged woman seemed as if she were in contemplation, remained mum for a few seconds before craning her head downwards then covering her mouth; appearing to now be in tears. Beside her, the middle-aged man also wore a rigid expression, as he just stood there awkwardly.

Helian Qing naturally understood the lad's way of thinking, as well as knowing how important his sole relative was to him. If he had not, he would have kidnapped that Salted Fish and taken him to a church a long time ago!

_{Because of his clowning around, Han Yang held on to his phone and chatted along with him on WeChat. The account Helian Qing used was the one Han Yang had set up last time, where the name was just Qing Gége and the profile picture was a cartoon princess' headdress.}
After he caught his breath, Grandpa turned to the lad and asked, "What's going on? Xiao Yang, are those two really your parents?"

Because of his clowning around, Han Yang held on to his phone and chatted along with him on WeChat. The account Helian Qing used was the one Han Yang had set up last time, where the name was just Qing Gége and the profile picture was a cartoon princess' headdress. His, however, was named Saltfish, and his profile picture was a cartoon salted fish. For his signature, Han Yang had: My Qing Gége; while Helian Qing's was: My Saltfish. One time, when he was in class, Han Yang had his chat with Helian Qing seen by She Zhang, who cried out "It's burning my eyes", before saying, "They won't give us single fellas a way to survive at all!"

_{"No... we're not..." the middle-aged man tried to explain but Han Yang interrupted him, stating: "I was not talking to you."}"Oh my gosh, my baby boy finally came back!" Grandpa giddily scuttled over to meet him, trying to take the suitcase the lad had in tow.

"No... we're not..." the middle-aged man tried to explain but Han Yang interrupted him, stating: "I was not talking to you."

_{"What meeting..." the sharp gaze the man swept towards Han Yang made him switch his topic, "Alright, I'll wait for you to come meet me."}
Han Yang nodded. Although he did not want to admit it, they were, however, his parents by blood.

"What meeting..." the sharp gaze the man swept towards Han Yang made him switch his topic, "Alright, I'll wait for you to come meet me."

_{"No, it wasn't cold. I wore enough layers." Han Yang grinned as he went inside with him, adding while walking beside him, "But, the house is also nice and toasty, and warming up next to you by the fire is the warmest of all."}
"Then what did those things they said mean? Have you met them before?" Grandpa continued to ask.

"No, it wasn't cold. I wore enough layers." Han Yang grinned as he went inside with him, adding while walking beside him, "But, the house is also nice and toasty, and warming up next to you by the fire is the warmest of all."

_N/A "Do I have to ask for permission to call you?" Helian Qing responded to his question with his own.

N/A

_{Salted Fish: Is your meeting over?}
"We met." Han Yang sat beside him, then told him about the situation regarding his parents' debt repayment.

Salted Fish: Is your meeting over?

_{"Shut up!" Han Yang yelled in anger, cutting him off, looking back at his grandfather who did not understand, then shouted towards those people to drive them out: "I told you to leave my house, now!"}"Really? Why didn't you tell me? I should hurry and go buy some groceries to give you a tasty meal then!" Grandpa's voice sounded very excited.

"Shut up!" Han Yang yelled in anger, cutting him off, looking back at his grandfather who did not understand, then shouted towards those people to drive them out: "I told you to leave my house, now!"

_{{Salted Fish: I'm just about halfway there. Where did you get so many salted fish, huh?}} "You always look so handsome, don't put such a sour look on your face, okay?" Han Yang pinched the man's cheek, teasing him.

Salted Fish: I'm just about halfway there. Where did you get so many salted fish, huh?

_{The man's face was forced to fluster because of the younger man's gaze, with even more shame forming within his heart, as he then hurriedly explained, "I know you still blame us for using you to repay out debts, but you must also understand that we were at the end of our ropes! Plus, despite the fact that Mr. Helian is a man, you being married off to him isn't without benefits.}If it was before, maybe Han Yang would have felt sad, but now, he simply felt nothing at all. Not caring about one's own blood relations was no different than saying they were not worth having one's concern.

The man's face was forced to fluster because of the younger man's gaze, with even more shame forming within his heart, as he then hurriedly explained, "I know you still blame us for using you to repay out debts, but you must also understand that we were at the end of our ropes! Plus, despite the fact that Mr. Helian is a man, you being married off to him isn't without benefits. You see, right not you may not be doing well but—"

_{"How could such a callous set of parents exist in this world!" Grandpa cursed. "They even went as far as using their own son as reimbursement!"}
"Utterly unconscionable^[3]!!" Finding out Han Yang's birth-givers had used him to pay off their debt made Grandpa infuriated to the point where he rose to his feet, took up the broom, intending to chase after those people and beat them up, prompting Han Yang to hurriedly move to hold him back.

"How could such a callous set of parents exist in this world!" Grandpa cursed. "They even went as far as using their own son as reimbursement!"

_{"I can hear you clearly, I can see you clearly too," Helian Qing revealed. "Turn around, look to your nine o'clock ^[5]."}Salted Fish: Is your meeting over?

"I can hear you clearly, I can see you clearly too," Helian Qing revealed. "Turn around, look to your nine o'clock ^[5]."

_{Later that night when Han Yang was in bed, he video chatted with Helian Qing—not at all telling him that his grandfather already knew about them, as he planned to give him that surprise upon his return.}"Oh my gosh, my baby boy finally came back!" Grandpa giddily scuttled over to meet him, trying to take the suitcase the lad had in tow.

Later that night when Han Yang was in bed, he video chatted with Helian Qing—not at all telling him that his grandfather already knew about them, as he planned to give him that surprise upon his return.

_{Han Yang threw her a glance, not responding, and instead turned to his grandfather to say, "Grandpa, didn't I tell {you} not to bring any and everyone back home. {You're} here alone, what if something happened to {you}?"}Salted Fish: Is your meeting over?

Han Yang threw her a glance, not responding, and instead turned to his grandfather to say, "Grandpa, didn't I tell you not to bring any and everyone back home. You're here alone, what if something happened to you?"

_{"Ha." Helian Qing laughed coldly. "Who exactly would turn their back on who?"}
"How could such a callous set of parents exist in this world!" Grandpa cursed. "They even went as far as using their own son as reimbursement!"

"Ha." Helian Qing laughed coldly. "Who exactly would turn their back on who?"

_N/A Chapter Twenty-Three

N/A

_{Seeing the man's lips pursed along with his silence, Han Yang pinched the corners of the man's mouth with his fingers, smiling as he said, "I promise you, it'll be soon. Grandpa is a very good person; I definitely will not turn my back on you."}Han Yang embraced him around his shoulders, saying, "Don't worry, okay. He's very good to me."

Seeing the man's lips pursed along with his silence, Han Yang pinched the corners of the man's mouth with his fingers, smiling as he said, "I promise you, it'll be soon. Grandpa is a very good person; I definitely will not turn my back on you."

_{Han Yang nodded. Although he did not want to admit it, they were, however, his parents by blood.}Chapter Twenty-Three

Han Yang nodded. Although he did not want to admit it, they were, however, his parents by blood.

_{Han Yang nodded. Although he did not want to admit it, they were, however, his parents by blood.}
If it was before, maybe Han Yang would have felt sad, but now, he simply felt nothing at all. Not caring about one's own blood relations was no different than saying they were not worth having one's concern.

Han Yang nodded. Although he did not want to admit it, they were, however, his parents by blood.

_{"Oh, wait a bit, I'll go to the patio." Han Yang stood up then went outside. When he got to the patio he asked, "Is it better now? It's windy outside, can you hear me clearly?"} Han Yang thought the gesture he made to drive him off was rather funny. Pulling his suitcase behind him, he went over to the security check point.

"Oh, wait a bit, I'll go to the patio." Han Yang stood up then went outside. When he got to the patio he asked, "Is it better now? It's windy outside, can you hear me clearly?"

_{Chapter Twenty-Three}
After ranted on for a good while, Grandpa stopped, recalling something else which prompted him to ask, "What was that 'you being married' thing that son of a bіtсh mentioned? Didn't you repay the debt with labour? So why are you married again?"

Chapter Twenty-Three

_{Helian Qing naturally understood the lad's way of thinking, as well as knowing how important his sole relative was to him. If he had not, he would have kidnapped that Salted Fish and taken him to a church a long time ago!}
Han Yang rubbed his nose, then revealed he and Helian Wing had already registered their marriage.

Helian Qing naturally understood the lad's way of thinking, as well as knowing how important his sole relative was to him. If he had not, he would have kidnapped that Salted Fish and taken him to a church a long time ago!

_{"That's true. Grandpa will get you a baked sweet potato; have you had lunch yet?" Grandpa asked.}"Not anymore!" Han Yang interjected in a slightly raised tone, turning to look at the woman after he spoke, then repeated, "Now, you aren't anymore."

"That's true. Grandpa will get you a baked sweet potato; have you had lunch yet?" Grandpa asked.

_{Upon noticing his displeasure, those people grew even more anxious; avoiding his gaze by turning their attention towards his grandfather.}
"What?!" Grandpa jumped from his seat upon hearing wat the lad had said. "Did that guy force you? Grandpa will go sort him out!" Yet again going to grab his broom while Han Yang struggled to hold him back. "It's alright, I'm alright. Grandpa, you have to listen to everything I have to say first!"

Upon noticing his displeasure, those people grew even more anxious; avoiding his gaze by turning their attention towards his grandfather.

_{"We met." Han Yang sat beside him, then told him about the situation regarding his parents' debt repayment.} Seeing the man's lips pursed along with his silence, Han Yang pinched the corners of the man's mouth with his fingers, smiling as he said, "I promise you, it'll be soon. Grandpa is a very good person; I definitely will not turn my back on you."

"We met." Han Yang sat beside him, then told him about the situation regarding his parents' debt repayment.

_{Salted Fish: I'm just about halfway there. Where did you get so many salted fish, huh?}
"Explain." Grandpa sat down, resting the broom across his lap, wearing an "After you're done explaining—I'm still gonna to go get him" look.

Salted Fish: I'm just about halfway there. Where did you get so many salted fish, huh?

_{"No... we're not..." the middle-aged man tried to explain but Han Yang interrupted him, stating: "I was not talking to you."}"That's good, that's really good," Grandpa, feeling a sense of gratitude, nodded. From the beginning he had been distressed over Han Yang's legs, and always blamed himself for not having run into Han Yang earlier.

"No... we're not..." the middle-aged man tried to explain but Han Yang interrupted him, stating: "I was not talking to you."

_{Getting to the small town at the outskirts of the city took two hours, and following his arrival to this town, Han Yang went to find a motorcycle taxi to take him to his village.}Witnessing such a fierce side coming from the older man, Han Yang fawned all over him—being swept away by his grandfather's racket, and completely forgetting about his matter with Helian Qing.

Getting to the small town at the outskirts of the city took two hours, and following his arrival to this town, Han Yang went to find a motorcycle taxi to take him to his village.

_{Normally, when returning to his hometown, Han Yang would take a train given how affordable its fare was, in addition to student only having to pay half the price. So, despite the fact the journey was indeed much longer, he would also have the opportunity to get a bed.}"Okay, alright," Grandpa replied giddily. "Oh, by the way, you coming back today is really great, because there something I really need you to come back and confirm."

Normally, when returning to his hometown, Han Yang would take a train given how affordable its fare was, in addition to student only having to pay half the price. So, despite the fact the journey was indeed much longer, he would also have the opportunity to get a bed. But this time around, Helian Qing had given him a plane ticket, and when the day for him to leave came, that man also dropped him off at the airport.

_{The middle-aged woman seemed as if she were in contemplation, remained mum for a few seconds before craning her head downwards then covering her mouth; appearing to now be in tears. Beside her, the middle-aged man also wore a rigid expression, as he just stood there awkwardly.}
Han Yang was detailed in his explanation of the situation between Helian Qing and himself; putting a lot of emphasis on the part where Helian Qing made arrangements for a doctor to treat his legs, as well as the man's own efforts to learn the massages to help him rub them.

The middle-aged woman seemed as if she were in contemplation, remained mum for a few seconds before craning her head downwards then covering her mouth; appearing to now be in tears. Beside her, the middle-aged man also wore a rigid expression, as he just stood there awkwardly.

_{"We met." Han Yang sat beside him, then told him about the situation regarding his parents' debt repayment.} "No, it wasn't cold. I wore enough layers." Han Yang grinned as he went inside with him, adding while walking beside him, "But, the house is also nice and toasty, and warming up next to you by the fire is the warmest of all."

"We met." Han Yang sat beside him, then told him about the situation regarding his parents' debt repayment.

_{Hang Yang pursed his lips, not saying a word. But the middle-aged man, after a period of hesitation, then said, "Xiao Yang, we know we don't deserve you, but we don't want to do anything other than spend New Year's with you."}"That's good, that's really good," Grandpa, feeling a sense of gratitude, nodded. From the beginning he had been distressed over Han Yang's legs, and always blamed himself for not having run into Han Yang earlier.

Hang Yang pursed his lips, not saying a word. But the middle-aged man, after a period of hesitation, then said, "Xiao Yang, we know we don't deserve you, but we don't want to do anything other than spend New Year's with you."

_{"We met." Han Yang sat beside him, then told him about the situation regarding his parents' debt repayment.}
Grandpa, still doubtful about the matter, asked, "Really? You're not trying to trick Grandpa, right?"

"We met." Han Yang sat beside him, then told him about the situation regarding his parents' debt repayment.

_{Using the man's shoulders for support, Han Yang—tiptoeing slightly—kissed the other on his lips, coaxing, "I'll be back at the start of the new school term. You'll be fine at home with Aunty Su and the others."}
"Really." Han Yang replied in assurance. "Didn't I mention to you before that I was having my legs treated, well the one who arranged it was him."

Using the man's shoulders for support, Han Yang—tiptoeing slightly—kissed the other on his lips, coaxing, "I'll be back at the start of the new school term. You'll be fine at home with Aunty Su and the others."

_{Han Yang threw her a glance, not responding, and instead turned to his grandfather to say, "Grandpa, didn't I tell {you} not to bring any and everyone back home. {You're} here alone, what if something happened to {you}?"}"We met." Han Yang sat beside him, then told him about the situation regarding his parents' debt repayment.

Han Yang threw her a glance, not responding, and instead turned to his grandfather to say, "Grandpa, didn't I tell you not to bring any and everyone back home. You're here alone, what if something happened to you?"

_{"It's alright, Grandpa. You don't have to worry." Han Yang patted the older gentleman's shoulder.}N/A

"It's alright, Grandpa. You don't have to worry." Han Yang patted the older gentleman's shoulder.

_{Was this describing him? Han Yang laughed.}Getting to the small town at the outskirts of the city took two hours, and following his arrival to this town, Han Yang went to find a motorcycle taxi to take him to his village.

Was this describing him? Han Yang laughed.

_{Helian Qing had originally intended to go back with him, but at the end of the year his company had become considerably busier, and for the time being, he was still unable to leave. So, all he could do now, was wear a sour-look on his face as he sent the other person off.}
"So, how are you doing now—did it work?" Grandpa reached out to rub Han Yang's knee, asking regretfully, "Do they still hurt?"

Helian Qing had originally intended to go back with him, but at the end of the year his company had become considerably busier, and for the time being, he was still unable to leave. So, all he could do now, was wear a sour-look on his face as he sent the other person off.

_{The next day, Han Yang had thoroughly come to understand the saying: a day apart seems like a lifetime^[4]. Every day, without fail, he would video chat with Helian Qing, but he would also feel like it was not enough. Because he could not touch him, he missed Helian Qing's embrace; because he could not feel him, he missed the heat of his body.}By the time Han Yang made it to the station the train had just arrived when Grandpa called, asking him when he planned on coming back home.

The next day, Han Yang had thoroughly come to understand the saying: a day apart seems like a lifetime^[4]. Every day, without fail, he would video chat with Helian Qing, but he would also feel like it was not enough. Because he could not touch him, he missed Helian Qing's embrace; because he could not feel him, he missed the heat of his body.

_{"You always look so handsome, don't put such a sour look on your face, okay?" Han Yang pinched the man's cheek, teasing him.}Han Yang thought the gesture he made to drive him off was rather funny. Pulling his suitcase behind him, he went over to the security check point.

"You always look so handsome, don't put such a sour look on your face, okay?" Han Yang pinched the man's cheek, teasing him.

_{Seeing he was rather uneasy, the other party did not dare look at him while they stood beside the fireplace.}
"No, it doesn't hurt. You don't have to worry," Han Yang said with a smile. After this stage of his treatment, to some degree his knee really did get better; and Dr. Chen had said if they kept at it, it would get much better in the future.

Seeing he was rather uneasy, the other party did not dare look at him while they stood beside the fireplace.

_{"So, how are you doing now—did it work?" Grandpa reached out to rub Han Yang's knee, asking regretfully, "Do they still hurt?"}
"That's good, that's really good," Grandpa, feeling a sense of gratitude, nodded. From the beginning he had been distressed over Han Yang's legs, and always blamed himself for not having run into Han Yang earlier.

"So, how are you doing now—did it work?" Grandpa reached out to rub Han Yang's knee, asking regretfully, "Do they still hurt?"

_{Was this describing him? Han Yang laughed.}The middle-aged woman seemed as if she were in contemplation, remained mum for a few seconds before craning her head downwards then covering her mouth; appearing to now be in tears. Beside her, the middle-aged man also wore a rigid expression, as he just stood there awkwardly.

Was this describing him? Han Yang laughed.

_{"Yeah, that's right. Get inside quickly and warm up by the fire. So, was the trip here cold?" Grandpa pulled him into the house.}
Han Yang embraced him around his shoulders, saying, "Don't worry, okay. He's very good to me."

"Yeah, that's right. Get inside quickly and warm up by the fire. So, was the trip here cold?" Grandpa pulled him into the house.

_{Seeing he was rather uneasy, the other party did not dare look at him while they stood beside the fireplace.}"How could such a callous set of parents exist in this world!" Grandpa cursed. "They even went as far as using their own son as reimbursement!"

Seeing he was rather uneasy, the other party did not dare look at him while they stood beside the fireplace.

_{Rolling around in a good few circles, Han Yang could not help but send Helian Qing another message via WeChat. Quite a while passed since the message had been sent with no response in return, so all he could then do was put aside his phone and force himself to get some rest.}
Grandpa nodded, then asked, "Then why didn't he come back here with you?"

Rolling around in a good few circles, Han Yang could not help but send Helian Qing another message via WeChat. Quite a while passed since the message had been sent with no response in return, so all he could then do was put aside his phone and force himself to get some rest.

_{"Oh my gosh, my baby boy finally came back!" Grandpa giddily scuttled over to meet him, trying to take the suitcase the lad had in tow.}"Shut up!" Han Yang yelled in anger, cutting him off, looking back at his grandfather who did not understand, then shouted towards those people to drive them out: "I told you to leave my house, now!"

"Oh my gosh, my baby boy finally came back!" Grandpa giddily scuttled over to meet him, trying to take the suitcase the lad had in tow.

_{"So, are they or aren't they, huh?" Grandpa was simply confused by them.}Grandpa nodded, then asked, "Then why didn't he come back here with you?"

"So, are they or aren't they, huh?" Grandpa was simply confused by them.

_{"No, it doesn't hurt. You don't have to worry," Han Yang said with a smile. After this stage of his treatment, to some degree his knee really did get better; and Dr. Chen had said if they kept at it, it would get much better in the future.}"Do I have to ask for permission to call you?" Helian Qing responded to his question with his own.

"No, it doesn't hurt. You don't have to worry," Han Yang said with a smile. After this stage of his treatment, to some degree his knee really did get better; and Dr. Chen had said if they kept at it, it would get much better in the future.

_{When the vehicle arrived at the village's entrance, Han Yang got off, then gave out a few snacks he brought back with him to the children of a couple families who lived near the entrance. Han Yang's house was not far from the entrance, just about three to five minutes away. Plus, the road to the village was also paved, so dragging along a suitcase posed no difficulty for him as well.}
"He's busy at work. He's been working overtime for the past few days," Han Yang replied.

When the vehicle arrived at the village's entrance, Han Yang got off, then gave out a few snacks he brought back with him to the children of a couple families who lived near the entrance. Han Yang's house was not far from the entrance, just about three to five minutes away. Plus, the road to the village was also paved, so dragging along a suitcase posed no difficulty for him as well.

_{Finally making his way to the front yard of his house, Han Yang pushed open the gate, calling out, "Grandpa!" then went in. Just as his call ended, a short old man wearing an army green cotton-padded coat along with a matching cap, came out from inside the house.}
"Oh... Striving to better oneself is good thing," Grandpa stated. "Didn't you say a little while ago that his grandfather wanted to play a game of Chinese Chess with me?"

Finally making his way to the front yard of his house, Han Yang pushed open the gate, calling out, "Grandpa!" then went in. Just as his call ended, a short old man wearing an army green cotton-padded coat along with a matching cap, came out from inside the house.

_{The next day, Han Yang had thoroughly come to understand the saying: a day apart seems like a lifetime^[4]. Every day, without fail, he would video chat with Helian Qing, but he would also feel like it was not enough. Because he could not touch him, he missed Helian Qing's embrace; because he could not feel him, he missed the heat of his body.}"He's busy at work. He's been working overtime for the past few days," Han Yang replied.

The next day, Han Yang had thoroughly come to understand the saying: a day apart seems like a lifetime^[4]. Every day, without fail, he would video chat with Helian Qing, but he would also feel like it was not enough. Because he could not touch him, he missed Helian Qing's embrace; because he could not feel him, he missed the heat of his body.

_{After Han Yang finished taking his exams, he did not return home. This was because he still had to go over to Dr. Chen Qingqing's, since his course of treatment had yet to be completed.}"So, are they or aren't they, huh?" Grandpa was simply confused by them.

After Han Yang finished taking his exams, he did not return home. This was because he still had to go over to Dr. Chen Qingqing's, since his course of treatment had yet to be completed.

_{Upon noticing his displeasure, those people grew even more anxious; avoiding his gaze by turning their attention towards his grandfather.}Done with the inspection Han Yang took a look back, discovering Helian Qing still stood in the same spot with his gaze turned towards him. He waved at the man, who nodded in return, then made an "I call you" gesture with his hands before he turned and left.

Upon noticing his displeasure, those people grew even more anxious; avoiding his gaze by turning their attention towards his grandfather.

_{Han Yang pulled his suitcase inside, knitted his brows slightly, looking at them, "Why are the two of you here?"}
"Yeah. Lao Yezi heard that you taught me all of my chess skills and wishes very much to be able to play a round with you." Han Yang passed on Lao Yezi's words.

Han Yang pulled his suitcase inside, knitted his brows slightly, looking at them, "Why are the two of you here?"

_{Those feelings carried on until the night of that very day when he received a call from Helian Qing. A strange feeling filled him the moment he saw the I'm coming call from the man, after all, they had just chatted a little while ago, why would he be calling all of a sudden.}The last time he asked that question was at the press conference. Then on that same night he returned, pressed Han Yang against a wall to ask that very question once more. With regard to their wedding, Han Yang actually had no objections—in fact, it could be said he looked forward to it. After all, he too wanted to have a formal ceremony with his loved ones in attendance, but he also wanted to discuss it with his grandfather first. Since if he truly wanted to do this, he hoped that his grandfather would be there, and he would get the elder man's blessings.

Those feelings carried on until the night of that very day when he received a call from Helian Qing. A strange feeling filled him the moment he saw the I'm coming call from the man, after all, they had just chatted a little while ago, why would he be calling all of a sudden.

_{"I can hear you clearly, I can see you clearly too," Helian Qing revealed. "Turn around, look to your nine o'clock ^[5]."}
Having heard him, Grandpa could not help but straighten his back and proudly declaring, "Of course I will! I'm someone who started playing chess when I was just six years old. When I have some time, I make sure to go find him to play a round or two and frustrate his spirit to no end!"

"I can hear you clearly, I can see you clearly too," Helian Qing revealed. "Turn around, look to your nine o'clock ^[5]."

_{Done with the inspection Han Yang took a look back, discovering Helian Qing still stood in the same spot with his gaze turned towards him. He waved at the man, who nodded in return, then made an "I call you" gesture with his hands before he turned and left.}The middle-aged woman seemed as if she were in contemplation, remained mum for a few seconds before craning her head downwards then covering her mouth; appearing to now be in tears. Beside her, the middle-aged man also wore a rigid expression, as he just stood there awkwardly.

Done with the inspection Han Yang took a look back, discovering Helian Qing still stood in the same spot with his gaze turned towards him. He waved at the man, who nodded in return, then made an "I call you" gesture with his hands before he turned and left.

_{Witnessing such a fierce side coming from the older man, Han Yang fawned all over him—being swept away by his grandfather's racket, and completely forgetting about his matter with Helian Qing.}
Witnessing such a fierce side coming from the older man, Han Yang fawned all over him—being swept away by his grandfather's racket, and completely forgetting about his matter with Helian Qing.

Witnessing such a fierce side coming from the older man, Han Yang fawned all over him—being swept away by his grandfather's racket, and completely forgetting about his matter with Helian Qing.

_{"Oh my gosh, my baby boy finally came back!" Grandpa giddily scuttled over to meet him, trying to take the suitcase the lad had in tow.}
Later that night when Han Yang was in bed, he video chatted with Helian Qing—not at all telling him that his grandfather already knew about them, as he planned to give him that surprise upon his return.

"Oh my gosh, my baby boy finally came back!" Grandpa giddily scuttled over to meet him, trying to take the suitcase the lad had in tow.

_{Because of his clowning around, Han Yang held on to his phone and chatted along with him on WeChat. The account Helian Qing used was the one Han Yang had set up last time, where the name was just Qing Gége and the profile picture was a cartoon princess' headdress.}It was currently already the time for the security check, so Han Yang took his suitcase and said, "I have to go now. You should hurry and get back home, I'll call you when I get there."

Because of his clowning around, Han Yang held on to his phone and chatted along with him on WeChat. The account Helian Qing used was the one Han Yang had set up last time, where the name was just Qing Gége and the profile picture was a cartoon princess' headdress. His, however, was named Saltfish, and his profile picture was a cartoon salted fish. For his signature, Han Yang had: My Qing Gége; while Helian Qing's was: My Saltfish. One time, when he was in class, Han Yang had his chat with Helian Qing seen by She Zhang, who cried out "It's burning my eyes", before saying, "They won't give us single fellas a way to survive at all!"

_{After Han Yang finished taking his exams, he did not return home. This was because he still had to go over to Dr. Chen Qingqing's, since his course of treatment had yet to be completed.}
Following the end of their chat, Han Yang hugging a pillow, rolled around on his bed, discovering he could not fall asleep. This had only been the first day since his departure, yet he already began missing Helian Qing. Previously, being alone had felt good to him, but now, he had grown accustomed to sleeping as a pair; and to his surprise, even the covers felt a little cold.

After Han Yang finished taking his exams, he did not return home. This was because he still had to go over to Dr. Chen Qingqing's, since his course of treatment had yet to be completed.

_{养: yǎng: keep/support/raise.}
Rolling around in a good few circles, Han Yang could not help but send Helian Qing another message via WeChat. Quite a while passed since the message had been sent with no response in return, so all he could then do was put aside his phone and force himself to get some rest.

养: yǎng: keep/support/raise. On the surface he's saying the salted fish are raised/taken care of like pets or whatnot. But by now we all know this guy loves his word play. [] 辣眼睛: là yǎnjìng: lit. hot (spicy/burning) eyes, meaning - seeing something you aren't supposed to see. (Usually something indecent~) [] 狼心狗肺: làng xīn gǒu fèi: lit. wolf's heart, dog lungs. Meaning - cruel & heartless. (shіt people! Not shіtty, people who are literal shіt! Curse them both all the way to hell and back! *SPITS* *pelts broom*) []^4. 一日不见, 如隔三秋: yī rì bù jiàn, rú gé sān qiū: lit. not seeing you for one day, seems like spending three autumns apart. Meaning, to miss someone so much a moment seems like forever. []^5. look to your 9 (o'clock), just means to look left. The others: 12-North (look in front), 3-East (to your right), 6-South (behind you). I'm at your six right now in spirit, don't turn around:)[]iana: I think I finally found the right interpretation of Han Yang's petname. 咸鱼, means unmotivated/lazy, yes, but it could also imply a person who isn't motivated in getting revenge/getting even. Not a pushover, just someone who's not malicious by nature, a "turn the other cheek" type of fellow. 😥... that took a while, didn't it?[]I hope you noticed that, not once, did he treat those two pieces of dried dog crap blowing in the wind, with respect. Not even a 您-polite you.[]I felt that fire when the male dog poop started talking about HLQ 👸. That Saltfish 🐟 leveled up to dragon 🐲real quick ＼(*T▽T*)／[]Okay, we're almost there. This is my first translated novel--and it's ending! I'm anxious and excited too! Mostly, nervous though 😅😓[]~🐇🐥🐰🐣Happy Easter!🐣🐰🐥🐇~[]See you next time~~~[]💖Grandpa 👴gets ALL the hugs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!💖

_{"I want to spend more time at home with Grandpa." Han Yang squeezed the man's hands held within his own, "You know he's the only one at home, and it's very lonely there."}"I'm coming back today, and I'm already on my way." Since he had already made it halfway there, Han Yang did not hide it.

"I want to spend more time at home with Grandpa." Han Yang squeezed the man's hands held within his own, "You know he's the only one at home, and it's very lonely there."

_{When the thought of there still being almost an entire month until he could meet the other man, Han Yang felt it was too hard to bear; but when he thought of going back earlier, he hated the idea of having to part with his grandfather so soon.}Once he arrived at Y-City, Han Yang gave Helian Qing a call as soon as he was out of the airport. He told him he had already gotten off the plane and was planning to head straight to the transfer station then back to his village. Helian Qing was presently in the middle of a meeting, so after urging him to be careful on his way there, he ended the call.

When the thought of there still being almost an entire month until he could meet the other man, Han Yang felt it was too hard to bear; but when he thought of going back earlier, he hated the idea of having to part with his grandfather so soon.

_{"That's good, that's really good," Grandpa, feeling a sense of gratitude, nodded. From the beginning he had been distressed over Han Yang's legs, and always blamed himself for not having run into Han Yang earlier.}Han Yang was detailed in his explanation of the situation between Helian Qing and himself; putting a lot of emphasis on the part where Helian Qing made arrangements for a doctor to treat his legs, as well as the man's own efforts to learn the massages to help him rub them.

"That's good, that's really good," Grandpa, feeling a sense of gratitude, nodded. From the beginning he had been distressed over Han Yang's legs, and always blamed himself for not having run into Han Yang earlier.

_{After ranted on for a good while, Grandpa stopped, recalling something else which prompted him to ask, "What was that 'you being married' thing that son of a bіtсh mentioned? Didn't you repay the debt with labour? So why are you married again?"}
After some time, he really did manage to fall asleep; completely unaware that after Helian Qing returned from his bath then saw the message: "I can't sleep without you", would end up spending the rest of his night sleepless.

After ranted on for a good while, Grandpa stopped, recalling something else which prompted him to ask, "What was that 'you being married' thing that son of a bіtсh mentioned? Didn't you repay the debt with labour? So why are you married again?"

_{"What debt? What man?" Grandpa held on to a few key words.}Getting to the small town at the outskirts of the city took two hours, and following his arrival to this town, Han Yang went to find a motorcycle taxi to take him to his village.

"What debt? What man?" Grandpa held on to a few key words.

_{"Yeah. You shouldn't come out to wait for me, okay," Han Yang added before he hung up the phone.}
The next day, Han Yang had thoroughly come to understand the saying: a day apart seems like a lifetime^[4]. Every day, without fail, he would video chat with Helian Qing, but he would also feel like it was not enough. Because he could not touch him, he missed Helian Qing's embrace; because he could not feel him, he missed the heat of his body.

"Yeah. You shouldn't come out to wait for me, okay," Han Yang added before he hung up the phone.

_{"So, how are you doing now—did it work?" Grandpa reached out to rub Han Yang's knee, asking regretfully, "Do they still hurt?"}The middle-aged man was struck dumb, his mouth gaping, not knowing what to say.

"So, how are you doing now—did it work?" Grandpa reached out to rub Han Yang's knee, asking regretfully, "Do they still hurt?"

_{After messaging each other for a while, Helian Qing got busy with work again, so Han Yang put his phone back into his bag then got some rest.}
When the thought of there still being almost an entire month until he could meet the other man, Han Yang felt it was too hard to bear; but when he thought of going back earlier, he hated the idea of having to part with his grandfather so soon.

After messaging each other for a while, Helian Qing got busy with work again, so Han Yang put his phone back into his bag then got some rest.

_{"Tch! The signal from there is too poor," Helian Qing said with disdain, "Move to somewhere with a better signal, talking right now is too difficult."}"What?!" Grandpa jumped from his seat upon hearing wat the lad had said. "Did that guy force you? Grandpa will go sort him out!" Yet again going to grab his broom while Han Yang struggled to hold him back. "It's alright, I'm alright. Grandpa, you have to listen to everything I have to say first!"

"Tch! The signal from there is too poor," Helian Qing said with disdain, "Move to somewhere with a better signal, talking right now is too difficult."

_{Witnessing such a fierce side coming from the older man, Han Yang fawned all over him—being swept away by his grandfather's racket, and completely forgetting about his matter with Helian Qing.}"What?!" Grandpa jumped from his seat upon hearing wat the lad had said. "Did that guy force you? Grandpa will go sort him out!" Yet again going to grab his broom while Han Yang struggled to hold him back. "It's alright, I'm alright. Grandpa, you have to listen to everything I have to say first!"

Witnessing such a fierce side coming from the older man, Han Yang fawned all over him—being swept away by his grandfather's racket, and completely forgetting about his matter with Helian Qing.

_{"Xiao Yang, you mustn't misunderstand, we don't have any other intentions. We were just celebrating the New Year and thought of coming to see you," the middle-aged woman elaborated, her eyes carrying concern.}
Those feelings carried on until the night of that very day when he received a call from Helian Qing. A strange feeling filled him the moment he saw the I'm coming call from the man, after all, they had just chatted a little while ago, why would he be calling all of a sudden.

"Xiao Yang, you mustn't misunderstand, we don't have any other intentions. We were just celebrating the New Year and thought of coming to see you," the middle-aged woman elaborated, her eyes carrying concern.

_{"No... we're not..." the middle-aged man tried to explain but Han Yang interrupted him, stating: "I was not talking to you."}Han Yang's words came to an abrupt halt. With one foot still outside the threshold, he stared at the two people inside the house for a while without the slightest reaction.

"No... we're not..." the middle-aged man tried to explain but Han Yang interrupted him, stating: "I was not talking to you."

_{Normally, when returning to his hometown, Han Yang would take a train given how affordable its fare was, in addition to student only having to pay half the price. So, despite the fact the journey was indeed much longer, he would also have the opportunity to get a bed.}
"Why did you call me all of a sudden?" Han Yang answered the call and asked.

Normally, when returning to his hometown, Han Yang would take a train given how affordable its fare was, in addition to student only having to pay half the price. So, despite the fact the journey was indeed much longer, he would also have the opportunity to get a bed. But this time around, Helian Qing had given him a plane ticket, and when the day for him to leave came, that man also dropped him off at the airport.

_{Helian Qing hummed, changing the topic, "Have you thought it over?"}"No, it wasn't cold. I wore enough layers." Han Yang grinned as he went inside with him, adding while walking beside him, "But, the house is also nice and toasty, and warming up next to you by the fire is the warmest of all."

Helian Qing hummed, changing the topic, "Have you thought it over?"

_{"Then what did those things they said mean? Have you met them before?" Grandpa continued to ask.}By the time Han Yang made it to the station the train had just arrived when Grandpa called, asking him when he planned on coming back home.

"Then what did those things they said mean? Have you met them before?" Grandpa continued to ask.

_{"Shut up!" Han Yang yelled in anger, cutting him off, looking back at his grandfather who did not understand, then shouted towards those people to drive them out: "I told you to leave my house, now!"}"How could such a callous set of parents exist in this world!" Grandpa cursed. "They even went as far as using their own son as reimbursement!"

"Shut up!" Han Yang yelled in anger, cutting him off, looking back at his grandfather who did not understand, then shouted towards those people to drive them out: "I told you to leave my house, now!"

_{Han Yang took the broom from the old man, putting it aside, then stroked his back.}
"Do I have to ask for permission to call you?" Helian Qing responded to his question with his own.

Han Yang took the broom from the old man, putting it aside, then stroked his back.

_{"Tch! The signal from there is too poor," Helian Qing said with disdain, "Move to somewhere with a better signal, talking right now is too difficult."}
"Of course, you don't! For you, there's a 24-hour standby," Han Yang said in jest, poking the coal inside the fire pit with a poker.

"Tch! The signal from there is too poor," Helian Qing said with disdain, "Move to somewhere with a better signal, talking right now is too difficult."

_{"I'm so pissed." Grandpa took a seat on a stool, panting, broom still in hand. "I went and invited those wolves into the house!"}Han Yang embraced him around his shoulders, saying, "Don't worry, okay. He's very good to me."

"I'm so pissed." Grandpa took a seat on a stool, panting, broom still in hand. "I went and invited those wolves into the house!"

_{{Salted Fish: I'm just about halfway there. Where did you get so many salted fish, huh?}} After ending the call, he had planned on taking a nap until he saw there was a WeChat message Qing Gége had sent. Han Yang opened it to see that it was a picture of a salted fish carrying a bag on its back, walking under the sun.

Salted Fish: I'm just about halfway there. Where did you get so many salted fish, huh?

_{"No... we're not..." the middle-aged man tried to explain but Han Yang interrupted him, stating: "I was not talking to you."}
"Good to know." Helian Qing, now satisfied, paid his comment no mind to then ask, "Where are you?"

"No... we're not..." the middle-aged man tried to explain but Han Yang interrupted him, stating: "I was not talking to you."

_{"I want to spend more time at home with Grandpa." Han Yang squeezed the man's hands held within his own, "You know he's the only one at home, and it's very lonely there."}
"At home, by the fire. Where are you? And how big did the rumour get?" Han Yang asked out of curiosity.

"I want to spend more time at home with Grandpa." Han Yang squeezed the man's hands held within his own, "You know he's the only one at home, and it's very lonely there."

_{Helian Qing hummed, changing the topic, "Have you thought it over?"}
"Tch! The signal from there is too poor," Helian Qing said with disdain, "Move to somewhere with a better signal, talking right now is too difficult."

Helian Qing hummed, changing the topic, "Have you thought it over?"

_{"Then what did those things they said mean? Have you met them before?" Grandpa continued to ask.}Han Yang nodded. Although he did not want to admit it, they were, however, his parents by blood.

"Then what did those things they said mean? Have you met them before?" Grandpa continued to ask.

_{"It's alright, Grandpa. You don't have to worry." Han Yang patted the older gentleman's shoulder.}"Ha." Helian Qing laughed coldly. "Who exactly would turn their back on who?"

"It's alright, Grandpa. You don't have to worry." Han Yang patted the older gentleman's shoulder.

_{"Explain." Grandpa sat down, resting the broom across his lap, wearing an "After you're done explaining—I'm still gonna to go get him" look.}
"Oh, wait a bit, I'll go to the patio." Han Yang stood up then went outside. When he got to the patio he asked, "Is it better now? It's windy outside, can you hear me clearly?"

"Explain." Grandpa sat down, resting the broom across his lap, wearing an "After you're done explaining—I'm still gonna to go get him" look.

_{"What is it?" Han Yang asked.}
"I can hear you clearly, I can see you clearly too," Helian Qing revealed. "Turn around, look to your nine o'clock ^[5]."

"What is it?" Han Yang asked.

_{"Really? Why didn't you tell me? I should hurry and go buy some groceries to give you a tasty meal then!" Grandpa's voice sounded very excited.}Han Yang listened to him as he asked this again, coughing lightly, before saying, "First I'll go back and talk to Grandpa."

"Really? Why didn't you tell me? I should hurry and go buy some groceries to give you a tasty meal then!" Grandpa's voice sounded very excited.

_{Grandpa, ignoring that, added, "What could I do? A'Gui's wife was here with me from the start, and only left just a moment ago."}
"What nine o'clock, what are you..." his words came to an abrupt stop, while his fingers were almost unable to hold onto the phone.

Grandpa, ignoring that, added, "What could I do? A'Gui's wife was here with me from the start, and only left just a moment ago."

_{"Xiao Yang, you mustn't misunderstand, we don't have any other intentions. We were just celebrating the New Year and thought of coming to see you," the middle-aged woman elaborated, her eyes carrying concern.}"We met." Han Yang sat beside him, then told him about the situation regarding his parents' debt repayment.

"Xiao Yang, you mustn't misunderstand, we don't have any other intentions. We were just celebrating the New Year and thought of coming to see you," the middle-aged woman elaborated, her eyes carrying concern.

_{"No, it wasn't cold. I wore enough layers." Han Yang grinned as he went inside with him, adding while walking beside him, "But, the house is also nice and toasty, and warming up next to you by the fire is the warmest of all."}Han Yang threw her a glance, not responding, and instead turned to his grandfather to say, "Grandpa, didn't I tell you not to bring any and everyone back home. You're here alone, what if something happened to you?"

"No, it wasn't cold. I wore enough layers." Han Yang grinned as he went inside with him, adding while walking beside him, "But, the house is also nice and toasty, and warming up next to you by the fire is the warmest of all."

_{"Yeah. Lao Yezi heard that you taught me all of my chess skills and wishes very much to be able to play a round with you." Han Yang passed on Lao Yezi's words.}Helian Qing, in turn, looked at him expressionlessly, silently displaying his irritation.

"Yeah. Lao Yezi heard that you taught me all of my chess skills and wishes very much to be able to play a round with you." Han Yang passed on Lao Yezi's words.

_{Following the end of their chat, Han Yang hugging a pillow, rolled around on his bed, discovering he could not fall asleep. This had only been the first day since his departure, yet he already began missing Helian Qing. Previously, being alone had felt good to him, but now, he had grown accustomed to sleeping as a pair; and to his surprise, even the covers felt a little cold.}
Outside the low wall bordering the yard, wearing a long black overcoat, with the dark grey scarf Han Yang had gifted him wrapped around his neck, was Helian Qing, who then said into the phone held in his hand, "It's so damn cold."

Following the end of their chat, Han Yang hugging a pillow, rolled around on his bed, discovering he could not fall asleep. This had only been the first day since his departure, yet he already began missing Helian Qing. Previously, being alone had felt good to him, but now, he had grown accustomed to sleeping as a pair; and to his surprise, even the covers felt a little cold.

_{When the vehicle arrived at the village's entrance, Han Yang got off, then gave out a few snacks he brought back with him to the children of a couple families who lived near the entrance. Han Yang's house was not far from the entrance, just about three to five minutes away. Plus, the road to the village was also paved, so dragging along a suitcase posed no difficulty for him as well.}"What?!" Grandpa jumped from his seat upon hearing wat the lad had said. "Did that guy force you? Grandpa will go sort him out!" Yet again going to grab his broom while Han Yang struggled to hold him back. "It's alright, I'm alright. Grandpa, you have to listen to everything I have to say first!"

When the vehicle arrived at the village's entrance, Han Yang got off, then gave out a few snacks he brought back with him to the children of a couple families who lived near the entrance. Han Yang's house was not far from the entrance, just about three to five minutes away. Plus, the road to the village was also paved, so dragging along a suitcase posed no difficulty for him as well.

_{As a man who lived most of his life, Grandpa had seen quite a lot of people and things, so immediately—just from witnessing Han Yang's attitude—he had discerned that they have already met. Besides that, he could also tell that those two had done something bad to Han Yang.}If it was before, maybe Han Yang would have felt sad, but now, he simply felt nothing at all. Not caring about one's own blood relations was no different than saying they were not worth having one's concern.

As a man who lived most of his life, Grandpa had seen quite a lot of people and things, so immediately—just from witnessing Han Yang's attitude—he had discerned that they have already met. Besides that, he could also tell that those two had done something bad to Han Yang. Otherwise, given his temperament, Han Yang would be very unlikely to have treated them so coldly. Although he still did not know the specific details regarding the matter, he did however remember that his precious grandson may have been wronged, thus the shield over his heart exploded. Searching beside him, Grandpa grabbed hold of a broom and drove those people out. "Get the hell out! Go, get out, leave! Don't be a nuisance in our home!" Literally shooing those people away, bringing the matter to a close.

_{Helian Qing naturally understood the lad's way of thinking, as well as knowing how important his sole relative was to him. If he had not, he would have kidnapped that Salted Fish and taken him to a church a long time ago!}"We met." Han Yang sat beside him, then told him about the situation regarding his parents' debt repayment.

Helian Qing naturally understood the lad's way of thinking, as well as knowing how important his sole relative was to him. If he had not, he would have kidnapped that Salted Fish and taken him to a church a long time ago!

---

Author's Note:

N/A

Notes:

^1. 养: yǎng: keep/support/raise. On the surface he's saying the salted fish are raised/taken care of like pets or whatnot. But by now we all know this guy loves his word play.

^2. 辣眼睛: là yǎnjìng: lit. hot (spicy/burning) eyes, meaning - seeing something you aren't supposed to see. (Usually something indecent~)

^3. 狼心狗肺: làng xīn gǒu fèi: lit. wolf's heart, dog lungs. Meaning - cruel & heartless. (shіt people! Not shіtty, people who are literal shіt! Curse them both all the way to hell and back! *{SPITS}* *{pelts broom}*)

^4. 一日不见, 如隔三秋: yī rì bù jiàn, rú gé sān qiū: lit. not seeing you for one day, seems like spending three autumns apart. Meaning, to miss someone so much a moment seems like forever.

^5. look to your 9 (o'clock), just means to look left. The others: 12-North (look in front), 3-East (to your right), 6-South (behind you). I'm at your six right now in spirit, don't turn around:)

iana: I think I finally found the right interpretation of Han Yang's petname. 咸鱼, means unmotivated/lazy, yes, but it could also imply a person who isn't motivated in getting revenge/getting even. Not a pushover, just someone who's not malicious by nature, a "turn the other cheek" type of fellow. 😥... that took a while, didn't it?

I hope you noticed that, not once, did he treat those two pieces of dried dog crap blowing in the wind, with respect. Not even a 您-polite you.

I felt that fire when the male dog poop started talking about HLQ 👸. That Saltfish 🐟 leveled up to dragon 🐲real quick ＼(*{T▽T}*)／

Okay, we're almost there. This is my first translated novel--and it's ending! I'm anxious and excited too! Mostly, nervous though 😅😓

~🐇🐥🐰🐣Happy Easter!🐣🐰🐥🐇~

See you next time~~~

💖Grandpa 👴gets ALL the hugs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!💖

• Previous
• Next
• ToC