Chapter 127 Extra Happy New Year

Chapter 127 Extra: Happy New Year

Jottings:

About Huan Huan’s Catchphrases:

When Huan Huan was three years old, his speech wasn't quite clear, but he loved to talk. His little mind was sharp and quick, and he enjoyed observing his dad and father. Occasionally, he would mix in some classic lines from TV dramas with his own confused interpretation, resulting in remarks that often left people not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

For example, when he did something wrong, he would say guiltily, “Sorry, on purpose.”

No matter how Xie Yan and Xiao Qiu tried to correct him, he absolutely refused to change.

When his older brother did something that pleased him, he would pat the other’s head and say in a grown-up tone, “Good child, you’re so good!”

This would earn him a puzzled look from Xiao Yu: “Don’t just pick up random things from TV.”

Huan Huan loved to play, while Xiao Yu preferred to read quietly. Huan Huan would insist on dragging his brother along to play with him, even wishing he could ride on his back. After being repeatedly rejected, his little red lips would pout so much they could hang a kettle. Crossing his chubby arms over his chest, he would blurt out a rapid-fire string of complaints:

“I’m not going to be friends with you anymore.”

“I won’t play blocks with you later.”

“I won’t be best friends with you anymore.”

He spoke with such conviction and speed that it was often hard to catch everything he said. Then, his beautiful peach-blossom eyes would well up with tears as he looked at his brother, the shimmering droplets threatening to fall at any moment.

If Xiao Yu didn’t immediately put down his book, Huan Huan would roar like a little old man, “I’m really angry!”

Then he would dash off to find Xie Yan.

Why Xie Yan? Because Xiao Qiu knew his spoiled nature and would scold him rather than indulge him unconditionally, whereas Xie Yan would. Xiao Qiu found this quite perplexing.

Watching Xie Yan cradle the pale, milky-skinned little bundle, coaxing him gently while sternly telling the older son to apologize to the younger, the matter would be resolved in no time.

The two brothers would then go out hand in hand.

Xiao Qiu, however, was unhappy. Because Xiao Yu resembled Xie Yan more in both looks and temperament, he couldn’t help but recall Xie Yan’s childhood experiences—starving and freezing in the cold palace, without his mother, all alone, a pitiful little soul. This made him somewhat displeased with Xie Yan’s attitude toward Xiao Yu.

“Why are you always like this?”

Having grown accustomed to Xie Yan’s doting, his tone was almost lingering, soft and spoiled even as he glared with his beautiful eyes. “You’re always biased. You only like Huan Huan. That’s not good.”

Huan Huan’s tendency to act spoiled was largely modeled after his dad, because there was always someone who could handle his dad’s bad temper, so he followed suit, taking advantage of being spoiled.

They lived in a downtown CBD area. Outside the huge transparent floor-to-ceiling windows were the city’s neon lights and thousands of stars, flowing traffic, and the glowing signs of office buildings, all spread out before their eyes.

Xie Yan turned around to hold him, as if cradling something precious. His slightly cool, thin lips gently kissed the soft, pale earlobe as he whispered, “He’s too much like you. I can’t help but want to be better to him. Xiao Qiu, you can’t blame me for this. Looking at Huan Huan is like how you feel when you look at Xiao Yu.”

“I always feel it’s not enough.”

“Sometimes I even think, if I could have grown up with you, I could have protected you, kept you safe and happy. But these are just fantasies. So I can only transfer this regret to our children.”

Just then, a loud boom echoed across the sky, and large bursts of fireworks bloomed in the dark night. Amid the dazzling display, Xiao Qiu saw Xie Yan’s light gray eyes, clear like an underwater lake, always reflecting his own image.

He nestled his head submissively against the man’s chest, listening to the heartbeat, and murmured, “What regrets could there be? We’re already very happy now.”

“You don't have to love me so much.”

“Yan.”

He said softly.

Author’s Note:

Bringing the family of four to wish everyone a Happy New Year!

Xie Yan: Hope everyone achieves their wishes in the new year.

Xiao Qiu: Happy New Year~

Huan Huan: Congratulations and be prosperous! Red packets, please! (reaching out)

Xiao Yu: Wishing everyone health and safety.

Dear readers who have made it this far, rolling around pleading for a five-star review—Huan Huan will really like you! Three wet kisses in exchange, ＞3＜＞3＜＞3＜