TYAM Chapter 78

Peng Xingwang really poured out a huge pile of sunflower seeds.

In fact, he had secretly imagined a beautiful scene.

The spring sunlight spilled down like a golden sea, and the entire garden of sunflowers joyfully turned their heads together. In the morning, they all faced east; by evening, they turned west. The scene of them turning together must have been spectacular.

The child had originally planned carefully, intending to plant all the flowers before his older brothers returned to avoid causing any trouble.

Who would have thought they’d come back early!

While Jiang Wang thought to himself that he seemed to have loved sunflowers as a child, he skillfully and quickly packed soil and transplanted flower seedlings. Various fun childhood memories surged in his mind.

Back then, he lived in a free-spirited state, even spending some time fostered at his grandfather’s house. Later, during middle and high school, Peng Jiahui’s family was on the brink of bankruptcy and repeatedly asked for money from his family, causing the two families to grow distant. He stopped visiting to avoid troubling the elderly.

But at least before the age of seven or eight, his time living in the countryside was very happy.

In the rice fields, he could catch fish and shrimp, and digging into the mud might even reveal fat eels.

Green bean pods and sesame stalks were fun to pluck. If he peeled enough to fill a small bowl, his family would help grind it into paste to make pancakes.

There was no kindergarten or daycare back then. You could chase the big yellow dog through the fields all afternoon, and when tired, gather dry branches and leaves with friends, light a bonfire, and roast sweet potatoes and corn. Sometimes, they even wrapped a chicken in clay to make beggar’s chicken—it was incredibly delicious.

“Hey, do you remember?” He looked at the little boy with grass stuck to his face, his eyes bright. “When you tried to catch loaches as a kid but slipped into the ditch, you came home soaked like a muddy puppy.”

“Grandma had to take a hose to wash you off at the door, scrubbing for ages before you were clean.”

Peng Xingwang suddenly recalled this incident, feeling both embarrassed and amused. He nearly planted the sunflower seedling crookedly.

The boy continued his words, chattering about how much fun the countryside was back then. When he talked about picking loofahs, he suddenly realized something and let out an “Eh?”

“Big Brother, how do you know about that?”

Jiang Wang snapped back to his senses, realizing he had spoken without thinking. He laughed and said, “When I visited them, your grandparents told me about it.”

“Ah, I knew it!” Peng Xingwang wiped his face, gave a little humph, and hopped away to grab a small flower spade.

Ji Linqiu noticed something, and the pieces of memory silently clicked into place.

He thought again of that dream but ultimately did not voice his question.

After being away for a few days, a lot had changed at home.

Peng Jiahui had recently taken Peng Xingwang to the zoo. It sounded like he was transferring to work in Yuhan next year, having just been promoted. He was highly valued in his new unit.

His ex-girlfriend, Guan Hong, was said to have married a wealthy second-generation heir of a family who owns mines last month. It seemed like love at first sight, and they met each other’s parents within six months.

Meanwhile, Chen Danhong was now so busy she barely touched the ground. Even when her son returned from a business trip, she didn’t eagerly cook or make soup for him. The family had dinner together at a restaurant, chatted briefly, and she was already itching to go home.

Ji Linqiu wanted to keep his parents and sister talking for a while longer, but he noticed his mother’s state was unusual and asked out of curiosity, “Mom, what’s been keeping you busy?”

“She—” Ji Guoshen laughed heartily. “She just got a big order and is dreaming of sewing machines!”

It turned out a rich businessman’s wife nearby was planning to accompany her daughter to France to study art. She specifically sought out an old shop to custom-make several cheongsams to take with her.

The first time she approached Chen Danhong, she was skeptical, but the lightweight and comfortable vest that this elderly lady with a provincial accent made flattered her figure perfectly.

The wealthy lady was delighted when her friends praised her. She placed a large order worth tens of thousands immediately.

Before her marriage, Chen Danhong was skilled in both intricate and rough work. Even after working the fields later, she occasionally patched shoes and embroidered to make ends meet. In the past, she had made cheongsams for young ladies in the county.

She had long been waiting for her children and her constantly traveling husband to come home. She threw herself entirely into her family, becoming obsessive and emotionally intense over time.

Now, she finally felt seen and eagerly anticipated by others. Her work had become the greatest joy in her life.

Upon hearing this, Ji Linqiu nodded in agreement.

“Seeing Mom today, she seems… full of energy, like she’s getting younger.”

Embarrassed by the compliment, Chen Danhong touched her face and quickly smiled, “Stop saying things like that. I’m full of wrinkles and look awful.”

“She does look much healthier than usual. Even her chest pain hasn’t been acting up as much,” Ji Guoshen said while serving his daughter a bowl of lotus root soup. He added seriously, “Both your sister and I fully support your mother in this.”

“I may not be as meticulous as your mom at housework, but I can handle things like washing and hanging clothes. As long as she has something she can focus on, I feel very reassured.”

Ji Linqiu looked at them and felt a sense of relief.

They could now sit peacefully together as a family for a meal.

There were no demands, no controlling words or commands. They were even discussing their mother’s new career.

If this had happened three years ago, he would have thought it was a dream, utterly impossible.

He dared not ask for more. He still intended to keep his sexuality hidden from his family for life.

For now, being able to reunite as a family and live in harmony was already a tremendous blessing. He was content.

---

Kuang Ye’s wedding was scheduled for January 1, 2008.

Two weeks earlier, this guy called during a movie to say he impulsively proposed that morning and wanted to rush through the process to hold a wedding. Jiang Wang thought it was unlikely to work out.

The idea was romantic, but pulling it off was nearly impossible.

Forget the groom’s family; just the bride’s preparations alone could take months. Even hiring a last-minute wedding team would be a mad rush in two weeks.

But somehow, they made it happen.

The wedding was set for noon on January 1. Jiang Wang drove Ji Linqiu to the venue the day before, thinking he could lend a hand where needed.

The wedding would take place at noon in the lakeside chapel’s garden. 

The large lawn was booked, with the bride drawing the paths and dividing the area, while Kuang Ye led workers to decorate it.

On the way here, the two of them thought that they could arrive early and help with the preparation, since such a hasty wedding was bound to be chaotic. 

To their surprise, even the flamingo signs guiding guests were already in place.

The bride, wearing a short red dress, was busy directing people. Groups bustled around, moving equipment and adjusting the sound system. The lively atmosphere was surprisingly well-organized.

Jiang Wang and Ji Linqiu exchanged glances, following the signs into the venue.

The entrance path was transformed into a balloon forest, with helium balloons containing blessings from friends and family, as well as photos of the couple. The vibrant orange and blue balloons swayed gently, creating a whimsical, romantic scene.

Further inside, pastry chefs were frantically assembling a fondant cake tower, and small willow tables with lace tablecloths were already set up. Bridesmaids bustled about, placing teddy bears on each table.

The sight stirred something in Jiang Wang. He had never seriously considered marriage, being too laid-back to plan for it. 

But walking through this setting, he couldn’t help but imagine what his own wedding might look like. 

What style would he choose? Where would it be held?

“Hey! You’re here!” Kuang Ye passed by, carrying a stack of white plates, grinning foolishly. “Isn’t my wife amazing? Have you seen her? She’s wearing a little red dress today—so pretty!”

“We’ve seen her,” Ji Linqiu naturally took half the plates to help, walking alongside him. “We came to lend a hand. Why didn’t you tell us earlier if you needed more help?”

“I don’t need more people—I’ve got plenty.” Kuang Ye gestured toward the wine cabinet. “Come on, guys, give me a hand pushing this over to the dining area.”

The three of them worked together to move supplies, passing people bustling like worker bees. 

“By the way,” Kuang Ye said as he loaded plates into the dishwasher. “How are you two doing? It’s been a while since I last saw you – sorry about that, I was so busy with the preparation. Are you two still in the honeymoon phase?”

Direct as always, he didn’t care that his buddy had ended up dating another guy. It wasn’t his relationship, after all—just blessing them was enough.

Ji Linqiu, unused to discussing this sort of thing, smiled shyly. “We’re doing well.”

Jiang Wang raised an eyebrow. “Just ‘well’?”

Kuang Ye smirked knowingly, clapping Jiang Wang on the shoulder. “Brother, your game’s weak.”

Jiang Wang repeated, “…My game’s weak?”

Ji Linqiu coughed, embarrassed. “That’s not what I meant.”

“It’s exactly what he meant,” Kuang Ye teased. “I told you, man, pay more attention, learn more, and put some effort into it. You’re always busy making money—you didn’t even take the seeds I gave you. Now you’re struggling, aren’t you?”

Jiang Wang’s smile turned sly. “Kuang Ye, you brat, did you forget that I still have your ex-girlfriend’s number?”

“Don’t! You’re the best! You’re unbeatable! I take it back, alright?”  

---

On the wedding day, everything went smoothly. By early morning, the decorations and food were ready, waiting for the auspicious hour.

Having arrived early, Jiang Wang and Ji Linqiu helped set up tables and, with some free time, decided to explore the chapel.

Most people were outside, leaving the chapel interior quiet, where only a janitor was cleaning.

Jiang Wang looked at the sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows, illuminating the Virgin and Child oil painting. Then, his gaze fell to a small room in the distance.

“What’s that?” Jiang Wang pointed toward a small booth at the back.

“A confessional,” Ji Linqiu explained, looking over. “There’s a partition in the middle so the priest can’t see the penitent’s face. It protects privacy and makes it easier for people to open up.”

The janitor soon finished and left, leaving the two of them alone.

Ji Linqiu, feeling playful, decided to tease him. 

“Mr. Jiang, do you have anything to confess?”

“In the presence of the Lord, you can say anything.”

Jiang Wang thought for a moment. “Anything?”

“Of course. Whether you bullied a cat or dog as a kid or had bad thoughts as an adult—everything can be confessed.”

Jiang Wang paused briefly, then spoke seriously. 

“I do have something.”

Ji Linqiu turned to him. “Go on.”

“I want to plant a small strawberry[mfn]a euphemism for hickey[/mfn] on your collarbone.” 

When Jiang Wang said this, he looked solemn, his tone even, as if he really was asking for repentance. 

“…Then watch you cover it up with your collar and attend the entire wedding like that.” 

“Well, that might be too much. I regret saying that.” 

Hearing this, Ji Linqiu furrowed his brows, smiling. 

Then, slowly, he undid the first button of his shirt, his voice low and deliberate. 

“–I heard your plea.”

“This priest asks you, where do you want to plant it?”