Contract Marriage

Chapter 4

Light from the morning sun trickled through the tiny slits of the blinds covering the bedroom’s French windows. The bright specs shone as they lit up the floorboards.

Due to his inner biological clock, HeLian Qing had already woken up long ago, yet he remained reclined on the bed, maintaining the same position. All this was because on this particular morning he awoke to discover the one who tried to avoid him, as well as keep a distance between them, was now deeply asleep on the pit of his stomach.

Unlike their first two interactions, which consisted mostly of polite alienation, after falling asleep Han Yang seemed to appear unimaginably more gentle. In that room, his features became indescribably soft. The corners of his mouth rose ever so slightly, as he dreamt of something quite amusing, he even acted like a spoiled kid, nuzzling against him a few times.

HeLian Qing was quite surprised by this, looking at him with interest as he awaited the sort of expression the other would have because of their unexpected positioning.

Translated by -iana-, When writing code, Han Yang was completely obsessed. He was so absorbed while doing this task that he didn’t even notice when someone opened the door and entered the room.

Ten minutes later, Han Yang woke up. HeLian Qing’s sudden return had made his nerves a little tense, causing him to not fall asleep until it was past midnight.

Translated by -iana-, long bangs, which often obstructed his vision, a long paper binder was taken from the printed data files he had to clamp the stray hairs up.

Last night, he had a dream. He dreamt about his childhood, about his old house and his huge dog, Pang Jiaozi[1], playing in an open field. At that time, he was just eight years old so when Pang Jiaozi stood up, it was almost as tall as him. Back then when he played with Pang Jiaozi, it would often use its head to gently brush against him, coaxing him. He in turn, would chase Pang Jiaozi around the field until his Grandpa came calling for him to return home for his meal.

Now, that dream of his younger years faded into the distance, Grandpa had become old and grey, and Pang Jiaozi, who had been at his side as he grew up, had also passed away.

Stretching out his arms then rubbing his eyes, Han Yang squinted as he stared towards the blinds where the bright light shone through wearing a bewildered expression.

Translated by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang feltlong bangs, which often obstructed his vision, a long paper binder was taken from the printed data files he had to clamp the stray embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be

Having just woken up he was a bit confused, though it was not uncommon for him to be in a daze for a few seconds before he became completely alert. After his spirit returned he was left stunned– speechless–at the sight of HeLian Qing’s hanging head staring down at him and that he was actually laying on the other’s stomach.

Translated by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be

Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be.

Translated by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be

For HeLian Qing, when he saw Han Yang rubbing his eyes he knew at once the younger man had woken up. Having waited expectingly to observe his reaction, he found that Han Yang wore a blank expression as he looked ahead, face displaying no emotion whatsoever at their current positions and neither did he utter a word. HeLian Qing also noticed that Han Yang who began to get off the bed, unexpectedly, stayed......

Translated by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be

The Han Yang staring at him blankly was awfully cute, HeLian Qing thought to himself.

Translated by -iana-, long bangs, which often obstructed his vision, a long paper binder was taken from the printed data files he had to clamp the stray hairs up.

“I’m sorry.” Han Yang quickly got off his body. He did not know for how long HeLian Qing had been awake, or if he had been sleeping like that since last night wouldn’t the other be quite tired having spent all that time holding such a posture.

Translated by -iana-, long bangs, which often obstructed his vision, a long paper binder was taken from the printed data files he had to clamp the stray hairs up.

While apologising, he couldn’t help but wonder about his dream where he was clearly hugging Pang Jiaozi, and how exactly he ended up on top of HeLian Qing, embracing him.

Translated by -iana-, long bangs, which often obstructed his vision, a long paper binder was taken from the printed data files he had to clamp the stray hairs up.

......Not only that, but also about how that man’s bad temperament wouldn’t be as good Jiaozi’s.

Translated by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be

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With his newfound freedom, HeLian Qing massaged his stiffened shoulder. In order to allow that just awakened one sleep comfortably, he had kept his arm quite still. What he did not expect was Han Yang to be, well, okay. Instead, he predicted that other would arise to treat him as a ‘great scourge[2]’ before hastily retreating like always. Tch, he hasn’t run away yet, huh?

Translated by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be

Seeing HeLian Qing rubbing his shoulders, Han Yang unintentionally said, “I didn’t mean to do it, are you okay?”

Translated by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be

At once, HeLian Qing’s arm stopped, immediately rubbing less in an attempt to downplay the action after catching a glimspe of Han Yang, “I never expected something like this to happen, yesterday you even kept your distance from me still.”

Translated by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be

“......” Han Yang had no words, at his discovery of HeLian Qing not taking a jab at[3] him as usual.

Translated by -iana-, long bangs, which often obstructed his vision, a long paper binder was taken from the printed data files he had to clamp the stray hairs up.

Lifting the quilt, HeLian Qing got off the bed, heading to his wardrobe to look for a change of clothes. Turning around, he saw Han Yang still sitting on the bed, “I’m going to take a shower, you should go tidy yourself up so we can go grab something to eat.”

Translated by -iana-, long bangs, which often obstructed his vision, a long paper binder was taken from the printed data files he had to clamp the stray hairs up.

“Do you usually shower this early in the morning?[4]” Han Yang asked absentmindedly, regretting his question as soon as the words left his lips. He looked at the man’s face to see that, all too familiar, mocking mein emerge just as expected.

Translated by -iana-, long bangs, which often obstructed his vision, a long paper binder was taken from the printed data files he had to clamp the stray hairs up.

“I’m going to wash off the drool you left on my gut.” HeLian Qing stated before heading off to the bathroom. He said he was going to clean off my drool.

Translated by -iana-, long bangs, which often obstructed his vision, a long paper binder was taken from the printed data files he had to clamp the stray hairs up.

Immediately after the door was closed, Han Yang wiped the corners of his mouth only to realise they were in fact, dry.

Translated by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be

‘Such a sharp-tongue’, Han Yang lamented in his heart.

Translated by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be

At noon during lunch, HeLian Qing received a phone-call, addressing the caller as, HeLian Lao Yezi, as in, HeLian Qing’s Grandfather.

[T/n: Lao Yezi is a respectful way of addressing an elderly male.]

Han Yang, even though he did not personally know HeLian Lao Yezi, he nevertheless, knew how Lao Yezi had a lot of influence in L-City’s corporate sector. This old man was quite different from his own kind Grandpa, so in his heart he couldn’t help but feel a bit nervous at that fact. Though he kept those feelings from showing on his face as he lowered his head and continued eating in silence.

“Yeah.” HeLian Qing said to the caller, his eyes then swept towards the tight-lipped student who still had not said a word, before leisurely stating, “I’m bringing your granddaughter-in-law[5] back with me.”

Translated by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be

Han Yang’s chopsticks stopped in an instant, his expression froze.

Translated by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be

The corners of HeLian Qing’s lips rose a smidge as he added a few more sentences before hanging up his phone. Placing the device down beside him, he glanced at Han Yang, “Contrary to what I’d expect, you seem rather calm.”

Translated by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be

His tone was neither soft nor hard. Unable to decipher what that meant, Han Yang raised his head to meet him face to face, “If I’m not calm would you let me go back?”

Translated by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be

“What do you think?” HeLian Qing asked.

Translated by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be

It was impossible to respond to such a question.

Translated by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be

Han Yang already knew from what he witnessed last night and of what HeLian Qing said, he wouldn’t be able to back out of this occasion. Also, what HeLian Qing had said earlier was actually wrong, it was not that he wasn’t nervous, just that there was nothing to be done about it even if he was, except for taking things one step at a time.

Translated by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be

“Don’t I have to buy a gift for when I arrive?” Han Yang asked in the car, after all, it was his first time meeting them. If he brought nothing with him it would come off very impolite, however, Han Yang himself didn’t know what he could buy. For a family as prominent as the Helian’s, and him still being a college student who hasn’t yet had a steady job, any gift he buys might seem insignificant.

Translated by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be

“I’ll buy it, okay. Besides, soon it’ll be them who should be giving you gifts.” HeLian Qing held the steering wheel, stealing glances at Han Yang who sat beside him, “Just a bit of sweet talker[6], huh.”

Translated by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be

“......” Han Yang’s face deadpanned.

Translated by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be

HeLian Qing scoffed and grinned, not saying anything further.

Translated by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be

When compared to the small village he grew up in, Han Yang definitely thought HeLian Qing’s three bedroom, living room plus dining room house was already more than luxurious. But at this time, when he caught sight of the HeLian’s family home he knew it wasn’t just more extravagant, it was too extravagant.

Translated by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be

The four storey medium-sized villa was not that tall, but it did spread to cover a wide area. When coming through the entrance one was immediately greeted by a huge courtyard about the size of a football field, in addition, beside it was a garden, a pond, and so on.

Translated by -iana-, long bangs, which often obstructed his vision, a long paper binder was taken from the printed data files he had to clamp the stray hairs up.

HeLian Qing explained that normally, due to work, he stayed in his apartment so now only his grandfather, parents as well as their servants lived in the family home.

Translated by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be

Surely it couldn’t be each person lived on a floor of their own? Han Yang let his imagination run wild. Thinking of his family’s own tiny, one story house he couldn’t help but sigh the line, ‘As expected, from the diabolic nature of capitalists.’

Translated by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be

After parking the car in the courtyard, HeLian Qing took out a few bags of gifts, handing them to a servant waiting nearby then brought Han Yang into the house.

A bit later, having already entered the house, only a few servants were around and neither HeLian Qing’s father nor mother were at home. Seeing HeLian Qing’s arrival they respectfully welcomed him, adding no unnecessary small-talk which made that extremely huge room appear cold.

Translated by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be

Compared to this, Han Yang preferred his family’s bungalow, even though it was small and old, it had warmth, comfort and joy.

Translated by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be

“Is Lao Yezi upstairs?” HeLian Qing asked.

Translated by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be

“Lao Yezi finished his meal then headed to his study soon after.” The servant respectfully replied.

Translated by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be

Everyone in the house knew of Lao Yezi’s habit of heading upstairs after lunch to play chess, HeLian Qing nodde in response then pulled Han Yang up the stars at once. Surely enough, on the second floor in the study, they found Lao Yezi.

Translated by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang felt embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be

Laying eyes on Lao Yezi, Han Yang’s originally slightly relaxed nerves became a tad tense yet again. Before him was HeLian Qing’s grandfather, a man who was once a top ranking leader in the business world. Compared to his own grandfather who sat in the yard and played with children, this man completely different.

Translated by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang feltlong bangs, which often obstructed his vision, a long paper binder was taken from the printed data files he had to clamp the stray embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be

“Grandad.” HeLian Qing called out to the old man playing chess. Han Yang was unsure on how to address the man, moving his lips to call to HeLian Lao Yezi, he just followed after HeLian Qing then stood beside him.

Translated by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang feltlong bangs, which often obstructed his vision, a long paper binder was taken from the printed data files he had to clamp the stray embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be

Lao Yezi groaned an ‘En’ in response, still not lifting his head to look at them, gaze just as it was before set on his chessboard, contemplating his next move.

Translated by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang feltlong bangs, which often obstructed his vision, a long paper binder was taken from the printed data files he had to clamp the stray embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be

HeLian Qing seemed accustomed to the old man’s habit, disturbing him no more. He instead took Han Yang to sit beside him at a tea table and began steeping some tea.

Translated by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang feltlong bangs, which often obstructed his vision, a long paper binder was taken from the printed data files he had to clamp the stray embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be

While he sat making the tea, his waist and back were held straight, the sleeves of his shirt drew up slightly at his movements which were all natural and unforced, exuding an air of elegance and beauty. He then poured a cup of tea, handing it to Han Yang, who said thank you in return. Holding the cup in both hands, Han Yang gently took a sip, the warm liquid brought relief to his nerve-racked heart.

Translated by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang feltlong bangs, which often obstructed his vision, a long paper binder was taken from the printed data files he had to clamp the stray embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be

“What are you so nervous about?” HeLian Qing glanced at him.

Translated by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang feltlong bangs, which often obstructed his vision, a long paper binder was taken from the printed data files he had to clamp the stray embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be

“Han Yang peeked towards where Lao YeZi played chess all by his lonesome, whispering, “Is it okay that we’re here?”

Translated by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang feltlong bangs, which often obstructed his vision, a long paper binder was taken from the printed data files he had to clamp the stray embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be

“It’s not a problem, Lao Yezi just doesn’t like to disturbed while he’s playing chess.” HeLian Qing drank some tea, “Besides, after coming back for a few visits you’ll get used to it.”

Translated by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang feltlong bangs, which often obstructed his vision, a long paper binder was taken from the printed data files he had to clamp the stray embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be

“......” But I don’t want to.

Translated by -iana-,Each of their gazes met the other’s. Soon, Han Yang feltlong bangs, which often obstructed his vision, a long paper binder was taken from the printed data files he had to clamp the stray embarrassed and was at a lost as to how exactly this situation came to be

Han Yang simply lowered his head and drank his tea, no longer uttering a word. HeLian Qing also stopped teasing him.

....................

-iana-