Chapter 6 Sweet and Sour Candied Haws

After lunch, Fang Yingyue excitedly pulled Jiang Qingzhou out to buy New Year’s supplies. Her father had handed her some foreign exchange bills, giving her a sense of confidence, and she already had plans in mind.

They headed straight for the department store. She had been thinking about buying Jiang Qingzhou a new watch. At the dazzling display counters, she carefully compared and selected, finally settling on a men’s watch that perfectly matched the one on her own wrist. Next, in the clothing section, she meticulously compared and picked out two brand-new outfits for each family member. Snacks couldn’t be forgotten either—candies, sunflower seeds, preserved fruits… she packed several bags of all the essentials for the New Year.

After all that shopping, 500 yuan had flowed out like water. Fang Yingyue looked at her emptied wallet and sighed, “Money really doesn’t last long!” Yet, seeing the abundance in her hands, her face still radiated joy.

On the way back, Jiang Qingzhou’s hands were heavy, carrying all the large items, yet his posture remained upright and steady. Fang Yingyue wasn’t idle either, holding a small bag of walnuts in her left hand and an ice-glazed hawthorn skewer in her right, nibbling as she walked. The bright red hawthorn coated in crystalized sugar cracked with each bite, sweet all the way to her heart, a satisfied smile spreading across her face. The two walked home happily.

Halfway there, Fang Yingyue noticed Jiang Qingzhou’s hands were full of heavy New Year’s goods, and a flicker of guilt stirred in her. She thought of doing something to “compensate” him. Her eyes twinkled mischievously as she held the ice-skewered hawthorn up to his mouth. “Try a bite.”

Jiang Qingzhou looked up, seeing only this adorable, charming girl in front of him. Without hesitation, he leaned in and bit off a hawthorn. Fang Yingyue tilted her head, eyes sparkling, and asked, “Delicious?” The sight was enough to make anyone feel affectionate.

Back at the Jiang household, after unpacking all the packages, Jiang Qingzhou quietly took Fang Yingyue’s hand and led her to the room.

“What’s up?” she asked, puzzled.

Jiang Qingzhou gazed at her, eyes burning with a hidden fire, half-jokingly, “I suddenly crave that hawthorn skewer.”

“Oh! Why didn’t you say earlier? I already finished it. Next time I’ll get you a new one!” Fang Yingyue exclaimed. But Jiang Qingzhou seemed not to hear, his eyes locked on her lips, his Adam’s apple moving slightly.

“I want it right now.”

The moment he said this, Fang Yingyue’s expression turned helpless. Jiang Qingzhou looked at her like a kitten’s playful paw scratching him, sending a pleasant shiver through him, his breathing slightly faster. He stepped forward, wrapping his arms around her waist with a firm, irresistible determination, pulling her close—bodies pressed together with no gap.

Jiang Qingzhou lowered his head slightly, his gaze lingering briefly on her lips. Tiny sugar crystals dotted her soft lips like the sweetest bait. He swallowed, leaning in slowly, first brushing his nose against hers, their warm breaths mingling, intimate and chaotic. Then, his lips gently touched hers, softer than he had imagined. At first, it was a tentative kiss, but the lingering sweetness of the sugar teased him, making him lose control.

He applied slight pressure, deepening the kiss. Fang Yingyue shivered, her mind going blank, lips unconsciously parting, breath irregular. His arms tightened further, holding her firmly—a mix of restraint and overwhelming emotion raging within him.

After a long moment, they parted, both panting heavily, chests rising and falling. Fang Yingyue blushed deeply, burying her face in Jiang Qingzhou’s chest. Understanding her embarrassment, he didn’t speak, only resting his chin gently atop her head. They stayed like that quietly, over ten minutes passing before their racing hearts gradually calmed.

After dinner, Fang Yingyue washed up, carefully applied cream, and went to bed with a fresh, fragrant scent. Jiang Qingzhou followed, seeing her curled in a corner like a shy kitten, body hunched. Concerned she might catch a cold in the winter chill, yet mindful of her shyness, he gently held her close, resting his chin on her head, whispering softly, “I won’t touch you. Sleep peacefully.”

At dawn, soft light filtered through the curtains. Fang Yingyue awoke to find him still asleep beside her, normally commanding and heroic, now serene and gentle. Curiosity stirred, she leaned closer to study him and noticed his lashes were long and thick, prompting her to reach out and lightly touch his nose.

In fact, Jiang Qingzhou had already woken, savoring the warmth of her in his embrace, deliberately keeping his eyes closed to feign sleep. Seeing her gentle attention, he couldn’t help smiling, softly murmuring, “Beautiful, huh?”

Fang Yingyue, lost in thought, jumped at the sound, blurting, “Beautiful!” Then realizing he was awake, she blushed furiously under his intense gaze.

Without a word, Jiang Qingzhou leaned forward, kissed her forehead, and then promptly got up to exercise. Fang Yingyue stayed frozen for a moment, cheeks aflame, hastily pulling the blanket over her head to hide.

Once her racing heart settled, she regained composure and got up to wash. Seeing Jiang’s mother already busy in the kitchen, the smoke curling in the air, she felt the warmth of home.

“Good morning, Mom!” she called brightly, full of energy.

Her gaze shifted to see Jiang’s father on the sofa, engrossed in the newspaper. “Good morning, Dad!”

Both parents looked up and responded. Fang Yingyue found a quiet corner and quietly opened a book to read.

Soon, Jiang Qingzhou returned from exercising, sweat on his brow, carrying four bottles of fresh milk, still steaming slightly. After breakfast, Jiang father returned to the study, Jiang mother tended the courtyard flowers, and in the blink of an eye, New Year’s Eve arrived, the festive atmosphere quickly filling the city.

On New Year’s Eve morning, Jiang Qingzhou and Fang Yingyue rose early to prepare Spring Festival couplets. She stood beside him like a commander, directing him to adjust the placement until she was satisfied.

Once the couplets were up, they made dumplings together. In the evening, to stay up and see in the New Year, she bundled herself in thick clothes, crouching by the door to watch the neighborhood children set off firecrackers and play with fireworks.

“Want to try?” Jiang Qingzhou asked with a smile.

Fang Yingyue shook her head vigorously; she loved watching others play but didn’t have the courage to do it herself. Seeing it nearing eleven o’clock, sleepiness washed over her like a tide. She struggled to keep her eyes open, not wanting to miss the most special moment of the year, with Jiang Qingzhou silently by her side.