Sweet Oxygen - Chapter 70

Chapter 70 – End

Would forever remember that summer

——

The capital’s summer that year wasn’t particularly scorching, cooler than when Qin Han first met Zhang Yuqing. Yet they still gathered to eat well-water-chilled watermelon and drink the old grandmother’s iced sour plum juice.

It was as if these rituals weren’t completed, summer wouldn’t feel whole.

During the summer break, Qin Han’s parents held a wedding at a suburban hotel with a lawn, inviting only close family and a few friends.

Dandan, dressed in a pink dress, served as the flower girl, handing Father Qin his wedding ring.

After the ceremony, Father and Mother Qin went on their honeymoon. Upon returning, they brought gifts for Dandan and Grandma Zhang.

Grandma Zhang sat in her wheelchair, her face tinged with the reserved embarrassment common among the elderly. She wore her reading glasses, her aged hands repeatedly caressing the pearl necklace Mother Qin had given her. “These pearls are so beautiful, especially in pink. If only I were younger. Now I’m missing a tooth, I wonder if it looks good.”

Mother Qin said, “Let me put it on you. It will look beautiful.”

As Mother Qin fastened the necklace around Grandma Zhang’s neck, a memory suddenly surfaced from many years ago when Qin Han’s maternal grandparents were still alive.

Her eyes reddened, and she lowered her head to hide the sudden emotion.

Grandma Zhang smiled. “Am I that ugly? Have I made you cry with my appearance?”

“No, no, I’m sorry, Auntie,” Mother Qin said. “I was thinking of my mother.”

Like all mothers, Grandma Zhang gently stroked Mother Qin’s hair. “Your mother must have been a beauty to have given birth to such a kind and lovely daughter.”

“I’m not kind,” Mother Qin said. “If it wasn’t for me, Yuqing and Xiaohan would have…”

“Don’t dwell on it,” Grandma Zhang said. “Good things always come after trials.”

Perhaps because Grandma Zhang shared certain qualities with Qin Han’s maternal grandmother, Mother Qin often visited Yaonan Alley.

Sometimes she brought pastries from her shop, other times she taught the elderly woman how to play phone games.

One day, Mother Qin was playing “Star Wars” with Grandma Zhang at her home while Father Qin stood outside smoking.

Zhang Yuqing drove to pick up Qin Han after work. As he parked his car, he noticed Father Qin facing their direction, his gaze tender as he watched the scene inside.

Zhang Yuqing rolled down his window and teased, “What’s the future father-in-law looking at?”

Father Qin replied solemnly, “Naturally, I’m watching your future mother-in-law. My future son-in-law is back. Thanks for picking up Qin Han.”

“It’s no trouble at all.”

Qin Han always flushed red during these moments, unsure who to address.

The two men seemed more like friends of different generations, always chatting easily with each other.

Under Mother Qin’s influence, Grandma Zhang developed a new hobby and gradually grew to enjoy experimenting with pastries.

By winter, she could independently bake bread and cookies while wearing her reading glasses, becoming Yaonan Alley’s famous fashionable elderly lady.

The old lady had Zhang Yuqing buy her an oven, “Qingqing, don’t you think your grandmother deserves her own oven after living so long?”

Zhang Yuqing smiled, “Absolutely.”

On Christmas Day, everyone received Grandma Zhang’s message inviting them to her courtyard for pizza.

The heavy snowfall had just ended. The old lady swayed her head and said, “Good, good! A timely snow promises a bountiful year.”

Li Nan agreed while eating pizza, “Yes, yes! A timely snow promises a bountiful year!”

In truth, he didn’t understand what “a timely snow promises a bountiful year” meant at all.

Luo Shijin rolled his eyes. “Li Nan, you’ve changed. Now you’re a sycophantic Li Nan who’d sell his soul for pizza. What’s the difference between you and a eunuch now?”

“There is still a difference.”

Li Nan flicked his newly curled hair. “I still have a cock.”

“You have a cock my ass.” Luo Shijin raised his pinky finger.

“Hey! Didn’t I beat you in the last pee contest? I’m older than you anyway!”

Perhaps because their conversation was too crude and they sat too close to Qin Han, Zhang Yuqing glanced over. “Can’t you keep your mouths shut while eating?”

The two fools finally fell silent.

Dandan wore a red knitted dress, looking like a Christmas elf.

She had learned the English version of “Jingle Bells” at school and stood in the center of the room, performing for everyone.

“Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way…”

Luo Shijin, who had a slight cold, laughed so hard that a big snot bubble formed on his nose. “Dan, you’re singing it like a folk song now. Even if your Shijin-gege’s English is terrible, I can’t say there’s anything wrong with your singing, ha ha ha.”

“Sing well! No problems!”

Li Nan clapped enthusiastically, earning a dramatic eye roll from Luo Shijin.

Beibei wore a pointy Christmas hat like a dog’s, eating the beef cooked by the grandmother nearby. Occasionally, it would bark twice.

With Dandan in the center of the room and everyone laughing, Beibei also excitedly ran to Mother Qin.

Zhang Yuqing gently scolded it, “Beibei, come here.”

Mother Qin quickly waved her hand. “Future son-in-law, don’t chase Beibei away. I took allergy medication today, so I won’t be allergic.”

That night, Father Qin took Zhang Yuqing’s guitar, saying he would sing a song for everyone.

He adjusted his glasses on the bridge of his nose and smiled warmly. “It’s been so long since I’ve played. My hands are a bit rusty, so please bear with me.”

Father Qin played “Nostalgia for Youth” and sang softly, without much technique.

“Nostalgia for our youth, memories taking root and blossoming in our hearts.”

The house was overheated, so Qin Han went to the yard for some fresh air.

It was still snowing outside. Zhang Yuqing wrapped his arms around her from behind. Girl, aren’t you afraid of catching cold?”

“Zhang Yuqing.”

“Hm?”

Qin Han had drunk some red wine during dinner, her cheeks flushed pink. She turned to look at him, her eyes reflecting the fresh snow and evening lights, bright and sparkling.

Zhang Yuqing couldn’t resist. He pushed her against the nearby wall and kissed her.

After the kiss, he asked, “What did you want to tell me earlier?”

The girl’s lips were still red, her expression slightly annoyed. “I’ve forgotten what I wanted to say.”

Zhang Yuqing smiled without apology. “My fault, my fault. I couldn’t resist earlier.”

Qin Han thought for a moment before saying, “When Father was playing the guitar earlier, I saw Grandmother wiping her eyes.”

“She was thinking of her son, or maybe remembering my grandfather.”

“Mother looked sad too. Maybe she was remembering my maternal grandparents.”

Qin Han leaned against Zhang Yuqing’s chest, her breath puffing white mist into the cold air. “Do you think when we get old, or maybe just older, we’ll have so many things to remember? Like our youth and stuff?”

Zhang Yuqing replied, “Not when we’re old. Just when you’re not by my side.”

“What do you mean?”

A snowflake landed on Qin Han’s nose, melting into a tiny droplet that Zhang Yuqing gently brushed away with his fingertip.

He said, “Because you are my entire youth.”

That day, they played well into the night. Zhang Yuqing mentioned he’d been busy with some projects lately and hadn’t had many chances to go out. He suggested they plan a road trip during the summer break, taking Grandma and Dandan along.

Qin Han, unaware that Zhang Yuqing’s “projects” involved house renovations, eagerly agreed to the travel plan. “Yes, let’s do that!”

She didn’t notice the exchanged glances between Li Nan and Luo Shijin, nor the meaningful looks shared by Father Qin, Mother Qin, and Grandma Zhang.

Qin Han placed particular importance on the summer trip, reasoning that Zhang Yuqing hadn’t traveled in years.

After the winter break ended, Qin Han began balancing her work with anticipation for the summer vacation.

This joyful anticipation was something she’d last experienced when she first started university, when she’d eagerly looked forward to weekends each week.

After discussion, Zhang Yuqing finalized their travel destination just before Qin Han’s summer break.

Since they were traveling with an elderly person, they couldn’t go too far. They decided to drive northeast to the largest national forest park in the north.

“What’s there in the forest park?” Grandma Zhang asked just before departure.

Luo Shijin held up his phone, scrolling through a Baidu entry as he spoke. “There’s grasslands, birch forests, pine forests, and wildflowers covering the mountains. You can roast whole lambs too! Let me see… Ah, it’s also a natural oxygen bar! The air’s amazing!”

“And there’s natural mountain spring water!” Li Nan fluttered his false eyelashes. “We should bring some buckets to fill with spring water when we get back.”

Grandma Zhang was delighted with the location. She took out her pearl necklace and put it on, ready to depart.

Qin Han asked Zhang Yuqing, “How did you find out about this place?”

“A customer recommended it.”

While no one was looking, Zhang Yuqing kissed her ear. “Have you heard of the Mulan Hunting Grounds?”

Qin Han sat next to Zhang Yuqing. As his breath brushed against her, she couldn’t help but recall those nights from a few days ago.

Another summer had come. Luo Shijin had bought a box of southern fruits to celebrate Li Nan and Qin Han’s first year of work. That day, after drinking some wine, Qin Han’s legs had grown weak, and Zhang Yuqing carried her to the bedroom.

While she showered, Zhang Yuqing leaned against the bathroom door. Through the steam, she could see his hazy silhouette.

His voice came through the door, “Need help?”

Qin Han stood under the showerhead, shaking her head gently, “No.”

When she emerged from the bathroom, Zhang Yuqing had already bathed downstairs and was holding a book.

Qin Han moved closer. “What are you reading?”

“Wooden Heart Poems.”

Zhang Yuqing set the book aside, wrapped his arm around Qin Han’s waist, and pulled her onto the bed. He whispered verses from Wooden Heart into her ear.

It was that poem, “My Turbulent Desires.”

His voice carried tiny particles that brushed against her eardrum, transmitting emotions embedded in his breath.

The alcohol dormant in Qin Han’s body suddenly ignited, exploding with intensity.

Later, the book ended up under the bed, its journey there a mystery. Nor could she recall when Zhang Yuqing dimmed the lamp to a soft glow during their activities.

She only remembered Zhang Yuqing lying on the bed, his eyes meeting hers in the dim light.

His head rested on one hand as he asked in a slightly hoarse voice, “Want to come up and try?”

On the day they set out for the forest park, two cars were driven.

Zhang Yuqing’s car carried Qin Han, Dandan, and the grandmother; Father Qin’s car held Mother Qin, Luo Shijin, and Li Nan.

When the group arrived at their destination, dusk had settled in. The distant mountains and trees merged into blurred silhouettes, while streetlights illuminated patches of misty vegetation.

The air was sweet and fresh. Qin Han leaned against the half-open car window, taking deep breaths. “Zhang Yuqing, the air here is so good.”

Zhang Yuqing’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “I plan to change the signboard when we get back.”

“What to? Isn’t ‘Oxygen’ catchy enough?” Qin Han tilted her head, evening forest winds scattering her hair as the girl’s sweet fragrance drifted through the air.

Zhang Yuqing suggested, “Then let’s add a word—Sweet Oxygen.”

By the time they reached the reserved hotel, night had fallen. They’d booked a suite for convenience in caring for Dandan and the grandmother.

Qin Han was still packing her luggage in her bedroom when she didn’t notice Zhang Yuqing and the others had all disappeared. By the time she came to her senses, the suite was completely silent.

“Zhang Yuqing?” Qin Han called out, but there was no response.

She suddenly felt a wave of panic.

*Could something have happened to Grandma?*

*After all, we drove for hours to get here. Maybe her body couldn’t handle it.*

Qin Han rushed out, noticing that all the bedroom doors were open except for Grandma’s.

“Grandma! Zhang Yuqing!”

Terrifying images flashed through her mind.

Grandma Zhang lying in bed in pain, Zhang Yuqing and the others gathered around, anxiously dialing emergency services.

Qin Han burst through the door in a panic, only to find Zhang Yuqing sitting alone on the bed in Grandma’s room.

The bedroom was decorated in a milky white scheme. He sat quietly at the edge of the bed, legs spread apart, gazing at her.

Zhang Yuqing’s eyes held an indescribable depth of emotion, making him appear both silent and alluring.

He extended his hand. “Little girl, come here.”

Qin Han walked over. “Where are the others? I was scared. I thought Grandma might be sick.”

“No, they went to reserve a restaurant first. I stayed behind to give you a surprise.”

“What kind of surprise?” Qin Han asked, puzzled.

She’d never imagined a proposal or any grand surprises. She wasn’t exactly a romantic at heart.

Xie Ying had once asked her when Zhang Yuqing would propose. Qin Han had shaken her head and said, “I’ll marry him whenever he asks. No need for a formal proposal.”

Zhang Yuqing pulled Qin Han onto his lap and revealed two keys in his palm—one for a car, the other for a house.

“Stay with me, little girl, and I’ll make sure you never have to worry.”

He kissed her nose and casually pressed the keys into her hand.

Luo Shijin and Li Nan had left earlier with the others, likely hoping for a dramatic proposal and some flowery words.

Alone in the bedroom, Zhang Yuqing had pondered for a long time. He felt he needed to give her these keys first before he could feel at ease.

Zhang Yuqing had experienced life’s hardships earlier than Qin Han. He wanted to protect his little girl from ever tasting such bitterness.

He wanted to give her everything he possessed, including his love and his undying passion for life.

After handing over the two keys to Qin Han, Zhang Yuqing smiled and asked, “The house and car are all prepared. I suppose that makes me qualified to marry you now, doesn’t it?”

Qin Han stared at the keys in her hand, somewhat dazed.

After a long moment of silence, Zhang Yuqing suddenly said, “I forgot, there’s one more thing.”

He pulled out a sparkling diamond necklace from his pocket and placed it in Qin Han’s hand. “I figured you couldn’t wear a ring at work. How about this ankle chain instead?”

Qin Han sniffled. “Then I can’t show it off.”

Zhang Yuqing chuckled at her teasing. He kissed Qin Han’s lips and asked, “Little girl, which season would you like to become my bride?”

Qin Han tightened her grip on the items, wrapped her arms around Zhang Yuqing’s neck, and wiped her tears on his shoulder. “Any season is fine.”

“Choose one.”

“Summer, I suppose. I like summer.”

Qin Han would forever remember that sweltering summer day when she was seventeen, when she had stumbled upon Yaonan Alley’s ancient streets.

The crisp crack of a splitting watermelon had shaken her heart as she met a youth gentle as a summer breeze.