Around four o'clock, Chi Yan woke up from his nap and was confused for a moment about where he was. Then he remembered that this was Chu Yang's room. He laid back down and sniffed the scent of the sheets.
Chu Yang knocked on the door and came in, asking "Are you awake?"
Chi Yan hurriedly sat up. "I'm awake, I'm awake."
"Get up quickly. Wash your face and I'll take you out to play." Chu Yang said.
"Okay."
Chu Yang handed Chi Yan a clean towel and took him to the bathroom. After he had washed up, she took him out. Before leaving, Chu Yang instructed Chu Luo, "Stay home and keep an eye on things. We'll be back in about an hour to help bring in the wheat."
"Got it."
Carrying a basket on her back, Chu Yang took Chi Yan to the orchard. "I'm taking you to pick some fruit."
"Mm-hmm."
The two walked through the fields and creek to arrive at the orchard, which had peaches, mangoes, plums, and more - all varieties that Chu Yang's family grew.
After letting Chi Yan experience the joy of fruit picking, Chu Yang also took him to the creek. "My younger brothers often come here to catch fish. They're all palm-sized, even thumb-sized. If you want to try it, we can come back another time."
"Over there is a lake. Last winter, Chu Luo almost got into trouble when he and my brothers went to play there. Some disobedient kids still want to go swimming in summer, but don't you go. It's dangerous. I don't even let Chu Luo go."
"Mm-hmm." Chi Yan was very obedient. Whatever Chu Yang said, he agreed with. He had come to stay by Chu Yang's side.
After walking around for a bit, the two felt they had seen enough and started heading back.
Passing by the village's small shop, Chu Yang bought him an ice pop, getting one for herself too. The two strolled back slowly.
Not long after Chu Yang had left, her parents arrived home. Business at their vegetable stall had been slow today, so they were back later than usual.
Seeing the luxury car parked in front of their home, the returning couple asked Chu Luo, who was sitting under the eaves, "Little Luo, whose car is that parked at our house?"
Chu Luo hesitated, "...Uh."
Not seeing Chu Yang, her dad also asked, "Where's your sister? Weren't the ice pops in the fridge finished? Dad bought more back today and was going to call your sister to come eat some. Put the ice pops in the fridge for now."
Chu Luo scratched his head. "Sis went out."
"Where'd she go?"
"Went out with her boyfriend. The car out front belongs to her boyfriend."
Chu's parents: "!!! What? Say that again?"
Confirming that the car belonged to Chu Yang's boyfriend, what's more, he had brought a bunch of things over too. The pile of stuff in the kitchen was also brought by Chu Yang's boyfriend. Now the two had gone out to play and would probably be back to help bring in the wheat in a bit.
Chu's dad and mom looked at each other. "This..."
"Do you remember what the young man looks like?" Chu's mom asked Chu's dad in a low voice.
Chu's dad took out his phone, "I forgot. Let me check Chu Yang's Moments."
Chu Luo on the side: ...He felt it wasn't suitable for him to stay here.
Chu Yang and Chi Yan walked back home hand in hand, laughing. As soon as they entered the door, they saw that Chu's parents and Chu Luo were already bringing in the wheat. Seeing the two return, all three looked over.
Chi Yan immediately let go of Chu Yang's hand and bowed in greeting, "Hello Uncle and Auntie, I'm Chi Yan."
Chu Yang also hurried to introduce, "Mom and Dad, this is my boyfriend Chi Yan."
Looking at this tall and handsome young man with refined features, although they had just seen photos, it was still more shocking to see him in person. One look and you could tell he came from a wealthy family background. With those looks and that air, he was absolutely a dragon among men.
"Oh, hello."
"Nice to meet you, nice to meet you." Chu's parents also didn't know what to say.
Seeing everyone bringing in the wheat, Chi Yan immediately grabbed a shovel. "Let me help."
"Oh no, no need. You just sit and rest." Chu's mom stopped him right away. How could they make him work the first day he came?
Chu Yang set down her basket. "Mom, just let him help. He's your daughter's boyfriend. It's nothing for him to help out my family. Make him some tasty food tonight."
Chi Yan agreed, "That's right. Auntie, it's no problem. I'm strong." He then went to help.
Chu Yang joined in to help too.
Later, everyone sat in the living room, exchanging glances but no one spoke. Chu Yang put away the fruit Chi Yan had picked earlier. Seeing it was about time, she said, "Mom and Dad, shouldn't you start making dinner?"
"Oh, oh yes. Dear, let's start cooking."
"Alright."
The couple hurried to the kitchen. Chi Yan also stood up. "Let me help too."
Chu Yang came over with some bok choy. "Help wash the vegetables. Don't go to the kitchen. My parents are nervous just looking at you."
Chi Yan said softly, "I'm nervous too."
Chu Yang laughed and patted his head. "Don't be nervous. Just help out more."
Chi Yan nodded. "Okay."
Chu Luo on the side: ...He felt it wasn't suitable for him to stay.
During dinner, Chu's mom suddenly remembered, "The peanuts in the field need to be harvested. Tomorrow, go with your little brother to pull up the peanuts. Get up early."
Chu Luo didn't mind. After swallowing a mouthful of rice, he said "Alright."
Chi Yan immediately said, "I'll go too tomorrow."
Chu's mom waved her hands. "No need, no need. Stay home and keep Yang company."
Chu Yang put a chicken leg on Chi Yan's plate and glanced up. "Let him go. Boys should get more exercise. I can handle turning the wheat myself at home. It'll only take a couple hours anyway."
Chi Yan nodded. "That's right. It's no problem. I'm very fit."
Chu Yang added, "Can't let him freeload. Gotta work for his meals." She put another piece of meat on Chi Yan's plate. "Eat more. You'll have a tiring day tomorrow."
Chi Yan smiled at her. "It won't be tiring."
Chu's parents and Chu Luo: ...
Since the daughter had decided, what could the rest say?
"Oh right, Luo remember to write your essay. Harvesting peanuts can be a good essay topic." Chu Yang reminded.
Chu Luo: ...Tears welled up in his eyes.
Chu Yang explained to Chi Yan, "He's good in every subject except Chinese, so I have him write more essays."
Chi Yan nodded. "Indeed, observing life and writing more is important."
Hearing this, Chu's parents felt the young man was pretty capable.
After dinner, Chu Yang directly said to Chi Yan, "Sleep in my brother's room tonight. Did you bring a change of clothes?"
Chi Yan scratched his head. "Brought one set."
Chu Yang: "Then I'll buy you more when I have time. By the way, when are you going home?"
