Sweet Oxygen - Chapter 69

Chapter 69 – Warmth

So eager to marry me?

——

“Do you want to walk around here or go straight home?”

The night air carried a slight warmth. After Zhang Yuqing’s question, Qin Han replied decisively that she wanted to go home.

Zhang Yuqing opened the car door for her. Qin Han got in, and the vehicle started up before slowly pulling out of the bustling restaurant district.

Neither of them looked back. Perhaps Hu Keyuan was still crying, or Xu Weiran had revealed a venomous gaze. But Qin Han felt that Zhang Yuqing was like her shield. As long as he was by her side, she could block out all the irrelevant disturbances and feel safe and happy.

The car drove past the street entrance, leaving the neon signs behind as it turned into the right-hand neighborhood. Qin Han stared at the still-familiar streets outside the window for a while before suddenly exclaiming in surprise, “Zhang Yuqing! When I said ‘home,’ I meant your shop.”

The rest of the words came out almost as a mumble, her voice softening, “I don’t want to go to my place. I want to stay with you.”

Taking advantage of the sparse traffic, Zhang Yuqing glanced at Qin Han and chuckled, “Little girl, I never planned to take you home. There’s some traffic ahead, so I’m just taking a detour.”

“Oh.”

With Zhang Yuqing, Qin Han felt much happier, her words flowing endlessly. “When did you arrive? How did you know I was there? Did you see my car?”

When Qin Han first left the restaurant, she had called Zhang Yuqing. At the time, her classmates were all walking out together, heading to the KTV.

The hallway was somewhat chaotic, so she didn’t say much. She just mentioned she’d be sending a few classmates to the KTV before returning home—she didn’t plan on staying longer.

Zhang Yuqing asked through the phone, “You don’t see your classmates often. Why not stay a bit longer?”

Qin Han sounded dispirited. “No.”

It wasn’t until after hanging up that Zhang Yuqing realized something. He recalled how the girl had frowned last night, murmuring that her high school friend shouldn’t have spoken ill of him.

The girl was angry—he’d never seen her so furious before. Her small face had been stiff, her expression icy, unlike her usual cheerful self.

He couldn’t shake off his worries, fearing she might argue with someone today.

A fight wouldn’t be a problem—she was so delicate, any physical confrontation would clearly disadvantage her.

With these thoughts, Zhang Yuqing hailed a taxi and set out.

The KTV and restaurant were on the same street, and his car was parked right by the curb—easy to find.

“Remember how fierce you looked last night? I was afraid you’d get into a fight,” Zhang Yuqing said, his voice clearly amused.

“I would never.”

Qin Han’s rebuttal lacked conviction. After a moment’s thought, she admitted, “Actually, I did want to argue at first. But seeing her just now, I changed my mind.”

She recalled Hu Keyuan sitting on the street, surrounded by the constant flow of passersby. Yet Hu Keyuan remained immersed in her own emotions, screaming and wailing as she begged Xu Weiran to stay.

Qin Han remembered her high school days when Hu Keyuan, dressed in her neat school uniform, had smiled brightly at Xu Weiran during PE class. “Desk partner, are you going to the store? Could you get two bottles of water for Qin Han and me?”

Back then, Xu Weiran hadn’t yet developed the violent tendencies he later displayed. He was still a lean, youthful boy.

Wiping his sweat, he grinned and said, “Sure thing! I’ll hurry back.”

Only a few years had passed since then, yet their classmates had all left school. Each had their own joys and sorrows, their own choices and regrets.

Qin Han remembered how Hu Keyuan had stared at her earlier, smugly declaring, “I’m pregnant. With Xu Weiran’s child.”

She wondered if Hu Keyuan would truly never regret her actions in the long years to come.

The car fell silent for a moment, streetlights flashing through the windows. The young girl furrowed her brow, as if struggling with some unresolved thought.

Zhang Yuqing freed one hand to pat her head in comfort.

“Zhang Yuqing,” Qin Han called softly, “do you think you’ll ever regret choosing me?”

“No.”

“Then, having met so many girls and seeing so many beautiful ones come to the tattoo studio, I’ve even seen several stunning beauties myself. Why did you choose me?”

Zhang Yuqing glanced at her. “Young lady, you weren’t a choice for me. It wasn’t because of what you are that I made this decision.”

He paused. “It’s because meeting you made me want to love and cherish someone. Do you understand?”

Qin Han’s nose tingled with emotion. Just as she was about to tear up from the sentiment, Zhang Yuqing parked the car under the shade of a lush tree by the roadside. Streetlights filtered through the foliage, casting dappled shadows across them.

In the dim light, he asked, “Shouldn’t there be a kiss at a moment like this?”

Flustered, Qin Han swatted his arm. Zhang Yuqing laughed heartily and teased, “What’s this? First-time dating nerves? You’re the one who should know better.”

“Me? You’re clearly the one with experience!”

“Where’s that from?”

“Just… just that you know more than I do.”

Zhang Yuqing kissed her cheek before starting the engine. “That’s just because I’m older. Experience has nothing to do with it.”

Qin Han suddenly realized she was still clutching Zhang Yuqing’s car keys. “But… if I have the keys, how did you open the door?”

“Facial recognition.”

“Huh? Your car has that? Facial recognition?”

“Just kidding. I used the spare key.”

While waiting at a traffic light, Zhang Yuqing asked Qin Han, “Little girl, are you full from dinner?”

Qin Han shook her head. “Not really. I was too busy listening to them talk.”

She added regretfully, “There was this braised perch dish that looked absolutely delicious. I didn’t even get a chance to grab it before it was passed to the teacher’s side. I never got to taste it.”

Zhang Yuqing smiled, pulled out his phone, and tapped a few times. He didn’t say anything else, just continued driving when the light turned green.

They’d barely returned to the shop—Qin Han had just finished feeding Beibei half a can of cat food—when someone knocked at the door. “Hello! Your delivery!”

Qin Han turned in confusion. “You didn’t eat dinner? You ordered delivery?”

When Zhang Yuqing brought the delivery inside, Qin Han noticed the restaurant’s name on the bag—the same place they’d visited that evening.

He said, “Braised perch. Come eat.”

“Zhang Yuqing, you’re amazing.”

Qin Han opened the plastic bag, the fish inside releasing an enticing aroma.

“I’ve been telling you all along—I’m a good person.”

Qin Han ate heartily, sitting by the window and consuming nearly half the perch by herself.

With sauce still clinging to her lips, Zhang Yuqing kissed her, wiping away the seasoning before deepening the kiss.

The atmosphere was charged with tension, but Qin Han felt she might be spoiling the mood. Embarrassed, she said, “Zhang Yuqing, my stomach hurts.”

“Did you eat too quickly?”

Zhang Yuqing pressed his warm palm against Qin Han’s stomach through her clothes. “Is it very painful? Should we go to the community health center? There should be a doctor on duty at this hour.”

The pain wasn’t severe, but she had a bad feeling about it.

As Qin Han processed this, she suddenly felt a sharp pain in her abdomen from his warm touch.

She looked up, her face contorted in distress. “Zhang Yuqing, I think… I think I’m getting my period.”

Zhang Yuqing had only ever been in close contact with two women, his grandmother and Dandan. His grandmother was long past menopause, and Dandan hadn’t started her period yet.

Having been the household’s patriarch for years, he hadn’t heard the phrase “getting my period” in ages. It took him several seconds to comprehend what she meant.

“I didn’t bring any… sanitary pads,” Qin Han whispered.

Zhang Yuqing lifted Qin Han into his arms. “There are some upstairs. Pain relief medication and sanitary pads for periods. In the bathroom.”

“Is this Dandan’s?”

“No, it’s for you.”

Qin Han froze momentarily.

Zhang Yuqing explained that a few days ago, while shopping at the supermarket for his grandmother’s pork and marbled meat, he’d casually browsed the feminine products section and picked up some items for her.

Now it made sense—the new strawberry-scented toothpaste, the bear-patterned bath towel, and the fresh shower gel in the bathroom. Even sanitary pads had been prepared for her.

He truly was an incredibly considerate and gentle man.

Due to her menstrual cramps, Qin Han added apologetically, “Does this mean we can’t… tonight?”

This made Zhang Yuqing chuckle. “Young lady, even adults don’t have sex every night. Just sleep soundly.”

Qin Han rarely suffered from severe cramps—only one or two times a year—but when they struck, the pain was unbearable, a cold ache in her lower abdomen that made her toss and turn.

Yet that night, she slept perfectly. Zhang Yuqing’s embrace was warm, his hand remaining on her lower abdomen throughout the night, dispelling the chill.

Qin Han didn’t dream at all, sleeping deeply and peacefully.

Zhang Yuqing, accustomed to rising early, found Qin Han still asleep when he woke at 6 a.m.

He quietly got up, bypassed the bedroom’s bathroom for washing, and went downstairs to the main bathroom.

No hot water? So what? Nothing’s more important than ensuring my little girl gets a good night’s sleep.

After washing up, Zhang Yuqing checked online—was there really this many restrictions during a woman’s period?

He made a quick trip to his grandmother’s house, gathering ingredients to cook a porridge of red beans, jujubes, peanuts, and wolfberries. He then went out to buy a pack of brown sugar.

Luo Shijin poked his head around the back door, drawn by the aroma. “Qing-ge, what’s for breakfast? Is there any for me?”

He lifted the lid to peek inside. “Holy shit! Red beans, jujubes, and even fucking wolfberries? That’s some serious health food! I need a bowl of that to boost myself.”

“No portion for you.”

“What?! Qing-ge! Don’t we share breakfast every day? Why no share today?”

“It’s for Qin Han.”

“Qing-ge! You’re biased! Way too biased!”

“Are you a little girl?”

Zhang Yuqing tossed his wallet over. “Go buy your own food then.”

Luo Shijin snatched up the wallet, eyes glued to the porridge pot as he swallowed audibly. “That porridge looks so nourishing.”

“Go buy breakfast. Get me one too,” Zhang Yuqing said, shoving Luo Shijin out the door.

Not long after Luo Shijin left, a white car identical to Du Zhi’s model pulled up outside the shop, though with a different license plate. Zhang Yuqing initially paid it no mind, assuming it couldn’t be a customer.

These three days were the Dragon Boat Festival holiday. Qin Han had no work scheduled, thinking to spend more time with her.

But the woman who stepped out of the car was far too familiar.

Leaning against the kitchen wall, Zhang Yuqing could faintly hear the voices outside—

Mother Qin stood by the car, fidgeting with her skirt, then looked at Father Qin with anxious eyes. “An Zhi, do I look okay? Will Xiaozhang still be angry with me? Will he kick me out?”

She was truly panicked. When she walked to the trunk to retrieve the gift box, she even took a few steps with her arms and legs moving in unison.

When Mother Qin wasn’t being pushy, she actually resembled Qin Han quite closely.

Zhang Yuqing raised his eyebrows, smiling silently. He heard Father Qin say, “I don’t know if this outfit will get you kicked out, but calling that handsome young man ‘Xiaozhang’ might. That’s our Xiaohan’s heartthrob, you know.”

“What should I do? What should I call you? Should I call him ‘my male idol’ too?”

Father Qin joked, “Shouldn’t your male idol be me instead?”

This time, Zhang Yuqing burst out laughing. He strode over, pulled open the door, and greeted them with a smile, “Uncle, Aunt, happy Dragon Boat Festival.”

Mother Qin jumped in surprise at Zhang Yuqing’s sudden appearance. She hastily thrust the gift box into his hands, “H-happy festival to you too! We came to see you and brought some gifts.”

“Aunt, you’re too kind,” Zhang Yuqing said politely, his demeanor open and natural. “There’s no need for such formality. As Qin Han’s boyfriend, I should be the one bringing gifts to visit you.”

Father Qin chuckled, speaking with familiarity, “Yuqing, just accept it. Your aunt woke up at 3 this morning, worried you wouldn’t let her in.”

Mother Qin remained uneasy, glancing at Zhang Yuqing. “I…”

Zhang Yuqing gestured for them to enter. “Uncle, Aunt, please come in and sit.”

It was still early, with even Beibei still asleep. Zhang Yuqing’s shop seemed like a time capsule, barely changed since Mother Qin’s last visit many years ago.

Upon entering, Mother Qin was greeted by the sweet aroma of congee. Her stomach growled audibly in the quiet space, the sound particularly noticeable.

Father Qin smiled. “Your aunt was so nervous she couldn’t eat breakfast. Now that she’s here to share with you, she’s finally feeling hungry. What about Qin Han? Not still sleeping in, is she?”

Zhang Yuqing smiled. “She’s still asleep. She’s feeling a bit unwell.”

“Where does it hurt? Don’t tell me she’s catching a cold? A heat cold?” Mother Qin asked.

Zhang Yuqing cleared his throat. “It’s the monthly discomfort.”

He served two bowls of congee to Father and Mother Qin, then called Luo Shijin to bring back more breakfast options.

“Beibei, come in.”

Zhang Yuqing kept Beibei out of the tattoo studio, remembering the little girl had mentioned her mother’s dog hair allergy.

Knowing Mother Qin was allergic to dog hair, he had deliberately kept Beibei away.

Since Qin Han was on her period, he had prepared a blood-nourishing congee.

When he spoke of Qin Han, his eyes filled with tender affection.

Despite Mother Qin’s past hurtful actions, he had never shown the slightest rudeness.

Zhang Yuqing’s gentleness, etched into his very being, had not gone unnoticed by Mother Qin and Father Qin.

Mother Qin took a sip of congee, her eyes gradually welling with tears. “Yuqing, dear, I was wrong before. I said such hurtful things. I don’t ask for your forgiveness, but I hope our past won’t affect your relationship.”

“It won’t,” Zhang Yuqing smiled. “Auntie, I’ve long forgotten those old matters.”

“Qing-ge! I bought tons of breakfast!” Luo Shijin boomed, pushing through the back door with arms laden with fried dough sticks, flatbreads, and steamed buns. “What’s this? You spent all morning making nourishing congee for Qin Han, and she won’t drink it? Why did you make me buy so much? I told you I wanted congee, but you wouldn’t let me!”

Noticing Mother and Father Qin, Luo Shijin asked, “Are these customers? You have visitors this early?”

Zhang Yuqing introduced them with a smile. “These are Qin Han’s parents. This is my friend, Luo Shijin.”

“Oh, Luo Shijin! I’ve heard about you,” Father Qin said with a grin. “Xiaohan mentioned your watermelons are the sweetest in Imperial City.”

Luo Shijin, fearing he might embarrass his Qing-ge by saying too much, excused himself after a few words to check out the fruit stalls on Backstreet.

After he left, Mother Qin, still savoring her congee, felt uncertain. “Is this for Qin Han? Should we even be eating it?”

“Don’t worry,” Zhang Yuqing reassured her. “There’s plenty. Try the fried dough sticks too—Yaonan Alley’s are quite good.”

“You shouldn’t have spent so much. We should be treating you.”

Father Qin picked up a fried dough stick and took a bite. “Mm, just like I remember. I used to come here for snacks during school days, and I visited the secondhand book market too.”

When Qin Han woke up and checked her phone, she found messages from her mother.

[ Darling, we’re on our way to see you. ]

[ Mom’s so nervous. I hope your boyfriend isn’t still mad at me. ]

[ Let’s have breakfast together soon. Mom and Dad will treat you. ]

Her mother had changed so much. Perhaps Father Qin had fallen in love with this version of her all along—a charming, endearing woman.

Three consecutive messages completely jolted Qin Han’s memory.

Her mother had indeed called on the first day of her vacation, saying she wanted to visit Zhang Yuqing.

She should have told Zhang Yuqing about this yesterday, but last night’s stomachache—combined with the events at the class reunion—had completely erased it from her mind.

The text messages had come at 8 AM, and now it was already 9:30.

Oh no! Oh no!

Qin Han rushed downstairs. “Zhang Yuqing, I forgot to tell you—”

She was only wearing a loose short-sleeved shirt. Before she could finish her sentence, the scene below froze her mid-staircase.

Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating the breakfast table where her parents sat with Dandan and Zhang Yuqing.

Dandan was doing her homework, her messy numbers scrawled large on the page.

Empty congee bowls stood before her parents, while oil-fried dough sticks lay scattered on the newspaper.

All four adults wore smiles as they turned to look at Qin Han.

Zhang Yuqing stood up. “Don’t run around, young lady. The doctor said no strenuous exercise this morning.”

“Oh, okay.”

For a moment, Qin Han stood bewildered. Then she said, “Mom, Dad… I’m going to wash up.”

Qin Han blushed at her disheveled appearance and messy hair, quickly changing before heading upstairs.

But deep down, she was truly happy.

Father Qin and Mother Qin spent half a morning at Zhang Yuqing’s shop. Then they proposed visiting Grandma Zhang. Father Qin said, “We’re not sure if the elderly lady has the energy. Shall we all go to a restaurant for lunch? Uncle will treat.”

“Uncle, since I’m here, and I’m Qin Han’s new boyfriend, could you let me treat you this time?” Zhang Yuqing smiled.

When they arrived at Grandma Zhang’s house, she was sitting in the yard basking in the sun.

Her legs weren’t good. Even in summer, she still needed a thin blanket over her legs when sitting in her wheelchair.

The old lady was bathed in sunlight. Her reading glasses hung around her neck, and her drooping eyelids pressed her eyes into thin slits. But her eyes were smiling, looking very kind.

The yard was very clean. The glass was shiny, and there was a pot of thriving green onions in a flower pot.

Hearing the movement at the door, the old lady looked over. “I got up this morning and counted the days. I knew today we’d have important guests.”

Father Qin and Mother Qin followed Zhang Yuqing inside and sat down to chat. Qin Han quietly tugged at Zhang Yuqing’s clothes and asked, “Zhang Yuqing, I keep feeling like we’re going to get married soon?”

Zhang Yuqing burst out laughing. “So eager to marry me?”

Lunch was at a restaurant on Yaonan Alley, serving authentic Imperial City cuisine. The dishes were simple yet flavorful.

After returning from lunch, Zhang Yuqing carried his grandmother out of the car. Dandan was still asleep inside, so he decided to first take her back to the shop for Luo Shijin to look after before returning.

The grandmother had already wheeled herself into the yard. Only Qin Han, Father Qin, and Mother Qin were present. The old lady glanced at the door, noticing Zhang Yuqing hadn’t returned yet. With a serious expression, she put on her reading glasses and pulled out a notebook.

It was an old brown paper notebook, its yellowed pages already curling at the edges—clearly a book often handled by the elderly.

Grandma Zhang’s aged hands brushed across the paper pages. “I know you might think my grandson isn’t as wealthy as others. But he’s a capable child. It’s me, this old woman, and Dandan who’ve been dragging him down. It’s all my fault for having such an incompetent son. He couldn’t even carry the family burden, leaving this dilapidated home to my grandson.”

Under the watchful eyes of Father Qin, Mother Qin, and Qin Han, the old lady forced a bitter smile. “Other children grow up carefree. Even Luo Shijin from the fruit shop is a carefree treasure. But our Qingqing… he became a parent so early.”

Grandma Zhang’s thick brown paper book recorded every penny Zhang Yuqing had earned over the years.

From his first part-time job in middle school, every coin he’d earned was meticulously logged in the aged yet firm handwriting of his grandmother.

Penny by penny, the numbers swelled into a formidable sum.

Grandma Zhang sighed, removing her glasses to wipe her reddened eyes. “My grandson isn’t some worthless child. He’s always been sensible and capable. I wanted at least to see him through university. He even earned so much after starting college. If only my leg hadn’t been injured that year…”

How many part-time jobs did Zhang Yuqing have back then?

From the summer after his high school exams, he worked as a tutor at an academic center. Four morning classes followed by four afternoon classes, each lasting an hour—eight hours of teaching daily.

During lunch break, he helped with cash register duties at a downstairs café—one hour.

Evenings found him posing as a model in art studios—typically three hours.

Returning home, he cared for his elderly grandmother and the clueless Dandan, while translating English documents—one hour before bed.

Every day during his summer break after the high school exam, Zhang Yuqing would wake up at 3 a.m. to deliver milk and newspapers simultaneously, working three hours each morning.

This routine persisted through every weather condition, never pausing for wind or rain.

At that time, his grandmother clung to hope. Rumors circulated that Yaonan Alley might be demolished, though the old woman couldn’t bear to part with her courtyard home she’d lived in for decades, nor her neighborhood friends and the familiar streets.

Still, she secretly wished, Let it be torn down. Then my grandson could live freely like others.

Later, when the demolition list was announced, Yaonan Alley wasn’t included.

The grandmother thought, It’s fine. I can work a few more years at least, until my grandson graduates from university.

The Normal University was a good school. Graduation would bring high earnings, freeing her grandson from such hardship.

But reality crushed her hopes.

Her legs became paralyzed, unable to perform daily tasks. Dandan was diagnosed with Down Syndrome. All family burdens fell on Zhang Yuqing’s shoulders.

That day in the hospital room, the grandmother secretly wiped her tears. Zhang Yuqing entered carrying his backpack, poked at the quilt, and smiled nonchalantly. “Grandma, sneaking tears? You’re so fragile?”

Grandmother swatted him. “Nonsense! I’m just worried you won’t graduate.”

Zhang Yuqing shrugged with ease. “Don’t worry. I dropped out.”

He said, “I can still make something of myself without college. You just focus on your health and live to a hundred, waiting to hold your great-grandchildren.”

That day should have been momentous, yet Zhang Yuqing spoke with such calmness, without the slightest hint of resentment.

It was as if all this meant nothing to him, as if the choice of whether to complete university seemed ordinary and unremarkable.

It reminded him of his childhood when he’d sit at the table, his small face tilted upward. The old lady would make handmade noodles and ask, “Qingqing, what kind of stew do you want? Shredded pork or egg with tomatoes?”

Zhang Yuqing would say, “Shredded pork, of course. Who eats eggs when there’s meat?”

The old lady would laugh and call him a greedy kitten.

But how could dropping out possibly be as trivial as choosing noodle stew?

He’d simply grown older, his thoughts deepening, refusing to show disappointment or resentment or difficulty to others.

He always smiled, creating the illusion that Zhang Yuqing could handle anything with ease.

But that wasn’t true. At that time, he was only 19 years old.

Grandma Zhang wiped her eyes. “Back then, my medical bills plus Dandan’s totaled over ten thousand yuan a month. Yuqing shouldered it all silently, never showing any emotion. But three or four winters ago, he was unhappy. I knew why—my grandson had grown up and fallen in love, but his relationship wasn’t going well.”

That New Year’s, Zhang Yuqing stared blankly at the dumplings, a rare sight.

Outside, fireworks lit the sky. The TV blared festive music as the CCTV anchor counted down in a cheerful cadence. In this moment of merriment, he furrowed his brow instead.

He wasn’t happy.

Grandma touched Zhang Yuqing’s hand. “What’s wrong with my grandson? Why so glum?”

Zhang Yuqing had matured early, not indulging in childish behavior with family for nearly two decades.

But that day, he hugged his grandmother, voice thick with suppressed tears as he whispered, “Grandma.”

The elderly woman’s tears streamed down her face. “He can’t become wealthy because he loves us. My grandson isn’t lacking in ability—whoever he fancies would be fortunate to have him. I hope you all see him properly—he’s truly an exceptional young man.”

Mother Qin had long since broken down into tears. She crouched before Grandma Zhang, then sank to one knee. Clutching the old woman’s hands, she stroked the ledger with her other hand. “Auntie, I was wrong before. My vision was narrow, my heart petty. I was selfish and ignorant. We know Yuqing is exceptional. From now on, we’ll treat him like our own son. Please, you must believe us.”

Father Qin pressed his fingers against his temples, his voice strained. “We hope you won’t hold it against us. The past mistakes are ours. Our Xiaohan isn’t fully grown either. We’re just an ordinary family. We ask Aunt Zhang to be understanding.”

Zhang Yuqing entered at that moment. He saw Qin Han standing in the courtyard, her eyes red and swollen as she wiped her tears. Noticing the ledger spread across his grandmother’s lap, he smiled wryly. “Grandma, adding more drama to my life again? Look at what you’ve made our little girl cry.”

Hearing his voice, Qin Han turned toward him.

Zhang Yuqing stood bathed in midday sunlight, the weathered streets of Yaonan Alley stretching behind him. The tears glistening in Qin Han’s eyes blurred his figure, giving him a hazy, dreamlike quality.

Qin Han’s voice cracked from crying, her throat raw. She wanted to say so much, yet found herself unable to speak. Instead, she called out, “Zhang Yuqing.”

Zhang Yuqing opened his arms wide. “Come here.”

She threw herself into his embrace, her tears staining his chest as she clung tightly to his waist, refusing to let go.

Many years ago, the little girl had done something similar.

That day she’d suddenly appeared at his shop, witnessing him washing his grandmother’s soiled clothes. She’d cried just like this.

Zhang Yuqing had told her then.

I want this life. I want to carry my family’s burden. I chose this, understand? Little girl, I have no reason to feel wronged.

But had he truly never felt wronged?

He had felt wronged.

When he’d pushed away the person he wanted to embrace with his own hands, he’d felt deeply wronged.

But now, it was all in the past.

Holding Qin Han, Zhang Yuqing stroked her hair. He leaned down and gently kissed away her tears. “Don’t cry, sweetheart. What’s there to cry about? It’s all in the past now.”

Only after doing all this did he remember they weren’t alone in the yard.

Looking up, he found all three elders gazing at him.

Zhang Yuqing, rarely embarrassed, shielded the young girl in his arms and smiled. “I forgot you were here. My behavior was improper. Please forgive me.”

Later, when the matriarch was showing photo albums to Mother Qin and Qin Han, Father Qin stood outside smoking. Zhang Yuqing stepped out to talk to him alone.

Men always understand each other best. Father Qin held Zhang Yuqing in high regard.

Father Qin patted Zhang Yuqing’s shoulder. “You’ve worked hard these years. I apologize for my wife’s past behavior. It’s also my fault for leaving the family at that time.”

Zhang Yuqing smiled, admitting openly, “At that time, my financial situation wasn’t as stable as now. I understand Aunt’s concerns.”

“Young man, you’re very humble. That’s good.”

Father Qin looked deeply at Zhang Yuqing and asked, “Do you smoke?”

“I don’t.”

Father Qin sighed deeply. “Yuqing, I truly admire you. If I had your sense of responsibility, perhaps we wouldn’t have divorced. The divorce itself was because I wanted to escape briefly. I’m not as strong as you, not as responsible.”

He exhaled a wistful cloud of smoke. “I’m truly sorry you and Xiaohan had to suffer because of our divorce.”

“It’s all in the past. Let’s not dwell on it.”

“You’re right. Let’s talk about the present.”

Father Qin’s face suddenly brightened. “Speaking of which, I do have a current matter I’d like to discuss with you.”

“Go ahead.”

“During the summer break, Xiaohan’s mother and I plan to remarry. With the wedding scheduled so close to my return, I might not have the energy to organize everything properly. As young people, would you be willing to let us old folks take precedence?”

“You first. I’m not ready yet. The house won’t be available until summer, and we still need to renovate and air out the formaldehyde. A wedding next year would be more appropriate.”

Zhang Yuqing’s eyebrows lifted as if recalling something delightful. “Besides, I haven’t even proposed to the little girl yet.”

“You’ve bought a house?” Father Qin asked, clearly surprised.

“Yes, near her school.”

“Could it be a unit at Shangyu Garden?”

“Yes.”

Father Qin stubbed out his cigarette. “The prices there are very high. Did you pay in full?”

“Yes.”

Father Qin pondered for a few seconds. “Young man, I want to give you a gift. You mustn’t refuse.”

Father Qin decided to buy another property next to Zhang Yuqing’s house as a gift for Dandan and her grandmother, making the young couple neighbors with them.

Zhang Yuqing initially objected, but Father Qin insisted that he and Mother Qin would move there in two years. His firm stance carried conviction, “This is our family’s heart. We shouldn’t haggle over such matters; it would only cool our bonds.”

When Father Qin and Mother Qin departed, Qin Han remained behind in Yaonan Alley.

She knew nothing about the house situation.

Luo Shijin, certain that his Qing-ge had met the parents and was close to sealing the deal, sent two carefully selected films he’d cherished for years to Zhang Yuqing through WeChat.

The message arrived just as Zhang Yuqing had finished showering, his hair still damp as he toweled it dry.

Qin Han lay on the bed, calling out, “Zhang Yuqing, Luo Shijin sent you a message.”

“See what he said.”

“Can I look?”

“Go ahead.”

Only the bedside lamp was lit in the bedroom. She swung her legs as she lay on the bed, checking the message.

It was a link. She clicked it without hesitation.

The internet connection was clearly strong, yet it took forever to load. Qin Han was puzzled. When the screen finally appeared, she was completely stunned.

A woman with a very alluring figure appeared on the screen, dancing seductively. Then a man approached, and the two began frantically stripping off their clothes.

This scene seemed familiar. That year when she first met Zhang Yuqing, she had seen a similar movie under the eaves during the rain.

The voice from memory and the voice in reality overlapped. Zhang Yuqing, wiping his hair, asked, “Need me to help you turn it off?”

The only difference was that his current tone carried more teasing than before.

Qin Han felt she couldn’t still be as timid as she had been years ago. She immediately mustered her courage and retorted, “Turn off what? I’m just studying!”