Chapter 58 Winter Break Arrives

Chapter 58 Winter Break Arrives

After an hour of playful banter in the room, Gu Shiying took a shower.

Once his hair was dry, he sat cross-legged on the sofa and changed Fu Huan’s WeChat name to “Big Dog Fu.” He touched his neck—despite his firm insistence that Fu Huan not bite him there during their passionate moments, out of concern for his family noticing, he’d still ended up with a couple of love bites. Fu Huan truly was like a dog.

Gu Shiying had just drawn open the curtains; outside, the sky had already turned completely dark. From their vantage point, they could even glimpse Beijing’s most historic nightscape.

Fu Huan emerged from the bathroom, and Gu Shiying asked him, “Can we go queue up to see the flag-raising ceremony in the morning?”

“It’s so close from here.”

Fu Huan: “We can. Do you want to? But it’ll be very cold in the morning.”

Gu Shiying: “What’s there to be afraid of? Are we going or not? You’re still young—don’t tell me you’re already past it?”

Fu Huan knew Gu Shiying was using reverse psychology, but when it came to his health, such tactics were ineffective.

“I’m worried you’ll catch a cold. We can go in the summer.”

“But I want to go tomorrow. Let’s go, please?”

Gu Shiying tugged at Fu Huan’s fingers, swaying them gently.

Fu Huan couldn’t resist his unconscious charm: “Alright, but you have to listen to me. You’ll need to wear a hat, scarf, and mask.”

Gu Shiying nodded: “No problem.”

After finalizing their plans for the next morning, the housekeeper called upstairs, urging them to come down for dinner.

Tonight was the Winter Solstice, a significant Chinese festival and a time for family reunions. Fu Huan’s third uncle, his wife, and their two children had arrived that afternoon and stayed, followed by his paternal aunt and uncle’s families. Every branch of the family had grown, making for a sizable gathering.

Gu Shiying usually lived with his grandmother and had plenty of relatives himself, but it was never as bustling as the Fu family.

He sat beside Fu Huan and whispered, “There are so many people.”

Fu Huan: “They always come during the holidays.”

Everyone was curious about Gu Shiying, the new face. Perhaps He Qi had mentioned it privately—they all seemed aware of his identity and refrained from asking directly.

During dinner, the older generation dominated the conversation. Fu Huan occasionally served food to Gu Shiying, prompting his uncle to tease him.

“A-Huan, you’ve grown up. You even know how to dote on people now.”

Gu Shiying silently lowered his head: “…”

It was quite awkward to encounter such relatives on his first visit.

However, He Qi was there to champion her son and future daughter-in-law: “Yuanbei, weren’t you already doting on people in your twenties? I recall you were dating our sister-in-law back then.”

Uncle Yuanbei chuckled awkwardly: “Uh… I’ll just eat my dumplings.”

Seeing him back down, He Qi turned to Gu Shiying: “Shiying, you’re not used to eating dumplings, are you?”

Gu Shiying wasn't particularly accustomed to them—his family didn't eat them, as it wasn't their custom: “It’s fine, Auntie.”

He Qi smiled: “I had sweet rice balls (tangyuan) made for you. I asked the housekeeper to cook them—they were freshly wrapped this afternoon.”

Gu Shiying felt that He Qi’s kindness was truly genuine: “Thank you, Auntie.”

Although the Fu family relatives spoke with the traditional directness of elders, Gu Shiying didn’t know them well and couldn’t say much beyond answering questions about where he lived. After dinner, he retreated to Fu Huan’s room, and the two of them started playing games.

Before long, Fu’s third uncle’s and aunt’s children came upstairs looking for Fu Huan. The high schoolers, constantly stressed by school, lit up when they saw them playing games. Fu Huan invited them to join the gaming group.

What began as three or four people playing soon expanded to include even the ten-year-old. When they ran out of game consoles, everyone switched to playing Honor of Kings on their phones, with Gu Shiying leading the team. Surprisingly, the best player was Fu Huan’s ten-year-old cousin.

While they were reviewing the last game, Gu Shiying asked Fu Huan, “Can you beat your cousin?”

Fu Huan: “Let the little brat show off. I’m not going to compete with him.”

Gu Shiying found it hilarious.

Around 8 p.m., the children were called home by their respective parents, and the Fu household quieted down.

Gu Shiying and Fu Huan sat in the living room, ate some fruit, and made small talk. When it was time, they returned to their respective rooms.

They had to wake up early the next day, so they went to bed early. However, Gu Shiying wasn’t feeling sleepy yet.

Gu Shiying: “It just occurred to me—does your grandmother not spend Winter Solstice with you?”

Fu Huan: “She’s a particularly strong-willed old lady. She prefers quiet, and usually you have to schedule a visit to see her. Only two people can go at a time—if the whole family shows up, she says it gives her a headache.”

Gu Shiying: “But your father has quite a few uncles and aunts.”

Fu Huan: “Exactly because that generation had so many children. Now that she’s older, she wants peace and quiet.”

Gu Shiying: “I see. That really is unique.”

Fu Huan looked at Gu Shiying expectantly: “During Chinese New Year, different families take turns visiting her each year. This year, I think it’s our family’s turn. Will you come with me?”

Gu Shiying: “But I need to go back for Chinese New Year to spend time with my grandmother.”

Fu Huan: “That’s fine. Your grandma comes first. We can visit my grandmother another time.”

Gu Shiying: “You and your grandmother are close, right?”

Fu Huan: “Yeah, because I was the least talkative among all the kids. My mom says even when I was little, I rarely cried. I’d only make a peep if I needed something; otherwise, I could play by myself.”

Gu Shiying: “Hahaha, I can’t believe that. Actually, you’re pretty chatty.”

Fu Huan shared a few more funny childhood stories, and before they knew it, Gu Shiying began to doze off, curling up against Fu Huan’s shoulder and falling asleep.

Fu Huan pulled up the blanket and set the alarm. Last time they went to see the sunrise, he’d been a little sneaky and hadn’t set the alarm, but he couldn’t do that again this time.

They actually managed to get up.

The housekeeper had prepared noodles (a traditional solstice food) for them for breakfast. After eating, they felt warm all over and even started sweating while changing clothes.

By the time they arrived, a crowd had already gathered, but there was still some time before the flag-raising ceremony began, so they had to wait.

The wind blew hard. Fu Huan pulled Gu Shiying’s scarf higher to cover his mouth and nose and also helped shield him from the wind.

Gu Shiying asked him, “Aren’t you cold?”

Fu Huan: “My coat is thick. You know how warm I am.”

Gu Shiying: “Fu Huan, what about your face?”

Fu Huan laughed and pressed down on his hat: “Don’t talk so much, or the wind will go right into your mouth.”

Gu Shiying hadn't heard Fu Huan's thoughts for several days. His mind was quiet, as if it had returned to the time before he could hear them.

The flag-raising ceremony began, solemn and dignified.

He never thought that one day he would stand under the red flag with someone he liked, watching the flag-raising ceremony.

The flag-raising was inevitably exciting, and Gu Shiying was also swept up in the atmosphere.

Cold as it was, Gu Shiying still took out his phone to record their first time watching the flag-raising ceremony together, capturing a photo of Fu Huan standing against the cold wind with the raised red flag in the background.

Around seven o'clock, both he and Fu Huan posted the photo on their WeChat Moments.

Friends who were up early quickly liked and commented on the post, all marveling at how vivid the photo was.

Fu Huan rarely posted on WeChat Moments, so when he did, it garnered many likes and comments.

Liang Qi: Having a boyfriend who knows how to take photos really makes a difference.

Fu Huan: Indeed, jealous?

Liang Qi: Get lost.

Gu Shiying's post also received plenty of likes, and some even asked him who the male model in the photo was.

Gu Shiying replied: He's my boyfriend, not a model.

After the Winter Solstice came Christmas and the New Year holiday. Gu Shiying and Fu Huan's relationship remained stable, with occasional arguments, but Fu Huan was always the first to compromise. Though he usually seemed aloof, he had a knack for cheering up his boyfriend. He would even tell corny jokes whenever Gu Shiying showed signs of getting angry, and they always managed to make him laugh.

In short, the two were very happy during their honeymoon phase, and any minor conflicts in their daily lives only added to the charm of their relationship.

Fu Qin even asked Gu Shiying if he wanted to intern at his company during the summer break, adding his name in advance.

Gu Shiying asked Fu Huan if he would intern at his brother's company. Fu Huan said yes, because his brother was now frequently called back to work at their father's group, leaving Fu Huan to be put to work by his brother. Gu Shiying said he would intern at his boyfriend's brother's company.

He thought starting a company was a good idea, but he also needed practical experience. Fu Qin was giving him the opportunity to learn how a company operates.

As soon as exam week ended, winter break began.

Just after turning in his exam paper, Gu Shiying received a call from his father, who usually didn’t bother him unless necessary.

Gu Shiying called back: "Dad, what’s up?"

His father: "I figured you’d be done with exams soon. When are you planning to come home?"

Gu Shiying had originally planned to return a couple of days later. He hadn’t finalized his return date yet because, since exam week started, Fu Huan had developed a sort of separation anxiety. Winter break started late this year, and the Lunar New Year was just around the corner. His father’s call was likely to ask him to spend a few days in the city.

Gu Shiying: "In a couple of days. I need to pack some things."

His father: "Then decide on a time and let me know when you’ve bought your ticket. I’ll pick you up at the station."

"Us?" Gu Shiying thought to himself, *I haven’t come out to him yet. He doesn’t know about Fu Huan, does he?*

His father: "Yes, remember Uncle Li who lived upstairs when you were little? Their family moved away but returned to Hangzhou in the second half of this year. After talking to him, I found out his daughter goes to a school next to yours. You can go home together. The girl doesn’t know her way to the new address yet, so you can help her out and look out for her."

Gu Shiying: "Isn’t that a bit awkward?"

"What’s awkward about it? It’s just a small favor. I’ll send you her WeChat info. Make sure to add her." Just as Gu Shiying was about to refuse again, his father added, "I’ve transferred some money for your ticket. Don’t be stingy with it."

Gu Shiying: "Got it."

Soon after, he received a cash transfer from his father on WeChat—four times the amount needed for the ticket.

*Why is he suddenly so generous? Did he win the lottery?*

Gu Shiying added the girl on WeChat. He didn’t know if she had accepted, but Fu Huan was already waiting for him at the door.

He still bounded over to Fu Huan excitedly.

"My dad just called, urging me to go home."

Fu Huan’s expression faltered slightly: "When are you going back?"

Gu Shiying: "I’ll go back the day after tomorrow. I need these two days to pack my dorm stuff and luggage."

Fu Huan’s mood dropped: "Oh, so soon."

Gu Shiying slipped his hand into Fu Huan’s pocket: "If I go back early, I can come back early too."

That alone cheered Fu Huan up: "Alright, then come back on the third day of the Lunar New Year."

Gu Shiying: "..." *The Lunar New Year hasn’t even started yet!*

To convince Gu Shiying to return early, Fu Huan spent the whole walk listing the benefits of coming back ahead of schedule.

Fu Huan: "If you come back early, I’ll take you skiing. You’ve never tried it, right?"

Gu Shiying: "That does sound nice."

Fu Huan: "We can ski for two days, rest for two, and by the time school starts, you’ll have mastered it. There’s also a trendy café on the ski resort’s mountain. I’ve always wanted to take you there. We can watch the sunrise and sunset."

Gu Shiying: "I’m tempted, Fu Huan. Stop tempting me like this."

Fu Huan: "So, will you come back on the third day of the Lunar New Year?"

Gu Shiying: "Let me think about it a bit more."

When they got home, Gu Shiying rushed to the bathroom and casually left his phone on the sofa. Fu Huan picked it up and placed it on the table. As soon as he set it down, a notification popped up on the screen:

"Little Sweetie added you as a friend."

Fu Huan’s eyes narrowed, and his lips pressed into a thin line: ...

*Who is Little Sweetie?*