ABPUBALC - Chapter 14

 

Chapter 14: Qixi Festival

Tonight, the town of Shiqiao is particularly lively. Before even entering the town, one can see the bright lights from afar. The sound of hawkers mixed with the joyous laughter of the people can be heard when approaching.

“Let’s hurry, it seems tonight will be very lively.”

Gu Qiming had never attended a lantern festival before, and even as a grown man, he couldn’t help but feel excited.

When Lin Xing saw how happy he was, he couldn’t help but laugh along. They held hands and walked towards the town.

Upon entering the town, Gu Qiming truly experienced the lively atmosphere of the lantern festival.

Every household in the street hung up lanterns.

The food stalls lining the streets seemed to be bustling with entire families queued to shop. In particular, children at these food stalls nestle beside their parents’ legs, clinging both to a sweet treat in one hand and the parental trouser leg with the other, eagerly awaiting new snacks to be purchased.

Gu Qiming didn’t feel any shame, holding onto Lin Xing’s hand as he led the way through the crowd until they stopped in front of a meat pie stall.[e/n: meat patty, ‘seared dumpling’ not pie like western pie, prolly like this: lets-playdough.com]

Gu Qiming had been craving the local street snacks, so he had left room in his stomach specifically for when he arrived in town that evening.

The place was too noisy, so he could only lower his head and speak close to Lin Xing’s ear, saying, “I saw a stall nearby selling plum wine. Are you thirsty? I’ll buy some[e/n:壶 hú pot / classifier for bottled liquid, pot sounds like he's buying a whole barrel heh] and bring it back in a while.”

He knew that Lin Xing enjoys eating sweets, therefore, he would most likely prefer plum wine as well.

Gu Qiming’s breath was warm on Lin Xing’s ear as he spoke, making him shiver slightly as if he had been scalded.

He nodded, trying his best not to focus on Gu Qiming and instead concentrate on waiting for the fried meat pies to be ready.

“Sir, here are your pies. They’re fresh out of the pan, so be careful, they’re hot.”

When it was finally their turn, Gu Qiming took the pastry with one hand, and handed over a few wen with the other.

He first handed the pie to Lin Xing: “Eat some first to fill your stomach. If you get hungry again later, we’ll buy more.”

The freshly cooked pastry had an incredibly crispy exterior. With one bite, the pastry crumbled in his mouth, the juicy filling mixing with the crispy dough, creating an aromatic scent that made his scalp tingle.

Gu Qiming found a place with fewer people and let him sit down. Lin Xing held the pie in both hands, taking small bites. When Gu Qiming returned with a flask of plum wine, it was just right to wash down the greasiness of the meat.

The plum wine sold in town was contained within bamboo cylinders. Each flask cost five wen, and the wine was a little sour, and a little sweet. Lin Xing took several large gulps in succession.

Witnessing his evident fondness for the wine, Gu Qiming considered purchasing a few extra flasks to bring home with him.

The two ate as they trekked the bustling streets. Gu Qiming’s outstretched hand, which had once held a few copper coins, had turned into a dedicated conveyance for a stream of pastries. He had purchased a skewer of large, scarlet sugar-coated hawthorn berries and ensured that Lin Xing’s hands were perpetually stuffed with an array of different cakes and confections, each lovingly wrapped for their indulgence.

He took a gentle bite. The aroma of the hawthorn candy immediately filled his mouth. A sugar glaze was coated on the outer skin, which reduced the sourness of the hawthorn, and it tasted just right.

It was the familiar scent from his memories.

When they reached a stall that sold sugar paintings, Lin Xing instantly stopped in his tracks.

The intricate sugar paintings were arranged in abundance on a stand, depicting flowers, fish, birds, and animals, each one a vivid and lively figure.

“Kind patrons, come and take a look. Freshly made sugar paintings for only seven wen each. Any design you wish can be made on the spot.”

Gu Qiming saw that he was interested and quietly asked: “What kind do you want?”

Lin Xing shook his head, “Let’s not. Such fine things, once bought, I’d hate to eat them. Plus, they’d just melt away in the summer heat.”

Moreover, this one costs as much as seven wen.

“Alright.” Gu Qiming sighed in mock lament, “Looks like I’ll be the only one tasting the stars tonight.”

Before Lin Xing entirely understood the implication of his own words, Gu Qiming turned to the boss and asked, “Boss, can you make something called ’‘Stars of the Sky’?”

“Very well, very well. As long as the customer asks, there’s nothing I can’t do.”

“Alright, then make me a star.”

“Very well, please wait. It will be ready soon.”

Lin Xing suddenly realized what he meant[e/n: Xing = star] and a deep shade of red bloomed across his face in embarrassment. He elbowed the grinning culprit forcefully with his free arm.

These past few days, he’d become a little more immune to Gu Qiming’s teasing and playful words, and he doesn’t end up blushing furiously so easily anymore – not like before.

Gu Qiming wasn’t annoyed at all when he was elbowed; instead, a thread of sweetness blossomed in his heart. Getting embarrassed by his teasing, it meant there were feelings, right?

“Dear guest, your sugar painting is ready!”

The pattern made by the boss featured several stars connected in a row, with a delicate, winding line linking them in the middle, exuding a certain charm.

Gu Qiming bit into it intentionally and said, “The stars are really sweet; the boss’s craftsmanship is truly great.”

Lin Xing ignored him, simply biting into his candied haw without so much as a glance in his direction.

Gu Qiming doesn’t like sweets; the sugar painting is made purely from maltose, and he felt overwhelmingly cloyed after finishing one. He took out a bamboo flash of plum wine from the container and took a big gulp to dispel the sweetness, only then did he feel somewhat better.

“Quick, quick, quick! The flower boat is coming soon!!”

“I heard that tonight’s first performance is by Lady Cen. If we go too late, we’ll miss it!”

Gu Qiming had just finished preparing the remaining plum drinks when he heard the crowd start to stir, many people grouping up and heading towards the riverbank.

Gu Qiming’s interest was piqued, and he said to Lin Xing excitedly, “Let’s go, let’s see what performances are on tonight.”

Seeing him act like a child on his first outing, Lin Xing naturally wouldn’t refuse.

“Wow! What a huge boat.”

“Truly deserving of the Qingyuan Pavilion’s reputation, their actions are always so generous!”

By the time Gu Qiming and the other arrived, the riverside was already packed with no standing room left. The two of them could only tiptoe at the back of the crowd to get a glimpse. Floating on the water was an enormous flower boat, which stood out brilliantly with its bright lights against the surrounding pitch-black river.

The riverside was bustling with activity. The evening breeze, as it brushed over the surface of the river, brought with it waves of coolness, which also allowed one to appreciate a sense of comfort amidst it all.

“Look quickly, Lady Cen has come out!”

Someone shouted, and instantly, the crowd boiled over with excitement. Everyone stretched their necks, pushing forward, none yielding to the other.

“Mmph!”

Not knowing who stepped on him, Lin Xing couldn’t help but cry out in pain. Although his voice was not loud, it was enough to catch the attention of Gu Qiming, who had been watching him all along.

The person ahead seemed to have sensed something and turned back to apologize to Lin Xing. Lin Xing, aware that minor mishaps are inevitable in such places, waved his hand to indicate that all was fine.

Gu Qiming, seeing the sincerity in the person’s attitude, didn’t say much. However, it was indeed not suitable to stay here any longer.

He took Lin Xing’s hand and said, “Let’s go ahead and leave; there are too many people here. The two of us can’t squeeze through them. Let’s skip looking at the flower boats for now.”

Having said that, he left the place immediately, dragging the person by the wrist without further ado.

Gu Qiming quickly found a nearby alley and, with concern, asked, “Are you alright? Does your foot still hurt?” As he spoke, he moved to take off Lin Xing’s shoes.

Lin Xing quickly took a step back and said, “It’s really okay, it stopped hurting a while ago.” It was just a step on the foot, after all. It did hurt a bit when it first happened, but now he hardly felt a thing.

“Are you sure it stopped hurting?”

“It’s really okay now.”

“That’s good,” Gu Qiming sighed, relieved. “The candied hawthorn you ate, was it sweet?”

???

Lin Xing’s face was full of confusion. Why was he suddenly asking about candied hawthorns?

“Sweet and sour, very tasty.”

The alley was quiet, far away from the hustle and bustle of the crowd. This tiny world could only accommodate the two of them.

As Gu Qiming drew nearer, he reached out to encircle Lin Xing’s waist, pulling him into his embrace. Then, in a low rumble, he asked, “How sweet was it? Can your Gu gege have a taste?”

Lin Xing was so frightened he didn’t dare to move. Gu Qiming stared at him like he was staring at prey, not giving him any opportunity to retreat.

He could only hear the pounding of his heart and Gu Qiming’s heavy breathing, his mind too muddled to think.

Gu Qiming wrapped one arm tightly around that slender waist, his large hand kneading the back of his neck a few times before it nudged Lin Xing to lift his head, then leaning down to plant a kiss.

The man’s kiss was hot and forceful, making Lin Xing’s mind race. His long lashes quivered slightly, and his entire body was tense with nervousness.

As he let go, Gu Qiming still felt a little unsatisfied, but unfortunately, time was running out, and they could not continue any longer.

“Sweet and sour... It really was delicious,” He said with a nod of approval.

Lin Xing’s head was pounding. “What?”

Gu Qiming laughed and said, “Candied hawthorn; it’s delicious, indeed.”

　　……

He should not have asked!

“What? Feeling shy now?” Gu Qiming couldn’t help but rub his head again, teasing, “Then, next time let’s not do it outside. How about waiting until we get home before doing it again?”

Knowing this man was teasing him again, Lin Xing glared at him irately and said: “Who wants to do it again with you?”

Gu Qiming couldn’t suppress the smile on his face. The boy is really shy and easily flustered, if he is so shy, what will happen when they get married in the future?

The two lingered in the alley for quite a while before they finally left. After wandering around all night, they were tired. Given the time, it was impossible to return to the village, so they booked two guest rooms at an inn to stay for the night, which was perfect since they needed to make purchases in town the next day.

Gu Qiming originally intended to book just one room, but unfortunately, no matter how much he persuaded Lin Xing, the other didn’t agree, so he had no choice but to give up.

The room in the inn was small, but it had the advantage of being clean. Inside, there were even a folding screen and a bathing tub. You could say it had everything necessary for comfort.

The view was also quite nice; opening the window revealed the river and the flower boats. When they arrived, it was already late in the hour of the Pig (9 to 11 PM), yet the streets were still bustling with activity.

Gu Qiming poured himself a cup of tea and held it in his hand, quietly leaning against the window to watch the people below chatting and laughing.

Street vendors continued to hawk their wares tirelessly, vigorously promoting their own products, hoping to make a good sale today so that perhaps tomorrow they could add an extra dish of meat or fish to the family dinner table.

Down there, a little child was bursting with excitement, darting over there one moment, and taking a look around here the next. In short, he simply couldn’t stay still.

The responsible adult could only follow closely behind the child, with a face bearing helplessness, yet in their eyes, the undeniable joy and affection could not be concealed.

The liveliest spot was undoubtedly by the river, where on the flower boats, there was an endless stream of song and dance performances. The sounds of woodwind and string instruments were so captivating, they seemed to resonate without end.

Gu Qiming didn’t understand musical instruments or dance, but he simply stood there quietly, his eyes brimming with smiles.

Compared to the brightly lit skyscrapers in the city, this place has a different flavor.

Gu Qiming went downstairs to ask a servant for a bucket of hot water to bathe with. Only after he had changed into clean clothes did he lie down on the bed.

Recalling the kiss from that night, Gu Qiming couldn’t help but lightly touch the corner of his mouth, feeling as if the tender warmth still lingered on his lips. Only then did he close his eyes and deeply fall asleep.

In another room, Lin Xing sat at the desk, pouring himself a cup of dark plum wine and gulping it down in one go. The cool breeze wafted in from the window, yet it couldn’t dispel the heat from his face. The heartbeat he had finally managed to calm started to throb intensely once again.

Despite the constant noisy clamor from outside the window, the sound of his heartbeat was deafening. He buried his face in the crook of his arm and then let out a deep sigh.

--------------------

 <Prev><TOC><Next>

--------------------

Thanks to new patreon members  Lola, Rainalyn Bagalanon, and Bexi Alexi, in thanks I'm uploading a few xtra chaps~ I was also motivated to make a fanfic for chapter 16.. heheheheh, it's already on the patreon~