Winter break lasted nearly fifty days. It didn't feel that fast at school, but at home, time flew by in the blink of an eye.
A week before school started, Xiao Yu and Ye Qingli planned to go on a trip. They looked up travel guides for ages but couldn't decide where to go. In the end, they took Xu Yan's recommendation and went to Ice City, which was known for skiing, great food, and being a famous winter tourist destination. So the itinerary was set.
On the day of departure, Grandma was also going back to the countryside. Ye Qingli held the old lady's thin, withered hand, swaying slightly, tears in her eyes: "Grandma, come back when I'm on break, okay?" She had grown up with Grandma, and her feelings for her were actually deeper than those for Zhang Luan and Ye Yaohui. Every time they parted, she would cry, and this time was no different. Grandma couldn't stand seeing her cry. As soon as she saw tears, her own eyes grew misty. She wiped the tears from Ye Qingli's face and smiled softly: "Qingqing, Grandma promises. I promise, so no more crying, okay?" "Okay, I won't cry, Grandma." Ye Qingli wiped her eyes, her hand wet with tears. "That's right. My granddaughter has grown up. You can't cry over every little thing. That wouldn't look good," Grandma said gently, leaning on her cane with a hunched back. She was old and couldn't straighten up; standing for a while tired her out. After comforting Ye Qingli, she turned to give Xiao Yu some advice. Xiao Yu was tall, so Grandma had trouble reaching him. He bent his knees and leaned his ear close to her. That made it easier. Grandma patted his shoulder lightly and said: "Xiao Yu, you're a good kid—obedient and sensible. Grandma really likes you. Take good care of Qingqing. When you have time, come visit Grandma, and I'll make you flower cakes." "Got it, Grandma. Please take care of yourself. Qingqing and I will come see you when we have time." The old lady smiled and nodded, then leaned her thin body forward and gave Xiao Yu a gentle hug. The warm and reassuring feeling caught him off guard for a moment, as if the old lady were truly his family. It was the first time in his life, aside from his nanny Zhang Yi and his late grandfather, that an elder had willingly hugged him. Thank you, he whispered silently in his heart.
"Alright, aren't you going to catch your train? Your uncle will drop you off here. Have fun, you two." "Be safe," Zhang Luan added, glancing at Xiao Yu and then at Ye Qingli. It seemed she meant something more. But her silly daughter apparently didn't catch it. Ye Qingli looked around and said slowly: "Mom, it's peacetime now. There aren't that many bad people." Zhang Luan: "..." She might as well have said nothing.
If they delayed any longer, they'd miss the train. After exchanging a few more goodbyes, Xiao Yu carried both suitcases, and Ye Qingli followed behind. The train station was packed, and they were swallowed by the crowd as soon as they entered, disappearing in an instant. They rushed and barely made it onto the train. Xiao Yu lifted the suitcases onto the overhead rack, then looked down to see Ye Qingli sitting in the window seat, looking downcast, her eyes dull.
"Homesick?" Xiao Yu sat down and poked her cheek. "Kind of." "Then why are you unhappy?" Why was she unhappy? Ye Qingli pressed her lips together. Probably because of what Zhang Luan had said at the end. It wasn't that she didn't understand she was referring to Xiao Yu; she just didn't want to respond. Ye Yaohui and Grandma often said Zhang Luan was suspicious for a reason. It felt like she was one way today and could be another tomorrow. Did she truly see Xiao Yu as family? Maybe yes, because she had stopped Xiao Yu from leaving before. Maybe no, because she said those words. The chances were higher for 'no.' But at least her dad and Grandma truly liked him. With their support, she would probably come around. Ye Qingli hoped Zhang Luan wouldn't repeat what happened in high school, when she called in parents and lived in her own world, trusting only her instincts, hurting their friendship. Because of her, she had already lost a friend. This time, she didn't want to lose a lover.
The carriage was quiet. High-speed trains were different from regular trains; the environment wasn't so chaotic. Everyone was tired from traveling. Most had already put on headphones, crossed their arms, and fallen asleep. Ye Qingli shook her head gently: "I just said 'kind of,' meaning I'm a little homesick." Xiao Yu thought she was being evasive, so he didn't press further. Raising an eyebrow, he said: "Want me to send you back?" "The train's moving. How would you send me?" "You can press the F key to jump out." "..." This guy really played too many games.
They arrived in Xi Zhou in the afternoon. Ye Qingli hadn't slept well the night before, so she leaned on Xiao Yu's shoulder and slept the whole way. Just before arriving, Xiao Yu woke her up. There was a big red mark on her eye from where she had been pressing it. Xiao Yu snorted: "Someone might think I gave you a black eye while you were sleeping." Ye Qingli: "..."
There was no direct high-speed train to Ice City. Since they were passing through Xi Zhou anyway, they thought they might as well rest there for the night and set off the next day. On the way home, they passed a restaurant. Xiao Yu wanted to eat out, but Ye Qingli wouldn't let him. She said, "Aren't you supposed to be good at cooking? You have to show off your skills." Xiao Yu had no choice but to listen. He sent the suitcases home and then went out to buy groceries. "You're really not coming?" He leaned against the door, tossing the keys in the air and catching them, the sound crisp and pleasant. "I'm tired. Go by yourself. And remember to bring me some snacks," Ye Qingli said, lying spread-eagled on the sofa. "Mm, stay put and don't go out. I heard there are kidnappers nearby." Xiao Yu smiled as he closed the door, making sure to scare her before leaving. Ye Qingli pouted. After confirming he was really gone, she sprang off the sofa and went to tidy up the room.
Xiao Yu had said that from this semester onward, the guys in their dorm would move out. Xu Qingsong and Liu Xu had also rented apartments nearby, but since school hadn't started yet, they were still in Gu Cheng and would move in a few days. Ye Qingli opened her suitcase. If she told Zhang Luan she wanted to move out, Zhang Luan would definitely disagree. But if she just wanted to stay out on weekends, that might be okay. So she only brought a few clothes, not too many. After tidying her own things, she started on Xiao Yu's. As she folded his clothes, the red envelope that Ye Yaohui and she had given Xiao Yu fell out. Ye Qingli picked it up and thought for a moment. Since they didn't need the money urgently, she casually wrapped it in one of his shirts and tucked it under the pile of clothes. The wardrobe was quite large. After organizing, her clothes only took up a tiny corner, looking rather pitiful. It's okay; they'll slowly increase, she comforted herself.
Ye Qingli then opened the toiletry bag. She was about to put it in the bathroom, but then remembered they were going on a trip tomorrow, so she put it back. She also included Xiao Yu's toiletries. They were only going for a few days; one suitcase would be enough. Bringing more would just be extra trouble and weight. Finally done, Ye Qingli leaned against the edge of the bed, feeling exhausted. Just then, the door lock clicked outside. Xiao Yu returned with the groceries. He put the groceries in the kitchen, then went to the bedroom with the snacks. Opening the door, he saw the scene and smiled. He pulled Ye Qingli up from the floor—it was cold down there—and told her to sit on the bed.
"Isn't there underfloor heating?" Ye Qingli said, but she still obediently sat on the bed. She took the snacks from him and flipped through them; they were all her favorites. "You're so thoughtful!" She smiled and gave his butt a firm slap. When had he ever noticed this girl being so handsy? She used to be so aloof. Now she either teased him or pushed him around, like a mischievous seven- or eight-year-old. A flicker passed through Xiao Yu's eyes. The next second, without warning, he pushed her down and leaned over her, kissing her. The sudden kiss caught Ye Qingli off guard. She didn't know what had gotten into him. He kissed her fiercely, prying open her teeth, tangling with her tongue, with no gentleness at all. It hurt. Ye Qingli tried to push him away, but that only played into his trap. He grabbed her hands and pinned them beside her. "Xiao Yu..." She tilted her chin up slightly. His hand was on her neck, and he was gently licking the blue veins at her collarbone. Ye Qingli's body began to tingle, her voice trembling: "Be gentle. Don't leave marks that are too obvious." Upon hearing this, Xiao Yu pulled back a little from her neck. Her skin was fair. His thumb gently rubbed the mark he had just made. He looked up and laughed: "What now? You said it too late." "..." "How about this—to be fair, I'll let you leave a mark on my neck too. What do you think?" His intention was all too obvious. Ye Qingli's face was burning from his teasing. She turned her head away, refusing to fall for it: "I'm not as perverted as you." "If you weren't perverted, you wouldn't have slapped my butt." "..." Xiao Yu lowered his head to kiss her earlobe and whispered in her ear: "Slapping the back is boring. You should slap the front..." "Xiao Yu!" Ye Qingli interrupted, gritting her teeth and pushing him. How could this guy talk so dirty? How could he be so unhinged?! Xiao Yu's shoulders shook with laughter. He clung to her like a sloth, pressing close. Only when he had laughed enough did he get up. This girl was so funny. No wonder people liked teasing their girlfriends—it was truly enjoyable. "Alright, go wash your hands. I'll cook." Xiao Yu pulled her up, smoothed her messy hair, and gave her another kiss on the lips before leaving the room, satisfied. Ye Qingli was left looking like a little old lady, messily put together. She sighed and waited until her blush faded before shuffling to the kitchen.
They would be away for the next few days, so Xiao Yu had only bought enough groceries for tonight. If it were just him, he could make do with anything. But there was a girl to take care of, so he had to treat her well. He even bought a bag of pork ribs. Watching him, Ye Qingli clicked her tongue. She clasped her hands behind her back like a leader on inspection, pointing at the ribs simmering in the pot: "Are you sure you can do this? Don't poison us both." "It'll be so good you won't know which way is up." Xiao Yu bustled around in his apron, showing her the sauce he had prepared. It actually looked pretty authentic. "I learned step by step online. Xu Qingsong tried it for you and said it was delicious." Xiao Yu wasn't lying. He had caramelized the sugar perfectly. The tender ribs were coated in a thick, sticky sauce. They already looked good, but the taste was even better. Ye Qingli was delighted, stomping her feet. She even poured the remaining sauce over her rice and ate it, giving him a thumbs up: "Xiao Yu, I think you cook even better than my dad!" Xiao Yu smiled: "Not afraid of being poisoned now?" "I'm brave. I'm not afraid of anything."