I found it hard to love anyone, yet here you are, filled with enthusiasm.
Yu Xue had fallen in love; his boyfriend was 30 years old and worked in the forensic department of the Nanyi Municipal Bureau.
“Forensic Doctor Qi, see you tomorrow!”
“Hey, bye!”
“Forensic Doctor Qi, are you coming to the gathering on Friday?”
“Depends on the situation; if I have time, I’ll go.”
After finishing his greetings with his colleagues, Qi Wenyu turned around and saw Yu Xue standing under a parasol tree, crossing his arms and watching him. “Looks like you’re quite popular.”
“No, no, no! It’s just the atmosphere here in Nanyi; everyone is friendly. They’re being extra nice to me, a newcomer,” Qi Wenyu said with a sweet smile. “When you come over, it’ll be uncontrollable; all the police flower sisters will be surrounding you!”
Yu Xue smiled and didn’t bother to argue. Qi Wenyu was naturally charming without much effort, but once he put in a little care, he radiated a mature man’s charm. Just now, Yu Xue had overheard two policewomen walking by discussing the new handsome forensic expert.
Yu Xue thought to himself, hmm, he is indeed quite impressive; otherwise, how could he match up to me?
The two guys didn’t have complex dating plans; at most, they would have a meal together, stroll along the street for a bit, and then return home. After starting work, Yu Xue lived with his parents, who had strict curfews and didn’t allow him to stay out overnight.
In the distance, the lights were bright, but here by the riverside, there were only a few stars in the sky. The gentle breeze of early spring tousled Yu Xue’s short hair. Qi Wenyu wrapped his arms around him, just about to snuggle closer when his phone rang. Yu Xue picked it up and waved it in front of Qi Wenyu’s eyes—it was his future mother-in-law.
“Mom, I’ll be home in a bit. Yes, I’ll definitely be home by ten-thirty.”
Qi Wenyu looked at him with a sorrowful expression, resting his chin on Yu Xue’s shoulder. “Aren’t you supposed to be free-range?”
“That was before. After I started university, my mom seems to have drunk some kind of toxic chicken soup. She thinks my freedom is a sort of debt, so she’s been putting pressure on me for the past few years, trying to make up for the ‘motherly love’ I’ve missed,” Yu Xue said, holding a cigarette between his long fingers, a teasing smile on his face. “Why are you in such a hurry for me to get home on time?”
Of course he was anxious! They were both adults, officially in a relationship, but they were still only at the stage of hugging, cuddling, and a little peck. The sweetness was there to see but not to touch. What healthy-minded man wouldn’t feel anxious? Qi Wenyu even had two pimples popping up on his chin.
“How about you come over to my place this weekend?” Qi Wenyu kissed Yu Xue’s cheek.
“In broad daylight? You’re really something.” Yu Xue took a puff of his cigarette, narrowing his eyes. “Besides, there’s one important issue we haven’t settled—are you looking to reach home base?”
“Hmm? What do you mean?”
“Who’s on top and who’s on bottom?”
Huh? Qi Wenyu was confused. Was there even a need for a debate? Just look at their heights and builds, and it was obvious who would be on top.
Yu Xue had that slightly proud expression with his chin raised. “I want to be on top.”
“Uh… Why?”
“I’m afraid of pain.”
Qi Wenyu fell silent. He had overthought it; he thought it would be something concerning male pride, but he never expected it to be “afraid of pain,” and the tone was so straightforward.
That day, after returning home, Qi Wenyu searched various sources for professional material on Western and Asian practices, intensely brushing up on theoretical knowledge. His genius halo was indeed not for nothing; half a month later, he was already confident and well-prepared, finding an excuse to lure his wife over to his place.
The apartment Qi Wenyu lived in was rented, and he was planning to buy a place, showing signs of settling in Nanyi. Yu Xue sat on a single sofa close to the balcony, half of his body sinking into it. He picked up a stack of real estate brochures from the small coffee table and casually flipped through them, a tempting aroma wafting through the air from a freshly brewed cup of coffee placed beside him.
“You said before that you wanted to drink freshly ground coffee, right? Give it a try.”
“You bought a coffee machine?” Yu Xue cradled the coffee cup with both hands. “Then buy an oven too; it would be too plain for afternoon tea without some cookies.”
“Sure, I’ll sign up for a baking class and learn how to make desserts for you.”
Qi Wenyu’s tone was full of affection as he ruffled Yu Xue’s hair. Yu Xue moved to the side a bit. “Don’t do that; it feels like you’re petting a child.”
“Come on, you’re grown up now; you’re an adult,” Qi Wenyu squeezed into the sofa and wrapped his arms around Yu Xue’s slim waist, softly asking, “So, do you want to try some adult activities?”
Yu Xue smiled lightly. “Are you sure you want to be on the bottom?”
Qi Wenyu held his hand, his expression earnest. “How about this: you give me a chance, and if you’re not satisfied, I’ll spend my life on the bottom.”
“Then why don’t you give me that chance?” Yu Xue pulled his hand back and patted Qi Wenyu’s face. “You’re trying to trick me.”
“How can you say it’s a trick? I keep my word and am willing to take my losses.”
??? Yu Xue grabbed Qi Wenyu’s collar. “You’ve gotten bold, huh? Dare to hint at me?!”
Qi Wenyu casually wrapped him in his arms, pressing his lips against him until he couldn’t breathe. In the heated and ambiguous atmosphere, he whispered, “A-Xue, trust me, okay?”
Yu Xue hesitated for a few seconds, his fingers gradually loosening.
———
As night fell and the bright moon hung high, Yu Xue lay on the pillow, looking extremely unwell, and felt Qi Wenyu spared no effort.
Hiss, his waist felt like it was about to break, sore on both sides; his legs were the same, he couldn’t even lift them, definitely suffering from muscle strains. Fortunately, today was Saturday, and tomorrow he could lie at home all day; otherwise, he wouldn’t even make it to class.
Qi Wenyu came in drying his hair, grinning widely: “A-Xue, you’re awake.”
“Stay far away from me, you little…”
“You’re a police officer, breaking the law is unacceptable.” Qi Wenyu sat down at the edge of the bed. “It’s normal to have some aftereffects the first time. As long as the process was pleasant, everything can be forgiven.”
This was also why Yu Xue was just being tough on the outside; he definitely would insist on breaking up without hesitation.
It was too late, and Yu Xue felt weak all over. After tossing and turning, he suggested, “Let’s soak the beans tonight, and make soy milk in the morning.”
Yu Xue lazily replied, “Whether I go home or not doesn’t depend on me but on my mom. She doesn’t know I’m in a relationship, so I can’t even think about staying out overnight.”
“She doesn’t know?”
“Why, does your family know that you’re dating a guy?”
“They must know!” Qi Wenyu said with an air of certainty. “I prepared to transfer to Nanyi and told my family in advance; even my mentor knows. He said he’d come to Nanyi to see you when he has time.”
Yu Xue: “…”
How was this a bit different from what he imagined?
Qi Wenyu wrapped him in the quilt: “Don’t worry, my family has no issues with it. We’ll slowly resolve things with your parents. After all, life is so long; what can’t be solved with time?”
The two of them nestled together. Soon, the curfew phone rang. Yu Xue looked at Qi Wenyu: “Uh… Mom, I’m going to my aunt’s place tonight, and I’ll be home tomorrow.”
After hanging up, he quickly contacted Shen Ruirui, asking her to help since he had accidentally let something slip. Shen Ruirui happily agreed, her laughter ringing out: “I could tell there was something up. You didn’t dare say you weren’t dating. When will you bring your girlfriend to meet my aunt?”
“Maybe later.”
“It’s just to show me; it’s not like you’re introducing her to your parents. I’m really curious; what kind of girl would you be with, A-Xue!”
“Aunt, don’t worry, I’ll definitely let you meet them.” Yu Xue sighed silently at the thought of future family disputes, “Maybe I’ll need your help with something bigger later.”
Once something was exposed, it would happen again and again. After the two of them started dating, their meeting place shifted to home. They no longer ate outside; Qi Wenyu practiced his cooking skills, finally having the chance to show off in front of his beloved, even creating a menu for Yu Xue to choose from freely. Yu Xue flipped through it and realized he wouldn’t lack a chef at home in the future.
Qi Wenyu gave Yu Xue a key, allowing him to come over anytime. Yu Xue was ungrateful and took it directly. Sometimes when Qi Wenyu went on business trips for several days, he would take the key to clean and feed the fish, truly treating the place as if they were living together.
Until one day, after work, Yu Xue came over for dinner as usual. Upon opening the door, he found an uninvited guest sitting on the sofa. The man resembled Qi Wenyu somewhat but had a more composed demeanor, wearing a neatly tailored suit, his hair slicked back. When he stood up, a sense of oppression immediately enveloped the room.
“Are you Yu Xue?”
Yu Xue nodded and calmly met the scrutinizing gaze: “You must be Qi Wenyu’s brother?”
“Mm, Qi Jianqiu.”
Qi Wenyu rushed out of the kitchen: “Brother! Can you smile a little more gently? You’re scaring A-Xue!”
Yu Xue felt confused. Did he look that weak? It wasn’t like he was meeting his parents, just his brother.
Qi Jianqiu was sent by their parents to check on his brother’s boyfriend. Now that he saw him in person, he thought Yu Xue was even more outstanding than in the photos, with a warm demeanor and an elegant appearance. No wonder his brother was willing to give up everything to pursue him.
“He’s pretty good. You should bring him home when you have time.”
After Qi Jianqiu left, Yu Xue felt bewildered. Wasn’t it a bit too hasty to end the first meeting without any questions? He had prepared for intense interrogation.
“Everyone in my family knows about your situation very well. They don’t believe I found such an excellent partner, so they had to come confirm it.”
“……” Yu Xue covered his forehead, feeling frustrated, “I can already imagine how exaggerated your boasting must be.”
In love, beauty is perceived through the eyes of the beholder. In Qi Wenyu’s eyes, his A-Xue was unparalleled, truly unique and valuable.
———
Only I understand this feeling of happiness, beautiful enough to give everything for it.
The sudden appearance of family did not disrupt their lives but made Yu Xue realize that if he continued to be with Qi Wenyu, it would not just be two people’s matter, but two families’ matter.
Another night of staying over, Yu Xue didn’t even need to text Shen Ruirui first. His gossipy aunt would actively ask on the weekend: “Is A-Xue coming home tonight?” It was too much trouble to greet my sister every time, so why not just say you’ll stay with me on weekends?
Poor Mother Yu, having trusted her sister too much, remained unaware of her son’s relationship and was still completely in the dark.
On the other hand, Shen Ruirui also urged several times to meet her nephew’s girlfriend. Yu Xue raised his head, looking at Qi Wenyu, who was busy in the kitchen, and thoughtfully considered their future.
Once they came out of the closet, many things would become irretrievable. He was only 24; was it too early to rush to settle down for the rest of his life?
But this was the first time he felt such a strong emotional dependency, often thinking that “living together wouldn’t be bad.” Qi Wenyu’s fervent love was clearly laid out before him, and he felt an impulse to sincerely respond to it.
So—let’s take a half step forward?
“A-Xue, try this soup and see if it’s salty enough.” Qi Wenyu brought over a small bowl of chicken soup, carefully skimmed of oil. Yu Xue set the soup aside: “Do you want to meet my aunt?”
“Shen Ruirui? Don’t we see each other every day at work?” After saying this, he caught the sly smile on Yu Xue’s face and paused, “You want to tell her about our relationship?”
“Mm, I’ll give you the title of my other half.”
———
It was another New Year, and the family gathered at his uncle’s house for the New Year’s Eve dinner. Yu Xue didn’t have to help with anything and was forced to sit on the sofa to participate in the traditional tea party.
The relatives chatted, going over the same topics every year, with the unmarried older woman Shen Ruirui’s marriage being a major concern for them. His grandmother started, “Ruirui, you’re 36 this year. Haven’t you found someone you like?”
“Mom, this matter depends on fate; it really can’t be rushed.”
Yu Xue’s mother chuckled lightly, “I see that Ruirui’s fate is about to arrive.”
“Hmm?” Shen Ruirui looked confused, “Sister, what are you talking about? Where is my fate?”
“It’s that young forensic doctor in your bureau, right? Didn’t you tell me last time that he buys you milk tea and desserts every few days and comes to chat with you whether there’s something to discuss or not? Isn’t that him trying to pursue you?”
Yu Xue almost spit out his tea.
“Oh, Qi forensic doctor? He is quite handsome, and I heard his family is well-off, but he is younger than me—five years younger!” Shen Ruirui crossed her arms, “I’d look like an old cow eating young grass; I don’t want that.”
“As long as he can take care of you and treat you well, what does age matter?”
“Yeah, yeah, you met a suitable one, but you hesitated. Bring him to meet your sister one day, and let her help you decide.”
…
Yu Xue silently took out his phone and sent a message to Qi Wenyu: [Did you work hard to impress my aunt? Something happened, right?]
Qi Wenyu: [What happened? I thought she treated me pretty well.]
Yu Xue: [She did treat you well. So well that she thought you were trying to pursue her (eye roll).]
Qi Wenyu: [????????]
What a huge misunderstanding this was.
After learning that Yu Xue planned to introduce him to his family after the New Year, Qi Wenyu decided to prepare in advance. He wanted to accumulate some good impressions with Shen Ruirui, but who knew he would be misunderstood like this?!
Yu Xue put down his phone and smiled as she asked, “Aunt, how is the reputation of the forensic doctor who wants to pursue you in the municipal bureau?”
“Not bad, quite polite and has a good character. Mainly, the handsome guys have privileges—ever since he came, the number of female police officers in the forensic department has increased.”
“Oh, I see.”
Qi Wenyu: [… What should I do?]
Qi Wenyu: [A-Xue, you have to trust me! I only have a sincere heart for you!]
Yu Xue laughed at his phone and replied: [What use is it to raise you? You can’t even handle this little matter.]
Before the New Year’s Eve dinner, Yu Xue called Shen Ruirui to the balcony, cleared his throat, and said, “Aunt, about that matter…”
“I know, I know, I haven’t said anything at all. Look, they all focused on me, and I didn’t expose you.” Shen Ruirui raised an eyebrow, “Aunt is quite thoughtful, right?”
“Yes, thank you, Aunt. I plan to come back from my hometown on the seventh day of the New Year. Will you have time?”
“Ah! You’re finally willing to let me meet her! Of course, I have time!”
Throughout the New Year, Shen Ruirui imagined what a stunning beauty her nephew’s girlfriend would be. Full of expectations, she got dressed elegantly and waited with a beaming smile for this beautiful meeting, only to be hit hard.
Qi Wenyu pushed the door open.
“Forensic doctor Qi, how did you end up here?”
Qi Wenyu tried to make his smile look as natural as possible. Yu Xue stood up and said, “Aunt, this is… my boyfriend.”
It took Shen Ruirui a minute to comprehend the meaning of this sentence. By then, Qi Wenyu had already sat down beside Yu Xue, looking so well-behaved it was almost ridiculous: “Aunt, I’m A-Xue’s boyfriend.”
“Wait a moment, let me sort this out.” Shen Ruirui rubbed her forehead, “So you sent me milk tea and took me out for desserts to pursue A-Xue?”
Qi Wenyu nodded vigorously.
“Then why didn’t you say it sooner?!” Shen Ruirui was flustered, thinking she had stumbled into a novel plot: the passionate romance of a younger handsome forensic doctor; she never expected it was to woo her nephew instead?!
Qi Wenyu also felt wronged. Without Yu Xue’s permission, he wouldn’t dare to say anything. Yu Xue poured a cup of tea for Shen Ruirui, who then hooked her arm through Yu Xue’s and peeked at Qi Wenyu: “A-Xue, although I don’t mind you being with a man, what will your sister and brother-in-law do?”
“That will depend on Aunt’s help.” Yu Xue nodded, “I don’t plan to expose it to my parents so soon. Let’s wait until I transfer to the municipal bureau; once I have a successful career, they will be less shocked.”
Shen Ruirui sighed, realizing she shouldn’t have come for this dinner. She rested her chin on her hand, her gaze shifting between the two excellent men in front of her, and couldn’t help but confirm again, “You really thought this through? Are you both planning to settle down like this?”
Yu Xue and Qi Wenyu exchanged smiles. Beneath the hanging fringe of the tablecloth, their fingers were intertwined tightly.
———
“And then?”
“Then I entered the municipal bureau, and about four years later, I came clean to my family.” Yu Xue propped his right hand on hiz forehead and sighed softly, “And then I was kicked out, and I bought a house with Qi Wenyu to live together.”
“Oh,” Yi Shi listened seriously like a student in class, “Is there more?”
“What more could there be? Over time, my parents couldn’t fight against my stubbornness and let it go. We’ve been like this ever since. Why are you so curious today?”
“If I go to Haijing, I won’t have a chance to hear this.”
Today was Yi Shi’s last day in Nanyi. As his boss, partner, and friend, Yu Xue treated him to dinner for his farewell.
“You’re going to Haijing, not abroad. Don’t you remember that Wenyu’s family is in Haijing? It won’t take long for me to go visit you there?” Yu Xue patted Yi Shi’s dark hair, “I hope when you go back, you can settle down there soon and find your other half.”
Upon hearing this, Yi Shi touched his nose, his face flushed bright red.
“Wow, you already have someone? Who is it? Who managed to take you away right under my nose?”
“Nobody.”
“Don’t lie; that’s not nice. I spent a whole night telling you about my love history, okay?”
Yi Shi seemed a bit embarrassed and said softly, “…You know him.”
“Oh? Since you’re going back to Haijing, he must not be from Nanyi. Let me think—” Yu Xue deliberately dragged out the sound, his eyes full of mischief, “Lin Heyu?”
This made Yi Shi flustered, even avoiding his gaze.
“Tsk, isn’t that fortunate? No blood relation at least. Your story is much more exciting than ours. Tell me about it when you have time later.” Yu Xue raised his glass, “No matter what the world thinks, as long as you want to be with him and he wants to be with you, that’s enough.”
Yi Shi nodded and drank the toast.
In a lifetime, one might encounter countless people, but only one can be a lifelong companion.
