Yuan Zhao could not help but feel a little hurt.
Shi Qingyue had never really spoken to girls or boys like that before, but after only one meeting, he already liked her so much. That showed how truly wonderful she must be.
With something weighing on his heart, Yuan Zhao kept making excuses to stay out—either at the shop or meeting customers—so he never realized Shi Qingyue had been meeting the girl every day.
Since they were considering marriage, once things felt right, both families would naturally begin discussing wedding arrangements.
“There’s no need to rush,” Shi Wuxiang said. “Miss Tao is still young. We can set the engagement first and let them get to know each other. They can still marry in a couple of years if nothing changes.”
He was mainly worried Shi Qingyue lacked stability, and also worried the girl might meet someone better later. They were still too young; nothing was certain.
Madam Zhang had originally thought the same and nodded immediately. “We’ll just exchange betrothal gifts first. After that, they can meet without gossip.”
With both mother and son agreeing, Shi Wuxiang had no objections.
“Exchange items?” Yuan Zhao asked, confused. He had never gone through a proper marriage arrangement before.
“Yes,” Madam Zhang said. “Engagement requires exchanging tokens. It’s for future recognition. If things don’t work out later, the tokens can simply be returned.”
Yuan Zhao didn’t understand these things. Knowing it was his own misunderstanding, he did not ask further. He only silently remembered it all, so it could be used later when arranging marriage talks for Yuan Ge’er. By then, it would just be the two brothers, and they would still need to earn more money.
No, that’s not right. When leaving, he had to take everything that belonged to him.
Although the two families had spoken quite well, after consulting someone for divination, they learned that this year happened to fall into some taboo period. It was not suitable to set an engagement this year, so the matter could only be delayed until next year. In any case, it was only half a year away.
By next year they could be engaged, so Shi Qingyue naturally did not dare to slack off anymore. Gritting his teeth and stamping his foot, he threw himself into Shi Wuxiang’s classroom, where he suffered his “torment,” while his studies indeed improved.
Shi Wuxiang gradually sensed something was off. He did not know since when Yuan Zhao had stopped coming to visit him every month. Every meeting was only during the two rest days at the end of the month, which was absolutely not enough for him.
On another rest day, Shi Wuxiang finally could not help but ask.
“Why haven’t you come to the academy to see me in the past few months?”
“I… just feel this year is very cold and don’t really want to go out. But if you want me to visit you, I can go once every three to five days like before,” Yuan Zhao said softly.
He already felt uncomfortable, so Shi Wuxiang naturally could not bear to let him go out in freezing weather.
He held him tightly in his arms and sighed, “Forget it. If you get sick or feel pain, won’t I be the one suffering? You should just stay home and rest. I heard from Xia Lian that you stay in your room every day. Why not go out and walk around with Miss Xu?”
Ever since that incident, Xu Ling had often sent him things and told him about what was happening in the Yu family. The Yu family had been thoroughly investigated by the county magistrate, exposing what Yu Qing had done before. He had spent a large sum of money trying to settle it, but even the farmland and shops could not be saved.
Yuan Zhao did enjoy listening to her talk, but he did not want to go out. He always lacked energy. Going to the village to see Yuan Ge’er and waiting for Shi Wuxiang to come home were the happiest moments for him.
“I don’t want to go out. Why do you always push me out?” Yuan Zhao said a little unhappily, though his voice was soft, sounding almost like he was acting spoiled.
“I’m not pushing you out. Then how about I take a few days off and stay home with you?” Shi Wuxiang looked down at him.
Yuan Zhao’s eyes lit up for a moment, then he hesitated again.
“No, no. You still have official duties. Taking leave all the time isn’t proper.”
“It’s fine. If there are matters at home, I can naturally take leave. Nothing is more important than you,” Shi Wuxiang said a little awkwardly, his ears turning red after speaking.
Yuan Zhao looked up at him, somewhat overwhelmed with surprise. At this point, he no longer cared about anything else. He only wanted to seize every moment he could to stay with A-Xiang.
So he said, “Then take leave and stay with me.”
Shi Wuxiang curved his eyes. “Alright.”
With Shi Wuxiang staying with him, Yuan Zhao became noticeably happier. From the moment he woke in the morning until night, he could see him and sleep in his arms—there was nothing more pleasant than that.
He was watched while eating every day, and Yuan Zhao visibly gained more energy than before.
The two even dressed properly and went to the eatery’s private room to drink tea. Even if they said nothing, the atmosphere was relaxed and pleasant.
Shi Wuxiang did not mention returning to the academy, and Yuan Zhao did not bring it up either. They stayed at home for five days straight. Only when Yuan Zhao truly could no longer pretend ignorance did he push him back to the academy.
He knew the students must already be anxiously waiting for him, while he himself wanted to monopolize the other person forever. That alone was his mistake.
No one truly belongs to anyone forever.
This time, Yuan Zhao did not fall into gloom again. He went to the eatery every day to check on things and adjusted the menu according to sales, attracting more customers.
“Has the owner not come to the eatery recently? Did something happen?” Lu Xiu asked softly.
“Earlier, A-Xiang came home to keep me company, so I didn’t come,” Yuan Zhao replied somewhat embarrassedly, though there was a faint hint of pride on his face.
He just wanted Lu Xiu to understand reality, just like he did.
Lu Xiu did not ask further. He knew Yuan Zhao might have already seen through it, and being overly concerned would seem impolite.
Although Yuan Zhao did not visit Shi Wuxiang as frequently as before, he still tried to go every ten days. There was no need to punish himself in advance for things that had not yet happened.
That was not his nature.
Time quickly passed into the end of the year. This winter’s snow came early. As soon as the ground began to freeze, snow started falling, making travel difficult for Shi Wuxiang. Yuan Zhao simply hired people to clear the snow; otherwise, they might only meet once a month.
Anything solvable with money was a small matter. Shi Wuxiang and the others also successfully returned to the town by year’s end.
“What did you buy?” Shi Wuxiang asked.
It was not really curiosity—he simply liked hearing Yuan Zhao talk. His murmuring voice could go on and on, and Shi Wuxiang loved listening to it.
Yuan Zhao counted on his fingers and said, “There are many people at home, so we bought a whole pig to make more dumplings and stewed ribs, half a sheep and two lamb legs. Mutton soup in winter is the most comfortable. We also bought some fruits and pastries.”
“What do you want for New Year’s Eve dinner?” Shi Wuxiang asked softly.
For the past two years, he had been the one cooking New Year’s Eve dinner. The Shi family had already gotten used to him casually making strange but delicious dishes—after all, scholars’ minds were different from ordinary people’s.
Hearing this, Yuan Zhao immediately began listing dishes. Not only did he want everything they had eaten before again, he also wanted hot pot.
“I want spicy food. Are you starting to plan the menu today?” Yuan Zhao asked impatiently. “Should we call Fu Ying and the others too? They rarely come to the house, after all—they’re your friends.”
Shi Wuxiang did not expect him to say that, but then thought: his friends were his friends.
He smiled and nodded. “Alright. I’ll send someone to invite them. After the New Year, we’ll just exchange gifts and not let anyone disturb us.”
After the New Year…
Yuan Zhao hid the emotion in his eyes, his beautiful eyes narrowing into a smile.
Chengdu and the other two soon arrived. Likely thinking they would not visit again after the New Year, they brought quite a lot of things.
“Rare invitation,” Chengdu said with a grin. “I’m here for a feast—make me good dishes!”
Yuan Zhao snorted. “We’re eating hot pot today. Don’t even think about making A-Xiang tired.”
Chengdu clicked his tongue. “Listen to that hospitality. I’m going to spread this everywhere later so people can judge—what kind of host is this? A-Ying, what are you doing?”
Fu Ying silently withdrew his gaze. “Nothing. Too lazy to listen to you talk nonsense.”
Chengdu pretended to strike him, but stopped when he saw the children. It wouldn’t do to be rough in front of them.
“Yuan Ge’er, I heard you’re studying in the village school now? How’s your learning? Want big brother to test you?” Chengdu asked.
“Trying to show off?” Fu Ying lifted his elbow and bumped him, then looked at Yuan Yuan’s head. “You’ve grown quite a bit taller.”
Yuan Yuan’s eyes lit up. “Really?”
Fu Ying, usually expressionless, showed a faint smile. “Much taller. You’re already up to my waist. You’ve been eating well, haven’t you?”
“Mm-hmm!” Yuan Yuan had originally been a little afraid of him, since he usually only secretly patted his round head, but this time he actually talked to him.
It felt like he was even easier to get along with than Brother A-Xiang.
Shi Wuxiang: Achoo.
“Waist?” Chengdu mischievously gestured. “He reaches your butt—ah!”
He was immediately hit by Fu Ying’s elbow, accompanied by a sharp look. What nonsense was he saying in front of a child?
Yuan Yuan understood instantly and looked at Chengdu with grievance. Then he ran toward Shi Wuxiang with tears in his eyes. He would never talk to that bad fox again!
“Are you bored out of your mind?” Shi Wuxiang said coldly as he picked Yuan Yuan up. “If you have nothing to do, go prepare the ingredients.”
Chengdu pouted. “Alright, alright. None of you are easy to deal with~”
At the Shi household, no one could sit idle when eating hot pot. Everyone knew this well. Fu Ying comforted Yuan Ge’er a few words and went to the kitchen with Hu Lu.
Fortunately, the kitchen had been enlarged according to Shi Wuxiang’s request, or else it would not have fit so many tall scholars.
There were many men eating. Dozens of plates of meat alone were sliced, along with Yuan Zhao’s frozen meatballs—sixty in total, thirty of which were taken out specially.
The custom hot pot was much larger than the borrowed one before. Once placed on the stove, it no longer looked so big. Bowls, dishes, and sauces filled the table, enough for them to eat comfortably.
There was also leftover fruit wine at home, which paired with the meal to give it a unique flavor.
“If this were sold in a shop, it would definitely sell well,” Chengdu said, extremely satisfied, wishing he could eat it every day.
“Too much effort for too little reward,” Shi Wuxiang said helplessly. Just this meal alone had taken them half an afternoon to prepare.
If they really opened a shop, it would not be worthwhile in Qingshui Town or Mingqu County. Labor alone would be troublesome, and people would not be willing to spend that much for a meal.
It was just a casual remark from Chengdu. Hearing this, he knew it had been seriously considered, so he said no more and focused on eating.
Yuan Zhao ate with the greatest delight. Every slice of meat had to be fully coated in sauce, and he even needed an early sip of sweet wine to refresh himself. If he could eat like this every day, then he would be able to eat so well every single day!
“Eat slower,” Shi Wuxiang softly reminded him. “Am I shorting you food and drink? Eating so recklessly isn’t you afraid of getting diarrhea?”
“How can you say things like that while eating?” Yuan Zhao was a little displeased and lightly punched him in secret. Then he picked up a slice of meat fully covered in sauce from his own bowl and fed it to him. “Alright, you’ve eaten too. Stop talking to me.”
Shi Wuxiang: “…………………”
You feel unfamiliar to me.
Yuan Yuan usually sat next to Yuan Zhao, but today there were many people in the house so they sat randomly. He got squeezed next to Fu Ying, and no one even helped him pick up food. He reached out for a long time but still couldn’t grab the meatball.
“You want meatballs?” Fu Ying looked at him in surprise.
Then, using serving chopsticks, he swiftly fished out a firm, springy meatball from the pot and steadily placed it into Yuan Yuan’s bowl.
“Eat.”
“You’re amazing. Can you pick up two at once? My brother can,” Yuan Yuan asked.
His brother was especially good at serving him food and could even scoop up five peanuts in one chopstick motion. He had trained that skill back when they were in the Yuan household.
Fu Ying paused silently for a moment, then nodded slightly. “I’ll try.”
But he really couldn’t do it, and there were others eating the pot too, so he couldn’t just stir it around. In the end, he simply used a spoon to scoop five meatballs and gave them to him.
Same thing—and even more than two.
“You’re really amazing,” Yuan Yuan praised very satisfied. After getting his meatballs, he stopped talking to him.
Fu Ying only then realized this little one had done it on purpose.
Dozens of plates of meat, vegetables, and various meatballs were all eaten clean. The sweet wine and fruit wine were also completely finished. Everyone leaned back in their chairs, no longer as spirited as when they started.
Yuan Zhao was even a bit drowsy from the fruit wine, leaning back and half-asleep, shifting around in his chair. Shi Wuxiang had no choice but to take him to the latrine.
“I can go myself,” Yuan Zhao said, his head resting against Shi Wuxiang’s chest, but it had no convincing power at all.
“You’d probably fall in. I’ll support you,” Shi Wuxiang said as he helped him into the latrine. He instinctively wanted to help him, but just as his hand was about to touch him, he suddenly pulled back.
What was he doing to a child who hadn’t even reached adulthood?
Yuan Zhao looked at him blankly, not understanding why his hand was wavering like that. With the alcohol hitting him harder, he didn’t even know what he was doing, so he leaned against him and handled things himself comfortably.
Shi Wuxiang let out a heavy sigh and led him out.
“You’re back just in time. It’s getting late—we should head back,” Chengdu said while rubbing his stomach with a laugh. “Eating at your place makes me feel like I don’t need to eat for two days.”
Shi Wuxiang chuckled. “Then come every two days. You’ll save grain like this. After the New Year, I won’t be going out much, and I’ll send gifts over instead.”
“Got it.”
“Let’s go.”
They were never together because of gifts or formalities in the first place. Moreover, being with people who spoke plainly was always more comfortable.
Gou Yi respectfully escorted them out and locked the door.
New Year’s Day.
Snow hung in the air above their heads. It was the first time in years that it had snowed on the first day of the new year. Yuan Zhao was overjoyed, wrapped in a thick cloak, running wildly in the snow, even dragging Yuan Yuan and Ranran along with him.
On such snowy days, the Shi household simply closed its doors to guests. No one would normally come visiting on the first day of the year anyway, so it was even quieter.
The snow fell the entire day. Though each flake was light, continuous falling still formed a layer of accumulation. Shi Wuxiang instructed the servants to clear it, and the day passed just like that.
Because of the snow, the Spring Festival was especially quiet. Gifts sent were returned in equal measure. Those families under the Shi household’s name also came to pay respects and left after receiving rewards.
Through those account records and lists, Yuan Zhao finally realized just how far apart he and Shi Wuxiang truly were. Even without him, Shi Wuxiang could still achieve everything he had now. But without Shi Wuxiang, what he himself would have become was hard to say.
So he was not the one who came to save Shi Wuxiang—his existence was more like a cover.
On the seventh day of the new year, Shi Wuxiang took Shi Qingyue back to the county academy. Yuan Zhao braved the cold wind and went to the academy every three days. The more often he went, the more times he could see Shi Wuxiang.
In March, in just three months, he would take Yuan Yuan and leave.
Recently Yuan Zhao had been coming to the academy frequently. Shi Wuxiang was both heartache-stricken and happy. Being remembered by the one he loved—no one could resist smiling.
He had also tried to ask indirectly whether Yuan Zhao had solved that poem, but Yuan Zhao never answered directly. It was obvious he still hadn’t figured it out. But it didn’t matter—he would personally tell him one day.
To save Yuan Zhao from making the trip back and forth, Shi Wuxiang simply changed his routine. In the evenings, he returned from the county town to the village to eat and sleep with Yuan Zhao, then went back to the academy early the next morning.
“Don’t tire yourself like this. I can see you anytime anyway,” Yuan Zhao said, worried. He would rather inconvenience himself than let Shi Wuxiang travel in the cold wind.
Shi Wuxiang was dressing when he heard him and turned back to look.
Yuan Zhao’s well-kept hair fell loosely over him, and his thin white inner robe was slightly open at the collar, revealing a delicate collarbone.
Just waking up, his usually clear eyes were misty. He raised his hand to rub them, and his slender fingers seemed to brush across Shi Wuxiang’s chest, carrying an unintentional temptation.
An indescribable heat rose up inside him. Shi Wuxiang felt as if he might be consumed entirely. Ever since realizing Yuan Zhao had turned eighteen, every night had been a struggle like this.
And today was especially intense.
“How could I bear to tire you?” Shi Wuxiang’s voice was slightly hoarse. “Sleep well. Don’t go to the academy these few days. I’ll come back myself.”
“Mm…” Yuan Zhao nodded blankly.
Shi Wuxiang turned and left quickly, eager for the cold morning wind to clear his mind. Otherwise, he might not be able to step out of that door today.
But he was destined not to leave immediately.
“Ah Xiang.”
Yuan Zhao called him.
His slightly hoarse voice sounded almost like he was acting spoiled.
“What is it?”
“If you’re leaving without a hug today?”
Shi Wuxiang’s breath stalled. He turned sharply back and saw the young man propped on the bed, head tilted as he looked at him—cute, yet faintly tempting in a youthful way.
Or perhaps there was no temptation at all.
It was only that his own heart was impure.
He strode to the bedside and pulled the slender body into a tight embrace, murmuring a few words to coax him before hurriedly leaving.
Yuan Zhao’s cheeks flushed red. He shyly hid back under the blankets and hugged Shi Wuxiang’s pillow, drifting into a second sleep.
Some habits take ten or fifteen days to form—but some form in a single moment.
From then on, Shi Wuxiang never forgot to hug him each day. Though every departure was slightly rushed, he gladly accepted it.
As the weather gradually warmed, Yuan Zhao knew they were about to leave. The three-year agreement with Shi Wuxiang was almost upon them.
“Today I need to go out. Sister Xiaomei, watch the shop,” Yuan Zhao said, then looked at Xia Lian. “You don’t need to follow me. Stay at the shop and wait.”
He was going to Yangma Town to see Xingtao Village.
If they were to stay there in the future, they needed a place first. It would save Yuan Yuan from hardship, and it would be even better if there was a school.
After nearly two hours of travel, he arrived at Xingtao Village. As he had heard, it was truly beautiful—even before entering, he could see peach and apricot blossoms blooming across the hills.
After a long delay in the village and returning in the evening, he brought back peach and apricot branches, along with two jars of clear wine given by the village chief.
Xia Lian was frantic when she saw him. “Madam! You’re finally back! Master has already returned home. I told him you’d be back soon, and he’s rushing home now—we should hurry too!”
“I know,” Yuan Zhao said with a smile. “Xia Lian, tomorrow before dawn, go pick Yuan Yuan back for me.”
Xia Lian hesitated. “Did something happen?”
“I’m taking him to the neighboring county to see my aunt. I haven’t seen her in a long time.”
“Yes, I understand.”
Xia Lian didn’t know his past and simply agreed.
Yuan Zhao returned home carrying flowers and wine.
For once, it was Shi Wuxiang waiting for him at home. Yuan Zhao felt deeply moved—but also guilty. How could he let Shi Wuxiang wait?
“Ah Xiang! I’m back!”
He rushed in holding slightly wilted flower branches, smiling brightly as he stood before Shi Wuxiang, full of affection, like blooming blossoms scattering everywhere.
Shi Wuxiang did not even clearly see the person before he was blinded by the sudden swing of flower branches. Looking at Yuan Zhao, who was even more beautiful than the flowers themselves, all his anger immediately dissolved—there was nothing left to gather.
“Where did you go to cut these branches?” Shi Wuxiang asked with a sigh.
“I can’t tell you. Are they pretty?” Yuan Zhao asked with a smile.
Shi Wuxiang curved his lips silently. “Pretty.”
Yuan Zhao lowered his gaze and asked a very bold question.
“What’s pretty? The flowers, or me?”