Childhood Affection - Chapter 19 - Do You Like Me?

After November, the weather turned bitterly cold. Riding an e-bike without gloves became unbearable. Nie Weishan would pick up Yin Qianyang from the Sports School after classes and asked during the ride, “No lingering injuries, I hope?”

“What are you talking about? I’m still spry as ever,” Yin Qianyang shivered in the wind, burying his hands into the pockets of Nie Weishan’s coat, fishing out a mobile phone and a meal card, “Today during the break when you were asleep, I took your meal card and topped it up along with mine.”

“How much did you add?” Nie Weishan inquired.

Yin Qianyang, leaning against his back, replied, “Forgot the amount, why bother about how much? It won’t exceed two hundred anyway, I brought four hundred, two hundred each for us.”

After a moment of silence, Nie Weishan reached back to pat him, “Don’t fall asleep, or you’ll catch a cold.”

Yin Qianyang, with eyes still closed, hummed a tune until they reached home. After disembarking at the alley entrance, they parted ways. Suddenly remembering something, Yin Qianyang said, “My dad’s celebrating my sister’s week of internship, mentioned something about buying a cake. Drop your stuff and come celebrate with us.”

Nie Weishan went home to park his e-bike and backpack, only to hear his third uncle scolding as soon as he entered the courtyard. Inside, Nie Yingyu stood in the living room, punished to stand; a slipper lay beneath the television wall, a sign he had been punished.

“Third Uncle, what happened?” Nie Weishan was alarmed, fearing it was about a fight he knew of, contemplating whether to confess proactively.

His third uncle revealed, “He has been skipping classes for a week! The class teacher wondered why he was always at tutoring classes but missed the evening self-studies and even had to take leave for tests!”

Exchanging glances with Nie Yingyu, Nie Weishan added, “I remember third aunt signing him up for extra classes, maybe they added more sessions?”

“Added, my foot! I called and checked; he wasn’t there at all this week!” Third Uncle banged the table, shouting at Nie Yingyu, “No one even dares to doze off in class in your class, let alone skip it. Are you rebelling because it’s puberty? Let me tell you, keep that rebellion down until after the college entrance examination!”

Yin Qianyang waited for a while but Nie Weishan didn’t show up. Unable to contain his impatience, he walked over in flip-flops, but was stopped by Nie Weishan who whispered, “What’s the situation?”

Nie Weishan motioned him to be silent, and nodded, “Yingyu failed a subject? Thrilling!”

As Third Uncle continued his interrogation, his anger stemmed mainly from Nie Yingyu refusing to confess his whereabouts, fearing he might have taken a wrong turn. As the second round of punishment was about to start, Yin Qianyang suddenly spoke up, “Third Uncle, we’re celebrating my sister’s internship at home, let Weishan and Yingyu come over for some cake.”

Nie Yingyu, head bowed, said, “I won’t go, I’m going back to my room to do homework.”

Nie Weishan and Yin Qianyang headed to the neighboring alley, both puzzled. Once home, they saw a three-tiered cake on the dining table. Yin Qianjie asked, “Where’s Yingyu?”

“He’s in trouble, being drilled by Third Uncle,” Yin Qianyang replied.

Yin Xiangdong sighed to himself, “Yingyu is so diligent yet gets drilled, and here I am, indifferent about my own carefree son. I need to reflect on my parenting.”

“What does this have to do with me? Why are you glaring at me?” Yin Qianyang felt wronged, curious as he ate, “By the way, what exactly did Yingyu do?”

Nie Weishan explained, “He skipped classes, missed a whole week of evening self-studies, and didn’t even go to his tutoring classes, and still won’t admit where he went.”

If Yin Qianjie is renowned in the alleys for her beauty, then Nie Yingyu is famous for his academic excellence. He has always been in key classes of prestigious schools, consistently a top student, and has won various awards in competitions. Therefore, it was hard for anyone to believe that Nie Yingyu would skip classes or neglect his studies.

Yin Qianjie stood up, lifted the top layer of the cake with a plate, and said, “Weishan, take this piece back to Yingyu when you go home.”

Yin Qianyang suddenly became alert, “There’s a situation!”

Yin Qianjie glared at him and said, “Didn’t I start my internship? Yingyu picks me up from work every day. He doesn’t come close, just follows from a distance. Even if I tell him to go back, he ignores me with his earphones on.”

Nie Weishan had guessed it, saying, “Probably because Jie-Jie got scared during that incident; he’s just concerned.”

Bai Meixian and Yin Xiangdong exchanged glances, thinking about how both their children caused others’ kids to affect their studies and even get punished. After dinner, they went to Third Uncle’s place and explained the situation. Yin Xiangdong told Nie Yingyu, “From tomorrow, I’ll pick up Qianjie. Yingyu, you focus on your studies. Thanks for these past few days.”

Everyone understood the sentiments involved. Nie Yingyu’s face flushed red and white, nearly fainting from embarrassment.

That evening, the Nie brothers chatted in their bedroom. Nie Yingyu, eating the cake on a plate, looked sillier than Yin Qianyang drinking milk powder. Nie Weishan asked, “Do you think Jie-Jie likes you now?”

“Bro, you’re such a buzzkill,” Nie Yingyu paused, “She probably just feels awkward. I’m not doing these things just to make her like me. Doing things for someone you like is an instinctive act, without any ulterior motives.”

Nie Weishan was silent, pondering.

Nie Yingyu continued, “What does ‘like’ mean? It’s simple. If you can feel delighted just by glancing at someone, then there’s no doubt, you like them. Do you think the persimmon-selling sister at the alley entrance makes you delighted? Does your classmate Jiangang? Probably not, that means you don’t like them. But seeing Qianjie makes me happy, I wish I could turn around and see her, step out the door and see her. I can’t get enough of seeing her every day, so I really like her.”

Nie Weishan grew even more silent, seriously contemplating.

“Then let’s talk about these feelings,” Nie Yingyu finished the cake, “Liking someone, you’d definitely care about their feelings and even their safety. If they’re upset, you vent for them; if they’re wronged, you console them; if they’re in danger, you step up. But it doesn’t matter if they care or not, because you’re willing to do it out of love. If they do care, then it’s mutual affection. For me, that’s a bit too advanced for now, end of discussion.”

If Qin Zhan was the type to bluff on stage, then Nie Yingyu was the type to lecture in a hall.

Nie Weishan stood up to return to his room, but his mind was still active, “I’m going to sleep, you should too.”

On Saturday, a day off, Nie Yingyu left early in the morning for his tutoring classes, needing to catch up on the week he missed. Nie Weishan, who had pondered until insomnia the previous night, also got up early; he had to go to the store.

After the start of winter, the stores along the antique market replaced their flowers with cold-resistant green plants. Before arriving, Nie Weishan first stopped by the flower market, planning to pick a few plants as well.

After making his purchases and heading out, he couldn’t help but glance at the sapling area, reminded of the jujube sapling Yin Qianyang had given him. After loading his car and setting everything in place, he received a call.

Yin Qianyang was on the other end, “Where did you go so early in the morning? I was looking for you to help with homework.”

“I’m at the flower market, now heading to the store,” Nie Weishan rode one-handed, “I’ll probably have to stay overnight at the store, why don’t you come over?”

Yin Qianyang agreed, “Wait for me, I’ll bring some treats for Grandpa.”

Erji’s storefront had seen many years, but in this line of work, the older the better. After Nie Weishan arrived, he cleaned the flower racks before placing them at the entrance, the newly bought green plants making the store significantly more noticeable.

It was a busy weekend. By the time Yin Qianyang arrived, Elder Nie hadn’t even noticed him due to the crowd. Only after a wave of customers left did he approach, placing a thermal container on the counter and opening it, “Grandpa, Dad made mutton steamed dumplings, want to try a couple?”

Elder Nie tasted two, “Your dad’s cooking skills were this good?”

“Of course, my dad originally won over my mom with a plate of steamed dumplings.” Yin Qianyang, always quick with words, covered the container and headed to the backyard, “I’ll let Weishan try a couple, then we can have more for lunch.”

Normally, they wouldn’t start lunch so early, but Elder Nie couldn’t wait today, hanging a “Resting” sign not even by noon, and the grandfather and grandson trio filled the backyard with delicious aromas, savoring the meal for the entire afternoon.

Nie Weishan worked at the workbench, his hand resting on a drawing from a test as Yin Qianyang sat beside him doing homework, stopping after every couple of questions to look around. “Focus on your work, haven’t you seen polishing before?” Nie Weishan said, annoyed.

Yin Qianyang replied, “I’ve seen polishing, but not this misty material, what’s with the hazy layer?”

“This is natural sugary jadeite rough, suitable for carving flowers,” Nie Weishan finished polishing and held the small object in his palm to show it off, “Sweet Peony Blossom, custom-made for an aunt’s daughter’s wedding.”

Yin Qianyang was intrigued, “You take high-end commissions now? How much do you charge for the craftsmanship?”

“Including the design, it’s eight thousand eight hundred for a full set. The material is extra since the beads vary.” After Nie Weishan finished, he saw Yin Qianyang staring blankly, thinking he might be in awe, so he added, “It was originally ten thousand, but for a wedding and for good luck, and since she’s a regular, I made it eight thousand eight.”

Yin Qianyang still stared blankly, “I need to start saving. When my sister gets married, I’ll also order a set for her. Can you make it cheaper? I think six thousand six is even luckier.”

Nie Weishan gave up, pushing Yin Qianyang away, “We’ll talk later, I want to study now.”

In the evening, Yin Qianyang still hadn’t left, probably planning to stay the night in the store. Elder Nie prepared dinner, saying, “It’s especially lively with you here, my ears haven’t had a peaceful moment all day, and my mouth is sore from smiling.”

Yin Qianyang helped set the table, and Nie Weishan brought over the food. After eating, everyone was too lazy to clean up. Elder Nie said, “Then listen to me ramble a bit. Qianyang went to practice sports, Weishan, how have you been lately?”

Nie Weishan replied, “The same, school and homework, my grades haven’t improved.”

Elder Nie asked, “Haven’t been racing motorcycles recently?”

“I stopped a while ago, promised Third Uncle.” Nie Weishan looked at the empty bowl in front of him, “Grandpa, you want to ask about my plans, right? I probably won’t get into university, and even if I do, tuition will be a problem, so I’m thinking of opening a store after graduation to start earning money sooner.”

All the income from Erji was used to pay off Nie Feng’s debts. Elder Nie could look after his son but not his grandson, especially with Third Uncle and Nie Yingyu around; he couldn’t play favorites.

Nie Weishan understood, saying, “But starting a store also requires money. I’m thinking about joining the military, serve for a few years, then maybe get a loan when I’m discharged, should be about right.”

“When did you plan this?!” Yin Qianyang, who had been silent until now, couldn’t hold back any longer.

Elder Nie said, “I thought about sending you to the military back when you used to race motorcycles every night, at least to keep you from getting into trouble. If you can stay in the military, stay; if not, or you don’t want to, then you can be discharged and come back. It’s an option.”

Yin Qianyang disagreed, “Grandpa, Uncle Nie isn’t by your side anymore, if Weishan also goes to the military, there’ll be no one left by your side. Would you really be okay with that?”

“Yang, we’re just talking, it’s not set in stone.” Nie Weishan patted Yin Qianyang’s back. Elder Nie sighed and nodded, “Qianyang is right, let’s not talk about this anymore, it’s still early.”

After dinner, Elder Nie went to sleep, leaving Nie Weishan to mind the store, and Yin Qianyang to watch over Nie Weishan. After a while, Yin Qianyang asked, “Are you really considering joining the military?”

Nie Weishan replied, “I’ve thought about it, haven’t decided, but if it would make Grandpa worry less, I’d be willing.”

Yin Qianyang struggled to find the words, “I wouldn’t be willing!”

After saying that, he left, riding his bike away from the antique market, not knowing where to go, and eventually ended up at Bingbing’s residential area.

Dressed in pajamas, Bingbing found Yin Qianyang sitting in the garden pavilion and asked, “What’s up, running away from home?”

“No, just feeling down,” Yin Qianyang pulled Bingbing to sit beside him, “Bingbing, if someone you really care about plans to leave without telling you, would you be upset?”

Bingbing tugged at his sleeve, “Where are they going? If they go traveling alone without telling me, I’d definitely be upset.”

“Not traveling, like joining the military or going abroad, for many years.” Yin Qianyang didn’t mention it was Nie Weishan, worried Bingbing wouldn’t side with him, “I think about him in everything, I’m willing to help and protect him when he’s in trouble, but he never mentioned such a big thing to me, what am I to him?”

Bingbing wrapped an arm around Yin Qianyang, saying, “Bro, you need to figure out first, you like him so much, but does he like you?”

Yin Qianyang was stunned, “Huh? Are you kidding me?”

“Shit, am I kidding?” Bingbing hugged Yin Qianyang tighter, analyzing, “You care so much about him, willing to help when he’s in trouble, wanting to protect him, running around like you’re heartbroken without him, isn’t that liking someone?”

Yin Qianyang pushed Bingbing away, “I’m talking about Nie Weishan! Are you crazy?”

Bingbing was confused, “Oh, Weishan.”

“That’s a tough one, our Fan Family has been straight for eighteen generations, I can’t solve this problem, you should ask Jiangang.” After thinking it over, Bingbing felt that wasn’t right either, adding, “Jiangang probably can’t help either. Actually, it’s mainly because Weishan’s family situation is complicated, so you’re overly concerned. Take it easy, just consider what I said as nonsense, you two are still two parallel straight lines.”

It was past nine o’clock when Yin Qianyang rode his bike back to the antique market. Other shops had closed their roller shutters, but Erji was still lit. He pushed open the door to find Nie Weishan sitting behind the counter, probably waiting for him.

Nie Weishan, holding a persimmon yellow piece, set aside his engraving tool, pondering Nie Yingyu’s words. Looking up as Yin Qianyang entered, he waved, “Cooled down yet? Come here.”

Yin Qianyang approached and stood beside him, “I got a bit carried away just now, played with Bingbing to calm down. Although this is your family’s business, I still hope you’ll consider my suggestion. You can borrow money from my parents, and pay it back later. Or we can set up a stall together, we can definitely save up enough over time. If you leave for several years, I-”

Before he could finish, Nie Weishan pulled him into a hug.

“What are you doing!” Yin Qianyang struggled as he sat on Nie Weishan’s lap, “This isn’t straight anymore!”

Nie Weishan held Yin Qianyang and said, “If I were to leave, I wouldn’t wait until after high school, I would have gone long ago.” Yin Qianyang quieted down, and Nie Weishan continued, “The dilemma is just two words, yet it tormented me for a long time. What you want to say is also what I want to say. If I leave for several years, I can’t bear to be without you.”

Yin Qianyang had silently hugged him outside his house, frantically searched for him when he was missing, and even got beaten up for planting a jujube tree for him. He was so worried about making him uncomfortable that he even chose to top up their meal cards while he was asleep.

And many, many more things he was too lazy to think about.

He had also done many, many things for Yin Qianyang, and he was even lazier to think about those. Because he already knew, this meant he liked him. It didn’t matter if Yin Qianyang didn’t care, but if Yin Qianyang did care, then they were in mutual affection.

Nie Weishan asked, “Yang, do you like me?”