Chapter Fifty-Four: Returning to My Hometown

Around the time of the New Year, nothing is more vexing than visiting relatives. Today, they were heading back to their hometown to visit Grandma, a place where Qin Xuan loved to fish most of all.

Liu Ruoxi had originally wanted to go along; it had been ages since she last saw Grandma. But there was no way—there were still other relatives to visit at home.

Early in the morning, the four of them drove back to the countryside. The New Year period was always bustling with people and events! They were caught in traffic from eight until eleven, and the journey of several dozen kilometers took half a day. Qin Xuan was so desperate that his bladder felt as if it would burst…

Their old home was a simple three-story house. Qin Jianguo had once tried to persuade his mother to move to the city, but Grandma Liu, who had spent most of her life in the countryside, couldn’t adapt even after a few days in the city. She finally returned to her old home. She was now sixty-nine. Qin Jianguo had had an older brother, but sadly, he died in childhood from illness.

“Jianguo! Manshu, you’re here! Lin’er has grown taller again. Qin Xuan, where’s Ruoxi?” Grandma Liu, still hearty, was sweeping when she heard the car pull up outside. She knew at once they had returned and hurried out to greet them.

“Grandma! Ruoxi had something to do and couldn’t make it, but she’ll definitely come next time,” Qin Xuan called out, making a beeline for the bathroom. He was about to overflow!

Disappointment flickered in Grandma Liu’s eyes; she had already prepared a red envelope.

“Lin’er, where’s your boyfriend?” If there’s anything elders care about most, it’s whether their grandchildren are dating. Every visit, both Qin Xuan and Qin Lin’er had to be questioned. This time, it was Lin’er’s turn alone—Qin Xuan felt secretly pleased.

“Grandma, I’m still young!” Lin’er hugged Grandma’s arm, pouting playfully.

“You! Always so playful. When I was your age, I was already married to your grandfather!” Grandma Liu tapped Lin’er’s head, helpless.

There was nothing to be done; Lin’er was thick-skinned in front of Grandma and didn’t mind in the least, grinning.

When Qin Xuan emerged from the bathroom, he saw Lin’er getting scolded by Grandma. His day’s happiness began right there.

“Grandma, can I still fish in the river?” Qin Xuan’s hands itched.

“Yes, the government cleaned it up. You can fish now,” Grandma Liu, witness to the river’s history, replied.

“Really? I’ll go fish then!” Qin Xuan had left fishing rods at the old home for this purpose.

“You’re not going anywhere! Eat first!” Wang Manshu snapped, annoyed at Qin Xuan’s eagerness.

Seeing his mother so adamant, Qin Xuan had no choice but to comply.

In the kitchen, Wang Manshu intended to cook, but Grandma Liu insisted on doing it herself, saying that visitors shouldn’t cook here. In the end, Manshu couldn’t win and helped out instead.

...

One had to admit, Grandma Liu’s culinary skills were seasoned and bold, honed over decades—the taste was impeccable. The whole family ate with delight.

After the meal, Qin Xuan couldn’t resist. He glanced at everyone, found an excuse, and slipped out to busy himself.

He eyed the river—not crystal-clear, but much less muddy than before. Qin Xuan nodded in satisfaction.

While Qin Xuan was engrossed in fishing from his chair, Qin Lin’er appeared behind him without his noticing.

“Brother, any catch?” Lin’er squatted beside him, eyeing the fishing rod curiously.

“Not yet. Maybe the fish aren’t fond of me,” Qin Xuan said, a bit helpless.

“Haha, let me try!” Lin’er unceremoniously took over his spot.

The result! Just like last time at the farmhouse, the fish started biting one after another, as if she were playing a game. All afternoon, Lin’er lay there napping, but managed to catch half a bucket of fish… Qin Xuan was dumbstruck.

Since they were staying an extra day to keep Grandma company, Qin Xuan kept fishing until six before calling the sleeping Lin’er awake.

“Brother, how many did you catch?” Lin’er rubbed her eyes.

Qin Xuan raised the bucket silently.

“So many! Praise me,” Lin’er clasped his arm, beaming.

“You’re amazing!”

“Such perfunctory praise! I’ll ignore you,” Lin’er bounced ahead with the fishing rod.

After dinner, things got awkward. The house had few rooms: Grandma took one, the parents another. There had originally been two more, but one had been turned into a storage room, so Qin Xuan and Lin’er had to squeeze in together.

Lin’er feigned displeasure, but inwardly she was delighted.

Qin Xuan washed up simply and lay down—thankfully, there were two quilts.

Lin’er finished washing her feet, saw Qin Xuan playing on his phone with only his hand and head sticking out, and announced, “Brother, I’m here!”

She jumped onto the bed, pressing Qin Xuan beneath her.

“Get off! You’re heavy,” Qin Xuan protested, feeling odd.

“Hmph!” Lin’er unwillingly got up, changed into pajamas right in front of him.

Qin Xuan was startled, quickly turning his back to her just in time.

“Brother? Are you shy?” Lin’er called, facing his turned head.

“Go on, go on, let’s sleep,” Qin Xuan suggested.

But Lin’er ignored him, snuggling up beside him under her own quilt.

In the darkness, Qin Xuan lost interest in his phone, thinking he could finally sleep in peace.

Suddenly, a hand reached in from outside the rolled-up quilt, followed by a warm body.

“You! Go back!” Qin Xuan was instantly alert.

Lin’er said nothing, instead wrapping her arms around his waist and draping her leg over his.

Qin Xuan’s mind screamed: I’m doomed!

The warmth under the blankets was rising fast. Qin Xuan couldn’t stand it, turning to face Lin’er, “No, you shouldn’t…”

Before he could finish, he caught sight of Lin’er’s cheeks flushed crimson in the moonlight, her gaze fixed on him—so alluring?

“Lin’er… don’t be like this…” Qin Xuan’s voice faltered.

Lin’er stared at her brother’s face, suddenly reaching out to touch it. Qin Xuan watched her face come closer, his breath almost stopping, and at that critical moment—

A sudden knock at the door nearly scared them both out of their wits. Lin’er was quick, immediately slipping back under her own quilt.

“Qin Xuan?” Grandma’s voice called. Qin Xuan responded.

Grandma turned on the light and walked to the bed, seeing both lying obediently together. She was puzzled by Lin’er’s flushed face, but assumed it was from the warmth and thought nothing of it.

Grandma handed Qin Xuan a red envelope. “This is for Ruoxi. Remember to give it to my granddaughter-in-law!”

“Thank you, Grandma,” Qin Xuan replied, taking the envelope.

“All right, you two sleep early. I’ll be going,” Grandma said, leaving them to rest.

Once Grandma left, the atmosphere grew awkward.

“Qin Xuan! Shall we continue?” Lin’er called his name directly, surprising him.

“Continue my foot—go to sleep!” Qin Xuan pulled the quilt over his head.

Seeing his childish gesture, Lin’er felt deflated: all that courage she’d gathered—gone, just like that…