17. A Solo Spring Festival and a Trip to the Welfare Home for Two People

Qiu Rong never voluntarily mentioned his background. Besides not wanting to appear vulnerable, he also feared that the other person wouldn’t know how to respond, leading to an awkward atmosphere.

The sunlight streamed through the glass window, warming up the villa with its heated floors. Qiu Rong finished the remaining half cup of water without a hint of regret. He simply put down the glass and pondered what he could say to lighten the heavy atmosphere.

“Are there any inconveniences in your daily life? Is your living expenses sufficient?”

Unexpectedly, hearing such inquiries, Qiu Rong’s avoided gaze returned to Yan Ling. In the other person’s eyes, he saw genuine concern.

Yan Ling said, “If you need any help, feel free to contact me.”

It wasn’t just polite words. Qiu Rong clearly felt that Yan Ling genuinely wanted to help him.

As if a gentle spring enveloped his silent heart, slowly dissolving the defensive barriers Qiu Rong had built for self-preservation.

Yan Ling was fair-skinned, that was an undeniable fact. But under the sunlight, Qiu Rong discovered that he could be even fairer.

The beautiful almond-shaped eyes curved with an attractive arc. The thick, long eyelashes caught the half-inch of sunlight, casting small shadows over the clear pupils, making his glass-like eyes appear calm and profound as they blinked.

Qiu Rong was certain that there were no hidden rules within New Moon Media.

If the CEO looked like this, then who would be the one seducing whom with hidden motives?

“It’s not inconvenient. My scholarship and earnings from part-time jobs are enough,” Qiu Rong replied with a soft smile, his eyes slightly lowered at the corners.

He immersed himself in this warm afternoon and in the genuine care that the other person showed him.

Qiu Rong recalled the incident with the pink-haired individual from before. He had merely mentioned his background, and Yan Ling was willing to believe him and respond sincerely. That pink-haired person must have prepared an even more miserable personal experience, hoping to soften the CEO’s heart by revealing it.

What should I do? The cat seems so easy to deceive.

Qiu Rong was caught between Yan Ling’s unreserved care and his concerns about the working environment of Miss Yan.

“What kind of jobs do you usually take?” Yan Ling asked him.

Qiu Rong pondered for a moment before answering, “I’ve done a bit of everything. I’ve worked as a waiter in a fast-food restaurant and a bubble tea shop, as well as in a convenience store. During the summer, I might do some tutoring, and, um… I’ve also worked in a subtitling team before.”

These were not lies. Before becoming the leader of the Werewolf clan again, Qiu Rong had relied on subsidies, scholarships, and part-time jobs to sustain his life.

After becoming the leader of the Werewolf clan, his main source of funds was the frozen inheritance left by his parents and older brother after their deaths. He had never used that money and didn’t want to touch it for now.

So, in reality, Qiu Rong was still working part-time. His most recent job was tutoring high school students in science subjects during the winter break.

Yan Ling nodded and pondered for a moment before saying, “Miss Yan has been saying that she needs a model. If you’re willing to try on hundreds of outfits in a day, she would definitely be willing to pay a high price for your cooperation.”

Qiu Rong: “…”

That wasn’t necessary.

The clothes selected by Yan Zijue ended up staying in her studio. Qiu Rong couldn’t keep them in his school dormitory because it was too small, so he only took a few sets with him.

Later, Yan Ling mentioned the idea of Qiu Rong working part-time at Yan Zijue’s place, but Qiu Rong politely declined.

He was more than happy to be a model for Yan Zijue and help her find design inspiration—but only if it was in the capacity of a junior or a friend of “Cat Villa.” As for part-time work, he preferred not to.

Seeing his resolute attitude, Yan Ling didn’t insist any further.

It wasn’t that Qiu Rong was being stubborn. After all, he had a considerable amount of assets to rely on, and his other part-time jobs covered his daily expenses perfectly fine.

However, he was still very grateful for Yan Ling’s kind intentions.

Relationships between people naturally grow closer in moments of mutual care and the sharing of small secrets.

After accidentally exposing his vulnerability in the villa, every time Qiu Rong faced Yan Ling afterward, he couldn’t help but feel an unconscious desire to get closer.

The small crack in his psychological defense seemed eager to bare his whole heart to Yan Ling.

That would be dangerous.

Qiu Rong warned himself.

December quickly passed, and Qiu Rong’s internship ended successfully. As he had two exam subjects for his major in this semester, Qiu Rong experienced his last exam week in college.

During this period, he had intermittent contact with Yan Ling. In the first few days of the break, Yan Ling even asked Qiu Rong where he would be staying during the winter vacation.

At that time, Qiu Rong had just applied to stay on campus for the winter vacation.

Qiu Rong’s winter vacation life consisted of going to the library, the laboratory, and the dormitory, plus working as a tutor off-campus for three days a week.

Perhaps due to the busy year-end tasks at the company, Yan Ling’s contact with him became less frequent after the winter break started.

Qiu Rong occasionally wanted to send a message to Yan Ling but worried about disturbing the CEO’s work. In the end, he could only stare at the chat interface in a daze.

A few days before the Spring Festival, after finishing his last tutoring session, Qiu Rong suddenly received a call from Yan Ling.

“Are you still at school for the Spring Festival?”

The voice, which he hadn’t heard for a long time, sounded in his ears, and Qiu Rong felt even happier than when he received his last paycheck.

He stood by the roadside, waiting for the bus back to school, exhaling a breath of white mist. He calmed the palpitations in his heart and curved his eyes as he replied, “Yes, what’s up?”

Yan Ling was sitting on the second floor of his aunt’s villa, in the same spot as last time.

One can hide on New Year’s Day, but not on the fifteenth. He was still caught by Miss Yan to try on clothes.

Scratching the chin of the Ragdoll cat in his arms, Yan Ling looked at the setting sun outside the window and recalled the lonely look on the boy’s face when they last sat facing each other.

Yan Ling asked, “I’ll be alone for the Spring Festival too. How about… spending it together?”

Even on New Year’s Eve, the breakfast stall at the street corner was already open early. The steaming aroma of egg pancakes filled the air. The stall owner rubbed her hands, nudged the sleepy child at her leg, and said, “We’ll close up early today. Mom will take you to the market later.”

The child sniffed and wiped his runny nose, burying his face against his mother’s leg and nodding.

A black car stopped by the roadside, and Qiu Rong rushed a few steps to the stall and ordered two pancakes.

The beaten egg mixture was poured onto the pancake, sizzling with a fragrant aroma. The sauce was spread, fillings were added, and it was all packed into a bag along with two packs of hot soy milk from the boiling water pot.

Qiu Rong returned to the car and took out two pieces of paper from his bag. He placed them on the outside of the plastic bag and handed a pancake to Yan Ling, who had been staring at it restrainedly.

“This pancake stall is the best I’ve ever had. Actually, the owner has changed, but the taste is still the same,” Qiu Rong said after taking a bite of the pancake.

Yan Ling’s nostrils twitched as he took a small bite, finding it less greasy than he had imagined. The crispy pancake wrapped with lettuce and shredded meat burst with a flavor completely different from Vincent’s style of breakfast.

“I’ve only seen this kind of roadside stall before, but it’s my first time eating from one.” Yan Ling blinked and took another bite, commenting, “Not bad.”

Qiu Rong wasn’t surprised by this, as Yan Ling seemed like the kind of pampered young master. However, he was curious and asked, “You never tried it during school?”

Usually, there would be breakfast stalls near schools. Even if there weren’t any in middle school, there would definitely be some in college.

Yan Ling recalled his so-called “student days.” Due to safety concerns, the Supernatural Control Center had always arranged one-on-one tutoring for him. He never had the chance to buy breakfast on his way to class like regular kids, using money given by his parents.

The Supernatural Control Center also provided three meals, but most of the time they were Western dishes. When Chinese cuisine was served, it was always light.

“My family didn’t allow it,” Yan Ling replied.

Qiu Rong admired, “You’re quite obedient.”

It was the first time Yan Ling heard someone describe him with that word, and he smiled inwardly.

Today’s itinerary had already been planned by Qiu Rong. When Yan Ling mentioned spending the Lunar New Year together, Qiu Rong initially wanted to cancel his plans here. He hesitated for a moment as he looked at the red envelopes that were already prepared. Then he called back and asked for Yan Ling’s preference.

Yan Ling was more than happy to accompany him to spend the Spring Festival at the Children’s Welfare Institute.

Both of them finished breakfast in the car. When they got off, the driver opened the trunk and took out a few bags.

Qiu Rong’s purchases were all in the backseat. When he first got in the car, he wondered why Yan Ling didn’t ask him to put the things in the trunk. It turned out there was no space left.

He looked at the bags filling the driver’s hands and chuckled helplessly, “You came with me and still bought so many things.”

“I couldn’t come empty-handed,” Qiu Rong had also made quite a few purchases, and Yan Ling helped him carry several bags.

Yan Ling didn’t buy anything expensive. Like Qiu Rong, he bought some daily necessities and study materials.

Upon entering the courtyard, two aunties were helping the children paste window decorations. When they saw Qiu Rong, they greeted him warmly.

The children, seeing Qiu Rong and Yan Ling carrying bags, were both eager to approach and a little shy, holding their window decorations but hesitating to come closer.

A few children who were familiar with Qiu Rong immediately ran over happily like a group of cheerful sparrows, chirping, “Brother Qiu Rong!”

Qiu Rong shooed them away, saying, “Make way, let me go in first and put your New Year’s gifts.”

The other children couldn’t wait either and dropped their window decorations, following closely behind the three adults as if they were little bugs.

The driver left after putting down the items, leaving only Qiu Rong and Yan Ling. Qiu Rong introduced Yan Ling to the children, saying, “This is your Brother Yan Ling.”

Yan Ling glanced at Qiu Rong. His age could easily make him an uncle to these children.

But the children clearly agreed with Qiu Rong’s words, all looking up and cheerfully calling him “Brother Yan Ling.”

Surrounded by so many human offspring, Yan Ling’s mood was like Qiu Rong standing in a cat’s nest—completely clueless.

Qiu Rong stood aside, smiling as he watched the bewildered CEO, considering it payback for the day Yan Ling sat and watched him try on clothes.

Yan Ling cast a pleading glance: “Aren’t you coming to save me?”

Qiu Rong smirked and got up to open the plastic bags, diverting the children’s attention from the handsome brother to the New Year gifts.

Probably because the aunt at the entrance mentioned Qiu Rong’s arrival, a few older children who were helping out in the courtyard also came over.

Qiu Rong had confirmed the number of people in the institute in advance, and the gifts were all the same, one for each child. With the help of the older children, they distributed the gifts together, and soon every child present had one in their hands.

Qiu Rong had bought stationery, daily necessities, and small snacks, while Yan Ling, considering Qiu Rong’s financial situation, bought toys and art supplies, trying to avoid overlapping with him.

The children went to settle with their gifts, and Qiu Rong took Yan Ling to see the remaining children.

In reality, healthy children were the minority in the children’s welfare institute. Most of them were abandoned by their parents and were disabled children that no one was willing to adopt.

Yan Ling wasn’t good at interacting with children, especially those with communication difficulties. He stood aside, watching Qiu Rong patiently communicate with them one by one.

Qiu Rong seemed like a natural protector, with great patience towards the vulnerable.

Yan Ling thought of the moment when Qiu Rong had embraced and protected him, understanding that in Qiu Rong’s heart, he might also be a role that needed protection.

A little boy with a black bowl haircut, apparently noticing that Qiu Rong hadn’t come to him after a while, jumped off his small stool and ran to Qiu Rong, tugging at his pants leg.

Qiu Rong lowered his head, and the little boy gestured to him a couple of times.

The boy couldn’t speak.

Surprisingly, Qiu Rong understood the boy’s sign language and gestured back.

The little boy looked up and beamed a big smile, and Qiu Rong smiled too, ruffling the boy’s hair.

Afterward, the little boy helped Qiu Rong distribute the remaining gifts, and Qiu Rong gave him the excess items.

The little boy happily hugged the plastic bags and went off to find a hiding spot.

“You know sign language too?” Yan Ling asked Qiu Rong when he came out.

Qiu Rong contemplated how to answer, a white lie already at the tip of his tongue. But when he met Yan Ling’s gaze, a missing piece appeared in his yet-to-be-repaired defense line.

“When my parents passed away, I had a stress reaction and couldn’t speak for a while. The teachers at the welfare institute taught me sign language,” Qiu Rong calmly explained, then smiled casually at Yan Ling. “Luckily, I recovered before starting school and didn’t hinder my studies.”

Qiu Rong came to the welfare institute today because he had lived here for a period of time in the past.

Since returning to City A, he would come to see the children here every Chinese New Year.

In reality, his memories of the welfare institute were far from pleasant. Back then, the conditions at the institute were much worse than they are now.

Qiu Rong had once been the pampered youngest child in his family, but suddenly lost everything and ended up in a place where he couldn’t even have enough food to eat, sleeping with many other children in a large dormitory. The disparity in his heart was unimaginable.

But if it weren’t for the welfare institute, he might have been captured by Meng Jiadong long ago.

This place provided him with half a year to accept the fate of falling into the abyss and made him realize that he could only pick himself up and seek a new path.

They had lunch together with the children, and in the afternoon, everyone gathered in the canteen to make dumplings.

Yan Ling, willing to accompany the gentlemen at all costs, rolled up his sleeves and got busy with the flour. However, the CEO was not cut out for this task and was soon assigned to the group of mischievous children, watching cartoons together.

The winter nights came early. Dumplings with thin skins and large fillings were boiling in the pot, and the children watched TV while waiting for dinner.

Yan Ling and Qiu Rong went outside to get some fresh air.

They sat side by side on a double-slide, tilting their heads to look at the stars in the sky, some bright, some dim.

Qiu Rong had a cigarette between his lips, but he didn’t light it.

Yan Ling looked at him and said, “Smoking is not good for you.”

“Hmm.” Qiu Rong smiled and took the cigarette out of his mouth. “Then I won’t smoke anymore.”

Yan Ling chuckled. “So obedient?”

Qiu Rong nodded innocently. “I’m very obedient.”

They looked at each other for a moment and burst into laughter together.

“This is the liveliest New Year’s Eve I’ve ever had,” Yan Ling looked back at the starry sky. “My parents settled abroad, and Chinese New Year at home is not much different from any other night, just an ordinary evening.”

There were no Spring Festival galas, no dumplings.

Vincent only celebrated the Chinese New Year.

“Today is a meaningful day,” Yan Ling said.

From the morning egg pancakes to the pot of mixed rice in the evening, he might never have experienced all of this in his lifetime if it weren’t for Qiu Rong.

“To be honest, I don’t come here often,” Qiu Rong looked up. “Only on New Year’s Eve.”

He smiled and whispered, “It’s too lonely to listen to the sound of fireworks alone.”

“Compared to caring for these children, I feel more like an outsider,” Yan Ling added.

They didn’t speak any further and continued aimlessly counting the little stars in the sky.

After finishing the dumplings, Qiu Rong gave red envelopes to each child and sat with everyone to watch the Spring Festival Gala for a while.

At ten o’clock in the evening, most of the children went to bed, and Qiu Rong and Yan Ling also got up to say goodbye.

They had agreed to celebrate the New Year together, but neither of them mentioned going back. Yan Ling’s driver hadn’t arrived yet, so the two of them took a leisurely stroll by the roadside.

Midnight was still far away, but faint sounds of fireworks could already be heard in the distance.

Yan Ling walked on the curb, his line of sight slightly higher than Qiu Rong’s. The soft light from the street lamps softened Qiu Rong’s distinct facial features, casting a gentle filter over him.

After watching for a while, Yan Ling spoke, “Regardless of whether it’s care or feeling like an outsider, the children all received your red envelopes. May they have a safe and peaceful new year.”

“You’ve already done well enough,” Qiu Rong said, looking at Yan Ling.

They stopped at a crossroad, waiting for the next green light.

Yan Ling took his hand out of his pocket. The red envelopes, even if they were made of stiff paper, had become creased after a whole day. Yan Ling pinched the raised corner and stuffed the substantial red envelope into Qiu Rong’s hand.

The slightly cool temperature slipped away from his palm, and Qiu Rong held the red envelope without a response.

“All the other children have New Year red envelopes to bless their safety. Little Qiu Rong should have one too.” Yan Ling’s face looked like a delicately sculpted snow doll in the winter night, and his cold voice resonated like snowflakes colliding.

Qiu Rong sensed the slightly low body temperature of the other person. Although there were hardly any visible breaths when speaking, the words forcefully broke through all his defenses.

Qiu Rong was already crumbling.

A beam of light emerged at the entrance of a nearby residential area, and a big firework bloomed in the curtain-like sky.

Their gazes turned toward that direction simultaneously, and Yan Ling smiled. “This year, we’re not alone anymore.”

Another firework soared into the sky, and at the moment of its bloom, Qiu Rong heard the person beside him say, “Happy New Year, Xiao Rong.”

Qiu Rong thought that he might truly be falling.

Author’s note:

Yan Ling (tsundere): Just a shallow confession.

Qiu Rong (silly dog): I’m going to pursue him!

So, it took them a few extra months to get together.

No fragment is complete, but it kills me QAQ

The next chapter will return to the Cold War~