Chapter 133 The Dust Settles
"oh."
Fu Qinghuai responded quickly, and took the opportunity to grasp the wrist that was pressed against his chest, gently rubbing his wrist bone with his fingertips.
He rubbed off the oil for a while before letting go, and as he turned to get his coat from the sofa, he was humming an off-key tune.
If it had a tail, it would probably be rocking like a propeller.
At dusk, the wind by West Lake carries the scent of water vapor and lotus blossoms.
At the entrance of Lou Wai Lou, Jiang Lehui was indeed waiting early, dressed in a flashy casual suit, his hair styled in a very fashionable way.
Shen Zhaoyao, standing beside him, wore a light purple silk dress with a beige cardigan over it. Her long hair was gently draped over her shoulders. She was listening with a smile to Jiang Lehui's animated speech, occasionally reaching out to straighten his collar, which was perfectly straight, her movements natural.
"Ah Xun! Over here!"
Jiang Lehui, with her sharp eyes, waved vigorously and then spotted Fu Qinghuai next to Xie Xun. She winked and said, "Oh, Brother Fu is here too? We'll have to make a good rip-off off Boss Xie today!"
Shen Zhaoyao greeted him with a gentle smile: "A-Xun, Brother Fu."
His gaze swept over Fu Qinghuai's hand, which was subtly supporting Xie Xun's lower back, and his smile deepened.
"Um."
Xie Xun nodded to Shen Zhaoyao, but when he looked at Jiang Lehui, he wasn't so polite. "Stand at the door like a doorman? Go in."
"Understood!"
Jiang Lehui grinned and naturally stepped aside to let Shen Zhaoyao go first, then followed beside her, her arm loosely wrapped around her. She whispered in her ear, "Sister, look at how smug A-Xun is. She won a little money and she's getting all cocky... But today we're going to stick to the expensive stuff!"
His voice wasn't loud, but his dependence and affection were undeniable.
Shen Zhaoyao gently patted his arm and said reproachfully, "Stop fooling around, listen to A-Xun's arrangements."
His tone was gentle yet carried weight, and Jiang Lehui immediately became much more obedient, making a face at Xie Xun.
The Lotus Hall overlooks the lake and boasts a superb view.
When they sat down, Fu Qinghuai naturally sat next to Xie Xun. After sitting down, he casually rinsed the bowls and chopsticks in front of Xie Xun with tea, drained the water, and then put them back in front of him.
The movements were fluid and graceful, conveying a silent intimacy.
Jiang Lehui was busy pulling out a chair and laying out napkins for Shen Zhaoyao, and he was also talking non-stop.
"Ah Xun, you really struck it rich? Tell me, how much did you win? Let me share in your good fortune!"
"Eat your food." Xie Xun pushed the menu over. "Order."
"Then I won't be polite!"
Jiang Le took the menu and exclaimed excitedly, "Dongpo pork! Longjing shrimp! Beggar's chicken! Hey, this matsutake soup looks good... Sister, what would you like to eat?"
He instantly switched to attentive mode, holding the menu in front of Shen Zhaoyao and pointing to the picture, "This crab roe tofu? Or steamed shad?"
Shen Zhaoyao smiled and said in a gentle voice, "Just order whatever you like, don't be too extravagant."
As she spoke, she thoughtfully pointed to a light vegetable dish, "Add this to cut through the richness."
"Okay!" Jiang Lehui immediately wrote it down.
Xie Xun gestured with his chin towards Fu Qinghuai: "What would you like to eat?"
Fu Qinghuai was peeling a peanut that the waiter had brought as a pre-meal treat. Upon hearing this, he naturally placed the peeled peanut into the plate in front of Xie Xun, looked up and smiled, and said, "I'll eat whatever Xun Xun orders."
His gaze was fixed on Xie Xun's face, without any attempt to hide it.
Xie Xun glanced at the peanuts on the plate, said nothing, picked them up and ate them.
Then I ordered a few classic dishes from the waiter, including a vinegar fish and a Song Sao fish soup.
After ordering, she casually said to Fu Qinghuai, "The vinegar fish is yours."
Fu Qinghuai's eyes crinkled into a smile: "Xunxun still remembers."
Under the table, his knee gently touched Xie Xun's.
Dishes were served one after another, filling the table.
Jiang Lehui ate heartily, frequently serving food to Shen Zhaoyao:
"Sister, try this, it's so tender!"
"This soup is delicious, have some more!"
The food in Shen Zhaoyao's bowl was piled up like a small mountain. She smiled helplessly yet indulgently as she ate slowly, occasionally giving Jiang Lehui a piece of food that he couldn't reach.
Xie Xun ate politely, but it was clear he had a good appetite.
Fu Qinghuai hardly ever served himself any food. He was either peeling the clay shell off beggar's chicken for Xie Xun, turning the shrimp in front of Xie Xun, or serving a small bowl of fish soup to cool.
Xie Xun got used to it and would occasionally put the fatty parts he found greasy or the ginger shreds he didn't eat into Fu Qinghuai's bowl.
Fu Qinghuai accepted the entire order and ate with great relish.
I said,
Jiang Le took another sip of rice wine, looked at the interaction between the two opposite her, and clicked her tongue, "You two are... even more lovey-dovey than me and my sister. Ah Xun, you won the prize, but why does Brother Fu seem happier than you are?"
Fu Qinghuai was carefully picking out fish bones when he heard this, and without even looking up, he said, "If Xunxun is happy, then I am happy."
The tone was matter-of-fact.
Xie Xun picked up a piece of fish in vinegar sauce with his chopsticks, put it on Fu Qinghuai's plate, and shut him up, saying, "Eat yours."
Jiang Le laughed heartily, then whispered something in Shen Zhaoyao's ear. Shen Zhaoyao covered her mouth and chuckled softly, her gaze towards Xie Xun and Fu Qinghuai filled with tender blessings.
The meal was a great success, with both hosts and guests thoroughly enjoying themselves.
When it came time to pay, Xie Xun swiped his card without batting an eye.
Stepping out of the restaurant, the night view of West Lake was just right.
"That was awesome! If you win again next time, remember to treat me again, thank you!"
Jiang Lehui was a little tipsy, and he put his arm around Shen Zhaoyao's shoulder, grinning.
Shen Zhaoyao took his arm and thanked Xie Xun softly, "Thank you for spending so much today, Xun. Thank you."
"Um."
Xie Xun responded and looked at Jiang Lehui, who was clearly swaying slightly, "Can you walk?"
"Yes! Of course you can!"
Jiang Le straightened her chest and almost stumbled, but Shen Zhaoyao steadied her firmly.
"Sister, let's go home!"
He immediately felt like he had found a pillar of support, leaning half his body over and muttering, "Sister is the best."
Watching the two figures walk away hand in hand, Xie Xun shook his head, but a very faint smile appeared on his lips.
The evening breeze carried the dampness of West Lake and the lingering smell of cooking oil from the night market downstairs.
Fu Qinghuai wrapped his arms around Xie Xun's waist, resting his chin on Xie Xun's shoulder. The smell of alcohol mixed with the cool, ghostly aura unique to him seemed to seep into Xie Xun's neck.
"Searching..."
"Um?"
"Are you happy today?" Fu Qinghuai asked vaguely, rubbing his cheek against his neck, feeling a little ticklish.
Xie Xun looked at the trails of light left by the boats on the distant lake and the crowded figures on the shore.
The arms around your waist are firmly wrapped around you, and the weight on your shoulders sinks down—it's the kind of solid, wholehearted dependence you have on.
A gentle evening breeze stirred the effects of the alcohol, but his mind remained clear.
"……good."
He said, raising his hand behind him and patting Fu Qinghuai's hand lightly, "Loosen up a bit, it's too tight."
Fu Qinghuai chuckled softly, his breath brushing against the back of his ear. Instead of loosening his grip, the breath tightened even more before slowly releasing some of the pressure.
"No way." Her voice was sticky and smug, tinged with a triumphant smugness.
Xie Xun was too lazy to waste words with him and let him hang on.
The two stood under the inconspicuous willow tree on the side of the restaurant for a while, until the noisy sounds of drinking games came from the nearby food stalls, before they moved on.
"I'm leaving," Xie Xun said.
“Carry me on your back.” Fu Qinghuai still had half of her body leaning on him.
"Go by yourself."
Xie Xun ignored him, pulled his hand away, grabbed one of his wrists, and pulled him towards the parking lot.
Fu Qinghuai didn't struggle, but went along with it, and with his other hand he groped around to hook Xie Xun's fingers, and only when their fingers were intertwined did he stop.
The way back wasn't far, but Fu Qinghuai had been drinking and was walking unsteadily, his steps unsteady.
Xie Xun walked slowly, and occasionally when Xie Xun staggered, he would gently nudge him with his shoulder to steady him.
The back alleys of Hefang Street have quieted down, with only a few windows still lit.
The old-fashioned lantern at the entrance of their shop cast a dim yellow light, illuminating the little green dog that was dozing on the threshold.
Hearing footsteps, Little Green raised its head, hissed as a greeting, and then lazily lay back down.
Pushing open the door, the shop's smell, a mixture of old paper, incense, and a hint of damp wood, hits you.
Xie Xun took off his coat and hung it on the old coat rack behind the door, making a soft creaking sound.
"I need a shower, I reek of alcohol," Xie Xun said as he walked towards the backyard.
"Let's go together, it saves water."
Fu Qinghuai grinned and snuggled up to him from behind, his hands roaming all over him. "The Shaoxing wine from Lou Wai Lou has quite a strong aftereffect..."
Xie Xun didn't stop walking, letting him put his arm around her as they walked to the backyard.
Clothes washed during the day hung to dry in the courtyard, casting swaying shadows in the moonlight. He turned the old-fashioned brass handle in the bathroom, and the water heater hummed.
"Make your own water." Xie Xun tossed him a clean towel.
The bathroom was small, and the heat quickly filled the space.
Fu Qinghuai was indeed unruly; as soon as the water got hot, he came over and insisted on helping him lather up his hair with shampoo, making foam everywhere.
Xie Xun kept his eyes closed, letting him do as he pleased, only clicking his tongue impatiently when water got into his eyes.
Fu Qinghuai smiled and leaned over, using his wet hands to wipe away the foam from his eyelids, his fingertips feeling cool.
"Searching,"
Amidst the splashing water, Fu Qinghuai's voice, hoarse from the steam rising from his lips, whispered in her ear, "You look...so beautiful today."
Xie Xun didn't open his eyes, but raised his hand and accurately pressed down on Xie Xun's face, which was too close, and pushed him away.
"Wash yours."
Fu Qinghuai chuckled, grabbed his wrist as he tried to push him away, and kissed his wet palm.
The air was thick with steam, and the mirror was completely fogged up, obscuring everything except for two faint, close-knit outlines.
The night is still long.
...
Life is like grass sprouting from the cracks in the bluestone slabs of Hefang Street, spreading unnoticed and turning green year after year.
Xie Xun's success is reflected in every aspect.
When he went to the market, the vendors would always save the freshest bunch of vegetables for him; his bicycle chain hadn't fallen off in ten years; even the streetlight at the alley entrance, which always flickered, seemed to have never broken down since they moved in.
The paper craft shop's business...
It's not really a business transaction; they still only give things away and don't sell them, but their reputation is becoming increasingly mysterious.
People from all walks of life come to him; some genuinely seek help, while others come to test the waters out of delusion.
Whether Xie Xun answers or not depends entirely on his mood that day, or whether Fu Qinghuai gives him a signal from the side.
Fu Qinghuai is becoming more and more down-to-earth.
When his soul was weak before, he always felt a bit ethereal. Now that it's solid, he's just like a real person. The only problem is that his body temperature is a bit low. It's quite comfortable to be near him in the summer, but Xie Xun has to keep him warm in the winter.
He learned to use a smartphone and loved watching short videos and using food delivery apps. He would often sneak up next to Xie Xun late at night.
"Xunxun, look, this cat can do a backflip!"
"Want some barbecue? New users get a discount!"
Xie Xun mostly ignored him, but occasionally, when he got annoyed by the noise, he would simply snatch his phone away.
Fu Qinghuai sidled up to him with a pitiful look on his face and tucked his cold hands under the hem of his clothes.
Xie Xun shivered from the cold and glared at him, but he took advantage of the situation and pressed himself against him, smiling like a cat that had stolen some fish.
A few years later, Jiang Lehui and Shen Zhaoyao's child was in elementary school.
The little guy is chubby and not afraid of strangers. He calls out "Uncle Xie" and "Uncle Fu" as soon as he comes into the store. He is extremely curious about the paper figures and horses in the store, but he has been well-educated by Shen Zhaoyao and never touches them randomly.
Jiang Lehui had gained a noticeable amount of weight, sporting a small beer belly. Upon arrival, he slumped into the old sofa and exclaimed, "It's so comfortable here; time seems to stand still."
He would occasionally bring a couple of bottles of good wine and invite Xie Xun and Fu Qinghuai for a drink. When they got drunk, they would start reminiscing about the past, saying how unlucky Xie Xun was back then, but now he had finally made it.
Shen Zhaoyao stood beside them, smiling gently as she refilled everyone's tea, peeled oranges, and occasionally whispered a reminder to Jiang Lehui to drink less.
The neighbors have changed several times.
Of the earliest group of elderly people, some moved to live with their children, while others have passed away.
The newly moved-in young people initially kept their distance from this paper-craft shop, which was always closed, only occasionally letting in light at night, and which specialized in selling "unlucky" items.
But over time, I found that although the shop owner was aloof, he never caused trouble.
The excessively handsome man in the shop always had a slightly wicked smile, but he could also charm the older women with his sweet talk, so they gradually got used to it.
Occasionally, when an elderly person passes away and needs something to be purchased, people will come to Xie Xun's door asking for help. Xie Xun never refuses them; the items are made exquisitely and meticulously, and he never charges a penny.
Over time, they accumulated some goodwill and respect.
Rumors about them "not aging" have always existed.
At first, it was surprise, then curiosity, and later, it became an unspoken "secret" on this old street.
When the older women gather together to bask in the sun and chat, they will also whisper, "Those two people at the paper craft shop at the end of the alley, they must have some kind of background... They haven't changed a bit over the years."
But it's just talk; nobody really investigates it.
On this old street that has witnessed countless rises and falls, something "unusual" doesn't seem like a big deal.
As long as they behave themselves, don't harm others, and can help their neighbors, that's good enough.
The store has added some new items.
On sunny afternoons, Fu Qinghuai would tune an old radio, which he had found at a flea market, to the opera channel and hum along.
Several potted green ivy and spider plants are growing vigorously, all taken care of by Xie Xun.
Fu Qinghuai's plants all die; he can even rot the roots of cacti by overwatering them.
A rough earthenware jar appeared on the windowsill, filled with seasonal wildflowers, sometimes daisies, sometimes foxtail grass, all picked by Fu Qinghuai during his walks.
Life is about every meal, every cup of tea, every morning and evening.
It was just another ordinary evening.
After closing the shop, Xie Xun counted the paper offering materials he had delivered during the day.
Fu Qinghuai was lounging on the small sofa in the inner room, engrossed in watching a melodramatic family drama on his tablet, occasionally offering his own commentary.
"That guy is really stupid."
"This woman's acting is terrible."
After Xie Xun finished, he washed his hands and went over.
Fu Qinghuai immediately threw down the tablet and reached out to pull him.
Xie Xun sat down next to him, and he automatically leaned in, resting his head on Xie Xun's lap and playing with the hem of Xie Xun's clothes with his fingers.
"Searching".
"Um."
"Let's have wontons for breakfast tomorrow, from that shop at the intersection, the kind you like."
Fu Qinghuai looked up at him, her peach blossom eyes sparkling.
"Um."
"My phone credit seems to be running out."
"Okay, I'll top it up tomorrow."
"That shirt I liked last time, the one you said had a really flashy color... it's actually alright, isn't it?"
Xie Xun glanced down at him, ran his fingers through his thick black hair, and ruffled it.
"You'll only wear it a few times after I buy it."
"I'm wearing it for you to see."
Fu Qinghuai laughed, grabbed the hand that was rubbing her hair, and pressed it against her slightly cool face. "Xunxun, we're so good together."
Xie Xun didn't say anything, but just let him hold his hand, and picked up the old book that was half-read on the small table next to him with his other hand.
The sound of the paper turning was very soft.
Outside the window, the ever-present, distant sound of traffic from Hangzhou fills the air.
Inside the window, there was only gentle breathing and the intertwined body temperature.
The old radio was playing Kunqu Opera, the volume very low, like a faded moonlight in the background.
Time moves very slowly and heavily here.
They sank into the everyday hustle and bustle, into the unspoken understanding that a single glance was enough for them to grasp.
The ghost sank in, willingly becoming entangled in the trivialities of human life, while the human comfortably possessed all of the ghost's dependence.
There was nothing earth-shattering, nothing ethereal.
All that exists is a shop owner who never ages, a ghost that refuses to leave, and a paper offering shop that only gives away paper offerings and never sells them.
That's good.
(The End)
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