Extra 5 (2/2)

His father who looked so old and broken, and his mother who was a cripple. Right now could he really feel happy?

“Ah, Ah Lang,” Father Bai finally spoke again. “I, I know that me and your mom, we were wrong about your older brother. Pre-previously, we had some misunderstandings about you. That’s our mistake. Everyone, everyone says that we did this to ourselves, but, but….”

“Don’t say anymore, dad.” Bai Lang interrupted him.

Father Bai went quiet. His face was very pale.

Right now his son wouldn’t even look at him. His mouth opened slightly then finally closed again.

“I will transfer 10,000 yuan a month to father’s bank card.”

Father Bai, whose legs were feeling weak at this moment, froze and stared at Bai Lang.

Bai Lang also finally looked at Father Bai in the eye.

“There won’t be anymore. Because the other half should have been given to you by Bai Li. In this life, I won’t ever help him pay a single cent again.”

“No…. it’s, it’s already enough.” Father Bai’s face showed he couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

“Two people living on 10,000. It will be hard in the city. However if you go somewhere more regional, you can live well.” After talking, Bai Lang walked towards the office table and took out a piece of paper and a pen and wrote down a phone number. He also wrote a cheque and handed both to Father Bai. “If something comes up, you can call this number.”

Father Bai looked at what was in Bai Lang’s hand then looked at Bai Lang. With trembling hands he took it. He spoke with a whimper.

“Ah, Ah Lang, it’s me and your mom that have wronged you… this, you….”

Bai Lang turned his head away. He didn’t want to listen to this. It would only reopen the wounds that had already been covered over.

“Go back quickly ba, take mom to see a doctor and…. Eat a good meal.”

Father Bai saw the situation and shamefully wanted to say something, but after pondering for some time he couldn’t find the right words. Finally he rubbed his eyes and moved his feet to leave. When he got to the door, just before he stepped outside, Father Bai turned around and suddenly asked.

“….. Ah Lang, you, are you living well?”

Bai Lang’s back was to his father. He didn’t reply but his eyes went red.

It had been so many years but he had finally received a word of concern.

This can be considered progress ba.

***

After that Bai Lang stayed in the office for some time. Just like Father Bai, he stood next to the floor-length window and looked at the scenery outside for a long time.

All the way until a warm pair of arms embraced him from behind. A familiar and comforting voice sounded.

“Don’t cry.”

Bai Lang lowered his already dry eyes. “Who said I cried?”

“You’re soft hearted on the inside. You can’t hate to the end, but you also aren’t foolish enough to thoroughly forgive.”

Bai Lang turned around in Qiu Qian’s arms. He breathed Qiu Qian’s scent in deeply and laughed. “It sounds like you’re saying I brought this on myself.”

“Don’t worry.” Bai Lang felt his head being kissed. “You just do what you want, as long as your happy it’s good.”

Bai Lang leaned into Qiu Qian’s embrace and shut his eyes. He made a noise of agreement then said, “Let’s eat hot pot tonight. Later let’s go by the supermarket.”

“Okay.” Qiu Qian nodded.

“Let’s invite Er Hong, Xiao Li, Sister Fang and Ah Zan’s family.”

Qiu Qian wasn’t pleased. “Why you want to call so many people for?”

“Hot pot is better with more people.”

“I can eat many people’s portion. It’s the same.”

“Pig.”

“That’s Xiao Hai.”

Dozens of kilometres away, Qiu XiaoHai sneezed loudly next to Rong Zan.

“It’s so cold ah, when I get home I’m going to ask Ah Bai to make hot pot!”

Just as he said this, his phone rang.

***

Just before the next lunar new year festival, Bai Lang’s house received a cardboard box of vegetables.

On it was written Father Bai’s name, and there was also a crumpled letter.

In it the first sentence, although it was just a formality, was written: “Ah Lang, are you living well?”