Qiu Yu was a great cook. Knowing their son hadn’t been home for days, he brought out his best skills.
Little He Ran ate until his belly was round before leaving the table.
That evening, the little one insisted on feeding Qing Hua himself. Taking advantage of the horse’s distraction, he sneaked in a few pats, then happily bounced around. After washing his little hands and feet, he squeezed himself between his two dads to sleep.
He Zifeng teased, “Didn’t you say you’ve grown up?”
The little boy just laughed and snuggled into his chest, pretending to sleep. He Zifeng poked his son’s chubby cheek, delighted by his son’s giggles.
Qiu Yu stopped He Zifeng from disturbing their son, and He Zifeng reluctantly let go. He hadn’t realized before how much fun kids could be. The little one clung to his neck, making him think that having a son, especially a sweet one, was truly heartwarming.
Watching his son, He Zifeng’s eyes softened. He knew that while his son was young and affectionate now, in a few years, he’d start to drift away.
After returning home, little He Ran spent the day running wildly with Dogzi in the hills. By bedtime, he was so exhausted that he quickly fell asleep.
Qiu Yu kissed his son’s forehead, noting the sweet milky scent from the custard cake he’d eaten earlier.
He Zifeng placed the child on the inner side of the bed, tucking him under his own small blanket.
Qiu Yu lay in the middle, while He Zifengwas sleeping on his side. He held one of Qiuyu’s legs with his hand and insisted on wrapping it around his waist. Then he rubbed his hand along the side of his leg.
Qiu Yu’s breathing hitched, and He Zifeng mischievously whispered, “Not the right time tonight.”
Qiu Yu quickly covered He Zifeng’s mouth with both hands, not wanting him to say anything further.
He Zifeng playfully nipped at his fingers.
Qiu Yu was caught off guard, startled. He instinctively pulled his hands back. Before Qiu Yu could glare at him, He Zifeng pulled him into a deep kiss.
Perhaps it was because their son was home, but Qiu Yu was especially tender that night.
Qiu Yu got annoyed, broke free and bit lightly at He Zifeng’s lip. He misjudged the force, and blood beaded from the wound. Qiu Yu immediately regretted it.
He Zifeng, however, didn’t mind at all. “Let’s sleep, I won’t tease you anymore,” he said, hugging Qiu Yu tightly as they drifted off.
…
The next morning, He Zifeng’s lip had a small cut, which immediately caught their son’s attention.
“What happened, Dad?” He Ran asked curiously.
“Oh, a little cat scratched me,” He Zifeng said with amusement.
Qiu Yu glared at him silently, unable to say anything in front of their son.
“Where’s the cat?” He Ran asked, intrigued.
Clearing his throat, He Zifeng quickly changed the subject. “It probably ran away.”
After breakfast, little He Ran, who was popular with the village kids, was soon called out to play.
Not long after, the sky darkened, and Qiu Yu called his son back just as a torrential downpour began.
“I’m heading to town to deliver the stewed bones to the inn and the escort agency,” He Zifeng said, donning his rain gear. The autumn rain seemed relentless, showing no signs of stopping.
Qiu Yu carefully tied the straw raincoat and hat for him.
He Zifeng looked at him with a playful smile. “Not mad anymore?”
Qiu Yu shot him a look. “Who’s mad? You’re the one who can’t behave and got scratched by a ‘cat.’ Serves you right.”
He Zifeng leaned close and whispered in his ear, “That cat is so naughty. When I catch it, I’ll have to give it a good smack on its little bottom.”
Qiu Yu’s face turned bright red. He Zifeng chuckled before setting off into the rain with two barrels of stewed bones loaded onto the cart.
Watching the heavy rain, Qiu Yu couldn’t help but feel a bit worried.
“Carry me, Little Dad,” He Ran demanded, stretching out his arms.
Qiu Yu cradled the little one in his arms and said, “Always taking advantage, just like your dad.” His tone carried a subtle yet unmistakable affection.
Little He Ran replied, “Of course! I’m my dad’s son—I must be like him!”
Qiu Yu carried him back inside. After the rain began, the house became damp and chilly, so he lit the heated brick bed. Before long, the room warmed up. Qiu Yu went out with an umbrella to tidy up the small shed and courtyard, then returned inside.
Once back, his son insisted he lie down on the warmest spot on the brick bed.
Qiu Yu lay down with him, and the two chatted idly. The little boy proudly talked about how gentle Teacher Lin was and how he had praised him. But he complained about the food—not much more than radishes and cabbage, with meat only once every seven days.
Qiu Yu said, “It’ll get colder soon. I’ll prepare a few extra sets of clothes for you to change into. Oh, and I’ll pack two jars of spicy sauce for you this time!”
“Okay,” He Ran agreed happily.
The cozy atmosphere soon lulled them into a nap. But Qiu Yu was startled awake by faint rustling sounds. Thinking a thief had broken in, he quickly got up, only to see a familiar figure returning home.
He Zifeng had just come in, shedding his rain-soaked hat and cloak in the outer room. The rain was torrential—an unusual sight for autumn.
Qiu Yu’s eyes lit up with joy. “Why are you back so soon?”
He Zifeng explained, “The head constable didn’t even show up. Less than half the team reported in, so they let us go home. The rain’s so heavy, half the shops on that street didn’t even open. The roads are completely deserted.”
Seeing his breath fog with cold, Qiu Yu quickly warmed his hands. “Change out of those wet clothes before you catch a cold!”
He Zifeng promptly changed, while Qiu Yu washed the soaked clothes and hung them to dry indoors. The dirty water was poured into the courtyard, where the downpour washed it away.
The three of them gathered cozily inside. Qiu Yu remembered something and went to fetch a handful of roasted peanuts, their shells still on. They were a rare treat for the family, now possible thanks to their modest savings.
The family of three sat together, enjoying the peanuts and the warmth.
Soon, the heavy rain eased, and they heard someone knocking at the door.
He Zifeng grabbed an umbrella and opened the door to find Shuanzi. “Second Brother He, He Fan got bitten by a bear and is in bad shape!”
“What?” He Zifeng exclaimed. “How did he get bitten by a bear?”
Shuanzi replied, “Not sure. He wasn’t the only one—Tie Niu and Da Tou got hurt too. Hurry over, or it might be too late.”
He Zifeng said, “You go ahead. I’ll change and follow right after.” Shuanzi nodded and left to inform the others.
He Zifeng returned to tell Qiu Yu, who immediately handed him a tael of silver. “Take this.”
He Zifeng took the money and rushed out.
He arrived at the He family home, where the injured men had been brought. Despite the rain, there were five of them in total, and only a barefoot doctor was available to treat them.
He Zifeng saw that He Donglai and their aunt were present. His aunt eyed him suspiciously as he walked in.
Xu Li was busy brewing ginger tea for everyone. He Zifeng went to check on He Fan, who was bandaged in multiple places. Thankfully, it wasn’t as severe as Shuanzi had described. “What happened?” he asked.
Tie Niu’s father angrily replied, “These fools thought they could hunt a bear! Do they have any idea what they’re doing? They’re lucky to be alive.”
He Fan, lying on the bed, muttered, “I just wanted to make some money.” He had heard that every part of a bear was valuable—its hide, paws, bile, and even its bones. Hoping to get lucky, he’d gathered a group to try their hand at it. But they had underestimated the bear’s ferocity. Though they managed to flee, everyone got hurt.
Liuzi Village Chief arrived soon after, asking, “How’s everyone doing?”
The barefoot doctor replied, “They’ll need at least a month to recover.” He then admonished them for provoking the bear. “Good thing,” he added, “their lives are safe for now.”
The doctor continued, “This treatment, including the herbs, costs one tael of silver. I used half a ginseng root to stop the bleeding, which alone is worth half a tael. I didn’t overcharge you.”
Tie Niu and Da Tou’s families immediately agreed, “Let’s split it among the five families—200 wen each.”
But their aunt protested, “The four of you should split it. My He Fan is just a kid—he’s got no idea what he’s doing. Clearly, you all roped him into this. We haven’t even settled that score yet.”
He Donglai remained silent but clearly shared her opinion.
Tie Niu’s father, a fiery man, retorted, “Your He Fan innocent? Everyone knows he’s sly. Who knows if he was the one leading this? Don’t you dare try to bully us, He family!”
Xu Li quickly intervened, “Uncle, we’ll cover our share. Please calm down.”
Tie Niu’s father, somewhat mollified by Xu Li’s efforts, scoffed, “You’re lucky Xu Li has some sense. If not for him, I’d have smacked you by now.”
Da Tou’s mother chimed in, “This is a Chishui Village matter. You, an outsider, shouldn’t meddle.”
Recently, the money from selling soy sauce had all gone to He Donglai. Xu Li couldn’t understand why he was so stingy about this small amount, yet still took the blame and scolding. Xu Li’s face flushed with embarrassment.
The doctor, having received his payment, packed up and left, thinking poorly of the He family. He resolved to avoid treating them in the future to prevent any more trouble over payments.
He Zifeng hadn’t visited the He family home in a long time. Now, he noticed how much emptier it had become. Since Wan Shi fled with the money, they’d pawned off many belongings. The once-grand house now carried an air of desolation.
–
That He Fan is really pitiful actually…
Thank you so much for support ♡(´･ω･)(･ω･`)♡ :Ko-fi – Patreon
