LR – Chapter 57

***
Chapter 57 – Going Home

Over half a month had passed since He Yujing left. Jiang Liusui got into He Yujing’s car at the hotel entrance.

Seeing him in person, Jiang Liusui almost felt it was unreal. It was He Yujing who smiled at him first, asking why he looked so dazed after not seeing each other for a while.

The car drove toward Gongshan, entering the open, level internal road from the main gate at the foot of the mountain. It took another ten minutes or so before they reached the main residence. The front courtyard’s landscape unfolded layer by layer, with a winding stream and a massive bronze sculpture standing right in the center of the meandering corridor.

Even though Jiang Liusui had long known that He Yujing came from a prominent family, the scale before him was still somewhat beyond expectation.

Jiang Liusui withdrew his gaze from the window and turned to ask, “Who’s at your house today?”

“My parents and my sister,” He Yujing said casually. “Not many people.”

Although he said it offhandedly, Jiang Liusui began to feel a bit nervous. Earlier, he had only been thinking about finally getting to see He Yujing, but now he truly realized he was about to meet He Yujing’s family.

After getting out of the car, Jiang Liusui looked at the enormous main building nestled among the courtyard’s mountains and waters, silently thinking to himself: He Yujing’s family is really something else.

“Yo, Jing’er.” A playful voice pulled Jiang Liusui’s attention back. He turned to see Chi Lianxi also getting out of a car. The address made Jiang Liusui pause for a moment. He Yujing said expressionlessly, “Watch your words. Don’t call me that randomly.”

“Pfft—” Zheng You came around from the other side, just in time to catch Chi Lianxi’s teasing. “Not to be rude, but I’ve only ever heard Auntie Yan call him that—and that was before he turned ten.”

Jiang Liusui tentatively asked, “Jing’er?”

“……” He Yujing restrained himself. “Why don’t you learn the good stuff?”

Chi Lianxi couldn’t stop laughing beside them. Jiang Liusui suddenly called out to him, “Teacher Chi, I watched your new drama!”

Chi Lianxi stroked his chin. “Was I handsome?”

Jiang Liusui nodded eagerly. “Yes, yes, yes! And the plot was really exciting too!”

Whenever he had free time after filming, he would watch Chi Lianxi’s drama. Not only him, but Qin Yi and Shang Qingzhi were also following it. During breaks in shooting, they occasionally discussed the plot.

Jiang Liusui couldn’t help but probe, “Did that undercover agent really die?”

“You could say he died. But…” Chi Lianxi grinned mischievously. “Want to hear the detailed spoilers?”

Jiang Liusui felt a mix of curiosity and dread, like a cat being teased. He bit back his urge and shook his head firmly.

Chi Lianxi then asked Jiang Liusui about the filming of ⟪Eternal Bell⟫ and the atmosphere between the two became particularly harmonious.

Zheng You watched Chi Lianxi interacting with Jiang Liusui like a senior sharing tips with a junior, and muttered to He Yujing, “It’s rare to see him so serious—I’m not used to it.”

After saying this, Zheng You lowered his voice and glanced at Jiang Liusui. “So, you’re bringing him home?”

“It’s just a meal as friends. I haven’t formally introduced him to my parents yet.” He Yujing reminded him softly. “Don’t say anything reckless later. He’ll get nervous.”

Zheng You agreed, then teased, “Protecting him like this? You really treasure him.”

By evening, the courtyard was already lit up. He Linshu heard the sound from the entrance and got up to see who had arrived.

Seeing He Yujing, He Linshu smiled and said, “Long time no see. The big star has finally found time in his busy schedule to come home for a meal.”

“Stop,” He Yujing cut her off. “You’ve already said everything Mom was going to say. What will she talk about later?”

“……”

He Linshu shot him an exasperated look. Chi Lianxi smoothly interjected: “Linshu-jie, long time no see.”

Jiang Liusui met He Linshu’s gaze. Her features bore seventy to eighty percent resemblance to He Yujing’s, yet they weren’t masculine in the slightest. Instead, she was sharp and stunningly beautiful.

“And who’s this young friend?” He Linshu’s gaze swept past the familiar Zheng You and Chi Lianxi, landing on Jiang Liusui. “First time seeing you.”

He Yujing said: “The one I mentioned before. A newly-made friend.”

Hearing this introduction, Chi Lianxi and Zheng You exchanged glances, sharing a knowing smile.

“Hello, jiejie.” Jiang Liusui curved his eyes. “I’m Jiang Liusui.”

“Mm, hello.” Seeing how well-behaved he appeared, He Linshu unconsciously softened her tone. “I’ve taken the dogs to the backyard. You’re afraid of dogs, right? Don’t go over there later.”

He Yujing had specifically mentioned to her earlier that a newly-made friend was afraid of dogs, asking her not to let their two greyhounds out.

Given He Yujing’s mischievous nature, it would already be remarkable if he didn’t deliberately have her release the dogs to scare people. But seeing Jiang Liusui in person, He Linshu thought she understood why he was being uncharacteristically considerate.

This kid was completely different from Chi Lianxi and Zheng You in every way.

As they spoke, everyone walked into the living room together. He Yujing glanced around. “Mom and Dad aren’t back yet?”

“Something came up last minute. They’re on their way.”

He Yujing acknowledged this, then turned to Jiang Liusui: “Want to see my old room?”

Jiang Liusui immediately became interested: “Is that allowed?”

“Let’s go. Better than sitting around idle. We can come down for dinner when my parents arrive.” He Yujing slung an arm around him, heading toward the indoor elevator.

Seeing the two of them leave alone, He Linshu turned to the remaining pair. “You two aren’t coming?”

Zheng You waved a hand: “I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been to A’Jing’s room since childhood.”

Chi Lianxi said idly: “I have no interest in men’s rooms.”

“……” He Linshu felt something was odd, but Zheng You interrupted her thoughts: “Jie, let’s see the dogs. Haven’t seen Rap and Lily in ages.”

Chi Lianxi hummed in agreement, adding with interest: “I’ve been thinking about getting a dog myself recently. This is a good reference.”

***

Jiang Liusui followed He Yujing into his old room. Although the owner no longer lived here often, the interior remained spotlessly clean and tidy. The spacious, airy room had separate study and sleeping areas. Jiang Liusui’s gaze traveled over the neatly arranged textbooks and supplementary materials on the desk. Perhaps because he’d only known He Yujing as a high-profile singer, seeing traces of his student days felt particularly novel.

A framed high school graduation photo of He Yujing stood nearby—he had graduated from a famous private school in the capital. Noticing Jiang Liusui staring intently at the graduation photo, He Yujing asked: “What are you looking at?”

“You actually wore a school uniform,” Jiang Liusui remarked in amazement.

His tone made it sound like he’d witnessed something truly astonishing. He Yujing laughed: “What else was I supposed to do? Read self-criticisms at weekly flag ceremonies?”

He paused, then admitted honestly: “Actually, it was just for the graduation photo. Didn’t wear it often normally.”

Jiang Liusui laughed, feeling this better matched He Yujing’s usual image. Beside the graduation photo was a large frame holding several Polaroids. In one of them, Jiang Liusui spotted Zheng You, and there was also a solo shot of He Yujing himself.

One Polaroid had been taken in class. He Yujing looked half-asleep, one hand pressing down a stack of test papers, his head turned with a drowsy expression. The silver hoop earring he now often wore gleamed in his ear.

So he’d pierced his ears back in high school—and not just once.

“You must have been quite the troublemaker in high school, huh?” Jiang Liusui recalled his own rebellious days and thought He Yujing might have even surpassed him.

Remembering what He Yujing had mentioned earlier, Jiang Liusui teased, “You must have given plenty of self-criticism speeches, right? A regular guest on the flag-raising platform, performing every Monday.”

“How did you know?” He Yujing admitted readily at first, then, feeling it might damage his image, added, “But my grades were actually pretty good.”

“Oh, impressive.” Jiang Liusui stifled a laugh and gestured to the Polaroid. “No wonder you were sleeping on top of test papers.”

“Making fun of me?” He Yujing gave a sly smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “If you went to the same school as me, I’d have found ways to annoy you every day.”

Before Jiang Liusui could respond, He Yujing asked, “What were you like in high school?”

“Me?” Jiang Liusui paused. “I lived at the dorms the whole time.”

He Yujing was about to continue the conversation when a knock came from outside. The housekeeper’s gentle voice sounded: “Sir and Madam have returned. Please come downstairs for dinner with your guest.”

He Yujing acknowledged her. Jiang Liusui followed him downstairs.

He Linshu was talking with their parents who had just entered. He Yujing’s parents looked exactly as Jiang Liusui had imagined: a tall, imposing father and a gentle, beautiful mother. Even at their age, the couple had taken good care of themselves. Especially Mrs. He, whose only faint lines at the corners of her eyes. If one didn’t look closely, she and He Linshu could almost pass for sisters.

Seeing this, He Yujing spoke up: “You’re back so late. Have you been busy lately?”

Mr. He replied calmly, “We have been somewhat busy.”

Mrs. He smiled and said, “Oh, you really didn’t need to wait for us. Let’s all hurry and eat.”

She stepped forward, took He Yujing’s hand, and looked him over, both happy and concerned. “The tour must be exhausting. You look like you’ve lost weight.”

After exchanging a few words with her, He Yujing specifically pulled Jiang Liusui over to introduce him.

“You must be A’Jing’s new friend? Hello, Xiao Jiang.” Seeing Jiang Liusui nod in acknowledgment, Mrs. He’s smile deepened. She then greeted the other young people. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen Xiao Chi, although I did run into A’You at a reception just the other day.”

Jiang Liusui had initially thought Mr. He might be the kind of elder who was difficult to approach. Whether due to various news reports or his own influence, he didn’t seem to fit the image of an ordinary parent.

When their eyes met, Mr. He gave Jiang Liusui a gentle nod. “Hello.”

Jiang Liusui stopped his wandering thoughts and quickly said, “Hello, Uncle.”

Since tonight was essentially a celebration for the conclusion of the first leg of the tour, once everyone was seated, they all raised their glasses together to wish He Yujing success in his upcoming performances.

The clinking of bowls and chopsticks filled the table as everyone chatted casually from time to time. The atmosphere was relaxed and comfortable.

As dish after dish was placed on the table, when the squirrel-shaped fish arrived, He Yujing glanced at it briefly before telling a servant on the other side of the table, “Put it over here.”

Jiang Liusui reached for the sweet-and-sour squirrel-shaped fish placed in front of him. He picked it up naturally with his chopsticks. He Linshu raised an eyebrow slightly, noticing how effortlessly the one taking care and the one being cared for interacted. Nearby, Chi Lianxi was quietly stifling a laugh, and she roughly figured out what was going on.

“Eat more, it’s been so long since you last came home,” Mrs. He said, oblivious to the subtle exchanges among the younger ones, her gaze full of concern as she looked at He Yujing. “You can come back anytime when you’re free. What’s the point of living alone over there?”

Mr. He, as if finally seizing an opportunity, interjected with a cold laugh, “He’s having way too much fun living by himself.”

Mrs. He nudged her husband under the table, knowing full well that he also missed their son. It was just that whenever father and son met, they tended to argue, and neither could bring themselves to say it outright.

Zheng You stepped in to smooth things over. “Auntie Yan, Uncle He, it’s common for us young people to prefer living alone. That’s where the fun is.” Besides, He Yujing wasn’t exactly living alone. Judging by the situation, asking him to separate from that person would be like asking for his life.

Seeing that Mr. He seemed about to say something more, He Yujing deliberately added, “I’Il be flying off again right after this meal. When I was abroad before, I could hardly eat or sleep properly. I missed being home so much while I was away.”

Mrs. He was taken aback, wondering why he was suddenly playing the sympathy card. Mr. He frowned and said, “You’re a grown man. How can you not even eat properly? Don’t you know to bring someone along to take care of you?”

“You only have those two assistants with you. I’ve told you before—we should find someone more attentive to handle your daily life. If you can’t even eat properly, we could have sent someone skilled from home when you went abroad, but you refused.”

“Your father pays close attention to you,” Mrs. He said, holding back a laugh as she noticed her husband’s deepening frown. “This time, he even bought your new album—quite a few copies, in fact. He’s stored them neatly in the large study on the second floor.”

“He pre-ordered them, afraid he might not get one, and asked me about it several times,” He Linshu added coolly from the side.

Mr. He, exposed in front of everyone, could only awkwardly fall silent.

It was clear that, despite expressing hopes for his son to manage the family business, Mr. He still respected He Yujing’s choices.

The atmosphere in He Yujing’s home was warm and comfortable, and Jiang Liusui was thoroughly enjoying the family drama unfolding before him. Living up to expectations, He Yujing grinned at his father and said, “You bought my album? Want me to sign it for you?”

“……”

Jiang Liusui nearly lost his composure. Chi Lianxi maintained a smile with his superb acting skills, though his hand trembled slightly, likely from suppressing laughter.

Mr. He was left speechless and could only retort, “With handwriting like yours, you have the nerve to offer.”

Midway through the meal, He Yujing went to the restroom. Just as he finished washing his hands, He Linshu suddenly appeared beside him, grabbing his arm. “Come with me,” she said.

He Yujing was baffled. “What’s going on?”

“Keeping it from Mom and Dad is one thing, but you’re hiding it from me too?” The restroom was far from the dining area, so He Linshu didn’t bother lowering her voice. “The ’little brother’ Chi Lianxi mentioned in your Moments—that’s the kid, right?”

“And the one you said you liked but couldn’t chase before—that’s him too? Did you finally catch him?”

He Yujing first nodded, then shook his head, but a hint of smugness crept into his expression. “Let’s just say… things are steadily improving.”

“Still stable and improving? It’s been so long… You’re really something, you didn’t even give me a heads-up!” He Linshu poked him hard while mentally reviewing whether there had been any shortcomings in her hospitality. “What if I overlooked something and left a bad impression?”

“Didn’t I have you take the dog away?” He Yujing said carelessly. “Relax, jie, he’s very easygoing.”

He Linshu couldn’t stand it. “I can see that, otherwise how could anyone tolerate you?”

“Don’t tell Mom and Dad yet. If Mom gets excited, she won’t be able to resist bombarding him with questions.”

He Linshu nodded, finally feeling that He Yujing was somewhat reliable.

He Yujing’s flight was at 11 p.m., so after dinner, he had to rush to the airport. After saying goodbye to his family, he and Jiang Liusui headed to the parking lot.

“A’Jing, have you seen—” Mrs. He’s voice came from behind. She paused. “Ah, Xiao Jiang is here.”

Jiang Liusui was slightly surprised and walked over in a few steps. “Auntie, were you looking for me?”

Mrs. He handed him a delicately wrapped small paper bag. “I noticed you finished the dessert after dinner, so I had them make another serving. Do you like sweets?”

“Thank you, Auntie.” Jiang Liusui took the paper bag from her. Feeling her gentle gaze, a smile unconsciously spread across his lips, and he nodded emphatically. “Yes, I do.’

“You’re welcome. Come visit more often when you have time.” Noticing that they seemed to be getting into the same car, she asked casually, “Are you leaving together?” She remembered that He Yujing was supposed to be heading to the airport.

“Yes,” Jiang Liusui replied. “I’m seeing him off.”

“Oh… You two are really close.” Mrs. He nodded and smiled as she bid them farewell. “Take your time, and tell the driver to drive carefully.”

It was quite a distance from Gongshan to the airport. By the time they reached the lounge, there were less than forty minutes until boarding.

Sitting beside He Yujing, Jiang Liusui thought about the warm and lively atmosphere at the gathering earlier that evening and suddenly said, “Your family’s vibe is really nice.”

“What about yours? I haven’t heard you talk about them.” He Yujing was also curious about his family and took the opportunity to ask.

Jiang Liusui fell silent for a moment.

He had been moved by the warmth of He Yujing’s family earlier and found himself wanting to talk a little more. Besides… He Yujing was leaving again.

Even though they hadn’t seen each other for over ten days, they’d only managed to share one meal tonight. Jiang Liusui had been thinking a lot these days—there was so much he wanted to say to He Yujing.

“My parents divorced when I was very young. After that, I never saw my mother again.” Noticing He Yujing’s slight pause, Jiang Liusui looked at him and asked, “Do you still want to hear about it?”

“Yeah.” He Yujing emphasized, “I want to hear it.”

Jiang Liusui spoke softly, “They used to have a good relationship, but one day it suddenly changed. There was no external reason—it was just that over time, love turned into mutual dislike.”

He slowed his speech, as if tracing the gradual decay of that relationship in his memory. “I kept trying to figure out why. Later, I realized there wasn’t any point in understanding it.”

Still, he couldn’t help but fear that if all intimate relationships eventually soured, it might be better not to take that first step at all.

“For a while, they argued frequently. When it got bad, they even became physical.”

He Yujing reached out and gently took Jiang Liusui’s hand. “How old were you then?”

A slim ring rested on the hand entwined with his, warmth passing between their fingers. Jiang Liusui said quietly, “I was in elementary school—around fourth or fifth grade.”

He Yujing unconsciously tightened his grip.

Around ten years old… he had been so young.

“Actually, it’s fine. It’s been many years.” Jiang Liusui comforted him first before continuing, “After starting university, my mother regularly sends me living expenses, but beyond that, we have no other contact.”

“My father…” Jiang Liusui hesitated slightly.

In the winter of his freshman year, just before the Lunar New Year, he couldn’t bear to stay alone any longer. In the end, he went to Zhou Xun and asked if he could stay over for a night.

He stayed at Zhou Xun’s place for two days but never mentioned why he had shown up so late at night. When Shen Sijia gently asked, he only said it was because of family matters. It was something he had never told anyone before—yet now, he found himself wanting to tell He Yujing.

It was as if showing this person his old wounds could bring comforting solace, and eventually all the bad things would be lightly brushed away.

“My father remarried quickly after the divorce and had a child with my stepmother. I lived on campus during middle and high school, only going home on weekends.”

“During my freshman year, close to the New Year, everyone was buying plane and train tickets home.” Jiang Liusui paused briefly before finally saying, “I asked him when I should come home for the New Year, and he told me not to come back ever again.”

“I never returned to my father’s house after that, and I haven’t contacted him since.”

He Yujing remained silent after hearing this. After a long while, he said casually, “You can spend New Year’s with me from now on.”

He said it lightly, but anyone could hear the weight behind those words.

He gazed into Jiang Liusui’s eyes.

“I won’t let you go.”

Jiang Liusui’s eyes flickered slightly.

Because of his parents, he had never believed in the possibility of a lasting, unchanging intimate relationship. Even if such a thing existed, he had assumed it would never happen to him.

When He Yujing first proposed the arrangement, he had actually felt relieved.

No need to consider emotional entanglements. Even if they separated later, everyone could part on good terms.

If He Yujing hadn’t insisted from the very beginning—hadn’t pushed him forward with what seemed like forceful determination—he might never have found the courage to take that step.

Just as Jiang Liusui was about to say something, the lounge door was pushed open from outside. “Ge, it’s time to board.”

Lin Chong saw they seemed to be discussing something important and didn’t want to interrupt, holding back until the last moment to urge them: “We’re almost out of time.”

He Yujing stood up, and Jiang Liusui rose as well. He Yujing suddenly turned back and hugged him, pulling his entire body into his embrace, whispering in Jiang Liusui’s ear: “I’ll be back soon.”

Jiang Liusui nodded. As He Yujing turned to leave, he couldn’t help but grab his sleeve: “I—”

He Yujing stopped and looked at him seriously: “Say it.”

Jiang Liusui looked at He Yujing, then finally stepped forward to wrap his arms around his waist, burying his head in the crook of his neck.

He caught the faint scent on He Yujing and felt, once again, the comforting embrace that always made him feel safe.

Next time.

It was too rushed this time—he would tell He Yujing in person next time.

“Okay,” Jiang Liusui raised his eyes and smiled at him, “I’ll wait for you to come back.”

— — — —