When Cheng Jinnian heard Da Song’s voice, he felt a sudden premonition of what Da Song was here to say so late at night—he knew it, he just knew it.
Filled with anticipation and joy at the thought, he scrambled out of bed.
From outside the courtyard, Da Song shouted, “Take your time getting dressed, don’t run!”
Cheng Jinnian ran out as fast as he could and unbolted the courtyard door.
In the whistling cold wind of a moonless, starless winter night, Cheng Jinnian and Song Hao’s eyes met. For a moment, neither said what was on their minds.
“Why aren’t you wearing your padded jacket?”
“You’re going to freeze in a moment. You didn’t even put your padded shoes on properly; your feet will freeze off. Aren’t you cold?”
They spoke at the same time, but Song Hao said much more, nagging like an old mother. Cheng Jinnian’s eyes crinkled with a smile as he listened. “You’re one to talk. Aren’t you cold?”
“I’m not. I was walking faster and faster, so I’m actually quite hot. Feel for yourself.” Song Hao held out his hand and, taking the opportunity, gripped Niannian’s hand tightly as they headed inside.
Cheng Jinnian didn’t pull away. They had become accustomed to holding hands and hugging like this.
But today felt different.
Inside the house, Song Hao closed the door and urged Niannian back into the blankets. Cheng Jinnian, upset that Song Hao had come out without a padded jacket, told him to get in too so they could warm the bed together.
In the past, Song Hao would have hopped in without a second thought, but now, as he watched Niannian get into bed, he simply sat on the edge. He tucked Niannian in carefully and gazed at him with great earnestness.
“Niannian, I’ve been thinking since I went back, and I’ve figured it out.”
Strange as it was, Cheng Jinnian wasn’t nervous or afraid anymore. He knew what Da Song was going to say, and he trusted him. Infinite courage surged in his heart as he reached out from under the covers to grab Da Song’s hand.
They held hands tightly.
Song Hao said, “Niannian, I want to be with you for a lifetime. Not as brothers, and not just because I promised Aunt Hongxia I’d look after you. I’ve thought it through. I like you—the kind of liking where I want to marry you as my wife.”
On the way over, Song Hao had worried: what if he had misunderstood Niannian? What if Niannian hadn’t meant it that way? What if Niannian wanted to make friends, date, and get married to someone else in the future?
He didn’t even want to think about it.
But now, Song Hao felt confident. He knew he hadn’t misunderstood.
Their hearts were in sync, and they trusted each other.
“I know, Da Song. We’ll spend our lives together, just like a husband and wife.” Cheng Jinnian smiled bashfully after speaking.
His heart felt settled and happy.
They were naturally together now, dating in secret.
Song Hao took everything regarding Cheng Jinnian very seriously. The villagers of Dagou Village were conservative; even when watching TV, if the hero and heroine embraced, people would call it shameless and indecent.
Let alone two men dating.
Song Hao was afraid that village gossip would affect Niannian, so he discussed it with him very solemnly.
“You have to study hard and get into a good university. Wherever you go, I’ll go with you. We’ll make our home there…”
No one was going to stop Niannian from going to university, securing a good future, and flying out of Dagou Village.
The two made a pact. Although two men couldn’t get a marriage certificate, they should still have the proper ceremonies. Before they were “married,” Song Hao and Cheng Jinnian had to follow the rules.
Cheng Jinnian thought: Da Song is such a traditionalist!
In truth, Cheng Jinnian didn’t really know what two men did together, but he knew that dating involved kissing; he’d seen it on TV.
Once the relationship was confirmed, the two young men, full of “youthful vigor,” were inseparable. Song Hao ran to the Cheng house every day. With the doors closed, Cheng Jinnian would study and do his homework while Song Hao used his endless strength to chop wood, clean, cook, and do chores. He could sweep the floor eight times over.
Cheng Jinnian said, “Da Song, aren’t you tired? Take a break.”
“I’m not tired. I’m just so happy, Niannian.” Song Hao looked around. “I’m going to go wash the clothes.”
Cheng Jinnian: “It’s the middle of winter; they won’t dry if you wash them—”
“It’s fine. I’ll wring them out well and string up a rope inside. I’ll scrub your underwear for you too, so you don’t freeze your hands doing it.”
Cheng Jinnian: “…” He blushed furiously.
Back when his mother had just passed away, Da Song had also scrubbed his underwear for him. He had been very embarrassed and tried to do it first, but now that Da Song was doing it, his mind wandered into “flights of fancy,” and he felt quite happy about it.
…
Perhaps because Song Hao was visiting Cheng Jinnian even more frequently—staying until late every night and bringing over whatever food he had—things felt different. He had done this before, but he didn’t used to have that “trying to curry favor” smile on his face. Two days ago, seeing fish for sale at the market, Song Hao bought two: one for his home and one for Niannian.
Jiang Xiuqin grumbled, “We don’t even have enough for ourselves, yet you’re giving more to Cheng Jinnian.”
“Leave the big one for the family. I’ll eat at Niannian’s,” Song Hao said.
Jiang Xiuqin: “I hope you’re not just cooking for him and eating leftovers yourself.”
She spoke with a hint of irritation.
After Du Hongxia died, given the Du family’s situation and the fact that Cheng Jinnian was a Cheng and not a Du, and since his grandfather had married a step-grandmother, no one in the Du family truly cared about Cheng Jinnian’s well-being anymore. The villagers all said the boy was quite pitiful. In the past, when Song Hao helped Cheng Jinnian, neither Jiang Xiuqin nor Zhou Hai’e would say anything.
Why had it changed now?
Song Hao had been happily heading out with the smaller fish when he stopped in his tracks and looked at his mother. What was this? Why was she suddenly finding fault with Niannian? She wasn’t like this before.
“Who’s been saying things to you? It’s just a small fish. I’m doing a bit of business now, and that first bit of capital was borrowed from Niannian.”
Hearing her third brother-in-law’s words, Zhou Hai’e quickly tried to smooth things over. “Mom isn’t saying Niannian is bad. One large fish is enough for the family. You and Niannian eat yours; don’t worry about us.”
“Then what’s the issue?” Song Hao still didn’t believe it. He looked at his eldest sister-in-law. “Who’s been speaking ill of Niannian to my mom?”
Zhou Hai’e remained silent, not knowing what to say.
One look at her and Song Hao understood. He was right; someone had been gossiping to his sister-in-law and mother!
Because they were dating, Song Hao was currently on high alert, afraid he might ruin Niannian’s reputation. He pressed them to find out exactly what was going on so he could be prepared.
Jiang Xiuqin, annoyed by the questioning, looked sour. “Who’s saying anything about him?”
“Mom, I’m not throwing a tantrum. I just want to know who said what about Niannian.” Song Hao insisted on a clear answer.
Zhou Hai’e patted his arm, signaling him not to get angry. “Your second sister-in-law didn’t speak ill of Niannian. She was just speaking for your own good.”
“Second sister-in-law?” Song Hao was stunned. He racked his brain—had he seen his second sister-in-law recently? Had she seen him and Niannian together? They hadn’t done anything out of line. Even when he scrubbed underwear at Niannian’s place, it was in the courtyard where no one could see.
Jiang Xiuqin was afraid this stubborn mule of a son would go cause a scene at his second brother’s place. When it came to Cheng Jinnian, her third son really might throw away all family face. She quickly explained, “Your second sister-in-law didn’t mean anything by it. She didn’t say anything bad about Cheng Jinnian; she’s just worried about you.”
“What is there to worry about with me?” Song Hao’s tone softened slightly. He couldn’t understand it. Niannian was so good. Niannian never even looked down on him for being a bad student who might hold a good student back.
Seeing that her brother-in-law was listening, Zhou Hai’e added, “Your second sister-in-law means that Niannian is a good student. The Gaokao is only a few months away. He’s bound to get into a good university and have a bright future.”
“Of course! That’s a given.” Song Hao felt a swell of pride.
His second sister-in-law hadn’t said anything bad after all; his mother was just distorting things.
Seeing Song Hao’s expression change again, Jiang Xiuqin finished her second daughter-in-law’s words crossly. “Cheng Jinnian has a bright future, but what about you? You’re always stuck with him, not looking for a match or a wife, just idling your days away. You say you’re doing business, but I haven’t seen any money.”
In fact, Song Hao had earned money and helped the family, but he was stingy. Since Niannian would be going to an out-of-province university and expenses would be high, he saved most of it. Moreover, having done business, he knew not to flaunt his wealth. His sister-in-law and mother were both blabbermouths—they also loved to brag about him.
He didn’t dare tell the family exactly how much he earned. Besides, in his heart, Song Hao felt all this money belonged to Niannian; at the very least, Niannian had the right to decide how it was used.
“And you’re still sitting there smiling like an idiot. When the time comes, Cheng Jinnian will just dust off his hands and fly out of our village. He’ll be a university student, a city person just like his father. His father was a heartless wretch who left just like that, leaving poor Hongxia in such a state. Cheng Jinnian is Cheng Haijun’s son. When he gets to the big city, do you think he’ll still be thinking about you—”
“Mom, stop it.” Song Hao interrupted, his face ashen.
He understood what his mother and second sister-in-law meant now.
Song Hao looked seriously at his mother and sister-in-law. “Niannian isn’t Cheng Haijun. Don’t say those things ever again.”
Niannian hated Cheng Haijun more than anyone.
Jiang Xiuqin noticed the change in her son’s tone. When she looked at him, she was startled. Her third son was truly angry; his expression was terrifyingly grim. Zhou Hai’e didn’t dare try to explain for the second sister-in-law anymore, fearing she’d only add fuel to the fire.
Song Hao’s face remained grim as he thought for a moment. He didn’t lose his temper with his mother or sister-in-law, but repeated: “Cheng Jinnian is Cheng Jinnian. I trust him. We’re going to be together for a lifetime. I won’t let anyone bully him.”
“Who’s bullying him? No one’s bullying him. Don’t you dare go talk nonsense to your second sister-in-law,” Jiang Xiuqin said hastily.
Song Hao: “I know. I won’t.”
However, Song Hao felt miserable inside.
“Actually, it’s not just your second sister-in-law saying this. There are a lot of rumors in the village…” Zhou Hai’e said.
Song Hao looked over. “Sister-in-law, we’re family, so let’s not talk about Niannian like that. Our lives are linked; speaking ill of him is the same as speaking ill of me.”
“I get it. I won’t mention it again. Don’t lose your temper, and don’t say anything rash if you see your second sister-in-law,” Zhou Hai’e urged.
Song Hao gave a slow grunt of affirmation. He had originally saved some goods to give to his sisters-in-law for the New Year, but now he didn’t want to give them anything. Not a single thing to anyone.
That day, when Song Hao went to the Cheng house to cook the fish and stir-fry some vegetables, they sat down to eat together.
Cheng Jinnian, holding his bowl, noticed Da Song’s expression wasn’t great. “What’s wrong?”
“I still have some goods left unsold. Some customers asked me about them before. I was thinking of saving some as gifts for relatives—” Song Hao trailed off and looked at Niannian. “Does your eldest aunt want any?”
Cheng Jinnian shook his head like a rattle. So that was it. “No. You know my aunt; giving those isn’t practical. It’s better to give some New Year’s food.”
“Then after I sell the goods, I’ll buy some practical New Year’s gifts,” Song Hao said, telling Niannian to eat quickly before the fish got cold, as cold food would cause a stomachache.
Cheng Jinnian: “Wait! You’re going to sell the goods? When? Tomorrow? Then I’m going with you.”
“Da Song, you’re not allowed to object. It’s a deal.”
Song Hao: We haven’t made a deal yet, it’s freezing out—
“Fine. The day after tomorrow. I’ll get things ready and get back to the customers.” Song Hao saw Niannian’s eyes light up and felt happy too. He simply couldn’t refuse. He’d just make the tricycle as warm as possible.
As for the village gossip, Song Hao didn’t want to tell Niannian.
Worried about Niannian being alone at the hospital, Song Hao pedaled his tricycle fast. When he reached his usual stall location, even before he got there, he saw a large crowd gathered from a distance.
But it was almost the New Year; it was normal for city people to come here to buy New Year’s goods.
“…His face turned blue; I reckon he’s dead.”
“What a pity, abandoning a child during the New Year.”
“Ah, that’s him, Little Boss Song is here!” A street vendor spotted Song Hao pedaling the tricycle through the crowd and shouted.
The crowd looked over and parted to make way.
When the customers who had come to buy from Song Hao arrived and found him missing, they had been quite unhappy. But after hearing the explanation from the neighboring stalls—that it wasn’t that Little Boss Song was untrustworthy, but that he and a friend had found an abandoned baby and taken it to the hospital—their anger vanished. They were stunned. Was it true?
Everyone was talking at once. When the citizens heard, they asked out of curiosity. The story was told over and over, with everyone analyzing whose child it was, who was so cold-hearted they didn’t want the child to live, and why they hadn’t left the child on the street with the storefronts where someone would have seen the baby as soon as they opened their doors.
Someone asserted, “The person who abandoned the baby must be from out of town and unfamiliar with the area.”
The two alleys were the same width. Since it was dark and snowing today, they probably hadn’t noticed the street with the shops.
“Even so, they’re heartless. Even if they didn’t want it, they could have left it at the orphanage gate. To specifically pick near a trash can—what did they think the baby was?”
“Exactly. How can there be such heartless parents?”
Now that the person involved was back, everyone made way. The customers didn’t even ask about the goods, instead asking immediately, “Little Song, is that baby still alive?”
Song Hao: “Alive.”
Before the crowd could breathe a sigh of relief, Little Song added, “But it’s hard to say. The doctor said we have to wait and see. The baby is in an incubator now. There’s a risk of pneumonia or brain damage later. I’m not really sure.”
“Sister, I brought the goods you wanted. I have to go to the police station in a bit.”
Only then did the customer remember her purpose—she was here for the leather bags and gloves she’d been longing for. As she handed over the money, she could see Little Song was in a rush. “Is someone at the hospital now?”
“Yes, my Niannian is there watching the baby. I’m worried.” Song Hao took the money and gave the sister her goods.
The surrounding citizens thought the young man was quite kind-hearted. An incubator at the hospital cost a lot per day. Some people started asking what he was selling, wanting to support the young man’s business.
Song Hao looked around. There were two more regular customers. After finishing those transactions, he quoted prices to the others, wanting to finish selling quickly and find Niannian.
It was common for people to say they wanted something via pager only to find it too expensive at the last minute.
He didn’t have much stock left.
Song Hao sold everything in no time. He put the money away, thanked everyone, and pedaled the tricycle to the nearby police station. After giving his statement, a police officer wanted to go to the hospital with him to verify the situation.
Song Hao gave the hospital address and pedaled off first.
The officer, on a bicycle, followed behind. “Hey, this kid runs fast.”
Arriving at the hospital entrance, a sweet fragrance filled the air. Song Hao pedaled to the roasted sweet potato stall, ordered two portions, paid, and rode into the hospital clutching the plastic bag.
“Grandpa, thanks for this morning. Have a roasted sweet potato.” Passing the gatehouse, Song Hao pressed a portion of roasted sweet potato into the old man’s hand. Without waiting for pleasantries, he pedaled toward the inpatient department.
The sweet potatoes would get cold soon. They had to be eaten while hot—Niannian loved them most!