(NT: Reference to the viral Chinese song 《小鸡小鸡》 ("Little Chick") by 王蓉 (Wang Rong Rollin), released in 2014. Link : 王蓉 Rollin wang 《小鸡小鸡 ChickChick》 [Official Music Video]官方完整版 )

 

As Cheng Boyan was about to step forward, Xiang Xi gave him a shove from behind. Cheng Boyan caught himself against the wall before he could lose his balance, then introduced him, “This is Xiang Xi.”

“Mm, Xiang Xi. I heard Grandma kept calling him Wang Xi, so I kept thinking your name was actually Wang Xi... Come on in,” Uncle Cheng said, glancing at the two boxes Xiang Xi was carrying. “Why did you bring so many things?”

“They only look like a lot,” Xiang Xi said with a smile. “It's really just the boxes that are big.”

Uncle Cheng opened the door and stepped back into the apartment. As Cheng Boyan walked in, his mother happened to come out of the kitchen.

“Mom.”

“Director Xu... Auntie, hello!” Xiang Xi peeked out from behind Cheng Boyan's shoulder. “Sorry to trouble you.”

“You're not troubling us at all,” she said with a smile. “Come in. I'm just stir-frying the last dishes. We'll be eating soon.”

Following Cheng Boyan inside, Xiang Xi watched as Cheng Boyan took the boxes from him and placed them on the coffee table.

While changing his shoes, Xiang Xi discreetly looked around the apartment.

The furnishings were simple, and just like Cheng Boyan's own place, his parents' home was spotless—immaculately clean. There wasn't a speck of dust on the floor, not even a footprint. Xiang Xi felt that if a piece of food fell on the floor, you could probably pick it up and eat it without a second thought.

He figured he probably had some kind of psychological hang-up. Whenever he entered an environment that was this clean and orderly, he became unusually nervous. He had already gotten used to Cheng Boyan's apartment, but seeing his parents' home at a glance made all that nervousness come rushing back. After following Cheng Boyan inside, he simply stood there, unsure what he was supposed to do.

“Xiang Xi, come, have a seat,” Uncle Cheng said, pointing to the sofa. “Boyan, make Xiang Xi a cup of tea. Use the tea your eldest uncle brought over last time... By the way, what happened to you two? What's with your arms?”

“I'd rather have some cooled boiled water,” Cheng Boyan said as he picked up a cup and walked over to the water dispenser. “If we have tea after dinner, Xiang Xi can drink it with you. He's the expert.”

Watching him, Xiang Xi realized that Cheng Boyan had probably spent his entire life without telling many lies. Faced with his father's question, he had simply activated the strategy of pretending not to hear it and answered something completely unrelated.

Unfortunately, Uncle Cheng's attention hadn't been diverted at all. His eyes remained fixed on the two of them—especially on Xiang Xi's arm in its sling.

Left with no choice, Xiang Xi stepped in to continue the performance. “Well... a few days ago, the two of us were walking down the street...”

“We ran into a drunk driver,” Cheng Boyan interrupted, placing a glass of water in front of him and picking up the story where Xiang Xi had left off. “He rode his motorcycle onto the sidewalk and hit us. It wasn't serious.”

“Oh? You went to the hospital?” Uncle Cheng nodded.

“We did,” Xiang Xi replied with a smile. “He was the one who treated me.”

“That's good. People these days just love drinking,” Uncle Cheng said with a laugh. “How can drinking compare to enjoying a good cup of tea?”

“These are the gifts Xiang Xi brought for the two of you,” Cheng Boyan said. “Yours is tea. Isn't that perfect?”

“Oh? Then I have to take a look.” Uncle Cheng picked up the box and called toward the kitchen, “Dear, Xiang Xi brought us gifts!”

“Just having him here is enough. Why bring presents?” Director Xu came out of the kitchen with a smile. “Xiang Xi, you don't have to be so formal in the future.”

“It's not about being formal.” Xiang Xi stood up and handed her the scarf box. “I just... thought it was beautiful, and that it would suit you.”

“Oh my,” she said as she opened the box and took out the scarf. “It's beautiful. Auntie really likes it. Thank you.”

Xiang Xi smiled shyly.

He knew Director Xu wasn't happy about him, yet she was still smiling gently and speaking to him kindly. That alone filled him with gratitude.

“It looks much nicer than anything Boyan's ever bought you,” Uncle Cheng remarked from the side. “As for mine, Xiang Xi brought tea. Let's see...”

“I got it from my master,” Xiang Xi quickly explained. “It's tea from the Tea Research Institute. It tastes wonderful—I tried it before. It just... doesn't have much packaging.”

“The packaging doesn't matter. Good tea is what counts,” Uncle Cheng said, nodding as he examined it. “I know this tea. You can't buy it anywhere—they don't sell it. Is your master from the Tea Research Institute?”

“Lu Zhibin,” Cheng Boyan answered. “You and my eldest brother even went to drink his tea before. Lu Zhibin is Xiang Xi's master.”

“Huh?” Uncle Cheng turned immediately. “You're studying tea under Master Lu?”

“Yes.” Xiang Xi nodded. “Although I only started not long ago.”

“This young man is something else,” Uncle Cheng said to Director Xu. “Lu Zhibin hasn't accepted a new apprentice in two years.”

Director Xu smiled. “Then you two chat about tea. I just have one more vegetable dish to stir-fry before dinner. Xiang Xi, make yourself comfortable.”

“Okay.” Only then did Xiang Xi finally let out the breath he'd been holding and sit down.

Cheng Boyan stayed beside him while Uncle Cheng enthusiastically chatted with Xiang Xi about tea for a while. Then he stood up, patted Xiang Xi on the shoulder, and said quietly, “I'll go give them a hand in the kitchen.”

“Mm... should I come too?” Xiang Xi asked. “I can help.”

“You'll just blow up the kitchen,” Cheng Boyan said with a grin before heading inside.

His mother was measuring cooking oil with a small spoon when he walked over and gently squeezed her shoulder. “You like the scarf?”

“Hey, don't squeeze me—the oil will spill.” His mother poured the oil into the wok. “I like it very much. I could tell by the feel that it's real silk. It wasn't cheap, was it?”

“Not exactly,” Cheng Boyan admitted.

“Don't let him spend money like that in the future. Isn't he unemployed right now?” she said while stir-frying. “Bringing a gift is the important part. It doesn't have to be expensive.”

“I told him that,” Cheng Boyan replied, placing a freshly washed plate beside her. “He refused to listen. He insisted on buying this one.”

“I have a watch,” she said. “Your second aunt brought it back from Hong Kong for your father last month. Your father never wears watches anyway, and it's a youth model. Let Xiang Xi have it.”

“A return gift? That's not necessary, is it?” Cheng Boyan lowered his voice. “Why not just give it to me? I've been thinking of buying a watch.”

“Then go buy yourself one,” she said, glancing sideways at him. “This one is for Xiang Xi. I doubt he has much savings, yet he still bought something this expensive. I may not be satisfied with him, but I should acknowledge the thoughtfulness behind the gift. When you leave tonight, take it with you and give it to him. Don't pocket it yourself. You're too old to be wearing that watch.”

“…Okay.” Cheng Boyan picked up the finished dish. “I'll thank you on his behalf.”

“The best thanks you could give me is sorting out this whole mess you're in,” his mother sighed.

Carrying the dish into the dining room, Cheng Boyan saw his father in the living room holding a cup of tea, explaining the colour and liquor of the brew to Xiang Xi. If Eldest Uncle had been there too, they probably would've forgotten to eat altogether.

“Dinner's ready,” Cheng Boyan announced.

“Good, let's eat first.” Uncle Cheng finished his tea and stood up. “Xiang Xi, come try your auntie's cooking. I wonder if it'll suit your taste.”

“I could already smell how good it was,” Xiang Xi replied, getting up and intending to help carry dishes from the kitchen. “I'll help…”

“What are you going to help with? Go wash your hands and sit down,” Uncle Cheng stopped him. “Boyan already causes enough trouble.”

“…How am I causing trouble?” Cheng Boyan laughed as he brought out the remaining dishes and laid out the bowls and chopsticks.

There were only four people eating, yet Director Xu had prepared six dishes and a soup, all in generous portions.

“Thank you for all your hard work, Auntie,” Xiang Xi said. “You made so many dishes.”

“I don't usually cook like this. It's only once in a while, so it's not much trouble,” Director Xu replied. “Go ahead and taste them. See if they suit your palate.”

After a moment's hesitation, Xiang Xi picked up a piece of hairtail fish and took a bite. “Delicious!”

“Too bland?” Cheng Boyan asked.

“No.”

He looked at the fish. It hadn't been fried. Director Xu had probably thought fried food wasn't healthy enough, so she'd steamed it over garlic and chopped chili peppers instead. Unexpectedly, it wasn't fishy at all.

“Much better than your cooking.” The moment he said that, Xiang Xi suddenly became worried.

Cheng Boyan was obviously the treasured son of the family, yet he cooked for someone else. He wondered what Uncle Cheng and Director Xu would think after hearing that.

“He doesn't know how to cook,” Director Xu laughed, apparently thinking nothing of the comment. “He can barely manage to cook food until it's edible. As for flavour... that's another matter entirely. Today I added a little more salt than usual because I was afraid you'd find our normal cooking too bland... Does the fish taste fishy?”

“Not at all. It's really delicious,” Xiang Xi said quickly. “Didn't you demonstrate this on television before? I remember one episode where you taught people how to steam hairtail.”

“You actually watch programs like that?” Uncle Cheng asked in surprise.

“I do.” Xiang Xi smiled sheepishly. “I really enjoy them. You learn a lot.”

The Cheng family didn't usually talk much while eating, nor did they watch television during meals. It seemed to be a family habit. Cheng Boyan wasn't particularly talkative during meals either, but when it was just the two of them, he'd leave the television on. He didn't watch it himself—Xiang Xi was the one who watched while eating.

Normally Xiang Xi never thought anything of it.

But now, sitting with Cheng Boyan's parents, he was already nervous. With everyone eating silently, the ease he'd gradually felt while talking with Uncle Cheng disappeared, and he became tense again, constantly worrying that he might make some embarrassing noise while eating.

After they had eaten quietly for a while, Uncle Cheng finally broke the silence. “Xiang Xi, after you finish learning tea from Master Lu, are you planning to work at a tea house?”

“Yes, that's the plan.” Xiang Xi quickly swallowed the piece of duck in his mouth. “Quite a few tea houses have invited my master to join them. He said he'll choose a suitable one and recommend me.”

“That's very good.” Uncle Cheng nodded with a smile. “Our family has three doctors. We're all science-minded people. We value rigidity and discipline in everything we say and do. Frankly, it's rather dull. None of us have much talent for appreciating qin music or the fragrance of tea. I think what you're doing is wonderful.”

“Not necessarily,” Xiang Xi said with a smile. “I think Bo... Cheng Boyan is pretty good too. He's not really... I mean, he's actually quite interesting.”

Meticulous? Sure, he was meticulous at work, and meticulous about cleanliness.

But rigid and disciplined ? Xiang Xi almost laughed out loud.

That was just the surface.

Other than his cleanliness obsession, when was this man ever rigid?

“Boyan's always been stubborn,” Uncle Cheng added with a smile. “He likes making his own decisions, and we usually don't have much say in his affairs. Especially when it comes to relationships—he stayed single for so many years that we couldn't really say anything. I always figured he simply couldn't find anyone he liked, and with his personality, I didn't know who would like him either... At last, we've finally met the person.”

“Well... this time... maybe...” Xiang Xi had no idea how to answer.

Uncle Cheng was clearly saying Cheng Boyan had high standards, but Xiang Xi felt too embarrassed to agree. Someone like him didn't exactly match those lofty standards.

After hesitating for quite a while, he finally muttered, “Maybe... he just looked with the wrong eyes (NT: idiom, made a mistake in judging someone)?”

Cheng Boyan, who was drinking soup, burst out laughing.

Even Director Xu couldn't help smiling.

“I wouldn't put it that way,” she said. “He has his own way of thinking. There must be qualities in you that other people don't have.”

“This child...” Uncle Cheng laughed as he patted Xiang Xi on the shoulder. “You're a bit adorably simple.”

After dinner, Xiang Xi helped Cheng Boyan clear the bowls and chopsticks from the table. He had wanted to help wash the dishes too, but Cheng Boyan pushed him out of the kitchen.

Xiang Xi reluctantly gave up such a perfect opportunity to make a good impression. He guessed Director Xu probably had her own meticulous dishwashing routine that no one else could interfere with.

Compared to dinner itself, sitting in the living room afterward, eating fruit, watching television, and chatting together was much more relaxing.

Cheng Boyan leaned comfortably into the sofa and tugged lightly on Xiang Xi's arm, signalling that he could relax too.

Xiang Xi shot him a glare but continued sitting bolt upright.

Uncle Cheng came over carrying freshly brewed tea, made with the tea Xiang Xi had brought. “I'll give this tea a try. Then I'll save the rest. Once your arm's healed, come over again and make me a pot. I have a tea set your eldest uncle gave me that's still never been used.”

“Deal,” Xiang Xi agreed immediately.

“My eldest uncle just loves giving people tea sets,” Cheng Boyan laughed. “I asked him for one too, and he even delivered it straight to the hospital.”

“You really have gotten used to having no sense of seniority,” Director Xu said, giving him a look. “In front of your elders you don't act like a junior, and in front of juniors you don't act like a senior either.”

“My grandma spoiled me,” Cheng Boyan replied with a grin.

“Look how pleased with yourself you are,” Director Xu said. “If Boyu were still…”

The instant the name Boyu left her lips, Xiang Xi noticed Cheng Boyan's hand pause very briefly as he reached for his teacup.

Only then did he pick it up and smile. “Yeah. If he were still here, I wouldn't be getting this kind of treatment.”

“Boyu...” Director Xu turned to Xiang Xi. “He was Boyan's younger brother.”

“I know,” Xiang Xi replied softly, glancing at Cheng Boyan.

“When he passed away, he was probably a little younger than you are now.” Director Xu's expression dimmed. “Xiang Xi, if I've been a little harsh with you sometimes, I hope you can understand. Losing one son and only having one left... is completely different from having only one son from the very beginning.”

“I understand,” Xiang Xi said. “I really do, Auntie.”

Director Xu smiled and handed him a peach. “Try this one. It's very sweet. You can eat more honey peaches—they're good for moistening the lungs and relieving phlegm, and they're high in protein and iron.”

“The iron content is among the highest of all fruits,” Xiang Xi said with a smile as he took a bite. “I remember you mentioning that on one of your television programs.”

“…You really have watched every episode, haven't you?” Uncle Cheng said in amazement.

“I only watched the episodes Director Xu appeared in,” Xiang Xi admitted with an embarrassed smile.

“The impressive part is that he actually remembers everything,” Cheng Boyan said, biting into a peach himself. “It's kind of amazing.”

“You've got yourself a fan,” Uncle Cheng said to Director Xu with a laugh. “I've never even watched it.”

After chatting and watching television for more than an hour, Cheng Boyan went into the kitchen to wash his hands. When he came back out, he checked the time. “We should head home?”

“Oh.” Xiang Xi stood up and hurried into the kitchen to wash his hands.

“Then you two should head back. Tomorrow isn’t a rest day anyway,” Uncle Cheng said with a smile. “Xiang Xi, come visit when you’re free. Next time, remember not to bring anything. If your master gives you tea, though, you can bring some for me.”

“Got it,” Xiang Xi replied with a couple of embarrassed chuckles.

Director Xu went into the bedroom for a moment and came out holding a bag, which she handed to Cheng Boyan.

“Then we’re heading off,” Cheng Boyan said, taking the bag and nudging Xiang Xi to change his shoes. “Dad, you’ve got a meeting tomorrow, right?”

“Mm. This one’s going to take a bit longer,” Uncle Cheng replied.

“Make sure you rest. Don’t end up like last time—come back from a meeting and lie in bed for two days,” Cheng Boyan said. “You’re retired but still refusing to behave.”

“Keeping myself useful,” Uncle Cheng said with a laugh. “Alright, you two go. Stop lecturing me.” Then he smiled at Xiang Xi again. “Come again, Xiang Xi.”

“Okay!” Xiang Xi nodded.

As soon as they entered the elevator, the tension Xiang Xi had been holding all evening instantly collapsed. He leaned against the wall of the elevator, lightly bumped his head back twice, and let out a long breath. “Ah—”

“Good job,” Cheng Boyan said, patting his head.

“How did I do?” Xiang Xi asked. “I didn’t do anything annoying, right?”

“You did great—really cute,” Cheng Boyan smiled. “My dad likes you a lot.”

“I can feel it. Your dad looked at me like I was his son,” Xiang Xi said with a smile. Although he had been nervous, he had paid close attention to every expression and gesture from Cheng Boyan’s parents. “I feel like he…”

“He’s treating you like my younger brother,” Cheng Boyan said, lightly brushing his finger over the mole near Xiang Xi’s eye. “For all these years, my dad never said it, but he’s always missed my younger brother a lot.”

“Your dad is really kind. Not at all like the image I had of a top heart and brain specialist,” Xiang Xi said with a smile.

“He’s just as kind when he’s treating patients or doing surgery,” Cheng Boyan said with a laugh. “And what about my mom—she isn’t kind?”

“She is kind,” Xiang Xi sighed softly. “She treats me well, not distant or fake-polite. But it’s true she doesn’t really like me.”

“It’s not that she doesn’t like you,” Cheng Boyan said as the elevator doors opened and he walked out. “She just—hey, didn’t you press the button?”

“Huh?” Xiang Xi froze and looked out. They were still on the same floor. A middle-aged woman dressed for dancing was standing outside.

“Boyan? You’re so young and already this absent-minded?” the woman said with a laugh as she stepped into the elevator. “No wonder I heard voices from outside the door.”

“We were just chatting,” Cheng Boyan said, pressing the button for the first floor. “Heading out to dance?”

“Rehearsal,” the woman corrected. “We’re performing for National Day.”

“Impressive,” Cheng Boyan gave a thumbs-up.

After they left the elevator, the woman walked off toward the community green area with a light dance-like step.

Cheng Boyan then said quietly, “I can’t even remember her surname.”

“Call me the Dance Goddess,” Xiang Xi said jokingly, waving his arm.

“Oh? Your mood suddenly improved?” Cheng Boyan smiled as they walked toward the car.

“I’m just like this,” Xiang Xi said. “Your dad likes me—that’s one step forward. I’ll slowly work on Director Xu. We’re not rushing to get married anyway. We’ve got plenty of time—one day, one month, three years, five years…”

“Mm,” Cheng Boyan said, opening the car door for him. “By the way, I didn’t finish earlier—my mom doesn’t dislike you. She just thinks it’s not quite appropriate yet.”

“It will become appropriate,” Xiang Xi said, looking at him as he got into the car. “It will, for sure.”

Cheng Boyan leaned over and kissed him on the lips. “Mm. I think it already is pretty appropriate.”

When they got home, Xiang Xi dragged Cheng Boyan around the small garden a few times. After two days of overeating, his stomach felt bloated.

“At this rate, I’m going to get constipated, right?” Xiang Xi said, rubbing his stomach.

“I don’t know,” Cheng Boyan said with a smile. “Why don’t you call Director Xu and ask?”

“Don’t think I wouldn’t dare. I’m telling you, once I get familiar with someone, I get really thick-skinned,” Xiang Xi said while searching his pockets. After a while, he froze. “Wait… where’s my phone?”

“In your bag?” Cheng Boyan checked his pockets, then opened the bag behind him. Only a camera and wallet were inside. No phone.

“Let’s go back right now,” Xiang Xi panicked. “Call my phone and see if it rings.”

“Okay,” Cheng Boyan said, taking out his phone. “We only went to the mall today—it shouldn’t have been stolen, right?”

“No, it’s probably just dropped somewhere,” Xiang Xi said. “Who’d dare steal from me? I’m basically doing society a favour by not stealing from others!”

“Impressive…” Cheng Boyan laughed. “It’s ringing. Let’s check the car after this lap.”

“Why are we even finishing the lap?!” Xiang Xi ran toward the garage. “That phone cost over three hundred yuan! I haven’t even used it for a year!”

They checked the car—no phone.

“Maybe it’s at your parents’ place?” Xiang Xi asked anxiously.

“No,” Cheng Boyan said. “If it were there, they would’ve picked up when I called. It should be inside the house.”

“Quick, quick!” Xiang Xi ran back inside.

To him, the phone wasn’t just a phone—it meant spending money again. Even a cheap replacement felt painful.

“Don’t worry, if it’s lost I’ll buy you a new one,” Cheng Boyan said.

“That’s not how money is supposed to be spent, Dad,” Xiang Xi shot him a look.

Back inside the apartment, as soon as they opened the door, they heard Xiang Xi’s phone ringing from the sofa.

A loud ringtone blasted out: “Little chicken Little chicken, goo goo day…”

“Ah! It’s here! Little chicken Little chicken, goo goo day!” Xiang Xi sang along immediately, kicking off his shoes and running over. “Unknown number. Some insurance salesman?”

“Your ringtone…” Cheng Boyan sighed. “I feel like your phone is about to break just listening to it.”

“Hello? Who is this?” Xiang Xi answered, smiling.

A man’s voice came through: “Xiang Xi, this is Officer Zhang. Why haven’t you been answering your phone?”

“Officer Zhang?” Xiang Xi suddenly felt his legs go weak. He dropped onto the coffee table. “I didn’t bring my phone out. What’s going on?”

 

Translator : DarNan