Chapter 85: Extra 1: Homecoming
On the third day of the Lunar New Year, Lin's mother avoided Chen Wan and pulled Lin Yu aside, whispering, "Xiao Wan's family situation is rather special. It's also the Lunar New Year, so you should go and sweep her parents' graves. Besides, she's been in Linbei for so long, she must be homesick. You should take her back to Nancheng when you can."
Qiao Yue even called several times to say that she missed Chen Wan and asked him when he would bring her back.
Lin Yu thought for a moment and nodded, "Okay, I understand." After discussing with Chen Wan, the two booked tickets back to Nancheng on the 4th.
Before boarding the plane, Lin's parents reminded him to pay attention to safety and to add more clothes.
Chen Wan listened very carefully, her knuckles clasped on the back of Lin Yu's hand, feeling comforted. Soft emotions overflowed in her heart like warm water, making her nose sore.
After watching the two elders leave, Chen Wan lowered her head and wiped her tears. Lin Yu's heart softened, and he put his arm around her shoulders and asked, "Why are you crying?"
Chen Wan slowly raised her eyes to look at him, with a clear light in her eyes, "Auntie, uncle and you are all well."
"You're doing well too." Lin Yu met her gaze, and with a little more force, he pulled her into his arms, smiling gently, "It's New Year's Day, you should be happy."
Chen Wan heard this and nodded: "Yeah."
After sitting down, Lin Yu asked Chen Wan for a cup of hot milk, and the two of them leaned back to rest.
During this special time, most passengers return home to celebrate the New Year. Various local dialects are mixed in the cabin, weaving a warm and lively atmosphere from all corners of the world.
Chen Wan stroked the warm glass and looked out the porthole, where he saw white clouds passing across the blue sky and the outline of the city gradually becoming fine spots.
She was still young and had a curious view of the outside world. Before she met Lin Yu, her life was like the unchanging rainy weather, shrouded in long darkness. Therefore, she seldom thought of her hometown and had never realized the nostalgia and warmth that this word brought to people.
Lin Yu looked at Chen Wan calmly, leaning slightly to the side, his shoulder against hers, offering her care. "It's still more than three hours before we arrive, you should get some sleep first."
Chen Wan turned her gaze back, tilted her head, rested her head on his shoulder, and whispered, "Last night I was thinking about what would happen after I returned to South City. After I went to college, many classmates went back to their hometowns every holiday, but I never thought about going back because no one was waiting for me at home."
"Although Sister Yue has always treated me like her own sister, when others are nice to me, I habitually reject them and pretend not to care. I'm just afraid of losing them after gaining them."
Lin Yu listened to her quietly, thinking back to when they first met Chen Wan. Her cold and reserved mood always reminded people of the lonely winter. In fact, she had been waiting for the arrival of spring.
"After meeting you, I didn't dare invest too much emotion in order to avoid worrying about gains and losses. But I like you so much and want to be as good as you, so I tried to make a lot of changes. Now I have made good friends and even gained the recognition of my uncle and aunt. I have a new family. These are things I didn't have before. So when you told me to go back to South City, I was a little panicked, afraid to recall the bad things in the past."
"I understand." Lin Yu squeezed her hand. "You also said that things are different now. Then let's say goodbye to the past, sort out those feelings, and make room for new people and things."
Life is like a calendar, it is being updated every day. All we can do is let the past go and let the future come.
Chen Wan nodded, feeling much relieved: "Yeah."
Lin Yu raised his hand and touched her cheek, comforting her: "Be good, sleep for a while and rest your mind, otherwise when Senior Sister sees you like this, she will think I am bullying you."
Thinking of the way Qiao Yue teased Lin Yu, Chen Wan couldn't help but laugh, "Okay." He rested his head on his shoulder, his cheek rubbing against the wrinkles of his clothes, and he smelled the scent of Lin Yu, which was as warm as sunlight.
After Chen Wan fell asleep, her soft hair rubbed against his neck. This unconscious dependence made Lin Yu even more sad. After taking a deep breath, he suppressed the sticky feeling in his throat. He also snuggled up to her, closed his eyes, felt at ease, and their clasped fingers tightened, conveying tenderness to each other.
......
Qiao Yue and Yuan Ke stood in the airport lobby, staring intently at the flashing LED screen, confirming their flight information. After a while, Qiao Yue finally smiled, "We're finally here."
Seeing her overjoyed look, Yuan Ke also smiled: "There are so many people here, let's make a phone call first to confirm the entrance and exit."
"That's right." Qiao Yue took out her cell phone and was about to call Chen Wan when she received a message from Lin Yu saying that they had come out and were at the exit of the hall, with a photo attached.
Yuan Ke took a look and said, "Not far away, seems to be nearby."
When the two were looking around, Lin Yu and Chen Wan also saw them. After their eyes met, they walked towards them.
Before Qiao Yue could say hello, Xiao Shiwu was even more enthusiastic than her. He waved his chubby hands around, making everyone laugh.
"Hello, Little Fifteen." Chen Wan squeezed his soft fingers, then turned to greet Qiao Yue and Yuan Ke, "Sister, brother-in-law, happy new year."
Qiao Yue reached out and hugged her, smiling and saying, "Happy New Year, Wanwan."
"Senior Sister, Happy New Year, Brother Yuan." Lin Yu grinned and took out a red envelope from his pocket and handed it to them. "This is a small gift from my parents and us to Xiao Shiwu."
"We haven't even gone to pay New Year's greetings to our uncles and aunts yet. How embarrassing." Qiao Yue was about to return the candy, but Lin Yu stuffed it directly into Xiao Shiwu's bib and touched his face. "Xiao Shiwu, do you like candy?"
"I'm so happy~" Little Fifteen opened his mouth, his two white teeth faintly visible. He rolled his eyes, remembering what his mother had just taught him, and said in a baby voice, "Happy New Year, brother and sister!"
Hearing the word "brother", Chen Wan glanced at Lin Yu. Sure enough, he saw his smug smile and quietly nudged his elbow. "It seems that the early childhood education you did last time was very successful, Brother Lin Yu."
Lin Yu raised his eyebrows at her and said, "I've already said that education should start from childhood."
The group got into the car talking and laughing. Lin Yu and Yuan Ke sat in the front, while Qiao Yue held Xiao Shiwu and chatted with Chen Wan.
She noticed that Chen Wan's eyes were red and asked, "What's wrong?"
Chen Wan rubbed his eyes, shook his head and said it was okay, then told her about the Lin family's parents. Qiao Yue breathed a sigh of relief after listening, "Uncle and aunt are really sincere to people."
Lin Yu's gaze occasionally fell to the back. After hearing Qiao Yue's words, he turned his head slightly and asked her, "Senior Sister, what about me?"
Before Qiao Yue could answer, Chen Wan gave him a thumbs-up and said, "You're really nice too!"
Lin Yu chuckled and turned back to continue discussing the game with Yuan Ke, his voice full of joy that could not be concealed.
Qiao Yue found it amusing and said to Chen Wan, "You're really spoiling him more and more."
Chen Wan raised his eyebrows slightly, "No?"
The familiar conversation made the two stunned for a moment. Last time in Qinghe Town, when Lin Yu said he wanted to eat hot pot, Chen Wan also agreed unconditionally.
Thinking back on what happened before, the four people in the car sighed a little. They didn’t expect that the new year would come so soon.
Fine snowflakes were floating outside the car window. Chen Wan remembered this time last year when Lin Yu returned to the north. She was too embarrassed to stay at Qiao Yue's house, so she stayed at home alone.
The walls of the old residential building were not soundproof enough, and the few words of congratulations and laughter filled the deserted space, making her feel even more lonely. She secretly hoped that someone would be able to spend the New Year with her in the future.
Now, this wish has come true.
Chen Wan stared silently at Lin Yu's chiseled profile, and unexpectedly met his gaze. He was stunned for a moment, a faint crease appeared at the corner of his eyes, and his smile was gentle and warm.
After having lunch at Qiao Yue’s house, Lin Yu and Chen Wan went directly to the cemetery.
After Chen Shan passed away, some relatives of the Chen family suggested burying him and Liang Chaoxi together, but Chen Wan refused. Chen Shan had said a long time ago that he did not want to disturb Liang Chaoxi anymore.
The more extreme the love, the more humble it becomes. She was still beautiful when she died, but he was already riddled with wounds and covered in dust.
Chen Wan placed the lilies in front of the tombstone, then slowly squatted down, staring at the person in the photo. Her pupils gradually became watery, and she smiled gently, "Mom, I'm back."
The familiar tone was as if they had never been apart. Perhaps in the next moment, Liang Zhaoxi would say to her, "Wanwan is back. Go wash your hands and get ready for dinner."
After the mother and daughter brought the food to the table, they heard the sound of a key chain coming from the corridor. When the door opened, Chen Shanqingjun's face was revealed.
A family of three sat in the living room, laughter and chatter, spoons and chopsticks clinking, creating an ordinary yet warm atmosphere.
Chen Wan talked endlessly about his studies and life, his expression still as childish as a child. When he talked about interesting things, he would pause for a moment, silently lower his eyelashes, and hide his sadness, because his mother could no longer empathize with him.
Lin Yu stood quietly by, watching this scene with a heavy heart. He slowly came back to his senses after hearing Chen Wan calling his name.
She raised her face slightly, met his gaze, arched her eyebrows, and calmly returned her gaze to the photo, "This is the person I told you I like last time, Lin Yu. He's here to see you too."
Lin Yu leaned down and bowed deeply, but realized he didn't know how to address the person. After all, the person in the photo looked quite young. After a long pause, he said in a reasonable and orderly manner, "Hello, I'm Lin Yu."
Chen Wan was amused by his reserved look. Seeing her smile, Lin Yu finally breathed a sigh of relief. He scratched the hair at the back of his neck and said embarrassedly, "I understand why you were so nervous last time."
"Don't be nervous, my mother has a good personality." Chen Wan stood up, took Lin Yu's hand, and said sincerely, "Thank you."
Thank you for coming back here with me.
Her slightly cool fingertips were like a thin layer of snow. Lin Yu held them, rubbed them for a while, and then put them in his pocket.
The snow was getting thicker. After Chen Wan arranged the bouquet, she said goodbye to her mother and gave Lin Yu a gentle smile. "Let's go."
Lin Yu nodded. Before leaving, he looked at the tombstone solemnly, his tone couldn't be more serious: "Wanzi and I will come to visit you again."
Chen Shan's tomb is in the far suburbs, and it might be dark when they go there. Considering the weather, the two discussed and planned to go the next day.
After coming out of the cemetery, they originally planned to go straight back to the alley, but the street scene flashing outside the car window attracted Chen Wan's attention. After being stunned for two seconds, she asked Lin Yu if he could go to a place with her.
Lin Yu nodded, paid the fare, and followed her to an old park. A thin layer of snow had accumulated on the mottled wooden sign at the entrance, making it look even more shabby.
"I used to come to this park often because I live nearby," Chen Wan explained. "It's also where my parents met. I spent many happy times here as a child, so I wanted to bring you to see it."
Lin Yu paused for a moment, his heart warmed by her words, "Then take me for a good stroll, and let's relive Wanzi's childhood."
"Okay, first I'll take you to see my favorite place, Swan Lake." Chen Wan snuggled up to Lin Yu, wrapping her arms around his sleeves, clinging to him like a little koala. "It's right in front."
Lin Yu looked in the direction she said and saw a clear lake. The shimmering water reflected the green shadows of lush trees, and a few clusters of white snow piled among the branches, showing a winter atmosphere.
"Where are the swans?" Lin Yu looked around for a long time, but didn't see even a wild duck, and was very confused.
Chen Wan smiled when she heard that, her fine hair brushing against Lin Yu's neck, and she raised her hand and pointed to a corner of the lake.
Lin Yu rubbed his nose and slightly narrowed his eyes. Finally, he saw a vague outline under the shadows of the dense branches and leaves. Instantly interested, he ran a few steps with Chen Wan, wanting to get closer for a closer look. After seeing clearly, he clicked his tongue twice, "Isn't this a big fat duck?"
The roof was covered with a thick layer of snow, the two flat duck bills looked like dried orange peels, and the wide cabin was like a fat belly, which looked far from the elegant swan.
Seeing the undisguised disdain between his brows, Chen Wan's eyes flickered with a soft smile as she echoed, "Actually, I called it a big white duck when I was little, but my mom always insisted it was a swan because she was responsible for repainting it."
After hearing the second half of the sentence, Lin Yu subsided a bit of his disdain and nodded seriously. "Artists have different views from us. After hearing you say that, I suddenly realize that this color combination is quite high-end. White represents purity, and orange represents passion. They complement each other and are a kind of down-to-earth elegance."
Hearing this, Chen Wan gently poked his palm with her fingertips and teased, "Why didn't I realize you were so good at praising people before?"
Lin Yu lowered his eyes and bared his fangs at her, "If you like to hear it, I can praise you every day, without repeating myself."
"Hmph, a man's mouth." Chen Wan deliberately turned his eyes away from Lin Yu, then, not knowing what he thought of, hooked his finger at him, "Lower your head."
Lin Yu obediently did as he was told, leaned down and looked into her eyes. The distance was too close, and the warm breath blended to create a charming emotion.
"Closer."
In the moment when he was distracted, she leaned close and gave him a gentle kiss, licking his fangs with the tip of her tongue. The fleeting tenderness made Lin Yu stunned in place.
"I thought it was coated with honey." After the kiss, Chen Wan immediately returned to his nonchalant look. When he met Lin Yu's stunned expression, the corners of his eyes curved into willow buds.
Lin Yu raised his hand and stroked his chin. When he came to his senses and was about to turn the game around, a cold wind suddenly blew, making him gasp.
The lakeside was very humid, and the two looked at each other and decided not to walk around anymore. However, the weather was bad, so they had to queue up to get a taxi. While waiting, they finally saw a pavilion that could shelter them from the wind and snow.
Lin Yu was curious about Chen Wan's past memories and asked her, "You just said this park was where your parents met. How did they get together?"
Chen Wan raised her chin slightly, leaned on his shoulder, and looked melancholy at the sparkling lake.
From Lin Yu's perspective, he could see her slender profile, her eyes clear as water waves. After a moment's thought, she slowly said, "My mom is an art student and comes to the park every week to collect materials. My dad is a biologist and is doing a project on Metasequoia trees. He comes to the park to collect samples, so we got to know each other after a few visits."
"love at first sight?"
"Not really. I guess it was my dad's secret crush that came true. My mom is incredibly focused when she paints, and she wears headphones to isolate herself from the outside world. One time, it was raining, and my dad stood behind her silently, holding an umbrella for over three hours until she finished. My mom was curious why she wasn't getting wet." Chen Wan said this, a gentle smile in his eyes. "Then we just let things happen naturally and got together."
The little bits of love accumulated in ordinary daily life due to fate are the most precious and worth cherishing, but things are beyond our control. After Liang Chaoxi fell ill, the family's condition went from bad to worse and there was less vitality.
"When I first saw the phrase 'Xiang Ru Yi Mo' (相辱以沫)," I thought it was referring to my parents. Although there wasn't any romantic love, we were happy together in the mundane world of daily life. That was my first impression of love." She paused, her eyelashes drooping slightly, her pupils no longer clear, a dark emotion welling up in them. "Then my mother fell ill, but my father rarely visited her in the hospital. At that time, I felt he was irresponsible and no longer loved her. So I hated him more and more. On the day my mother passed away, he was still working overtime. Seeing him cry, I felt he was so hypocritical."
"Later, he took drugs to escape those bad memories, and I hated him even more. I felt that he was indulging himself in depravity under the guise of missing love."
Lin Yu had lived a smooth and carefree life since childhood, so it was difficult for him to have the same empathy, nor did he want this concern to turn into pity, so he just silently stroked the back of her hand and told her, I am here.
"But Zhang Jinzhi's words made me realize that if I really didn't love him, I would have let it go long ago. It's because I loved him too deeply that I can't get over it and keep living in the past. So I'm really not a good daughter. I didn't give him care and attention, but instead became the last thorn in his heart. But fortunately, my father forgave me." Chen Wan held Lin Yu's hand, her fingertips touching the undulating joints, feeling his warmth. "I used to envy my parents' love, but now I have you."
Lin Yu remembered what Yuan Ke had told him before: Love is complicated, it is based on a myriad of emotions, it is instinctive and it is also the soul.
He turned his head and kissed the side of Chen Wan's face, "You are everything to me."
......
When she returned to the alley again, Chen Wansheng felt more homesick. The memories of her time here were mixed, good and bad, and what she had left behind were mostly rumors and gossip.
Lin Yu was quite popular, and people would come up to greet him from time to time. Chen Wan subconsciously wanted to let go of his hand, but he grabbed it when he moved his knuckles slightly. "What's wrong?"
Before she could answer, Lin Yu was stopped by someone. Chen Wan recognized that it was Teacher Zheng from the alley. She was very easy to get along with and had no grudges against her.
"Officer Xiaolin is back." He patted Lin Yu's shoulder with a smile, his eyes fell on Chen Wan's face, his expression still kind, "Happy New Year, little girl from the Chen family."
Chen Wan nodded repeatedly: "Happy New Year to you too."
Teacher Zheng looked at the two people holding hands, and his smile became more profound. "I was saying Officer Xiaolin didn't look like someone who would plant trees and flowers. Sure enough, he was keeping an eye on you."
After chatting for a few more words, Teacher Zheng walked away with a smile.
Chen Wan was a little confused when he heard this. He looked up at Lin Yu and saw his red ears. He smiled and said, "What do you mean?"
"I just asked Teacher Zheng how to grow a pomegranate tree before. He also taught me how to build a trellis." Lin Yu pinched her face nonchalantly, "What do you think that means?"
"You mean you have a crush on me." She grinned and was about to continue teasing him, but when she heard Lin Yu say that I am in love openly, her face turned red instantly.
When he got downstairs, Chen Wan saw that his pomegranate tree was not withered at all. Instead, the trunk was surrounded by a circle of plastic film for insulation, with a small sign hanging on it that read "Xiao Chen's Tree".
She originally thought that this alley was filled with only sarcasm and malice, but neighbors who lived together day and night would accumulate warmth. Because it was too common, it was easily forgotten. These subtle care and concern were like drops of rain that seeped into the dry soil and suddenly bloomed into small flowers one day.
Lin Yu patted her head and said with a smile, "This tree will be our heirloom in the future. Maybe it will become an intangible cultural heritage in the future."
Chen Wan was amused by his absurdity and sniffed, "You are too exaggerated."
When Chen Wan arrived at the door, he was in a good mood until he saw the water and electricity bill reminder posted on the door. His smile froze on his face and he looked at Lin Yu pitifully, "It seems that there is no water or electricity at home."
After Lin Yu carefully checked the list, he said firmly, "There really isn't one."
"What should I do then?" Chen Wan looked at the darkening night outside and felt a little distressed.
"Then we can only find a hotel..." He was silent for two seconds and then said this casually.
Chen Wan slowly opened his eyes and looked at Lin Yu. He was looking up at the gray wall with interest.
"Oh... let's go then." Chen Wan pretended to be calm and pulled him downstairs. He wanted to say go to the hotel, but ended up getting straight to the point, "Let's get a room."
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