Chapter 53 – Trip to Lijiang (Extra 3, Part 5)
Novel t.i.tle: 一生之计在于春 (Spring is the Plan of Life)
Author：御小凡 (Yu Xiaofan)
Translator: K (@kin0monogatari)
Protagonists: 姚锦夕 (Yao Jinxi -MC), 吴洋 (Wu Yang -ML)
*Please read at knoxt.s.p.a.ce, the original site of translation. TQ*
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“Do you mind if I say it again?” Wu Yang turned his head to look at Yao Jinxi without any warning. The side of his face was illuminated by the lake, leaving no hiding place for the subtlest expressions.
Yao Jinxi tilted his head and looked back. He smiled slightly, “I love you too.”
These words have been said by lovers for countless years. But they will never lose their deeply moving power.
Wu Yang closed his eyes briefly before opening them again. His eyes filled with ripples and deep affection, “You said it too quickly.”
“Did I? I’ll pay attention next time.”
Yao Jinxi took the initiative to approach, giving Wu Yang the opportunity to kiss him.
Wu Yang certainly did not let the opportunity slip. “I love you. You and your existence.”
Originally, Yao Jinxi and Wu Yang only planned to stay at Lugu Lake for two days. These two days were enough for them to explore the lake on foot. However, Wu Yang, who had been constantly reminded by Yao Jinxi to “take care of your health and be safe,” had nothing to do. On the contrary, Yao Jinxi himself, due to a lack of exercise, felt really tired after these two days of exploring around.
It takes several hours by car from Lugu Lake to Lijiang. For Yao Jinxi, who is experiencing back pain and soreness, it is definitely a round of torture. Wu Yang decided at the last minute to stay an extra day.
In the room, there was a computer provided for them. The two of them could slowly organise the many photos Wu Yang had taken. Xia Ruonan urged them to take photos again and again. She was quite anxious too. She had wanted to go on a trip for a long time. When she was pregnant, she returned home to take care of herself. During that period of prenatal care, she found herself quite bored. Somehow, she developed a liking to paint.
Fu Hongyu was the kind of person who would go along with whatever she liked. No one expected that this girl, who casually started dabbling in art, would make a name for herself. Originally, it started with the pregnancy diary, ill.u.s.trated for fun with simple drawings. It became popular when serialised daily on her blog. Later, a publishing house contacted her and a small booklet was published.
So, contrary to everyone’s expectations, Xia Ruonan unexpectedly became an artist. She painted artworks of her little baby and the little things in life. Her painting skills were not on the professional level. But the simplicity and satisfaction in her thoughts, coupled with a childlike charm, made her perspectives simple. This touching quality could bring a smile to people’s faces. Surprisingly, she really gained a market.
Therefore, as long as it coincided with the child’s holidays, Xia Ruonan always had time to go out for a trip. But unfortunately, Fu Hongyu’s schedule was always tight. His performance has always been excellent. With shares in the law firm, he had officially transitioned from being in charge to being a business partner and he was busy from morning to night.
However, they might be able to squeeze out some vacation time this year. Xia Ruonan was actively choosing their destination for the trip.
“I told you to take pictures of the scenery. Why did you end up taking so many pictures of people…” Yao Jinxi took a bottle of the hotel’s homemade fruit wine called Qingnaman’an and dragged a chair to sit next to Wu Yang. He poured two gla.s.ses for each of them.
The alcohol content of this wine was not high. But the fragrance was very rich. Having just eaten a full meal, he took a sip and leaned back comfortably. He watched as Wu Yang imported all the photos into the computer. He flipped through them one by one. “The resolution is really high,” he commented. Although he commented that he was taking pictures of people, in reality, there was only Yao Jinxi in each frame. From various angles, whether he was aware or unaware, whether coordinated or uncoordinated, it was almost like shooting a photo alb.u.m of Yao Jinxi.
Wu Yang admired his own work as he said, “I think I did a pretty good job.” Yao Jinxi couldn’t deny this. As a beginner, Wu Yang’s composition and use of light were already impressive. “Keep the ones without people. Hey, is this the pier? Why didn’t I see this place?”
“Holding the camera makes you particularly sensitive to the scenery, that’s why I suggested you give it a try too.” With so many photos to choose from, the selection process was time-consuming. But they enjoyed chatting while making their choices. Each photo capturing a shared moment in time.
Yao Jinxi’s phone suddenly rang.
Both of them almost immediately were aware of who the caller was.
Wu Yang looked at the computer screen as he said, “You’re taking the call outside?”
Without answering, Yao Jinxi agreed. He stood up as he answered the phone. He then walked to the balcony. “h.e.l.lo?”
“Hey, it’s been a while, brother.”
Whether it was his perception or the fault of the receiver, Yao Jinchen’s voice sounded a bit deeper from what he remembered. Yao Jinxi calmly commented, “It’s been a while. Or should I say, we haven’t really talked to each other for a while now.”
There was a long pause on the other end. Yao Jinxi could faintly hear some background noise but it was not too noisy. It was as if the person on the other end was at an airport or a train station. “Next time. I didn’t know that you’ll be travelling. I was actually thinking of bringing Nick back to meet you guys. But at least I saw Mom.” Yao Jinchen spoke casually, “Is Yunnan fun?” Yao Jinxi rested his elbow on the railing, squinting at the picturesque lake and mountains in front of him, “Strictly speaking, we haven’t reached Yunnan yet. We’ll be going to Lijiang tomorrow. The scenery is beautiful, probably a bit better than New York. Wu Yang took a lot of photos. Should I send them to you?”
“Sure. Send me a text later,” Yao Jinchen paused again. When he spoke again, his tone was finally less formal, “I’m heading back now. Nick is with me at the airport. The annual leave is only a few days. And I have to save some for the Chinese New Year.”
Yao Jinxi chuckled. But because of the low tone, it sounded more like a sigh, “I understand. Bosses all over the world are the same.”
He thought he would hear a laughter from the oher end to brush off the topic. But instead, he received a similar sigh.
“I told Mom everything about what happened back then.”
The phrase ‘back then’ had become too distant and faded from Yao Jinxi’s memory. It had been so long that he hardly remembered the details of that time or what emotions he had felt. Worn away by time, it felt as if someone else had told him about it rather than something that had truly happened to him.
He listened as Yao Jinchen continued, “If I didn’t decide to be honest about this, I could never face you again. And I could never reflect on myself. These past few years, I’ve never been happy. I’ve hated you, hated Wu Yang, and even hated Mom. I hated that you all turned me into such a detestable person.”
Yao Jinxi listened quietly.
“If I had to tell this story myself… I understand why back then, I refused to tell the truth. After talking to Mom the day before yesterday, the hatred in my heart just disappeared. I felt light and free. But I also feel scared. If I keep carrying these things with me, what will I become? I can’t even imagine. If you want to hate me, it’s justified.”
It took so long for Yao Jinchen to come to terms with something that seemed so obvious. Yao Jinxi couldn’t help but feel that he truly was his brother—stubborn, narrow-minded, and unreasonable. No one could teach him introspection except time. No, perhaps that wasn’t entirely fair. At least now, he had someone by his side to teach him.
Yao Jinxi responded slowly, “I don’t hate you, Jinchen. I’ve been confused and disappointed by you. But I never thought about hating you. Each person in our family has made mistakes. I’ve paid the price for them. Mom has paid the price too. And now it’s your turn. No one can live their life carrying the weight of their mistakes. Since you’ve realised it, as a family, there’s nothing more to say. What do you think?”
A subdued “Hmm” came through the phone, accompanied by a restrained nasal sound.
Yao Jinxi didn’t point it out to him. He continued, “Come back for the Chinese New Year with Nick. It’s been a long time since our whole family celebrated the New Year together.”
“Okay.” Yao Jinchen’s breathing sounded as if it was filled with a suppressed emotion. It was clearly audible. “I’ll hang up now. I have to catch a flight. See you then.”
“Be careful on the way.” It wasn’t until he heard the beep of the call ending that Yao Jinxi put down the phone, staring at the lake without speaking for a long time.
Wu Yang, at some point, had come up from behind him and hugged him. His chin rested on his shoulder. “A prodigal son turning over a new leaf is worth celebrating. Cheer up.”
“How did you know this?” Yao Jinxi playfully struggled for a bit but eventually gave in. “But come to think of it, I am indeed relieved. He’s coming back for the next Chinese New Year. Please don’t bully him.”
Wu Yang chuckled, “How old do you think I am? Should I compete with him? I don’t have the energy to clash with him. I hope he’s learned to be more polite by now.”
“How old do you think he is again?” Yao Jinxi turned around helplessly. He inevitably embraced him, “Mr. Wu, when you get old, others will also grow up.”
“Are you complaining that I’m old?” Wu Yang’s hands encircled his waist as he gradually pushed him towards the railing. He tilted his head and kissed his neck, lightly nibbling on it, “Hmm?”
Yao Jinxi inhaled sharply, “Be gentle. Are you treating me like a spare rib? Hmm…”
The slight sting on the skin transformed into a tingling sensation. Unconsciously, he tilted his head to accommodate Wu Yang and allowed him leave more marks, “I’m telling you. This is practically broad daylight for y—eh?!”
Pushing Wu Yang away, Yao Jinxi awkwardly made eye contact with the guest on the adjacent balcony.
The hotel had a guesthouse-style layout, with a quaint ethnic style. The balconies were quite close to one another. Whatever had just happened at their balcony was clearly witnessed by the neighbouring guest.
That guest happened to be a young girl.
Yao Jinxi: “…”
The guest: “…”
Wu Yang smiled at the guest as if nothing happened. He said, “h.e.l.lo. The scenery here is quite nice.”
“h.e.l.lo… yes. It’s quite nice,” the other person looked surprised and embarra.s.sed. She subconsciously gestured towards the door, “D-do you need me to step aside?”
Even the calmest demeanour couldn’t handle this situation. Yao Jinxi forced a nod, “Sorry about that. Please go ahead…”
While pulling Wu Yang a couple of steps back into the room, he closed the door. Leaning against it, he covered half of his face, “I have no dignity to go out anymore…”
“It’s fine not to go out. After all, we don’t know her,” Wu Yang, without a hint of embarra.s.sment, pulled out a chair and sat down, “I’ve picked the photos. Should I send it to Xia Ruonan? She seems to be online. Want to chat with her for a bit?”
“No need,” Yao Jinxi rolled onto the bed and rolled a couple of times to quickly calm himself down. He wasn’t sure if the person next door was surprised by their blatant behaviour in broad daylight or if it was the fact that it involved two men.
In fact, over the years, he and Wu Yang hadn’t bothered to conceal their s.e.xual orientation. Even his own mother had approved. Yao Jinxi sat up, hugging a pillow, “Just tell her to spend less time online. It’s not good for her health.”
“She’s using a drawing tablet now. Can’t she use it without being in front of the computer?” Wu Yang typed on the keyboard for a while and then exclaimed, “Oh?”
“What?” Yao Jinxi sat at the edge of the bed.
“She said she’s drawing a story about the two of us.” Wu Yang turned his head with a smile, “Is that okay?”
“About us?” Yao Jinxi widened his eyes in surprise as he frowned disapprovingly, “What kind of style shift is this? Has she figured out that she should be drawing a fairy tale or something?!”
Wu Yang shifted aside to let Yao Jinxi see the screen, “Don’t get too worked up. It’s not like she’s drawing a love story. It’s a story about a stray cat meeting a rabbit.”
Yao Jinxi: “…”
“What does this have to do with us? And, don’t tell me, I’m the rabbit?” Yao Jinxi raised his voice, getting off the bed and approached the screen.
“Why are you so self-aware?” Wu Yang raised an eyebrow, looking at the chubby little rabbit with a tuft of fur on its tail. He wasn’t fond of cartoons in general. But once he mentally placed Yao Jinxi’s name on it, a liking for it emerged, “What’s the big deal? It’s chubby and cute.”
“Excuse me, what’s cute about this bunny…” Yao Jinxi took a closer look. It was just a painting of a black cat and a white rabbit. Their backs leaned against each other in a flurry of snowflakes. It was as if they were absorbing warmth from each other. Under the pale blue sky, a line of text was written.
—You are the gentle dream in my weary journey.
Resting his hands on the back of the chair, Wu Yang turned to look at Yao Jinxi, “Isn’t this nice?”
After absorbing the words for a moment, Yao Jinxi let out a gentle sigh, “Since she started drawing, this girl has become more creative.”
“Yeah. I’m just like you guys. We are cultured folks.” Wu Yang reached out and brushed the back of his hand against Yao Jinxi’s cheek, “My gentle dream.”
Yao Jinxi grabbed his hand, holding it and playfully squeezing Wu Yang’s fingers. His gaze returned to the screen. Xia Ruonan’s icon had turned grey. She was probably sending her child to school at this time. “Don’t use other people’s lines to say sweet things, dear.”
Shrugging, Wu Yang said, “I think she captured the essence quite well.”
“Now, Artist Xia has reached a certain level. She’s not as vulgar as us.” Yao Jinxi found him annoying. So he broke free from his arms, lying back to look at the wooden-patterned ceiling and the lampshade adorned with ethnic patterns. The view then shifted to Wu Yang’s face.
Looking up at Wu Yang, Yao Jinxi squinted, “Mr. Wu, what are you up to?”
“Oh. Mr. Yao, we haven’t finished what we were doing before, have we?” Wu Yang smiled innocently and leaned down. Yao Jinxi looked to the side in silence.
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*Translator’s Note: I have not proofread my work. Pardon me for any mistakes. -K
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Next update: 2023.12.03
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