Sweet Oxygen - Chapter 66

Chapter 66 – Comforting

I couldn’t possibly resist

——

Luo Shijin arrived early for the Dragon Boat Festival, carrying a small bamboo basket.

Before he even entered the shop, his booming voice carried inside, “Qing-ge, I got fresh quail eggs! We can make pickled eggs and have some drinks today. My dad’s got a good bottle of liquor. Should we call Li Nan?”

These past few years, Li Nan still hadn’t reconciled with his parents.

No matter how outstanding he was at school, or what awards he won in fashion design, his parents stubbornly insisted he was a pervert.

Just days earlier, Li Nan had tried bringing home a job offer from a company. He even changed out of his women’s clothes, dressing in masculine attire.

But standing at the doorstep, Li Nan discovered they’d changed the lock. He couldn’t get in.

When he finally entered, his parents gave him no warmth. They even said, “If a pervert like you can find acceptance, then that company’s boss must be a pervert too.”

Later, Li Nan drank too much at Zhang Yuqing’s shop, his eyes red-rimmed. “Qing-ge, I don’t plan to go home anymore. I won’t return.”

Zhang Yuqing wiped away his tears, then crumpled the tissue into the trash. “Do what you can. Leave the rest to time and tomorrow.”

That day, even Luo Shijin had shed tears, embracing Li Nan in a silent weep.

It was Qing-ge who had thrown over a box of tissues, smiling helplessly. “Why are you crying?”

Luo Shijin imagined that on Dragon Boat Festival, Li Nan would undoubtedly be alone in his rented apartment, either aimlessly playing games or applying makeup—only to remove it moments later when no one was watching.

As these thoughts crossed his mind, he entered the room and immediately noticed Qin Han’s plastic bags piled on the bedside table, creating a lively scene.

Yet downstairs, only Qin Han remained, crouched by the table and entertaining Beibei.

“I texted Li Nan this morning,” Qin Han said with a smile. “He promised to come today and show off his new peach blossom makeup—the pink eyeshadow version.”

Sometimes Luo Shijin felt that in certain moments, Qin Han’s smile carried an uncanny resemblance to Qing-ge’s.

A smile that brought comfort to the heart.

“Where’s Qing-ge?”

“Upstairs, waking Dandan.”

Qin Han added with another grin, “I brought tea eggs and fried chicken wings. Want some? Happy Dragon Boat Festival, Luo Shijin.”

“Happy Dragon Boat Festival.”

Luo Shijin peered at the plastic bags on the table. “What’s all this? Are these zongzi ingredients? Did you buy them?”

“I brought this from my grandmother’s house. Let’s make zongzi together.”

Luo Shijin stared at the bag of red bean paste for a moment before exclaiming, “Oh! I remember now! You used to bring these before—Grandma Zhang’s red bean zongzi are absolutely delicious! I could eat three in one go! Let’s make them right now!”

At the mention of his grandmother, Qin Han suddenly thought of Zhang Yuqing’s grandmother. She asked Luo Shijin in a soft voice, “Should we invite Grandma Zhang over?”

“No, no, no, no!” Luo Shijin quickly waved his hand, also lowering his voice. “The old lady doesn’t want to come to Qing-ge’s shop. She thinks it puts too much pressure on him. She likes staying at home, cooking and taking care of herself. It makes her feel satisfied, like she’s still young. If we bring her here, she’ll get upset and say we think she’s too old.”

Luo Shijin added that Grandma Zhang sometimes even went out in her wheelchair to buy groceries, with a neighbor accompanying her.

During the New Year, Zhang Yuqing would buy gifts for his neighbors and give red packets to their children, asking them to look after his grandmother.

Qin Han’s heart softened as she listened, her voice carrying a hint of pride in her boyfriend. She lifted her small chin and said, “He’s so kind.”

In truth, Luo Shijin had been secretly fretting over Qin Han and Zhang Yuqing’s relationship.

At first, he worried Qin Han was too pampered and from a different world. Later, when Qin Han went abroad, he feared his Qing-ge might spend his life unhappy.

Now Zhang Yuqing’s circumstances had improved, their relationship was strong, and she wasn’t the delicate maiden he’d imagined, always fussing. Her personality was actually quite good.

Yet Luo Shijin still harbored concerns. He worried Qin Han’s family might consider his Qing-ge inadequate.

He’d casually asked parents of young girls in the neighborhood. They all agreed men should be civil servants, doctors, or teachers—stable professions worthy of entrusting one’s daughter.

His Qing-ge’s profession was too unconventional—a tattoo artist. Would Qin Han’s family accept that?

Luo Shijin recalled Hu Er’s son from Backstreet, who’d jumped into the river after a failed romance.

Clearing his throat, he asked Qin Han earnestly, “Qin Han, let me ask you something. Will you marry Qing-ge in the future?”

Since Zhang Yuqing wasn’t asking, Qin Han felt no embarrassment. She was even studying the ingredient list on a can of dog food.

The young girl wore a pearl-white dress with her hair half-tied up and half-let loose. She carefully gathered her skirt as she crouched before Beibei and said, “If I don’t marry him, who else would I marry?”

Luo Shijin felt a sudden pang of emotion, yet he thought it unmanly to cry over such trivial matters. While Qin Han wasn’t looking, he pinched his nose to hold back tears. “I’ll wait for your wedding!” he declared. “I’ll definitely give you a fat red envelope! When Qing-ge buys the house, I’ll get the air conditioner! I’ll gift you one even bigger than this—the latest, most fashionable model! We’ll roast hotpot with the AC on full blast!”

Zhang Yuqing had just finished waking Dandan upstairs and was dialing a number while leaning against the second-floor railing.

The sudden volume of Luo Shijin’s voice, mentioning weddings and house purchases, made him raise an eyebrow. He looked down to see Qin Han turning away with a can of dog food.

From this angle, he could faintly see the girl’s furrowed brow.

What?

Still refusing to marry him?

Though the call hadn’t connected, Zhang Yuqing already hung up. He slipped his phone back into his pocket and leaned against the railing, thoroughly enjoying his eavesdropping.

The young girl’s brow furrowed slightly for a moment before smoothing out, yet the confusion on her face remained unchanged.

She asked Luo Shijin, “What kind of house are you buying?”

“Huh? Don’t you need a house when you get married?”

Qin Han grew even more perplexed. “Don’t you buy a house because you don’t have anywhere to live? Zhang Yuqing and I clearly…”

Her face flushed as she stumbled over her words, lowering her gaze. “I can just stay in his bedroom. There’s no need to buy a house. It’d be such a waste.”

Zhang Yuqing only spared a fleeting glance at Luo Shijin’s stunned expression, his full attention focused on Qin Han.

The young girl murmured bashfully, “It’d be such a waste.”

Zhang Yuqing suddenly smiled, thinking to himself, Little fool.

Qin Han was a truly remarkable girl. Zhang Yuqing had always said that she embodied both vivacity and serenity simultaneously.

Though she was 22, she still possessed a girl’s innocence. Her flirtatious moments were entirely unintentional; she had no idea how deeply she could stir others’ hearts.

Yet standing on the second floor, Zhang Yuqing felt his heart pounding so furiously it might leap from his chest.

These moments were numerous, during their reunion, when he’d cornered her in the hallway, when they kissed, when he saw her appear in his bedroom, and even when she whispered softly.

He couldn’t deny the little girl anything she deserved.

He wanted to give her everything he could possibly obtain.

He wanted to raise his hands and offer her the entire world.

The phone in his pocket vibrated. Zhang Yuqing answered the call.

A man’s voice came through the receiver, “Qing-ge, I just saw there was an unanswered call. Did you need me?”

“Yeah, I need a favor.”

Zhang Yuqing walked to the storage room next door while holding the phone. He closed the door and leaned against it, chuckling softly. “Do you know the special education school in the city?”

“Of course. What’s up?”

“There’s a new residential complex nearby that I’m interested in. You’re more knowledgeable about real estate, so I want you to keep an eye out for me. See if it’s suitable.”

“Leave it to me. I’m in the business, so you can trust me with property matters.”

The man on the phone asked detailed questions, “Are you looking for a commercial space for a tattoo studio? Or residential? If residential, who will be living there?”

Zhang Yuqing laughed, “A wedding home.”

Since it was Dragon Boat Festival, many friends were sending greetings at this time.

Luo Shijin had already gone to the fruit stall outside the back door to pick out watermelons, saying he wanted to get the sweetest ones for everyone.

Li Nan was on his way, sending a photo of a pile of mouthwatering sausages.

Qin Han had just finished talking to Xie Ying when her phone rang again.

It was an unfamiliar number from Imperial City.

Qin Han answered politely, “Hello, who is this?”

A girl’s voice came through the line, somewhat unfamiliar yet strangely familiar. “Qin Han? It’s Zhang Yufan. Do you remember me?”

Qin Han did remember. This girl was her former class president from high school. She had good college entrance exam scores and went to study at Imperial City Foreign Language University.

However, they hadn’t been in contact for many years. Qin Han wondered why this person was suddenly calling her.

“I’m Qin Han, class president.”

Zhang Yufan immediately laughed. “Thank goodness you haven’t changed your phone number! You even left the class group chat. I was really worried I wouldn’t be able to contact you.”

She explained why she was calling. “We’ve graduated from university now, so some classmates are planning to treat our high school teachers to a meal. We thought it would be a good chance for everyone to get together too. With the three-day Dragon Boat Festival holiday coming up, what do you say, Qin Han? Will you join us?”

Because of the unpleasantness when she left the group chat years ago, Qin Han hesitated slightly.

Though she did want to see her high school classmates and teachers.

The class president, a silver-tongued young woman, coaxed, “Qin Han, come on. It’s been so long. Your old classmates miss you terribly. Besides, you’re the teacher’s favorite student. She’ll be disappointed if you don’t attend.”

Qin Han smiled. “Alright then, when is it?”

“Tomorrow. I’ll add you back to the group chat. I’ll post the restaurant and time details there. Deal?”

“Deal,” Qin Han agreed readily.

As Zhang Yuqing descended the stairs, Qin Han hung up her phone. She turned around to find him standing behind her.

He placed his hand on her head, his breath brushing against her ear. “What’s this date, young lady? You’re smiling so brightly.”

Before she could respond, her phone rang again.

This time, it was her mother calling.

Qin Han deliberately ignored Zhang Yuqing’s question, showing him the caller ID instead. She shrugged with a mischievous grin, clearly indicating her busy status.

Zhang Yuqing chuckled, pinching her cheek before gesturing for her to take the call. He settled into a chair by the window, already searching for zongzi wrapping methods online.

“Happy Dragon Boat Festival, Mom! Are you enjoying your trip?” Qin Han greeted cheerfully.

Mother Qin’s voice was cheerful as she spoke, her tone lifting at the end. “Xiaoan, you too! Wishing you a happy Dragon Boat Festival. Your dad and I are in Xinjiang—it’s absolutely stunning here. Where are you? At your grandmother’s house?”

“Not at grandmother’s house.”

Qin Han’s ears flushed again. “I’m at Zhang Yuqing’s place, preparing to make zongzi with friends.”

“Wow, our Xiaohan has learned to make zongzi?”

“Not very well. I just learned from grandmother yesterday.”

Mother Qin laughed and called to Father Qin through the phone. “An Zhi, our daughter has learned to make zongzi! Isn’t that amazing?”

Qin Han could faintly hear her father’s voice in the background, offering praise. The surroundings then fell silent. Mother Qin lowered her voice. “Xiaohan, there’s something I need to discuss with you. Your aunt called me last night, worried about interfering with your love life. She gave me quite a lecture.”

Her mother’s voice turned apologetic. “I’ve known I was wrong all along. I promise I won’t interfere. As long as you’re happy, I’ll be happy for you.”

Qin Han nodded, then remembered her mother couldn’t see. “Thank you, Mom.”

“What are you thanking me for? This is what a mother should do.”

Mother Qin said, “Your father also mentioned he’s met Zhang Yuqing before. He described him as an open and likable young man. We support you. Tonight, your father and I will return home. Tomorrow, shall I buy some groceries and have dinner with you both? I want to apologize for what happened years ago.”

Qin Han said, “Mother, I might need to attend a classmate gathering tomorrow.”

“From university?”

“No, from high school.”

Mother Qin fell silent for a moment before continuing in a more serious tone, “Xiaohan, I’ve been reflecting on our communication lately. There were indeed some misunderstandings between us. This is partly my fault, but I must ask—do you still maintain the same closeness with Hu Keyuan as you did in high school? I remember you two were practically inseparable back then.”

Qin Han’s voice turned slightly distant. “Not anymore. We haven’t been in touch for a long time.”

“Could you share more details with me? I need to understand certain aspects.”

Zhang Yuqing, seated beside Qin Han, sensed the slight melancholy in her voice. He gently pulled her closer and took her hand, soothingly stroking the back of it with his thumb.

Qin Han turned to him with a reassuring smile, indicating she was alright.

She had never discussed Hu Keyuan with her mother before, and many details had faded from memory. Slowly, Qin Han began recalling and sharing her memories with her mother.

Finally, she said, “It must have been soon after summer break began. We haven’t seen each other since then.”

Mother Qin was silent for a moment. “Sweetheart, I didn’t pay enough attention to you back then. I didn’t realize you’d lost a friend you cared about. That was my fault. I’m sorry.”

“Mom, it’s okay. I made new friends later and I’m very happy now.”

“You should still be careful around Hu Keyuan,” Mother Qin cautioned. “That year, I only found out about Zhang Yuqing because she called me.”

Mother Qin explained that Hu Keyuan had spread rumors about Zhang Yuqing, painting him as a sleazy con artist. She claimed to have tried persuading Qin Han not to associate with him, but Qin Han had ignored her warnings.

At the time, Qin Han was young, and Mother Qin had naturally worried about her being taken advantage of by older men. This concern was compounded by her recent divorce and emotional fragility.

Mother Qin concluded, “In any case, I made mistakes too. But you need to be cautious around Hu Keyuan. She’s far too calculating.”

After hanging up, Qin Han felt somewhat confused.

For the first time, she realized that Mother Qin had learned about Zhang Yuqing through Hu Keyuan.

For the first time, Qin Han realized that Hu Keyuan had actually left her life later than she’d remembered.

Seeing Qin Han’s silence, Zhang Yuqing asked, “Who’s upset our little girl?”

Qin Han shook her head. “I used to have a good friend who later fell out with me. During my first year of university, she called my mother and said bad things about you.”

Qin Han was actually very angry.

She was really, really angry.

Zhang Yuqing was such a good and gentle person!

If his mother had been introduced to him in a different way, even during her divorce-obsessed phase, she might not have opposed their relationship so strongly.

So were all those regrets, that painful winter, because of Hu Keyuan?

Qin Han’s delicate eyebrows furrowed deeper, but suddenly she felt a cool sensation between them.

Zhang Yuqing had produced a chilled can of soda at some point and placed it against her forehead.

“Don’t frown. It makes me sad to see you like this.”

“But why would she say bad things about you?” Qin Han asked, sounding hurt.

She felt so wronged on Zhang Yuqing’s behalf.

He smiled. “No crying during the holidays. Don’t feel wronged on my behalf either.”

“We almost didn’t end up together.”

Zhang Yuqing kissed her cheek.

He said, “I’ll always find you. I’ll always be with you.”

“You’ll come looking for me, right?”

Zhang Yuqing smiled. “I care for you so deeply. Asking me to never seek you out again? I couldn’t possibly resist.”