Editor: MinMin
Proofreader: DarkSapphire
Now that they were done purchasing, the four separate ways at the corner of the commercial street.
Zhong Yuqin and Liang Song each called for a taxi. Qi Xun also drank some, so Bai Xi drove them back.
But on the way back, he saw that the milk tea shop he liked was still open, so he bought a cup of milk tea without a second thought, even after they had just finished dinner.
He drank milk tea like a chipmunk, cheeks bulging with boba.
Qi Xun reached out and poked Bai Xi’s cheek and reminded him, “Try not to drink too much or else you will not be able to fall asleep tonight.”
Bai Xi had finished more than half a cup and mumbled, “That won’t happen. I have been going to bed and up early these days. I have a healthy life schedule.”
But he was slapped in the face by his own words when they got back.
He tossed and turned in bed. It was almost one o’clock, and he was not sleepy at all.
When he turned his head and looked at Qi Xun, he found that the other man’s eyes were closed as he lay motionlessly. It seemed Qi Xun had fallen asleep long ago.
There was no way for him to be savage enough to wake Qi Xun to chat with him. He slowly blinked at the sleeping man for a while.
There was only a small lamp in the bedroom. The light in the room was dim, but Qi Xun’s profile had a well-defined outline, so the silhouette was even more stunning.
As he counted the time that had passed, he realised they had been dating for four months and living together for more than a month already. And this was the face he would wake up to every day.
But he had not felt tired of looking at it yet. His heart would always beat for Qi Xun, anytime, anywhere.
Sometimes, he felt that time seemed to stop in his third year of high school, and his surging love for Qi Xun got frozen by the coldness of the winter night, the night he first fell deeply in love.
A cup of hot cocoa, an hour of quiet company, the tenderness and consideration as he sent him home, the warmth on the coat covering him, and all that had happened and the sensations he felt. These built a cage and trapped him entirely, with no way for him to escape.
But he was willing to stay in this cage.
His eyes curved at the thought.
He crept over and pecked Qi Xun on the cheek.
But he felt that it was not enough, so he kissed Qi Xun’s lips as well.
It was a very innocent kiss, with no tint of desire. He just gave it a light peck, like a kitten giving a short nuzzle.
After the kiss, he quickly retreated and was ready to take care of his sleepiness.
But before he could return to his spot, a hand appeared on his waist, a broad and powerful one that pressed him back down again.
He almost crashed into Qi Xun. Once he got a grip with both hands, he raised his head and was faced with Qi Xun’s not so smiling eyes.
He stammered, “You…you were not asleep?”
He kissed his boyfriend and only his boyfriend, which neither had violated any law nor morality, but he had a sense of guilt about being caught red-handed.
Qi Xun looked at him in amusement. “I almost fell asleep, but you touched and kissed me. I am not a comatose person without any sensory input. How could I fall asleep?”
Why did he have to phrase it this way, being ‘touched and kissed’?
Bai Xi blushed bright red and felt like he was a pervert based on how the other man described his actions.
He felt unhappy and wanted to get off of Qi Xun so he muttered, “Then I will stop kissing you. Go back to sleep.”
But Qi Xun hugged him and grabbed his wrist. In an instant, their positions flipped.
Bai Xi landed on the pillow.
Qi Xun gazed down at him with a loose, lazy and sexy swirl of emotions in his eyes.
He said, “I did not want you to stop kissing, but you cannot just kiss and run.”
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
With that, he lowered his head and kissed Bai Xi until both became breathless.
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But now Bai Xi took the initiative to tease him, so Qi Xun justified internally, Can’t blame him for this. He was too young to be like Zhan Huo.
In the bedroom, the durable queen size bed rocked back and forth. Several words of begging and light sobbing are heard from time to time.
Qi Xun held an elegant gentleman’s face, but what he just committed was what defined a refined scum.
Seeing Bai Xi crying hard, he hypocritically helped the other man wipe the tears from the corners of his eyes, and showed his affection by coaxing, “Don’t cry.”
Bai Xi did not buy it at all.
He bit his lips, stared at Qi Xun with his teary eyes, and the tip of his nose was also red. He regretted everything.
This was what he got for not making the sleeping dog lie.
There would be no more kissing in secret in the future.
.
Afterwards, Qi Xun took Bai Xi in his arms for another bath.
Qi Xun changed to new sheets before placing Bai Xi back to bed again.
Neither of them was sleepy for a moment.
Bai Xi felt he was in the wrong just now. Qi Xun was nothing like his beautiful high school male god. He was a big liar and a scoundrel.
But after being coaxed into Qi Xun’s arms for a while, his mood brightened again as he rested on Qi Xun’s chest while playing on his phone, like a kitten.
He glanced at the date on the screen and suddenly realised that there were two days before New Year’s Eve.
Raising his head, he asked Qi Xun, “Is your family still going back to your hometown for New Year this year?”
Qi Xun’s family does not celebrate the New Year in this city, they usually celebrate at his father’s parents in the next city.
Qi Xun’s aunt’s family would also go there. Everyone would be reunited in the old house, and it usually took several days before they would go back.
“Yes, my mother’s parents will also go this year, and my cousin will be coming back from abroad.” Qi Xun said, “So I might stay a little longer than usual, on the fourth day at least.”
Bai Xi uttered “Oh” and felt a little at a loss.
The Chinese New Year was earlier this year, and the third day of the new year would be Valentine’s Day.
He originally wanted to spend time with Qi Xun, but that plan seemed to fizzle out. But he did not show his disappointment and continued to scroll through his phone.
In a few seconds, he heard Qi Xun add, “I am sorry. I cannot spend Valentine’s day with you this year.”
Bai Xi was startled as he looked up at Qi Xun.
He felt a bit happier after hearing that statement. He thought Qi Xun would not care for these holidays and did not expect him to remember this special day.
He shook his head and said thoughtfully, “There is no need to beat yourself over this. New Year is important. I have to spend time with my parents as well. Moreover, Valentine’s Day is nothing. It is tedious to keep up with so many holidays every year.”
Qi Xun lowered his head to face him.
Bai Xi’s expression was very sincere, but Qi Xun did not believe him at all. He saw Bai Xi checking the movies playing on Valentine’s Day and the restaurant around the theatre a few days ago.
He knew Bai Xi too well. Even if he was miserable, he would always be very sensible not to increase others’ burdens.
He would rather Bai Xi be a bit ignorant, act like a spoiled child to him, and request compensation.
But he did not expose Bai Xi’s stubbornness.
He shortened their distance and gave Bai Xi a kiss on his forehead. “Then we will go on a date once I’m back.”
Bai Xi was back to his happy self. “Okay.”
.
On New Year’s Eve, Qi Xun went back to his parents’ house early in the morning. When the Qi Family packed up, they drove to the next city together.
Before he left, Bai Xi struggled out of his blanket nest with difficulty to send Qi Xun off.
The duo were lovey-dovey at the door for a while. Bai Xi stepped on the floor barefoot, tiptoed with his arms around Qi Xun’s neck and gave the other a goodbye morning kiss.
He was still a bit sleepy, but he was a little reluctant to let go. He said to Qi Xun, “Then I will see you after New Year.”
“See you then.”
There was a small suitcase by Qi Xun’s feet.
He placed his arms around Bai Xi’s waist and studied the young man’s sleepy face. He was unwilling to leave as well.
Bai Xi had just got his hair cut two days ago. His shoulder-length hair was cut short and looked great and different from his prior appearance. It was fresh and clean. Along with that white and delicate face, it made his lover look two years younger.
Bai Xi stood by the door and looked at Qi Xun while waiting anxiously.
This made Qi Xun not want to move his feet and thought of storing the other man into his pocket before taking him away.
But he knew it was impossible because Bai Xi had to go home for the New Year as well.
If he really eloped with Bai Xi, his parents would beat him back and over in their hearts.
When that thought came to mind, he smiled unknowingly.
He kissed Bai Xi on the forehead again. “Give me a call anytime you miss me.”
Bai Xi nodded at once.
The two embraced for a while, talked for a bit, and kissed each other again. After delaying for half an hour, Qi Xun went out of the door.
When the door was closed, Bai Xi was no longer sleepy.
As soon as Qi Xun left, the villa suddenly became deserted and cold. Ms. Ding also went home for the holiday two days ago. He was the only one left in such a large house.
He went to the kitchen and made himself breakfast.
He sat on the living room floor and enjoyed his breakfast while playing the TV for background noise.
He was used to living alone, but unknowingly since the day he lived here, he could no longer be accustomed to the quietness and emptiness of a house.
The living room was so big that as his spoon touched the white porcelain bowl, it seemed to echo throughout the house.
.
Once afternoon arrived, Bai Xi packed up and went back to his parents’ house.
Their family always has a very lively New Year’s Eve. Besides their family of four, there was Ms. Liu, their caretaker, and Mr. Wu, their housekeeper, who had worked for his family for decades. They would usually stay for the holiday.
The Bai Family house got decorated according to the festivities. Red paper cuttings pasted on the glass windows, small kumquats filled the living room, and small red lanterns hung on the trees in the yard outside. Joy radiates inside and out.
Because there was not much to help in the house, the twins sat on the sofa and peeled walnuts.
After peeling two, Bai Xi got lazy, tossed them aside and began to eat chocolate.
Bai Ruo laughed at him. “How dull. Could you not be this annoying when eating things, stop being so delicate.”
Bai Xi was not about to take it. He stuffed a chocolate into his mouth. “I did not like eating things with shells in the first place. Qi Xun usually peels them for me.”
She choked.
It was unbearable, so she rolled her eyes. You are so high and mighty now that you have a boyfriend?
She asked her twin curiously. “I see that Qi Xun spoiled you quite a bit. How do you two usually interact?”
He was not as conscious when showing affection in public, but the question asked by his sister made him blush slightly.
“Pretty normal, we get along like normal.” He lowered his head and unwrapped a piece of candy, but the corner of his lips went upward. “He has a good temper with the people around him, but he just does not laugh or talk much. He learned to make some snacks from Ms. Ding a while ago. They are all my favourites. He even said he could make them as a late-night snack for me.”
After listening to this, her whole body trembled three times uncontrollably.
Scary, her brother seemed to become stupider once he was dating.
It was starting to get to her.
The two chatted and bickered on the sofa for more than an hour, then it was time for dinner.
They did not usually go by tradition, staying up all night doing certain traditions for New Year and all of that. They could do whatever they wanted after dinner.
After eating, everyone gathered in the living room to see the Spring Festival Gala. Wu Mo and Bai Zihua were debating about which host was better looking. Bai Xi and Bai Ruo were sharing their plate of fruit and nuts, ridiculing the short skit earlier, which was complete nonsense.
Bai Xi’s phone vibrated when it was almost midnight. He looked down and saw the call was from Qi Xun.
He immediately left the sofa and went out to the yard.
Wu Mo glanced at her son’s back and asked her daughter, “Where is your brother going? The actor he likes so much is coming up soon. Is something up?”
Bai Xi spat out two melon seed skins and snickered. “How could an idol be more important than a husband? He went to answer Qi Xun’s phone call.”
Wu Mo: “…”
She shut her mouth, no longer asked questions and instead watched the show in peace.
.
Bai Xi went to the yard. After answering the call, Qi Xun’s face appeared on the screen.
He glanced at the pitch-black background and the lanterns under the corridor. Qi Xun seemed to be standing in the yard also.
Bai Xi smiled at the sight of Qi Xun’s face.
“What are you up to?” He asked Qi Xun. “Have you had dinner yet?”
“Just finished, my parents are still chatting. I came out to step into the New Year with you.” Qi Xun said.
His grandparents have different customs compared to Bai Xi’s family. They do not eat dinner on New Year’s Eve until almost midnight.
He got time to come out while everyone was busy chatting.
Looking down at his watch, it was six minutes before midnight. The year was about to pass.
There was already the sound of firecrackers outside.
He held up his phone and showed it to Bai Xi. “Look, someone is already setting off the fireworks.”
His grandparents’ house was close to the suburbs, so they could set off fireworks.
Qi Xun looked up to see the colourful night sky. The fireworks welcoming the new year had illuminated the sky. Although it was not as grand as the fireworks show in huge events, there was a kind of worldly celebration.
Bai Xi stood in his yard, with outside lights on and the little red lanterns hanging on the welcoming pine trees, as they swung gently in the night breeze.
They were forbidden to set off fireworks here. The surrounding was quiet because it was the New Year, making the surrounding colder than usual.
He listened to the sound of firecrackers coming from Qi Xun’s side on his phone, from far to near, mixed with a faint laughter and a distant excitement.
The minute before midnight, he and Qi Xun did not speak, they just listened to the sound of fireworks.
And the moment the pointer pointed to twelve……
He heard Qi Xun say to him, “Happy New Year, Xi Xi.”
These three ordinary words were nothing special, but the two on the screen smiled at each other.
Bai Xi also chirped, “Happy New Year.”
Although they were not in the same place, this was the first Spring Festival countdown they did together as a couple.
The author has something to say:
Pine Nut Tea: A warm reminder once again, this is an ordinary sweet and sour work. Sweet and sour, not some despicable scam novel, nor is it a super sweet novel that gives readers diabetes…This is a small story from a single arrow to a double-headed arrow, there will be sour and sweet, and a plot that flows downward as simple as water. This author has no ambition, and will write where the thought takes.
What a great way to start my day 🥰🥰🥰
Thank you for the chapter ❤️
thank you for the translation
thanks for the chapter<333
Ahahah, author’s notes are so funny
Thank you for new chapter
They are soo sweet! I’m melting o(≧∇≦o)
Thank You for the new chapter! (｡’▽’｡)♡
Me: I love reading all this fluff, it’s so good for the heart~
Me, also: What does ‘an armful’ mean?? Inquiring minds need to know (￣y▽￣)╭
An armful means as much as a person can carry with their two hands or describing a large quantity.
enlightened I see~~~ Hehehe thank you 😀
Thanks for the chapters! 🤣❤️
»Bai Xi spat out two melon seed skins and snicked.« Bai Ruo & snickered(?)
Thx for the ch ٩( >ヮ<)۶
Thank you for catching my mistakes. I have corrected them 🙇
thanks for the chapter!
Thanks for the chapter ❤️❤️
Too sweet but I love this💕
I kinda have PTSD from reading too many sugarcoated knife works. y’know, the kind which has overdosed sweets at early chapters and freaking hurts me all over in the middle or later parts… so author note is not helping much lol🤣
Author’s note is funny. So far it’s a super sweet story 😆
Thanks for the chapter 💞
Hahaha, the author said this isn’t the kind of novel that would give the readers diabetes, but I already got diabetes from this😂
i was in very much need of a story like this so i’m grateful to Pine nut tree, Teo and all the editors/proof checkers ♡♡ thx to all of u i can enjoy this sweet and sour story that is healing my little heart (○^ㅅ^○)`
the author is really emphasizing the sweet and sour… we have gotten the sweetness, so i guess the sourness is coming?