Though he said he would not give Han Yang anymore soup, Qing Gege [Big Brother] still returned to his family’s mansion the next day to tell Aunt Zhou about what Han Yang had said, as well as to ask her what the problem could have been.
After his recount of the matter, Aunt Zhou laughingly explained, “Young Master, I’ve been a chef for more than half of my life, so it’s a given that my skills must be better when compared to yours.”
“Then what am I supposed to do?” Helian Qing drew his brows into a knit.
“You just need to practice a few more times and you’ll get better. I already had the ingredients for this afternoon prepared.” Aunt Zhou then jested, “Who would’ve known the Young Master could be so impatient?”
“Can we just get to the soup?” Helian Qing stated expressionlessly, though on the inside, he stir-fried that free-riding [1] piece of salted fish, known as Han Yang, repeatedly.
Aunt Zhou, “Alright then, I’ll teach you how to do it now. So today will be……”
“Hujiao Zhudu soup.” Helian Qing said.
[T/n: Pepper Pig Belly (soup)]
“Okay.” Aunt Zhou laughed as she got the ingredients ready one by one, while Helian Qing explained once more.
Due to his wish to learn how to make many soups, he immediately got out his notebook to take notes. Intending to record all the necessary ingredients and their quant.i.ties.
The butler stood at the sidelines, looking on at his Young Master learning earnestly, sincerely lamenting, “Ah, coaxing a wife is truly not easy!”
Later that evening, Helian Qing brought the soup he cooked back home. Han Yang took the thermos containing it, then opened it, the act allowing him to smell the concentrated flavour of the pork belly and pepper bounded together. Since the ingredients were slowly stewed together for around three hours, it gave the soup a rich aroma, and drinking such soups during winter, was quite fitting.
“How is it?” Helian Qing came right out and asked as he watched Han Yang take a sip of the soup.
“It’s not bad, just a little too strong.” Han Yang replied.
“Is it the pepper?” Helian Qing asked before he took a bite himself, making the decision to add a bit less spice the next time.
“Mhm, but other than that, it’s alright to eat.” Han Yang said as he again took a bite.
This one isn’t too bad. Helian Qing thought.
Han Yang had now finished his bite and was preparing to take another when Helian Qing stopped him all of a sudden, and said, “Don’t eat it. Next time I’ll have them add less pepper.”
“It’s alright. The chef worked hard to make this soup, throwing it out will be wasteful.”
“I know that very well.” Helian Qing said this, but he still stopped Han Yang’s spoon of soup.
“What?” Han Yang asked, not hearing what he had said.
“It’s nothing, just eat.” Helian Qing directed.
“Okay.” Han Yang nodded, continuing to eat his dinner.
For the next week, Helian Qing had brought home a soup with him everyday. One day, Han Yang could not help but ask, “Is the new chef honing his technical skills everyday?”
In the process of eating his meal, Helian Qing’s hand halted, “Why do you care so much about what he’s doing?”
“I just feel this is too much of a bother, since Aunty Su and the others aren’t there, yet we’re still troubling Shifu everyday to make these soups just for my benefit.” Han Yang said shyly. “Actually, I think we can make the soups for ourselves.”
[T/n: Shifu is just a polite way to refer to a professional.]
“Don’t you have anything better to do?” Helian Qing said impatiently.
“……” Han Yang was left speechless.
“Just remember to be grateful.” Helian Qing reminded him.
“Yes, yes, yes, Master Helian.” Han Yang agreed.
Master Helian was indeed pleased by that dried salted fish’s tact, thus he replenished the younger man’s soup, “Your reward.”
“Thank you, Princess, for this recompense.” Han Yang said, beaming.
“Shut it.” Helian Qing gently scolded, “Do you want go to heaven right now? Call me that again, try it.”
Han Yang stuck out his tongue, before cheerfully lowering his head, then continued to eat his dinner.
When his afternoon cla.s.s ended, Han Yang was stopped by his Daoshi [Mentor], and the two went down the stairs together.
Daoshi, “The bonus from the last project came in, so I’ll call you later when it’s transferred to your card, alright.”
Han Yang nodded, “Yes. Thank you Laoshi [Teacher].”
With a wave of their hand, Daoshi added, “Why so formal, you’ve worked very hard for this for very long, so take some time to rest now.”
Han Yang smiled, “It was no trouble.” After all, he was very thankful to Daoshi for giving him such an opportunity.
Patting his shoulder, Daoshi then said, “Go on home, alright.”
Han Yang gave a nod, “Goodbye, Daoshi.”
Because he had no more cla.s.ses that afternoon, Han Yang went to the cafeteria to grab a bite to eat then headed straight home.
Just as he had returned, he received a message reading “□□ has been deposited into your account”, and above those words was the word “Bonus”.
This had been the first time a project kept him busy for an entire two months, and Han Yang had indeed endured many a long night. But, even though he was tired, the bonus amount was quite good, and so it was all regarded as being worth it.
He sent a message to Laoshi, confirming he had received the money, then after that, made his way to the study and turned on his computer. Once on, he opened a file labelled “Bill”, which he used to record the debt his mother and father owed to Helian Qing.
He proceeded to record his just received bonus, which had before it, a few amounts noted as well. But, in the face of such a tremendous amount of debt, those few sums were tantamount to drops of water before an ocean [2] —insignificant.
Han Yang took out his phone, checked his savings in the bank, and again recorded the details into the files before saving it, intending to shut off his computer.
Just as he put his phone aside, it rang. The incoming call being from Mo Suya.
“Aunty Su.” Han Yang closed off the file and received the call.
“A’Yang, are you at home, by chance?” Mo Suya asked.
“Yeah. Did you return from your trip?” Han Yang also asked.
“Yeah, we just left the airport, so in a little bit we’ll pa.s.s by your apartment to take you back with us to have a meal. See you later, okay. ” Mo Suya said happily.
“Alright, see you soon.” Han Yang replied.
After he hung up, Han Yang gave Helian Qing a call, but it went unanswered. He figured the other was most likely busy so he instead decided to get himself ready for the time being, then wait for Mo Suya to arrive.
It was about half an hour later when Mo Suya had arrived, Helian Cheng was also with her.
“Did Grandad not come back?” Han Yang asked.
“Oh, Lao Yezi ran into an old friend, so he decided to stay for a couple more days.” Mo Suya answered, reaching to fix Han Yang’s collar while she continued, “Today is such a chilly day, why are you wearing so little? Are those clothes warm enough? Tomorrow, I’ll go with you so we can get you some thick winter wear.”
“I have enough, I already have quite a lot of winter clothes.” Han Yang said quickly, as not too long ago, Helian Qing had someone order him quite a few sets of down garments, and even still proceeded to drag him to buy a lot more clothes. So now, half of their closet was occupied by his clothes.
“That’s fine, then. Just put on a bit more layers.” Mo Suya then added, “I called A’Qing a moment ago, but the call didn’t go through, you two aren’t b.u.t.ting heads again these days, right? He’s not bullying you, is he?”
“No, were doing quite fine.” Han Yang responded.
“Okay. Then, I brought gifts for the two of you. So, when we get back home I’ll show you.” Mo Suya said.
“Sure, thank you Aunty Su.” Han Yang smiled.
When they returned, Mo Suya gave everyone their gifts she had brought back. In addition to Helian Qing and Han Yang, Lao Guanjia [Butler] and Aunt Zhou were not left out. Mo Suya had even brought a few chocolates to share amongst the female servants. After she was done distributing the presents, she along with Helian Cheng, both went upstairs to unpack their things. So now, Han Yang, who was left sitting by his lonesome and bored, saw that Aunt Zhou was busy in the kitchen, thus he simply went over to help.
“Let me give you a hand.” Han Yang said, wanting to help wash the vegetables. But just as he went over to a.s.sist Aunt Zhou, a startled young girl, hurriedly took the vegetables aside, saying, “There is no need, that’s not necessary!”
“Then, can I help you cut them?” Han Yang asked.
“No, there’s no need to!” The young girl shook her head vigorously.
“Then……”
“Young Master A’Yang, you shouldn’t frighten her. Just wait outside, alright.” Aunt Zhou said cheerily.
“But I’m so bored.” Han Yang also laughed.
“Then, what kind of soup do you want to eat today? Aunt Zhou will make you some soup.” Aunt Zhou asked.
After he heard what she said, Han Yang remembered that Shifu that helped to give him those soups, so he asked, “Aunt Zhou, who’s the new cook?”
“New cook?” A puzzled Aunt Zhou asked.
“Yeah, the one who gave me soup for that past few days, so I want to thank him for the trouble.” Han Yang elaborated.
“Oh! Who did I think you were talking about, eh!” Aunt Zhou laughed, “There aren’t any new chefs here, those soups were all the Young Master’s. He came here everyday to let me teach him about then.”
Han Yang froze, and again asked , “Who did you just say it was?”
“Young Master Qing.” Aunt Zhou, replied then added, “He said he wanted to soothe your stomach, so everyday, he came back here to ask me to teach how to do it. He even wrote everything down in a huge notebook!”
All the soup given to him this week was from Helian Qing? He even took notes in a giant notebook?!
Han Yang felt dumb, because that idea had never occurred to him! He instantaneously felt as if someone had smacked him, leaving his mind in a daze.
It was no wonder that those days where Helian Qing brought soup back with him, he always asked whether or not it tastes good. Also, why if he said there was a problem, that guy’s face would get all sour, but if he praised it, he would be gifted with another serving.
So it turns out all the soups were cooked by him, doesn’t it?
Aunt Zhou saw he was still speechless, so she added, “Every time you finished eating, the Young Master would write down the issue, then he’d have me teach him how to adjust them based on your preferences. So, how was it? Are you accustomed to the taste?”
“……I’m used to it.” Han Yang nodded. With such kindhearted intentions, how could I not get used to it.
“That’s good, then.” Aunt Zhou smiled, then urged him, “Don’t let the Young Master know that I told you about it, alright? He’s a bit sensitive, so he’ll probably get mad and not cook anymore!”
With that Princess Qing’s temper, I think he’ll definitely be p.i.s.sed.
“I got it.” Han Yang nodded, and asked, “Oh right, Aunt Zhou, you mentioned that he took notes in a book. Where exactly is it? Can I take a look?”
“It’s up in the Young Master’s room. You can go up and get it yourself, if you want?” Aunt Zhou answered. Helian Qing came by everyday, so his notebook was always left there.
“I will. Thank you Aunt Zhou.” Han Yang expressed his grat.i.tude before heading upstairs.
“Aunt Zhou, is it really not a problem that you exposed the Young Master?” The young woman who helped wash the vegetables asked.
“Why would it be an issue? Not revealing it just now would’ve been the problem.” Aunt Zhou explained, “The Young Master, that man, is as stubborn as a mule [2]. If I hadn’t said anything, Young Master Yang wouldn’t know, and those two would just end up going around in even more circles.”
“So that’s how it it is.” The young girl nodded, “Old ginger really is hotter than the new [3].”
“That’s right!” Aunt Zhou said smugly.
Han Yang made his way to Helian Qing’s room, immediately seeing the notebook atop his desk as he entered.
He then went to pick it up, and opened it.
On several pages at the front of the book, there were a few scattered numbers and dates. Han Yang guessed that Helian Qing must have written those when he was at work. He then turned the a few more pages to see “Food and drinks to take held of during a Stomach Cold”, written at the top of the page, and below each item was a small list of dishes:
Chenpi Paigu soup, Hujiao Zhu Du soup, Dangshen Huangqi Yangrou soup [4], etc……
[Tangerine peel and Spareribs Soup; Pepper Pig Belly Soup; Codonopsis & Astralagus root with Mutton Soup…]
Above, he jotted down a few of the soups Han Yang had eaten. He originally did think it was a new chef, not expecting it to be Helian Qing.
Again, he turned the page, where he then saw Aunt Zhou’s words written down. On several pages, her words were carefully transcribed, including detailed records of the quant.i.ty of each ingredient, as well as their required cooking time.
Among these, there were several soups which had even more notations following them of what ingredients to reduce, such as pepper, dried tangerine peels, etc. All of them being the soups he had given suggestions on.
Translated by -[iana]-, read at :anameescans [DOT] wordpress [DOT] com
Because of his exposure to the freezing cold during his childhood, his stomach suffered from Hanqi (chills) [5]. Furthermore, due to it being an old untreated ailment, taking care of it was not easy. He had also been quite busy with attending his cla.s.ses as well as a simultaneous jobs to make money, that he simply did not have enough will inclination to take care of it himself. Therefore, very often, at those times when he experienced pain, he would just take some pills and endure it until it had pa.s.sed.
This problem if his was not all that serious, but he had never thought that anyone would do something to such an extent just for him.
Helian Qing being the kind of man, to all of a sudden wash his hands and make soup, was something that if you said it out loud, there would be no one who would regard it as truth. From their time together, Han Yang had come to the understanding Helian Qing, without a doubt, before meeting him, had never once washed his in chopsticks, let alone, prepared a soup.
Yet he, of all people, still did so. He even went as far as to fill several pages with notes recording all his own preferences, one after another.
In that instant, Han Yang’s heart swelled with pain, he even felt his eyes becoming unable to contain the wretched sensation which arose. He blinked his eyes in an effort to dispel the mist, but it was useless. All he could do was to use book within his hands to shield his face. That movement of his hands resulting in a piece of paper residing within the journal to fall out.
Han Yang picked up the item and had a look, it was a business card.
——Chen Qingqing, Occupation: Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Han Yang simply reinserted it into the book, which just so happened to turn to a page in the middle, where he found the following things written at the top.
December 18th, 20xx – Morning
Jiang Shanlu, Occupation: Doctor of TCM – Acupuncture & Moxibustion
December 19th, 20xx – Morning
Jiang Shanlu, Occupation: Doctor of TCM – Acupuncture & Moxibustion
They were both dates for the upcoming weekend.
Han Yang suddenly recalled that a few days ago, Helian Qing said he would be taking him out for something that coming weekend. When he asked where there were going, Helian Qing did not say, and now that he saw those notes, Han Yang immediately understood.
That this course of acupuncture treatment, was actually arranged for him.
That year his parents abandoned him, it had happened to be freezing cold day during the twelfth lunar month. He was left with the aftereffects of the frostbite he got back then, so now, every year during the coldest parts of winter, he was practically always in pain. Back then, his family’s economic situation was not that great, not to mention, it had not been easy for his grandfather to afford sending him to school. With that, and out of fear of worrying his Grandpa, he dared not mention it. Afterwards, as he grew older, he slowly got accustomed to the pain, just as he did with his Stomach Cold, becoming indifferent to both.
But now, there was someone who got in contact with a doctor for his legs, and they even arranged for acupuncture treatments.
That made Han Yang shocked, and even moreso at a complete and utter loss at what he should do.
Apart from his Grandpa, there was no one else who cared for him. He had never expected there was someone hidden from him who would hold him dearly at the pinnacle of their heart.
Stretching his hand to rub his knee, Han Yang took a deep breath, then slowly sat himself on a nearby chair, remaining still, as he stared at the words in Helian Qing’s notebook for a very long time.
“Buzz, buzz———”
Han Yang’s phone vibrated in his pocket. He fished it out to see it was Helian Qing who was calling him.
Dazedly, Han Yang gazed at the two words “Helian Qing”, forgetting to answer the call leaving it to eventually cut itself off.
Han Yang wanted to call him back, but Helian Qing called again himself.
“What are you doing not answering your phone?” Helian Qing’s tone was quite cranky.
Han Yang did not respond, fearing he would be unable to restrain the intense emotions suppressed in his chest, and that his tears will fall.
“Say something.” Helian Qing asked again after noting the lad’s lack of a response, “Why didn’t you answer the phone?”
“…Helian Qing.” Han Yang spoke, discovering his voice sounded a bit hoa.r.s.e after the fact.
“What’s wrong?” Helian Qing noticed his voice did not sound right, “Who bullied you?”
Han Yang swallowed a breath, then said, “You did!”
“When did I do something to bully you?” Helian Qing asked.
“What time are you coming back?” Han Yang changed the topic.
“I’ll be late, tonight there’s a dinner party, and I won’t make it back in time for supper, so you should just obediently eat your dinner, okay.” Helian Qing said.
“Then, am I going to still be eating soup today?” Han Yang inquired.
“Do you want to eat soup?” Helian Qing asked in return.
“Mhm, I got accustomed to eating it.” Han Yang said.
“The chef requested a day off today, so I’ll ask Aunt Zhou make it for you, alright?” Helian Qing said, pretending to sound serious.
“That’s alright, I was just asking, I like eating the soup the new chef makes.” Han Yang did not expose him.
“Is that so.” Helian Qing’s voice had an obvious glimmer of joy as he spoke, “Then tomorrow, I’ll get him to cook for you.”
“Okay.” Han Yang paused for a while, then again called out to him, “Helian Qing.”
“Mn?” Helian Qing groaned.
“Come back early, I’ll be waiting for you at home.” Han Yang said, before hanging up the phone soon after.
At the other end of the line, Helian Qing held the phone in his hand for a good while, still unable to recover from Han Yang’s “Come back soon, I’ll be waiting for you at home”.
It was akin to a flirtatious lover waiting for him to return. This was the first time he had heard such words from Han Yang, so Helian Qing suspected there was something wrong.
[T/n: the phrase for flirtatious lover, can also mean spoiled child.]
He thought it over, then called Han Yang again.
“What happened?” Han Yang asked.
“Are you really alright?” Helian Qing was not too convinced.
“Why must there be something wrong?” Han Yang did not know if to cry or laugh, “I was just bored, so I asked when you’ll be back.”
“That’s fine, then. So, just obediently wait for you husband to come back home.” Helian Qing stated.
“Alright.” Han Yang, again, hung up right after he responded.
Helian Qing, again, held the phone in hand in shock. He referred to himself the lad’s husband, and Han Yang actually responded！！！
“Does this f.u.c.ker also want make a person not want to go to work?!” Helian Qing remained silent for quite a while, before he cursed that sentence through gritted teeth.
Han Yang did not know for how long Helian Qing would be busy, so he had dinner at the mansion and not long after, Mo Suya had someone drop him back to his home.
Back home, Han Yang could sense the diffidence in his steps. He felt that the day had seemed like a dream, a dream that was entirely of Helian Qing.
Han Yang had brought Helian Qing’s notebook back with him, the exquisite leather bound book felt heavy in his hands. The tender sentiments contained within that book carried too much weight, so much so, it bore down on his chest, making his heart start to tremble.
His fingers slowly dragged against the handwriting on the cover. Han Yang did not know how to describe the surging emotions within his chest. He did his best to rack his mind and for all the words he knew, but just as before, he was unable to find a suitable one to use.
They seemed to have their own consciousness which, little by little, gnawed away at his reason, his critical thinking, using those bites to form into the two words “Helian Qing”.
Helian Qing…… Helian Qing……
His mind was completely filled with Helian Qing.
Han Yang felt he should take a shower to calm himself down. Thus he put the book aside and went to the bathroom.
Translated by -[iana]-, read at :anameescans [DOT] wordpress [DOT] com
When Helian Qing returned it was past eleven o’clock that night. Han Yang heard the door open, so he immediately hopped off the sofa, dragging the padded quilt with him as he forgot he wore it while he scampered out, stopping dead in his tracks, at the sight of Helian Qing.
It’s obvious we just separated this morning, so why does it feel like it’s been a very long time since I saw you?
“You’re back.” Han Yang said.
“Mhm.” Helian Qing who had lowered his head to change his shoes, lifted it to look at the sound of the other man’s voice, wrinkling his brows at the sight of Han Yang’s bare feet stepping on the floorboards, “Where are your shoes?”
“Oh… I forgot them.” Han Yang replied before making his way to the cabinet to grab a pair. But, just as he went near Helian Qing, the man stooped, instantly drawing into an embrace.
Helian Qing carried the man in his arms into the living room, before resting him on the sofa. His large hands now rubbing the lad’s feet, where he discovered they were terribly cold so his tone was unpleasant when he then asked, “Where are your socks?”
“There’s no reason for me to wear socks at home, it has a heater.” Han Yang said as he withdrew his feet, however Helian Qing grabbed them, lifted them onto the sofa, then took the blanket nearby to cover him.
“Why are you so late?” Han Yang asked.
“Negotiations took some time.” Helian Qing squatted next to the sofa, holding Han Yang’s ankles, rubbing them. As he rubbed each side, he continued, “Next time don’t forget to wear your slippers or else I’ll just chop these off, alright.”
Han Yang did not contradict his words, he simply looked on at Helian Qing’s profile, prompting his heart to move, causing him to reach out his hand and touch the tip of the man’s nose.
His action caused Helian Qing’s hands to stop, as he lifted his head to look at the younger man, “What’re you doing?”
Han Yang pulled his hand back, “I just noticed that your very handsome all of a sudden.”
Helian Qing scoffed, shamelessly saying, “You just noticed that now? You have such an outstanding man as me, yet you just embrace a pillow. We don’t always have to be at each other’s throats everyday.”
“Yeah.” Han Yang nodded.
“……” His frankness made Helian Qing unable to help himself from looking at him from head to toe, “You’re acting weird, did you lose your marbles today?[6]”
“No, it was something in the soup.” Han Yang said, “Something in Chef Helian’s soup.”
Han Yang took the book from beside him and placed it before Helian Qing, saying, “I brought it back with me.”
Helian Qing was at first shocked for a couple seconds, following that, he reacted by pulling the book from Han Yang’s hands, fiercely saying, “What the h.e.l.l, I’m going to take a bath.”
After which, he wanted to stand up and leave, but Han Yang reached out to grab him, “Wait.”
“You’re so annoying. Just hurry up and get to bed……”
“Helian Qing.” Han Yang cut him off, “Do you like me?”
Annoyance revealed itself on Helian Qing’s face, then with a cold laugh, he taunted, “What are you playing at…”
His words were cut off, as Han Yang propped himself off the sofa, moved closer to that, yet again, offensive mouth where he placed a kiss.
The warm, soft lips against his own, made the book within Helian Qing’s hand fall to the ground, emitting a gentle echo with it’s “thud”, his entire being left dumbfounded.
Other than that day in the car when they registered their marriage, this was the first time since then that Han Yang himself kissed Helian Qing, as he had never taken the initiative to kiss him. This was because first, Helian Qing had absolutely no need for him to take the initiative, and the second being, he was too embarra.s.sed.
This time, his entire core wanted it to be. He truly wanted to kiss Helian Qing. He wanted to so much, he just did it.
Han Yang’s skill was quite poor, he had no technique at all as he kissed Helian Qing, so it came off a bit b.u.mpy. He awkwardly used his tongue to trace Helian Qing’s lips, it’s tip searching, wanting to pry his jaw open.
This proposed kiss was so unfamiliar, it made Helian Qing’s mind buzz. A hand then seized Han Yang’s waist, the receiver now becoming the attacker [7] as he pressed Han Yang onto the sofa, holding himself above him, danger dripping from his tone as he said, “Do you really want to stoke this flame?”
Han Yang swallowed, feeling his throat instantly become dry. His courage from not so long ago, once he noticed the desire within Helian Qing’s eyes, had now disappeared, and was nowhere to be seen. He had now fully transformed into a dried salted fish as he said hoa.r.s.ely, “Don’t you have to go take a bath? Hurry up and go!!”
“Alright, a bath it is.” Helian Qing nodded, got up, then bent over to lift Han Yang over his shoulder.
“What are you doing!” Suddenly having his head upside down after being carried over the man’s shoulder, gave Han Yang quite a fright, he used his hands to pound the man’s back, “Let me go, put me down!”
“What am I doing?” Helian Qing smiled grimly, then tossed out the words, “Taking a bath!”
[T/n: When Han Yang said “Hurry and go!” He used “吧” to end his sentence which can also mean “let’s”, so though he told HLQ to “Go on!” Helian Qing twisted his words to mean “Let’s go!”]
Helian Qing carried him to the bathroom right away, using one hand to hold Han Yang’s legs, while the other turned on the faucet of the bathtub. Han Yang now realizing the man’s intention, struggled and wanted to be put down, “Let me down, I already took a bath!”
Helian Qing, who remained undeterred, still held Han Yang over his shoulder as he gave a tug to the lad’s slacks, immediately pulling them off. With another tug, his underwear was also shed, exposing a perky b.u.t.t and slender thighs.
“Helian Qing! !” Han Yang having his bare b.u.t.tocks over the man’s shoulder, caused his entire being fill with utter shame and embarra.s.sment, “You, let me go! !”
“Smack!” Helian Qing spanked the lad’s b.u.t.t. The smack emitting a crisp sound.
Han Yang’s squirming came to a complete stop, while his face was now practically dripping blood.
……Just let me find a crack to dig my self into! Han Yang hopelessly thought.
Helian Qing swiftly pulled the rest of Han Yang’s clothes off and placed him into the tub.
From behind him, Han Yang heard the sound of Helian Qing undressing quite clearly in the bathroom. He nervously rubbed his hands together in the water, feeling as if time itself had froze, and he and Helian Qing were the only two people left on earth.
Helian Qing got in the tub and sat beside Han Yang. Since the bathtub was quite large, so even though two people were seated inside of it, there was much more room to spare. Han Yang withdrew from beside him, putting great effort into wanting to shrink himself into a strip of salted fish, wishing to reduce his own existence as much as possible.
But it was no use.
Helian Qing scoffed, leaned forward onto the lad’s back, his lips pressed against the other’s ear as he gently licked it, saying, “Is that all you got?”
His low, raspy tone carried traces of sensuality, causing Han Yang’s back to go numb, and his hands to grip themselves even more tightly, as heart “bthumped— —”, pounding violently, seeming as if it was unable to bear it.
……………………………………………
[The s.m.u.t would be censored so the author released it on her Weibo, but that was three years ago and I looked and am still looking so… cry with me
˚‧º·(˚ ˃̣̣̥᷄⌓˂̣̣̥᷅ )‧º·˚]
^^ That was what I was originally going to post but GUESS WHO FOUND THE s.m.u.t!!!!!!! It’ll be in part two
(۶ꈨຶꎁꈨຶ )۶ʸᵉᵃʰᵎ
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Notes:
Quick one, you saw how HLQ, is sometimes called Master right, when HY referenced the new chef he called him Shifu(a polite way to call someone skilled in a profession, or ~MASTER~). I thought that was funny. Anyway, read on…
[1]坐享其成: Meaning – to sit by and enjoy the fruits of another’s labour.
[2] 死鸭子嘴硬: lit. A very obstinate duck. Meaning – a stubborn person. Translated as, stubborn as a mule to keep the animal metaphor intact.
[3] 姜还是老的辣: lit. Old ginger is still hotter than the new. Meaning -Experience trumps inexperience.
[4] a. 陈皮排骨汤: Chenpi Paigu tang: The pork spareribs and citrus peel soup Helian Qing made first – taste, bitter.
b. 胡椒猪肚汤: Hujiao Zhudu tang: The Pepper pig belly/stomach soup he made second – taste, spicy.
(Pic above)
c. 党参黄芪羊肉汤: Dangshen Huangqi Yang Rou tang: Codonopsis (poor man’s ginseng) root, Astralagus (Chinese milkvetch) root, and mutton soup, soup number three – taste, smoky & rich. Note: the Dangshen and Huangqi roots, both have natural sweetness.
Codonopsis/Poor Man’s Ginseng, Root Astralagus/Milkvetch Root DHYR soup (minus the Dangshen) BTW, remember in chapter 15 when Han Yang mentioned he liked his milk with a touch a sweetness, so his preference is for things to have a bit of sweet in ’em.
Anyway, in his first soup, Helian Qing seemed to focus more on the fortifying benefits of the meal (in accordance with Traditional Chinese Medicine), dried tangerine peels are used to treat gastrointestinal issues. Next, he tried the Pepper Pig Belly, known for warming the stomach (TCM). Lastly, to cater to perfecting a dish perfect for his Little Saltfish’s preference, he tried the DHYR soup, where it’s two herbal ingredients are used to help balance/strengthen the tummy, with the Astralagus being recommended for people Han Yang’s age, not to mention mutton/lamb meat is good for people with a weak Yang, and made other soups from there on.
So, yeah, he put a lot of thought in those soups, and I really like saying “Pepper Pig Belly”
[5] a. 受寒: being affected by cold. In respect to Traditional Chinese Medicine, it has more to do with cold invading the body or a body that lost some of it’s Yang(heat).
b. 寒气: it means cold air/chill. But in TCM, it refers to the effects a build up of cold in the body causes. Like HY’s tummy trouble and leg pain. (If this is not right, tell meh:)
[6] 脑子进水: crazy/soft in the head. (The poor guy’s so confused )
[7] 反客为主: lit. the guest acts like the host. Meaning – pa.s.sive action turning into an active one.
(Stuff I forgot to mention:)
t.i.tles & names:
The Aunt used for Aunt Zhou and Mo Suya aren’t the same Aunt. Mo Suya is called 阿姨/姨 [mother’s sister/ polite reference for a woman your mom’s age, like Auntie]. While Aunt Zhou, is called 婶[which lit. means father’s younger brother’s wife] but since she’s not related to the family, it could just mean Mrs. I like Aunty Zhou more though.
The unnamed characters and food will be called as such in Chinese, because some of them are too gosh-darn long or odd sounding in a sentence eg. (DHYR soup and Fourth Dorm Brother{Laosi})
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This chapter (the original) is 11000 characters. To give some perspective, the first few chapters were around 2k and the last few have been around 3k to over 4k and the final set hovers around the latter amount.
It’ll take more time from now on.
See you at part 2~~