In their sixth year together, when Lu Xingjia was twenty-four, He Xi finally clearly expressed her acceptance of their relationship.
It happened during that year’s Chinese New Year.
Qin Mudong was busy with a project and only got off work on the 29th of the lunar calendar. Xingjiang City was quite far from the capital, so by the time the two of them arrived home, it was already noon on New Year’s Eve.
He Xi was in the kitchen making dumplings. The white, plump dumplings were arranged neatly on a bamboo tray. Her hands were dusted with flour. When she heard a knock at the door, she quickly washed her hands and hurried to open it.
“Jia Jia, Mudong, you’re back?”
“Mom, we’re home.”
Lu Xingjia set down the things he was carrying and smiled. “Hi, Auntie,” Qin Mudong greeted with a polite nod.
“Good, good!” He Xi’s eyes curved like crescent moons as she smiled upon seeing them. “I’m just glad you’re back!”
She beamed at them, “I’m making dumplings right now. You must be tired from the journey. Take a break—you can eat soon.”
“We’re not tired, Mom. Let me help you.”
Lu Xingjia didn’t want He Xi working alone and went to wash his hands. Qin Mudong, usually quiet, silently took off his coat and entered the kitchen, tying on an apron without a word.
“No need to… oh, forget it, come help then.”
Unable to stop them, He Xi simply went along. The dumpling wrappers were already rolled out, and the three of them gathered around the freshly mixed filling, chatting idly as they made dumplings—from how this winter seemed colder than usual to how Aunt Wang downstairs had a new litter of puppies.
While still holding a dumpling, Lu Xingjia suddenly remembered something. He walked around the house with the dumpling in his hand and returned to ask, “Mom, where’s Dad?”
He Xi had been married to Xiang Yizhi for two years, and after they married, Lu Xingjia had begun calling him “Dad.”
After the marriage, Xiang Yizhi sold his place and moved into He Xi’s home. Her online store grew rapidly, and with his encouragement, she eventually quit her job to pursue it full-time.
In two years, they started a company and brand together, their quality of life soared, their business thrived, and their relationship was happy—a model couple.
Xiang Yizhi treated He Xi very well and was open-minded. He consistently encouraged He Xi to accept Lu Xingjia’s sexuality and even told Lu Xingjia more than once that there was nothing wrong with loving someone of the same sex—that it was perfectly normal. Lu Xingjia deeply respected him and always remembered to ask about him when he returned home.
He Xi glanced at him playfully. “You just got home and you’re already asking for him? Your mom’s right here! Are you sure you’re my biological son?”
Lu Xingjia played along with a grin, “Maybe I’m actually his biological son.”
He Xi laughed heartily. “Your real dad went to the supermarket to buy spare ribs.” She emphasized “real dad” on purpose.
In truth, she was happy that the two got along. Since it was her second marriage, she’d always feared Lu Xingjia would harbor resentment toward his stepfather. But time and time again, he proved through his actions that he truly accepted Xiang Yizhi—and sincerely wanted her to be happy.
While they were chatting, Xiang Yizhi returned, carrying a heavy bag filled with freshly chopped spare ribs. Qin Mudong, standing quietly at the kitchen’s edge, stepped forward and took the bag from him. “Uncle Xiang, let me help.”
“No need, I’ve got it.”
Xiang Yizhi placed the ribs on the table, then looked around at the crowded kitchen. “When did Jia Jia and Mudong get here?”
“Just now,” Lu Xingjia said with a smile.
“About ten minutes ago,” added Qin Mudong.
Xiang Yizhi pointed to the ribs and winked. “Tough journey, huh? Dad will make braised spare ribs for you.”
Lu Xingjia’s eyes lit up. “Thanks, Dad! You’re the best!”
He Xi, standing nearby, chimed in, “What? And your mom’s not the best?”
“You’re great too!” Lu Xingjia quickly replied.
He Xi pressed, “Who’s better?”
Xiang Yizhi, hands still wet, leaned over and kissed He Xi’s cheek. “Of course, my wife is the best.”
Blushing, He Xi pushed him away, muttering, “The kids are watching…”
“Let them,” he laughed and kissed her other cheek. “It’s not like they haven’t seen it before.”
Lu Xingjia covered his mouth, giggling. His gaze met Qin Mudong’s, who also smiled faintly.
With everyone pitching in, New Year’s Eve dinner was soon ready. The small kitchen was filled with the delicious aroma of food and joyful laughter.
This was a blended family—with parents remarried and the younger generation unable to obtain that little red marriage booklet—but their love wasn’t diminished by such formalities. They were, in every sense, a real family.
……
8 PM
Steaming dumplings came out of the pot, the braised spare ribs were done, and He Xi had also made a full spread of chicken, duck, and fish—delicious and vibrant.
The Spring Festival Gala played cheerfully on the TV. Fireworks were banned in the city, but some still lit them anyway. The crackling sounds added a festive atmosphere to the already lively evening.
The family of four sat around the table, smiling.
Since Lu Xingjia and Qin Mudong rarely came home, Xiang Yizhi even opened a bottle of wine.
With the warmth of food and drink, everyone got a little tipsy.
Drunk, Qin Mudong became quiet, sitting obediently beside Lu Xingjia, eyes glued to him. Lu Xingjia, however, got chatty. His head buzzed, and he couldn’t stop talking—but not about himself. He bragged endlessly about Qin Mudong.
“Did you guys know? Mudong Ge is amazing. The white dwarf star project he worked on last year won an international award!”
“And this year, Che University specially invited him to lecture. The auditorium was packed!”
“And then recently, that one thing, um, that…”
He rattled off achievements with starry eyes, brimming with pride.
He Xi, a little drunk herself, looked up at Lu Xingjia’s rosy cheeks and glittering eyes and let out a laugh, gently interrupting, “Jia Jia, hold on. Mom wants to talk to you both.”
Lu Xingjia was reluctant to stop but perked up at her tone.
He Xi said, “I heard there’s this new ‘designated guardianship’ law—perfect for partners like you who can’t legally marry… Why don’t you two apply for it?”
The moment those words left her mouth, half of Lu Xingjia’s drunkenness vanished.
“Mom…” He looked at her with wide eyes. “Are you… accepting us?”
Until now, He Xi had remained ambiguous—never objecting outright, but never explicitly supporting them either. It was a fragile balance. Lu Xingjia had always known she was still trying to come to terms with it, so he tactfully avoided the subject.
This was the first time she had ever brought it up—using the word “partner.”
“If I said I didn’t approve, would that make you break up?” she asked, glancing at him, then softened. The wrinkles at the corners of her eyes relaxed. “It’s been six years. I’ve watched you both grow from students into working adults, from immature to mature. I thought it was just a phase, but I didn’t expect you to last.”
She sighed, set her chopsticks down, and looked at him seriously. “Since you’ve chosen each other, walk the road together.”
“I will never be on the opposite side of you two,” she said gently. “I’ll always support your decision.”
Lu Xingjia’s eyes turned misty. “Mom…”
“All right, all right,” He Xi waved it off. “No need to get emotional. Just live a good life as a couple.”
“We will,” Lu Xingjia said, taking a deep breath.
Beside him, the slightly drunk Qin Mudong suddenly sat up straight like a schoolboy and promised earnestly, “Auntie, don’t worry. I’ll treat Jia Jia well.”
His clumsy tone and slurred words made everyone laugh. He Xi smiled warmly and, when no one was looking, wiped away a tear.
Her Jia Jia deserves happiness.
……
Lu Xingjia had heard of “designated guardianship” before, but never looked into it. With He Xi’s nudge, he began to take it seriously.
Wikipedia defined it as a system different from legal guardianship: an adult, while still competent, appoints someone they trust to act as their guardian if they become incapacitated—managing their care, finances, and rights.
One media outlet noted, “Though not originally created for same-sex couples, this is currently the best legal alternative for same-sex relationships in China.”
Lu Xingjia pored over the details and requirements, realizing how much effort He Xi had made behind the scenes.
—She had already gathered all the documents they’d need.
The law was originally for people over sixty and was only recently extended to all competent adults. The application process was complex.
But He Xi had quietly prepared everything—waiting only for them to visit the notary office.
……
After the holiday, spring arrived. On the first workday of the new year, Lu Xingjia and Qin Mudong went to the notary office to submit their paperwork.
While verifying their info, the notary casually asked about Qin Mudong’s family.
Nervous, Lu Xingjia glanced at Qin Mudong. After all these years, he still remembered the coldness and disgust in Pu Shulan’s voice that day in the restaurant.
Qin Mudong was silent for a moment, then calmly replied, “We haven’t been in contact for a long time.”
Back in college, Pu Shulan had tried to reach out and win him back several times. But Qin Mudong stood firm, rejecting her. The last time, he said, “My life is happy now. Please don’t disturb it again.”
Pu Shulan, heart aching, realized then that she had truly lost her son.
But what was done was done. It was her own actions that had led to this. All she could do was return home in tears, clinging to the other disappointing son she had left.
The notary didn’t press further. After collecting the documents, they gave them a receipt and said they’d be notified once the certificate was ready.
The process took time. The couple stayed with He Xi for another half month. The short winter break passed quickly.
The certificate arrived exactly on the day Lu Xingjia and Qin Mudong were set to head home. They were busy packing, so He Xi volunteered to go pick it up for them.
Flowers were already blooming silently on both sides of the road. The golden yellow forsythias and the pink bauhinias made even one’s cheeks seem rosy.
He Xi specially cooked a large table of dishes to congratulate them on having a legal foundation for their relationship—and also to bid them farewell.
Unlike the restrained toast at New Year, this time He Xi drank until she was completely drunk. After handing over the notarized certificate, she tightly held their hands.
She held Lu Xingjia’s hand with one hand and Qin Mudong’s with the other, then solemnly placed Lu Xingjia’s hand into Qin Mudong’s.
“Mudong, I only have one son, Jia Jia. Now, I’m entrusting him to you,” He Xi said, her voice choked with emotion as she tightly held their hands.
“You must live well. I don’t ask for riches—just that you both are safe and happy.”
“Don’t worry about what others think. Mom will always be behind you.”
The midday sun streamed in from the window. Tears glistened in He Xi’s eyes, and her voice trembled. After all these years, this was the first time Lu Xingjia had seen her cry.
He sniffled and said,
“Mom, we will.”
Their farewell meal ended in tears. After eating, it was time for Lu Xingjia and Qin Mudong to rush to the high-speed rail station.
He Xi, completely drunk and barely able to stand, still insisted on walking them to the door. Xiang Yizhi quickly stepped up to support her.
Lu Xingjia also said,
“Mom, no need to see us off. We can go on our own.”
“No!”
He Xi wobbled as she stood and waved her hand,
“I can’t rest easy otherwise.”
“It’s really fine. Please rest early.”
“No! My two sons are leaving—I must see you off!”
Normally gentle and kind, He Xi could be incredibly stubborn when serious. No one could change her mind, so after some half-hearted resistance, she still ended up escorting them downstairs.
Before they left, she grabbed Lu Xingjia’s hand again and mumbled,
“I can only send you this far. The rest of the road, you’ll have to walk on your own.”
Lu Xingjia froze, then set down all the bags and hugged her seriously.
……
The five-hour train ride flew by. When Lu Xingjia and Qin Mudong got home, it was already dark.
The house was still the same as when they left—not large, but warm and cozy.
Lu Xingjia first messaged He Xi to let her know they were safe. Then he pulled off the cloth covering the sofa, sat down, and took out those two notarized papers, flipping through them like treasured items. Meanwhile, Qin Mudong turned on the water, gas, and electricity in the kitchen and bathroom.
The night of their return was peaceful and quiet. After a light cleaning and a hot bath, they lay in bed. Even then, Lu Xingjia was still examining the two notarized papers under the bedside lamp.
Though thin as paper, they felt as heavy as a thousand pounds, carrying extraordinary meaning—because from now on, even legally, their names would be bound together.
Qin Mudong turned his head and looked at Lu Xingjia, asking,
“Sleepy?”
Lu Xingjia shook his head, put the papers on the nightstand, then turned and kissed him.
Normally, Lu Xingjia was quite passive in this regard, but today felt different. He kissed with urgency, his warm breath falling on Qin Mudong’s neck.
Qin Mudong understood what he was feeling—he felt the same. He quickly undressed Lu Xingjia and gently took back the lead.
Due to the limitations of the law, he couldn’t give Lu Xingjia that official red marriage certificate, but the love they shared wasn’t less than that of any heterosexual couple. Love was a gift from the heavens—and Qin Mudong had learned to love because of Lu Xingjia.
…..
Night fell heavily, but their room felt like a spring garden in full bloom.
…
Qin Mudong raised his eyebrows playfully,
“In a hurry?”
He was always like this—teasing him deliberately, making Lu Xingjia say over and over how much he loved and wanted him.
Lu Xingjia turned away, overwhelmed, and bit his shoulder, mumbling,
“Hurry up…”
Qin Mudong listened.
…
Qin Mudong gently kissed away his tears and asked,
“Do you like it?”
Lu Xingjia, like a little boat rocking on the sea, replied in a daze,
“Like what?”
“Mine. Do you like it?”
Each time Qin Mudong struck him to the very soul, Lu Xingjia’s voice turned to pieces.
“Y-Yes…”
Tears spilled from his eyes, and Lu Xingjia sobbed,
“I like it… I like it…”
He liked it, because he loved him.
Loved him more than anyone in the world.
…
By the time they were done, Lu Xingjia was already half-asleep. Qin Mudong carried him to the bathroom to clean up, then brought him back to bed. Just then, Lu Xingjia’s phone rang.
Qin Mudong sat up and handed him the phone from the nightstand. Lu Xingjia looked at it—it was a calendar reminder he had set for himself.
—February 28.
He glanced at the calendar, then tossed the phone aside and silently smiled.
With the bustle of the Lunar New Year, he had forgotten what today was.
In his previous life, it was the day Qin Mudong took his own life.
Back then, they hadn’t known each other, hadn’t loved each other—Lu Xingjia could only glimpse the one he loved through the internet.
When he learned that Qin Mudong had died, a wave of cold swept over him, and the whole world turned black.
But this life was different. On the very same day, they received their notarized certificate for designated guardianship—they now had a legitimate relationship in the eyes of the law.
Spring had come, birds were flying back, fish leaped through the water—and from today on, their names would always be written together.
Qin Mudong lowered his head and kissed Lu Xingjia’s eyelids, asking,
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” Lu Xingjia wrapped his arms around his neck and kissed his cheek with sincere devotion,
“I love you.”
He had loved him through two lifetimes, changed both their fates with all his might—and finally, this life came full circle.
Nothing could separate them anymore.