Chapter 22 (1/2)

Chapter 22

In Suzhou, there was a saying that the winter solstice was as important as the new year. Despite the atmosphere being all tense due to the impending examinations, Zhang Ganggang was still looking forward to drinking winter brewed wine in the evening.

Xie Meng too prepared two small jars of wines. He poured three cups, placing them in front of Zhang Xiujuan’s and his parents’ portraits. The smell of incense combined with the fragrance of the osmanthus wine, full bodied and dense.

Early next morning, Ji Qinyang came by to pick Xie Meng up for school. At the front of the bicycle hung a stalk of osmanthus, and Xie Meng laughed when he saw it.

Ji Qinyang cocked his brow. “BM Fragrant Car.”

Xie Meng shook his head, “How cultured.”

He climbed onto the seat at the back, holding the osmanthus stalk in his hand. Ji Qinyang rang the bell as he cycled through the old streets and alleys.

After the winter solstice, the sun rose later. At seven in the morning, it still felt like the gentle morning sun. The old lady selling sugar porridge1 was pushing her cart, and steam was wafting off her open pot.

“It feels like it’s going to snow.” Ji Qinyang warmed his hands with the bowl of sugar porridge. Seeing him, Xie Meng took his gloves off and passed it to him.

Ji Qinyang smiled, “One for each of us.”

Xie Meng was helpless against him. “There were originally yours. I’m not the one cycling, yet you insist on making me wear them.”

“Then you must hold me tightly when you sit behind me. Like this, you’ll be warm.”

Xie Meng glanced at him, remaining silent. After they finished their porridge, they continued on their way, and from behind, Xie Meng hugged Ji Qinyang tightly.

“My good little darling.” Ji Qinyang laughed. He looked in front of him without turning back. “Have you memorized all the ancient poems yet?”

“Aren’t you afraid of swallowing in the wind?” Amusement could be heard in Xie Meng’s force. “I’ve memorized them all.”

“Then I’ll test you?”

Xie Meng was a little surprised. “Now?”

“Yup.” Ji Qinyang thought for a moment, “Su Shi’s <Courtyard Full of Fragrance>. For fame as vain as a snail’s horn2, and the last line.”

Xie Meng recited it almost instantaneously. “The Southern shore is fine, with a thousand cups of wine, and the courtyard fragrant with song.3”

“But in the crowd once and again.”

“I look for her in vain. When all at once I turn my head, I find her there where lantern light is dimly shed.4”

Ji Qinyang laughed and continued, “Give me your hand I’ll hold.”

Xie Meng paused, before answering slowly, “And live with me till old.5”

“Mn.” Ji Qinyang turned his head, “We’ll agree on this then.”

Xie Meng looked at him, smiling and promised, “Ok.”

Ji Qinyang only had two days of examinations. On the last day, while waiting for Xie Meng, the first snow of winter fell in Suzhou.

White snow drifted from the heavy, grey sky. Walking out from the classroom, Xie Meng immediately saw the youth standing in the snow.

Ji Qinyang’s black hair was covered with snowflakes. He was not holding an umbrella, and his face was flawless, his smile gentle and bright.

Xie Meng ran to him. With arms wide open, Ji Qinyang embraced him as the snow fell.

Behind Xie Meng, Zhang Ganggang was cheering loudly, “The exams are over! It’s the New Year!”

Qi Fei threw his schoolbag at him in scorn. Zhuo Xiaoyuan stood in the corridor, looking at the two people who were still hugging each other from a distance.

“Hey.” Zhuo Xiaoyuan called out to Xie Meng.

The boy turned around.

With angled eyes, Zhuo Xiaoyuan smiled. “Let’s spend the New Year together.”

On New Year’s Eve, Ji Qinyang arrived at Xie Meng’s house early in the morning. The two of them went shopping for new year goodies, and Ji Qinyang had brought some dessert Mo Suyuan had prepared. There was a cake in the adorable shape of a bunny, and plenty of fruit tarts.

Ji Qinyang placed one in his mouth. He hooked onto Xie Meng’s neck, leaning over.

Xie Meng looked down, biting into the edge of the tart. Ji Qinyang ate half of it, and pushed the other half into Xie Meng’s mouth with his tongue.

“…” Xie Meng’s mouth was now full of a buttery fragrance.

Ji Qinyang licked his thumb. “Is it delicious?”

Xie Meng nodded, and Ji Qinyang kissed him on the cheek. “Bring them along, we can have some on the way.”

Xie Meng picked up one more and stuffed it into Ji Qinyang’s mouth. Packing the rest of them up, he held the package in his hand, and they left for the market near Shantang Street. As Xie Meng was selecting the vegetables, he asked Ji Qinyang what he would like to eat.

“Anything is fine,” Ji Qinyang said indifferently. “Don’t buy too much.”

Xie Meng laughed, “There’s no need to help save money for me.”

On the way back, Xie Meng also bought some candies. When they were nearly home, they saw Zhuo Xiaoyuan holding onto Zhuo Jinjin from afar. He was waiting there with an impatient look on his face.

“Why did you guys take so long?” Zhuo Xiaoyuan complained. Seeing Xie Meng, Zhuo Jinjin immediately turned shy, her expression saying, “Adonis, I love you.”

Ji Qinyang responded unhappily, “Why did you come so early?”

Xie Meng gave Zhuo Jinjin a candy, then opened the door and welcomed the guests in.

“I’m here to help.” Zhuo Xiaoyuan took over the bags from Ji Qinyang’s hands. “I don’t sponge off people.”

The three boys busied themselves in the kitchen, and only Zhuo Jinjin was left watching TV alone in the living room. Xie Meng glanced outside, then patted Zhuo Xiaoyuan on his arm. “Go out and accompany your sister, Ji Qinyang and I can handle things here.”

Zhuo Xiaoyuan finished washing the vegetables, and wiped the water from his hands. “Another 10 minutes and the perch should be done.”

Xie Meng nodded, “I know.”

Zhuo Xiaoyuan was not assured. “Cook properly, don’t keep flirting with each other.”

Xie Meng, “…”

When the dishes were ready, the little girl came over, wanting to help. Tip-toeing, she carefully carried the plate from the counter. As Xie Meng was cutting fruits, he heard a knocking on the door.

“Who else did you invite?” Ji Qinyang stuffed a slice of apple in Xie Meng’s mouth.

“I don’t know…” Xie Meng mumbled. “I’ll go take a look.”

Wrapped like a ball, Zhang Ganggang was standing outside the courtyard. Grinning like a fool, he shouted, “Surprise!”

Xie Meng, “…”

“Let me in, let me in! I brought a lot of good food! Quick, quick help me carry some!”

Xie Meng looked down to see him carry two big lunch boxes. Ji Qinyang followed him out, and he raised his brow when he saw Zhang Ganggang. “What are you doing here? You’re not spending the New Year at home?”

After putting his things down, Zhang Ganggang removed his clothes one by one. “I’ve talked to my mother about it already. Look! These were all made by her!”