Su Bai looked at the clean house, feeling quite emotional. Now free of dirt and clutter, the house revealed its true charm—a comforting, warm presence that made him feel secure. The house itself was a modest structure, yet its design carried an understated elegance. At the front, a small balcony extended outward, supported by sturdy wooden beams. The balcony had a simple railing where vines had lovingly intertwined themselves, their tendrils weaving through the gaps like nature’s own embroidery.
A few stone steps led up to the balcony, inviting anyone to enter. The orange trumpet creeper vines cascaded over the sides of the balcony, their fiery blooms vibrant against the earthy tones of the house walls. Interspersed among them were the delicate blue flowers of clitoria ternatea, their calming hue softening the vivid display. Together, the vines wrapped around the columns and edges of the balcony, forming a natural archway that seemed to embrace the entrance to the home.
The doors leading from the balcony into the house were made of polished wood, their surfaces glinting faintly in the sunlight. The combination of the tidy interior and the natural beauty outside gave the house a serene and welcoming appearance.
He had already made a decision before. To clean the inside thoroughly, but leave every plant and tree outside untouched. Even if they’re weeds, let them stay.
Turning back to the people who had helped him, Su Bai bowed deeply at a ninety-degree angle, his back straight and his expression earnest, showing his heartfelt sincerity. He was immensely grateful for their assistance, especially considering they were practically strangers.
“Aiyo, there’s no need for that, kid,” Uncle Han said, waving a hand as though embarrassed. He turned to others and added, “Come on, let’s get the things moved in.”
Su Bai straightened up, his gratitude etched into his face as he watched them move his belongings inside. Their willingness to help, despite barely knowing him, left a deep impression on his heart.
When they stepped outside, everyone’s attention was immediately drawn to Xiaoke and the little kitty, locked in a seemingly serious argument. The sight of the child gesturing animatedly while the kitty meowed back made it hard for anyone to suppress their laughter.
Aunt Han, having finished her cleaning, approached Xiaoke with a smile tugging at her lips. Her curiosity got the better of her. What on earth could a child and a kitten be discussing so seriously? She crouched down, watching the amusing scene unfold.
Meanwhile, Chen Zi and the others quickly got to work, carrying the boxes inside as Su Bai directed them. He pointed out where each box should go, ensuring that the edibles were placed in the hall near the kitchen for easy access. The rest were taken to the room adjacent to the master bedroom, where Su Bai planned to unpack them gradually.
After making sure everything was in its place, Su Bai headed into the kitchen and began rummaging through the boxes. He pulled out some snacks and drinks they had purchased earlier, intending to offer refreshments. As he searched for glasses to pour the drinks, the sound of the bustling house made him feel a sense of belonging he hadn’t felt in a long time.
Outside, Uncle Han and the others made their way to the pond to wash up. The cool, clear water sparkled under the sunlight, inviting them to splash their hands and feet. As they washed their faces, the refreshing sensation of the clean water reinvigorated them.
“Ah, this water is so clean and cold,” Uncle Han said, his voice full of contentment. The others nodded in agreement as they gazed into the pond. The water was so pristine that they could see the smooth stones at the bottom and small fish darting by, adding a lively charm to the tranquil setting.
Su Bai came out with a tray carrying glasses of litchi juice and a plate of cheese-flavored fried lotus seeds. The aroma wafted gently in the afternoon air as he approached the old banyan tree where Aunt Han sat, fanning herself lazily.
“Kid, you’re truly too serious, ah,” Aunt Han said with a teasing smile as she saw him approach. “Your grandma helped our villagers a lot over the years. Don’t always stand on formality. We’re family, after all!” She called out toward the pond, her voice carrying over the rippling water to summon the others who were still gathered there.
Su Bai didn’t say anything, just smiled politely. He always felt awkward in situations like this. In his mind, he thought about how he could express his gratitude for the help he had received, but no matter how much he rehearsed the words, he couldn’t bring himself to say them.
I’ve become even more introverted, la, Su Bai thought with a wry smile.
“Su Ke, come eat. Your father brought snacks—eat with us,” someone called out cheerfully.
The little boy paused, his small hands clutching his shirt. Father... he thought. He had never called the beautiful gege "father" before, though this gege had adopted him. Did that really make him his father? He already had a father once, but he had passed away, leaving him alone in the world.
Xiaoke’s thoughts swirled in confusion. Was beautiful gege upset that he hadn’t called him father yet? Maybe he was angry and didn’t want to mention it, or maybe he just didn’t care. Xiaoke didn’t know what to do. He felt tangled in a messy knot of emotions. Lowering his little head, he stood there pitifully, his expression full of grievance, but he didn’t say a word.
Su Bai noticed the boy’s hesitation. He hadn’t pushed Xiaoke to call him “father,” not wanting to force him into something he wasn’t ready for. But seeing the little one so troubled tugged at his heart. It was clear this was a conversation they needed to have, sooner rather than later.
Without saying anything, Su Bai crouched down and gently scooped Xiaoke into his arms. Suddenly, Xiaoke’s view shifted, his little world now perched higher. Startled, he looked up at Su Bai’s face. The gege he admired so much gazed back at him warmly, his eyes filled with patience and affection.
Slowly, Xiaoke wrapped his tiny arms around Su Bai’s neck, pressing his soft little cheek against Su Bai’s chest. The warmth and steady rhythm of Su Bai’s heartbeat calmed him, and in that moment, the tangled emotions in his heart began to loosen, just a little.
Su Bai didn’t say anything; he simply hugged him quietly. He didn’t want to discuss such sensitive issues in front of others.
Aunt Han didn’t notice anything unusual and simply thought the father and son looked heartwarmingly close.
Not wanting to stand too long due to his pregnancy, Su Bai sat down under the grandpa tree with Xiaoke in his arms. Together, they joined in munching on fried lotus seeds.
Also placed a bowl of goat milk for xiaohei.
Who lazily licked with his small tongue.
Author:
Author:I didn't give you that name ah
Xiaohei:sharpening claws.. Meowwww
