Chapter 55: Don’t Cry

That evening, both were in low spirits.

Li Feng’s behavior served as a wake-up call for Cao Xi. Her thoughts, shaped by her past life, felt increasingly out of place in this era.

If the day came when Qin Zhao truly wanted to take a concubine or marry another, she dared not think about it—her heart would shatter.

Qin Zhao, on the other hand, had been frightened by Cao Xi. While he had no intention of taking a concubine, in his eyes, doing so was perfectly normal and acceptable.

What he hadn’t expected was how strongly Cao Xi opposed the idea, even warning him that if he ever had someone else, she wouldn’t hesitate to abandon him completely.

Why did Cao Xi have such fears? Did she believe so little in him, or in their relationship, that she could so easily entertain the thought of leaving?

Qin Zhao tightened his embrace around the person beside him, murmuring softly into her ear, “No one will ever separate us.”

Cao Xi, finding it hard to breathe from the tight hug, felt a damp sensation on her neck.

Turning with effort, she was greeted by Qin Zhao’s reddened, tear-filled eyes. Silent tears streamed down his face, and the sight twisted Cao Xi’s heart painfully.

This was only the second time she’d seen Qin Zhao cry. Why had she pushed him so far? Why had she acted so indifferent, as though testing his patience? Was it Qin Zhao she doubted, or was it herself?

All this over an unfounded fear, leaving them both upset—it truly wasn’t worth it.

Cao Xi reached out to wipe the tears from the corner of Qin Zhao’s eyes, but her hand was firmly grasped by his.

“I love you. I love you. I love you…” Qin Zhao repeated, again and again.

Wasn’t this his declaration of sincerity?

It was his way of telling her how deeply he cared, begging her not to leave him, for he couldn’t bear it.

Cao Xi responded softly, “I know. I know. I love you too.”

She silently berated herself—how had the joyful day turned into making him cry? The one feeling the heartache now was herself.

Unable to resist, Cao Xi captured his alluring lips in a kiss, flipping herself on top of him, her lips trailing in a flurry of chaotic kisses.

Her hands tugged at his clothes, fervently wanting to prove her feelings for him in her own way.

The bed curtains fell amidst their movements, and throughout the night, it was Cao Xi who led. Qin Zhao lay back, simply following her lead.

---

When everything calmed down, Qin Zhao held her tightly in his arms, finally finding solace for his restless heart. Cao Xi was fast asleep, utterly at peace.

Qin Zhao brushed a hand over her hair, murmuring quietly at her side, “No one will ever take you from me—not even you.”

---

After this incident, their relationship grew stronger, with mutual trust replacing the insecurities that had plagued them.

The weather turned colder, signaling the approach of the New Year.

Cao Xi bought red paper in advance, cutting it into strips and waiting for Qin Zhao to return to write couplets.

Qin Zhao’s studies were becoming more intense, and he spent nearly all day at the academy. Cao Xi even noticed that his hair seemed thinner.

That day, as usual, after the academy ended, Qin Zhao asked Qi Qige, “Are you going back to the Qi residence for the New Year?”

Qi Qige replied, “What for? To watch their happy family gatherings while they glare at me with cold disdain?”

Tsk tsk, Qin Zhao thought. What’s so great about the New Year anyway? It’s just a holiday.

He then extended an invitation: “Why don’t you spend New Year’s Eve at my house instead?”

“I won’t. It’s already awkward enough to squeeze myself into the world of a lovey-dovey couple. Why would I make it worse?”

Though Qi Qige said this, his heart was practically bursting with joy.

Qin Zhao retorted, “You’ve squeezed in plenty over the years. Why so many excuses now? Don’t just stand there, come help out.”

Qi Qige fanned himself with an air of nonchalance. “Let’s talk about it later.” His exaggerated gesture made his true intentions all too obvious.

---

On the morning of New Year’s Eve, just as the sky began to brighten, the courtyard gate resounded with a knock.

Without even opening the door, Qin Zhao knew who it was—the kind of stubborn person who wouldn’t admit their true feelings.

Sure enough, upon opening the gate, there stood Qi Qige. He wore a vibrant red robe that fit the festive occasion perfectly. Behind him was a horse-drawn carriage filled to the brim with New Year’s supplies.

“What’s all this?” Qin Zhao pointed at the loaded cart.

“New Year’s gifts for you,” Qi Qige replied, squeezing past Qin Zhao into the courtyard. He directed his servants to move the items into the house.

“This is too much, don’t you think?” Qin Zhao protested.

Qi Qige shot him a glare. “Too much? It’s just one day a year, and the whole point is to create a festive atmosphere. Where’s Cao Xi?”

“He’s in the kitchen making braised pork,” Qin Zhao replied.

“Braised pork? Excellent, I love that.” Qi Qige announced as he strolled toward the kitchen.

Hearing the sound of the gate earlier, Cao Xi had already guessed that Qi Qige had arrived. Busy with the cooking, however, he hadn’t gone out to greet him.

“Qi Qige is here?” Cao Xi teased with a smile.

“Can you not call me Gege? It gives me goosebumps all over,” Qi Qige said as he dramatically rubbed his arms.

Cao Xi chuckled. “If you stop calling Qin Zhao Zhao-zhao, I’ll stop calling you Gege.”

“Tsk, look at how protective you are.”

Qi Qige pouted but turned his attention to the stove. Peeking into the pot, he asked, “Is it ready yet?”

“Almost,” Cao Xi replied, picking up a small piece of meat and handing it to him.

Qi Qige popped the morsel into his mouth, only to blow furiously from the heat. “Delicious!” he managed after swallowing.

He gave Cao Xi a big thumbs up.

Cao Xi said, “Go ask Qin Zhao to write the couplets. Once they’re done, you can help paste them up.”

The moment he heard “write couplets,” Qi Qige forgot all about food. He darted out of the kitchen, exclaiming, “Qin Zhao, stop fussing around and let me do it instead!”

And so, the task of writing the New Year couplets was completely taken over by Qi Qige.

After pasting the couplets, they began making dumplings for breakfast. Since Cao Xi was busy preparing other dishes, the dumpling-making fell to Qin Zhao and Qi Qige.

Qin Zhao handled the task with practiced ease, while Qi Qige, attempting this for the first time, found everything novel and fascinating. He kept asking Qin Zhao for hands-on guidance, but the dumplings he pinched turned out laughably misshapen.

When the water boiled, the dumplings Qi Qige had made immediately burst open, leaving him anxiously yelling at Qin Zhao to stir the pot more gently. From the pot, he carefully fished out the few intact dumplings, treating them as treasures.

Seeing how much Qi Qige cherished those oddly shaped creations, Cao Xi was tempted to suggest he sketch them for posterity. But he didn’t dare say it aloud—he feared the fool might genuinely drop everything to make a drawing.

Three plates of dumplings were served: one was distinctly unappealing due to Qi Qige’s handiwork. To complement the meal, Cao Xi sliced up a plate of braised pork, mixed a cold dish, and stir-fried two green vegetables.

After breakfast, the three of them sat together and played cards with a deck Cao Xi had crafted.

“This is great!” Qi Qige, quick to pick up new games, became thoroughly engrossed in the cards.

“I’m planning to make hundreds of decks like this and sell them in the shop,” he declared, his entrepreneurial spirit shining through.

Cao Xi laughed. “Well, consider this deck your New Year’s gift.”

“Wow! Cao Xi, you’re the best!” Qi Qige’s over-the-top reaction sent Cao Xi into fits of laughter.

After playing cards, they idly chatted until it was time to prepare dinner.

For once, Qi Qige busied himself from start to finish, working up a sweat in the process.

After dinner, he announced his intention to leave. Qin Zhao invited him to stay and keep vigil through the night, but Qi Qige adamantly refused and eventually returned to Runxiangyuan alone.

Before he left, Cao Xi packed some braised pork and frozen dumplings for him, worried he’d have no one to cook for him later.

When Qi Qige left, the house fell quiet. Lying side by side on the bed, Qin Zhao took Cao Xi’s hand and said, “Pour your heart out.”

Fingers interlaced with Qin Zhao’s, Cao Xi smiled softly. “As long as it’s the New Year, you’ll always be in my thoughts.”

“This year feels different,” Qin Zhao murmured, gazing at Cao Xi with a tender, meaningful look that left no room for misinterpretation.

His words made Cao Xi blush. Ever since they became a couple, Qin Zhao had become far bolder, shedding the shy restraint of the past.

Despite their plans to stay up late, Cao Xi couldn’t resist the pull of sleep. The moment the fireworks were over, he began nodding off, his head bobbing like a drowsy chicken.

Not wanting him to suffer through the vigil, Qin Zhao let him sleep first. Only after sitting alone for a while did he finally undress and wrap himself around Cao Xi, falling asleep beside him.