spring, summer, autumn
The Lunar New Year approaches, and the air seems to be filled with a sense of bustle and anticipation. Though the Jiangnan courtyards are quiet in winter, they are also filled with the bustle of preparations for the new year. Si Qi and Shao Wei have decided to spend the Spring Festival here.
This was their first time celebrating Chinese New Year alone, without family banquets or business engagements, just with each other. Si Qi was incredibly enthusiastic, meticulously arranging every detail, almost as if to make amends.
He personally took his servants to town to buy New Year's goods: red paper, window decorations, lanterns, firecrackers. Although they couldn't be set off, they displayed various seasonal goods and fresh produce, filling up half the room. He even tried to imitate the locals and write Spring Festival couplets himself. The result was a mess of ink, the words were crooked, and Shao Wei, who was reading nearby, couldn't help but chuckle.
"What are you laughing at?" Si Qi was a little angry and put down the brush, his hand still stained with ink, "You write it."
Shao Wei put down his scroll and walked to his desk. He glanced at Si Qi's "masterpiece," shook his head, took the brush, and dipped it in ink. He concentrated, his wrist suspended in the air, and wrote with steady, powerful strokes. Soon, the couplet "Year after year, always joyful, every year a success" appeared on the page, its handwriting clear, upright, and imbued with a sense of style.
Si Qi looked at the words, then looked at Shao Wei's focused profile, suddenly leaned over, and quickly kissed him on the cheek, leaving a faint ink mark.
Shao Wei paused with his pen, glanced up at him, his ears slightly red, and said, "Stop messing around."
Si Qi grinned complacently and picked up the written Spring Festival couplets as if holding a treasure: "Just put this up!"
On the 29th day of the 12th lunar month, the two of them put up Spring Festival couplets and hung lanterns together. Si Qi, being the taller one, was in charge of pasting the couplets, while Shao Wei helped him check the placement of the lanterns. The winter sun was weak, casting long shadows on the two of them. Occasionally, a cool breeze blew, and the wind chimes in the corridor tinkled crisply.
"A little higher on the left...Okay." Shao Wei commanded.
Si Qi adjusted it as instructed, and after it was done, he jumped off the stool and put his arm around Shao Wei's shoulders. He looked at the brand new red couplets on the door and the big red lanterns swaying under the eaves, and nodded with satisfaction: "It looks a bit like the New Year."
On New Year's Eve, my aunt took the day off early. Si Qi insisted on preparing the dinner himself. The kitchen erupted in chaos. He consulted the recipe on his tablet, frantically trying to find the right ingredients, forgetting to add salt or overcooking the food. Shao Wei, who had been in the warm room finishing up the last few emails, heard the noise coming from the kitchen, finally sighed, rolled up his sleeves, and went inside.
He didn't take over, but simply stood by Si Qi's side, offering him the necessary seasonings when he was frantic, or calmly reminding him, "You're overcooking the fire!", when he was about to burn the fish. His silent presence, like a stabilizing force, strangely soothed Si Qi's anxiety.
After a busy day, a New Year's Eve dinner, though not exquisite but overflowing with heart, was finally served. In the center sat a fish, symbolizing "abundance year after year," though its skin was a bit damaged. Next to it were dumplings, made by Si Qi following the exact instructions, though their shapes were a bit awkward. There were also a few refreshing Jiangnan stir-fries and a bowl of steaming chicken soup.
Si Qi opened a bottle of rice wine and filled them both. Outside the window, the sky had darkened, and the faint sound of sporadic firecrackers could be heard in the distance. Inside the house, the lights were bright and warm, and the steam from the food curled up.
"Happy New Year, Shao Wei." Si Qi raised his glass and looked at Shao Wei sitting opposite him. His eyes looked particularly soft under the light.
Shao Wei also raised his glass and gently clinked it with his, the glass making a crisp sound: "Happy New Year."
There was no grand banquet, no noisy guests, only a table of home-cooked food and the most important person before him. Yet Si Qi felt that this was the most fulfilling New Year's Eve he had ever spent.
After dinner, the two of them huddled on the sofa in the warm room to watch the Spring Festival Gala. The show wasn't particularly exciting, serving more as background music. Si Qi's arm remained wrapped around Shao Wei, who relaxed in his embrace, watching the screen intermittently.
As it was almost midnight, the sound of firecrackers outside suddenly became more frequent, and brilliant fireworks exploded in the night sky through the window, with flickering light and shadow reflected on the faces of the two people.
The host began the countdown: "Ten, nine, eight..."
Si Qi lowered his head and looked at Shao Wei's profile in his arms illuminated by the light of fireworks, and an indescribable surge of emotion surged in his heart.
"Three, two, one! Happy New Year!"
Cheers came from the TV and the sound of fireworks outside the window reached its peak.
Amidst this clamor, Si Qi cupped Shao Wei's face and kissed him deeply. The kiss, tinged with the aroma of rice wine and the festive atmosphere of New Year's Eve dinner, was gentle and lingering, as if pouring into it all the fulfillment of the past year and all the hopes for the new year.
Shao Wei was stunned for a moment, then closed his eyes and responded to the kiss. His fingers gently grasped the fabric of Si Qi's chest.
After a long time, Si Qi finally let go of him, resting his forehead against his, breathing a little quickly, with a fiery affection in his eyes: "Shao Wei, in the new year, I will love you more than last year."
Shao Wei's breathing was also unstable. He looked into Si Qi's eyes, which were so close to him, and saw his own shadow clearly reflected in them. He raised his hand and touched Si Qi's cheek. His fingertips were slightly cold, but his voice was filled with an unprecedented tenderness:
"Yeah. Me too."
The clock struck midnight, and the fireworks outside the window still shone brilliantly. At this moment of farewell and welcome to the new, in their small world of just the two of them, all words seemed superfluous. They simply embraced each other, listening to each other's heartbeats and feeling the peaceful and profound happiness that belonged only to them.
On the first day of the Lunar New Year, the two slept until they woke naturally. As was customary, Siqi cooked sweet glutinous rice balls. After breakfast, they donned their thick down jackets and went to the town's only temple to burn incense. The temple wasn't large, but it was bustling with incense, filled with locals seeking blessings.
Neither Si Qi nor Shao Wei were devout believers in gods and Buddhas, but at this moment, they, like all ordinary couples, solemnly lit incense in front of the Buddha and made a wish.
What Si hopes for is: "May Shao Wei be safe and sound for years to come, and may we always be with each other."
He didn't know what wish Shao Wei made, but he thought it might have something to do with him.
After leaving the temple, the sun was shining brightly. The two of them walked slowly back along the riverbank. The water shimmered in the winter sun, and the willow trees along the bank, though bare, were already showing signs of sprouting.
"Spring is coming." Shao Wei looked at the river and said softly.
"Yeah." Si Qi took his hand and put it in his warm pocket. "When the weather gets warmer, we can plant some flowers in the yard. Lavender, or something else you like."
Shao Wei turned his head to look at him, the sunlight falling into his eyes like melted gold: "Okay."
Back in the courtyard, Si Qi suddenly pulled out two thick red envelopes from his pocket, stuffed them into Shao Wei's hands, and said with a smile: "New Year's money, Mr. Shao, may you have surplus every year."
Shao Wei looked at the two red envelopes in his hand, which looked out of place for someone of his status. He felt a sense of unease, yet a warm feeling welled up in his heart. He was silent for a moment, then pulled out a flat, beautifully wrapped box from his coat pocket and handed it to Si Qi: "A New Year's gift."
Si Qi took it in surprise and opened it. Inside was a limited edition watch with a simple and elegant design. The initials of the two people's names and the date of "rebirth" were engraved very secretly on the inner circle of the dial.
"This..." Si Qi looked up at Shao Wei, his eyes brimming with emotion. The value of this gift wasn't the most important thing; the thoughtfulness and the mark engraved on it, theirs alone, were what mattered.
"Don't like it?" Shao Wei raised his eyebrows.
"I like it!" Si Qi immediately took off his old watch and put on the new one. He raised his wrist to the sunlight and looked at it again and again, his mouth almost grinning from ear to ear. "I like it so much! Mr. Shao is really generous!"
Seeing his unconcealed joy, Shao Wei's lips curled up slightly, revealing a light and genuine smile.
Sunlight filled the courtyard, dispelling much of the winter chill. The two stood in the porch, one smirking at her wrist, the other smiling at the other. Time seemed to stand still in this gentle moment.
This New Year, there was no hustle and bustle, no extravagance, just the simple warmth of two people in one house, three meals a day, and four seasons. But for them, this was the ultimate fulfillment in the world. Every year to come, they would spend it together, hand in hand, just like this moment, until the end of time.
Spring arrives quietly yet unstoppably in Jiangnan. As if overnight, the withered branches of the courtyard burst into tender, pale yellow buds, and the dormant winter jasmine trees in the corners tentatively release their first brilliant yellow flowers. The damp chill in the air is replaced by a gentle, warm breeze, carrying the scent of resurrected earth and vegetation.
Si Qi and Shao Wei lingered in the lazy atmosphere after the New Year for another half a month, until the work in the city piled up to the point where they had to go back to deal with it, and then they reluctantly left this courtyard that had become their "paradise".
Back in the city of skyscrapers, I was greeted by a fast-paced life that was both familiar and unfamiliar. At the headquarters of the Si Group, in the top floor office.
Beyond the enormous floor-to-ceiling windows, a vibrant blue sky and towering skyscrapers shone. Si Qi sat at his spacious desk, listening to reports from several executives with a focused expression, his fingers unconsciously stroking the brand-new watch on his wrist. The cool touch of the metal reminded him of Commissioner Shao's heartfelt New Year's gift, and it also helped him maintain a warm and tender heart amidst the whirlwind of official duties.
"...The preliminary plan for the Chengdong Science and Technology Park project has been approved, and the bidding will start next week." The marketing director finished his report and looked at Siqi.
Si Qi nodded, his eyes sharp. "The bidding standards must be rigid. It's better to have nothing than to have something inferior. This project is the focus of the Si family for the next five years. I don't want any flaws."
His tone was steady, yet carried an undeniable decisiveness. Several executives agreed, sensing the restrained yet powerful aura of this increasingly composed and sophisticated president since his return.
The meeting ended and everyone left. The special assistant stayed behind and handed over a gold-stamped invitation: "Mr. Si, next Friday, the city will hold its annual Business Leaders Summit and Awards Dinner. You are this year's important guest. Here is the invitation."
Si Qi took it and glanced at it. In the past, he would have passed it on to the Vice President, but now… He pondered for a moment and asked, "Is President Shao on the guest list?"
The special assistant immediately replied, "Yes. Mr. Shao is also invited as a representative of an emerging technology company."
"Reply to the organizers, Mr. Shao and I will be there on time."
"OK."
After the special assistant left, Si Qi picked up his phone and sent a message to Shao Wei: "Do you have any plans for next Friday night?"
Soon, Shao Wei replied: "There's a summit dinner. What about you?"
Si Qi looked at the screen, the corner of his mouth curled up: "Same. Go together?"
Shao Wei replied briefly: "Okay."
Putting down his phone, Si Qi happily returned to work. Now, even these social events, which he once considered tedious, became something to look forward to, thanks to Shao Wei's presence.
In the evening of the summit day, Si Qi finished work early and went home to pick up Commissioner Shao.
Shao Wei was ready. He had chosen a dark gray suit with a dark pattern, perfectly tailored to complement his tall, slender figure and his elegant demeanor. He wore no tie, and his shirt was casually unbuttoned, giving him a less formal and more casual elegance.
Si Qi looked at him, his eyes darkening. He walked forward, hugged him from behind, rested his chin on his shoulder, and smiled softly at the two of them in the mirror: "Mr. Shao looks very handsome today."
Shao Wei glanced at him in the mirror, said nothing, and just raised his hand to straighten Si Qi's tie knot, which was actually not messy.
The two of them once again became the center of attention when they appeared together at the dinner. Si Qi was as calm as a mountain, and Shao Wei was as cool as jade. Walking side by side, their auras matched, creating a unique spectacle. People kept approaching to greet them, and the two responded calmly, demonstrating a tacit understanding.
During the awards ceremony, Si Qi unsurprisingly won the "Outstanding Business Leader of the Year" award. He walked onto the stage amid warm applause, the spotlight shining brightly on him.
When delivering his acceptance speech, he began with the customary thank you to his team and partners, his tone calm and official. Just when everyone thought the speech was about to end, he paused, his gaze passing over the bustling crowd below the stage, landing precisely on Committee Member Shao.
The venue was silent for a moment.
Si Qi looked at the figure sitting quietly in the corner, who seemed to have a halo around him. His eyes softened unconsciously, and his voice, transmitted through the microphone throughout the banquet hall, was clear and solemn:
"...Finally, I want to thank one person in particular. It was him who made me understand the warmth that life should have besides career; it was also him who gave me unreserved support at the most important decision-making moment in my life." He did not say the name, but everyone knew who he was talking about.
His voice was not loud, but it carried a power that penetrated people's hearts: "This honor is half mine and half his. Thank you."
Without excessive exaggeration or corny confessions, this calm statement stirred up a wave of emotion in the hearts of many present. Especially those who knew Si Qi's past behavior well could better understand the profound changes implied by these words.
Shao Wei sat in the audience, his eyes meeting Si Qi's from a distance. The spotlight didn't reach him, and his face, shrouded in the dim light, made it difficult to discern his true expression. Only the fingertips of his hand, resting on his knee, curled up imperceptibly.
Si Qi walked off the stage, trophy in hand. Instead of returning to the main table arranged by the organizers, he went straight to where Shao Wei was. He sat down beside Shao Wei, casually placing the heavy crystal trophy on the table. Then, tilting his head, he whispered, "Have you been waiting long?"
Shao Wei shook his head, his eyes fixed on the trophy, then moved to Si Qi's face, and said softly, "Congratulations."
Si Qi smiled and naturally held his hand under the table.
The dance began in the second half of the dinner. This time, without Si Qi asking, Shao Wei took the initiative to stand up and extend his hand to him.
This time, their dance was more relaxed and harmonious than at the annual meeting. Si Qi's hand rested firmly on Shao Wei's waist, and Shao Wei's hand rested on his shoulder. The two of them moved slowly to the music, their eyes locked, as if all the noise around them had faded away.
"I was a little nervous on the stage just now." Si Qi whispered in Shao Wei's ear.
Shao Wei raised his eyebrows slightly, seeming a little surprised.
"I'm afraid I won't speak well, and I'm afraid you won't like it," Si Qi admitted honestly. Mr. Si, a powerful figure in the business world, was actually a little nervous at this moment.
Shao Wei's lips curved up slightly, but he didn't answer. He just tightened his hand on his shoulder slightly.
The dance ended late into the night. On the way back in the car, Shao Wei seemed a little tired, leaning back in his chair and closing his eyes to rest. Si Qi looked at his quiet profile, remembering the look he had given her on stage, and his heart was filled with tenderness.
The car pulled into the apartment's underground garage. Shao Wei opened his eyes and prepared to get out, but Si Qi held his hand.
"Wait a minute." Si Qi said, taking out a small, exquisitely packaged cake box from the car refrigerator and handing it to Shao Wei, "I almost forgot about this."
Shao Wei took it doubtfully and opened it. It turned out to be a small, extremely delicate cream cake with the simple word "Congratulations" written on it with jam.
"This is a cake to celebrate your award." Si Qi looked at him with gentle eyes, "Although it's a little late."
Shao Wei looked at the small cake in his hand, which was obviously specially prepared by Si Qi, and then looked up at Si Qi's expectant eyes. He didn't know what to say for a moment. He didn't like sweets, but at this moment, his heart seemed to be filled with sweet and soft food.
"Thank you." He whispered, with a barely perceptible choke in his voice.
Si Qi smiled, leaned over and pecked him lightly on the lips: "Let's eat at home."
The elevator slowly ascended, leaving only the two of them in the cramped space. Shao Wei carried the small cake box, Si Qi the crystal trophy. The numbers flickered, illuminating their figures standing side by side.
"This time." Shao Wei suddenly spoke.
"Um?"
"That award," Shao Wei said calmly, looking at the ever-changing floor numbers. "You deserve it."
Si Qi was stunned for a moment, then a huge warmth washed over him. He understood that this was Shao Wei's affirmation of his career and his recognition of him as a person. Compared to the glamorous praise on stage, Shao Wei's simple words, "You're worth it," weighed a thousand pounds in his heart.
He reached out and held Shao Wei's empty hand tightly.
The elevator dinged as it reached the top floor. The door slowly opened, revealing their warm home.
Si Qi did not leave immediately. He held Shao Wei's hand, looked into his eyes, and said seriously, "Shao Wei, with you here, everything is worth it."
Shao Wei looked back at him, his eyes reflecting the light from the elevator, bright and warm. He exerted a little force and shook Si Qi's hand back.
"I know."
The two exchanged a smile and walked out of the elevator hand in hand. The metal door slowly closed behind them, shutting out the outside world. Their own world, filled with understanding, support, and deep love, had just begun its warm beginnings. The road ahead was long, but they knew that as long as they held hands, they had nothing to fear.
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