Chapter 9 – Nostalgia
Novel Title: 我们已经分手了 (We Have Broken Up)
Author：御小凡 (Yu Xiaofan)
Translator: K (@kin0monogatari)
Protagonists: 刘帆 (Liu Fan -MC), 陈谦 (Chen Qian -ML)
*Please read at Novels Space.space, the original site of translation. TQ*
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The two were very familiar with each other. Chen Qian looked at Liu Fan’s expression and knew he was grumbling inwardly. Raising his eyebrows, he asked, “What are you muttering about me in your heart?”
Liu Fan responded seriously, “Nothing, I was just thinking about when I’ll get laid.”
The waiter arrived with the dishes, filling the table with plates. Liu Fan focused on eating. Chen Qian wanted to say something, but seeing that the ‘pig’ opposite him was entirely engrossed in the food, he could only hold his breath and concentrate on eating. Suddenly, no one at the table spoke. Liu Fan handed the dipping sauce to Chen Qian, who preferred stronger flavours. Chen Qian left only the legs and wings of the crispy chicken for him after eating.
Both were so focused on eating that all other actions became subconscious, done before they even realised it.
At this small two-person table, the seven years of separation and the long emptiness seemed to be erased by these unnoticed small actions.
Liu Fan burped. There was only a glass of tomato watermelon juice left. He calculated that it was time to talk business. Chen Qian had also finished eating. “I heard you have an appointment tomorrow?”
“Uh, Tuan Tuan told you?” Liu Fan thought that Tuan Tuan and Chen Qian must have a good relationship, perhaps mentioning why he was unavailable on Sunday when scheduling.
Facing Chen Qian, Liu Fan could explain in more detail/ But the word ‘blind date’ was too embarrassing to say out loud. “Yes, I have something going on tomorrow. It’s just a meal with someone.”
Chen Qian didn’t probe further. He sulked silently as he said, “Have fun.”
Fun my ass. If you knew the kind of torture I’m going to endure… You’d probably say that with schadenfreude. Liu Fan sighed inwardly. But only said, “It’s just a social engagement, nothing more. Shall we discuss the copy and design?”
Chen Qian said, “Isn’t that your job? Why do you need my input if that’s what you get paid for?”
Liu Fan turned on the recording app on his phone. “That’s not entirely true. We need reference to your requirements.”
“Go to Li Yu for specific details…” Chen Qian started. But then, recalling something unpleasant, changed his tone seriously. “Forget it. Just contact me directly to avoid any issues. Ask me if you have any questions.”
Liu Fan had never done this kind of direct communication before. It should be said that it is rare for a boss to directly handle such matters. Usually, the client’s company has dedicated personnel for this. Moreover, Chen Qian always seemed rushed, with a cold tone and concise words, making it impossible for Liu Fan to have a pleasant conversation with him. The logic he had prepared in advance was disrupted by Chen Qian’s abrupt responses, making it very difficult for him.
Forget it, isn’t copywriting all about persuasion? Can’t I make things up? I managed to fabricate my thesis, why would I be afraid of ten thousand words from you?
“Alright, let’s leave it at this for now. I’ll contact you later,” Liu Fan said smoothly, putting away his phone. He noticed Chen Qian’s frown relax, only to knit again soon after. Liu Fan was increasingly puzzled by his childhood friend’s thought process. What was he thinking about all day long?
Chen Qian frowned and nodded, motioning for the bill. Before the waiter could come over, Liu Fan quickly said, “I’ll pay, don’t fight with me on this.”
As he spoke, he reached for his wallet in his back pocket, only for his expression to freeze.
Empty!
Damn it! In the rush to leave, I had forgotten my wallet!
A string of curses echoed in Liu Fan’s mind. His face changed multiple times. Chen Qian noticed something amiss and withdrew his hand from his wallet.
The waiter came over with a smile, “Your total is 328 yuan.”
Chen Qian didn’t move. Liu Fan, unable to move, stared blankly at him.
After more than ten seconds of silence, still no one spoke.
Waiter: “…”
You could see the crack in the waiter’s smile from a metre away. Liu Fan couldn’t stand it anymore and awkwardly said, “I’ll treat you next time. Today… I forgot my wallet.”
Waiter: “…”
Only then did Chen Qian pull out four pieces of 100-yuan bills. Noticing the waiter quickly glancing at Liu Fan, his smile flattening, “What are you looking at? Take the money.”
“Ah, sorry. Just a moment.” The waiter’s face flushed with embarrassment. Taking the money with both hands, she handed the change and receipt back to Chen Qian before quickly leaving the table.
Liu Fan was also very embarrassed. But fortunately, Chen Qian didn’t say anything like, ‘What kind of attitude and service is this, making the client pay?’
Haaa… It’s really embarrassing.
“Let’s go,” Chen Qian said, standing up. “I’ll take you back.”
Liu Fan replied, “I live nearby. I can walk back.”
“Stop the nonsense. Are you coming or not?” Chen Qian looked like he was about to grab him. Knowing his temper, Liu Fan didn’t see the point in being stubborn here. “Alright, I’ll trouble you then.”
Last time Chen Qian had driven him home, so this time he knew the way and reached there in ten minutes. It was even closer than before. He dropped him off at the gate of the residential area.
Chen Qian stopped the car and unlocked the doors. He glanced at Liu Fan. “Take care. Don’t mess up like you usually do.”
“I am very responsible at work,” Liu Fan said, rubbing his nose. “Actually, I was going to tell you, there’s no need to write ten thousand words. It’s unnecessary. I’ll write what I can, to save you some money.”
“You’re not even in our finance department, why worry about that?” Chen Qian looked at him for a moment. Liu Fan’s appearance was very attractive but not exaggerated. He didn’t create a sense of distance because he always wore a relaxed expression, often smiling. His eyes were clear and dark, with long, thick eyelashes, making people want to get closer.
Liu Fan looked back at Chen Qian, thinking that he was about to touch him when he reached out. His heart tightened naturally. But that hand only rested on the back of the passenger seat.
The momentary tension in his heart suddenly had nowhere to go, leaving him unsure if he felt relieved or disappointed.
“The contract is signed. Just write what you need to,” Chen Qian probably smiled. But the light was too dim for Liu Fan to see clearly. And Chen Qian rarely smiled anyway.
He said nonchalantly, “If it’s too much trouble, write less. Don’t force yourself.”
Liu Fan opened the car door. The night breeze was gentle. The gardenias in the neighbourhood, warmed by the increasingly hot weather, gave off a sweet scent like melting sugar. They filled the entire midsummer night with sweetness. He paused for a moment and then, almost automatically, asked, “Want to come up and sit for a bit?”
Chen Qian’s eyebrows moved slightly, seemingly amused. “What do you mean? Want to catch up?”
Realising how it sounded, Liu Fan sobered up a bit and was about to say goodbye when he heard Chen Qian impatiently ask, “Where can I park around here?”
“Oh, I’ll show you…” But then Liu Fan remembered something and looked at him with a very pained expression.
Chen Qian: “?”
Liu Fan: “…”
“What’s wrong?” Chen Qian urged, “Speak up!”
“I…-” Liu Fan covered his forehead with one hand, feeling utterly defeated by his own situation. “I seem to have forgotten my keys…”
Chen Qian: “… Liu Xiaofan, are you doing this on purpose?”
“Ah, I was looking at some documents before leaving. And when I saw the time, I rushed out…” Liu Fan felt very embarrassed. Normally, he could handle small mishaps. But being so careless in front of Chen Qian today made him wish he could redo the evening.
“You didn’t bring your wallet, didn’t bring your keys—did you forget your brain as well?” Chen Qian was so exasperated by his foolishness that he had no patience left. He put his hand on the steering wheel, “Do you have a spare key?”
Liu Fan nodded, “There’s one at my mom’s place.”
Chen Qian, sounding as if he had a toothache, said, “Seatbelt.”
Liu Fan thought about saying that he could handle it himself and not trouble Chen Qian further. But given all the stupid things he had already done tonight, he felt he had no standing to refuse any help. So, he obediently got back into the seat and called Sun Yiyi, “Mom, I left my keys at home. I need to come over and get the spare. Are you home?”
“Oh dear, why are you always so scatterbrained?” Sun Yiyi was out for a walk. The occasional sound of passing cars could be heard. “Now you have to come all the way here. If you had a partner, each of you could have a key and this wouldn’t happen. This is why I say, how can you live alone? Getting locked out and having to get the key from your mom.”
Liu Fan: “…”
My dear mom! How did you manage to bring up this topic just from me needing a spare key?!
Liu Fan replied bitterly, “Alright, alright. We’ll be there soon.”
“We?” Sun Yiyi picked up on the word quickly. “Who are you with?”
“A friend,” Liu Fan said, feeling exasperated. “Okay, we’ll be there in twenty minutes. Let’s meet at the community gate.”
He quickly hung up the phone.
Chen Qian asked for the address. With the light traffic at night, they arrived in less than twenty minutes. He parked by the roadside at the community gate and pulled out a pack of cigarettes. But after a moment, he put it back. “You’re still living here?”
“You can smoke, I don’t mind,” Liu Fan said, rolling down the car window and keeping an eye out for Sun Yiyi. “Yes, the amenities here are good. And it’s full of familiar neighbours. My parents don’t want to move.”
Chen Qian had visited this neighbourhood to see Liu Fan during their high school days. Although Sun Yiyi and his parents owned two newer apartments, they were so used to living here that they didn’t want to move.
“My mom might not notice we’re here. I’ll go out and wait,” Liu Fan said, getting out of the car and standing by the gate. Several old neighbours greeted him as they passed by. Before long, he saw Sun Yiyi leisurely walking over, carrying a bag of oranges.
Liu Fan went up to her. “Where’s Dad?”
“He’s at home watching TV.” Sun Yiyi handed him the bag of oranges. “Take these back to eat. Where’s your friend?”
Liu Fan pointed behind him. It was getting dark. The black car blended into the surroundings, with only the red glow of a cigarette end visible inside.
“A guy?” Sun Yiyi seemed interested in going over to have a look. But Liu Fan blocked her way. Frustrated, she lightly slapped him on the shoulder. “Alright, alright. Take the key and go. No need to return it. I had two more made for you to get at home.”
Liu Fan took the oranges in one hand and the key in the other. “You take the oranges back and eat them with Dad. I’ll buy my own.”
“These are specially for you. They’re very sweet. We have plenty of oranges, pears, and watermelons at home.” Sun Yiyi gently pushed him. “Don’t be late tomorrow and dress smartly.”
“Got it,” Liu Fan responded weakly, watching Sun Yiyi go back into the community gate. She quickly started chatting with a few elderly ladies. Only then did he turn back and walk to the car.
“Got the key?” Chen Qian flicked away the cigarette butt. “Your mom looks pretty energetic.”
“Yeah, very energetic,” Liu Fan replied helplessly as he got back into the seat. “Here, these oranges are for you. They’re really sweet.”
Chen Qian drove off. “Your mom bought them for you, keep them for yourself.”
“Forget it. When I get home, I can still have a fruit salad. All you have at home is beer, right?” Liu Fan, using his newly learned persuasion, placed the oranges on his lap and began peeling one on the spot. The fresh scent of oranges instantly dispelled the bitter smell of smoke in the car. “Consider it the fare.”
Chen Qian fell silent.
The only sounds on the way were from Liu Fan eating the oranges. Though he said they were for Chen Qian, he ended up eating half the bag himself. When Chen Qian parked the car, Liu Fan’s hands were sticky with orange juice.
Seeing the half-empty bag of oranges and the pile of peels, Chen Qian gave him a look that said, ‘I really can’t believe you’. He bent down to retrieve a pack of tissues from the glove compartment, tossing it to Liu Fan.
“Thanks.” Liu Fan wiped his hands clean before opening the car door.
Chen Qian watched him get out and suddenly spoke, “You live alone, with no one watching over you. Don’t be so careless. Take better care of yourself and don’t worry your parents.”
The words were said plainly. It should be nothing special. But Liu Fan felt a tearing sensation in his heart, like an old wound reopening. It caused a dull pain.
He stood still for a moment, then leaned down with his elbow resting on the car door frame. “Eat more fruit, smoke less, and be careful on your way home.”
With that, he stepped back a couple of paces, looking at Chen Qian through the window. This scene felt familiar. Though they had only reunited a few days ago, something seemed to have changed, fermenting like the rising summer heat.
After a long pause, Liu Fan smiled. “Bye.”
Chen Qian nodded slightly. He then shook his head self-deprecatingly and drove away.
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*Author’s Note:
General Manager Chen: Every day I see my partner being clumsy.
Liu Fan: Every day I see my partner getting annoyed.
-Yu Xiaofan
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*Translator’s Note: ‘Xiao’ was added to the middle of Liu Fan’s name by Chen Qian. As I have mentioned before (probably in another translation), it’s common to add ‘xiao’ into someone’s name among Chinese people. Check out below for more details… -K
*GLOSSARY:
- In Chinese culture, “小” (xiǎo) is often used as a prefix in names or nicknames. It literally means “small” or “little” and can have a few different connotations:
- Affection and Familiarity: Using “xiǎo” before a name can convey a sense of endearment or closeness, similar to calling someone “little” or “young” in English. For example, “Xiao Ming” (小明) might be used affectionately to refer to someone named Ming.
- Youthfulness: It can indicate that the person is young or the younger of two people with the same name. For instance, if there are two people named Wang, the younger one might be called “Xiao Wang” (小王).
- Nickname: It’s commonly used to create a nickname, often based on a part of the person’s full name. This is especially common among friends and family members.
- Respect for Elders: In some contexts, using “xiǎo” before one’s own name can be a humble way to introduce oneself, especially when speaking to elders or superiors.
Next update: 2024.09.14
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