Chapter 44 – Thank You
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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Liu Fan knew his mother well. Bringing Zhao Rou over would be welcoming and not inconvenient at all. He just informed her, and sure enough, Sun Yiyi was very happy and told him to come over quickly.
What was her plan?
Although Zhao Rou felt a bit embarrassed, considering it was an invitation from the ‘in-laws’ and she had Liu Fan with her, she braced herself and went.
The place Sun Yiyi chose was a rather quiet tea house where she had sold many insurance policies. The waitstaff and the owner all knew her, and the owner was one of her clients. Every weekend, they reserved a private room for her at half price.
When Liu Fan and Zhao Rou arrived, besides Sun Yiyi, there were also two other aunties. Sun Yiyi immediately stood up, welcoming Zhao Rou warmly: “Oh, you’re finally here! These two are my good friends. Let’s get to know each other.”
She quickly introduced everyone and then, holding Liu Fan’s arm, said, “This is my son. Well, you go out and have some fun on your own. Come back later to pick up Zhao Ayi.”
Liu Fan nodded helplessly and told Zhao Rou, “Ayi, you have my phone number, right? I’ll come back to pick you up after you’ve had dinner with my mom and her friends.”
Zhao Rou seemed like she wanted him to stay for dinner. But since she wasn’t hosting the tea gathering, she just nodded and appeared to want to say something but didn’t know what.
Sun Yiyi then linked arms with her and laughed, “Let this young man go have some fun. He’s good at entertaining himself. We’re old friends having a chat; him being around would just be a bother. I heard Chen Qian is on a business trip?”
Although Sun Yiyi’s son is Liu Fan, she interacted with Zhao Rou as if she were Zhao Rou’s daughter-in-law, which made the other two women’s expressions a bit subtle. It was as if they understood something. One of them, in particular, couldn’t hide her reaction.
Liu Fan recognized that person.
Luo Xi’s gaze shifted back and forth between Zhao Rou and Liu Fan, her eyes full of curiosity. Liu Fan found it intriguing how relationships between people could be so amusing. But who was that other woman? Li Yu, Chen Qian, himself… Could it be that the other Ayi also had a son like them?
…Was his mom planning to form some sort of alliance and make herself the chairwoman?
Liu Fan wandered off to entertain himself. There was a shopping street nearby, and as the weather turned colder, he bought scarves for Zhao Rou and Sun Yiyi, sweaters for himself and Chen Qian, and a set of thermal wear for Liu Xing. By the time he went to pick up Zhao Rou in the evening, he was carrying bags upon bags.
The relationship between Zhao Rou and Sun Yiyi seemed to have improved significantly, with their interactions full of laughter and conversation. Liu Fan exchanged a secret look with Sun Yiyi.
Liu Fan: Mom, you’re amazing.
Sun Yiyi: Of course.
Liu Fan quickly offered the scarves to Sun Yiyi. Knowing her son well, she didn’t even have to ask to know that Liu Fan had bought one for Zhao Rou as well. So she first asked Zhao Rou which one she liked before taking the other one.
The other two women watched the harmonious interaction between the in-laws, their expressions complex. The layered meaning behind their looks was hard to describe. Sun Yiyi, watching Zhao Rou and Liu Fan leave, turned back to her friends with a smile and said, “Let’s set up a time for them to meet each other.”
***
Originally, Chen Qian had mentioned the possibility of coming back early. But he ended up not showing up on Monday and was delayed for several days. However, it seemed the deal he was working on was about to be signed, so his stay there was justified.
At first, Zhao Rou felt a bit uneasy about being alone with Liu Fan in the same room. Fortunately, Liu Fan was not the awkward type. And because of his relationship with Chen Qian, he genuinely treated Zhao Rou like a close elder, which made their conversations naturally affectionate.
It’s easier for people of different generations to get along. By the time Chen Qian returned exhausted, their relationship had already become very harmonious.
“You’re back?” Liu Fan was setting the table when Chen Qian opened the door. “You’re surprisingly not late. Where’s Xiao Zhou?”
“I sent him straight home. He just got married not long ago and has been eager to get back after being away for so long,” Chen Qian loosened his tie. His chest was rising and falling heavily. “What’s mom up to?”
Liu Fan pitched in, “Frying yellow croakers.”
“You’re back?” Zhao Rou scooped up the golden-yellow fish. Seeing Chen Qian looking a bit tired from his journey, she immediately felt sorry for him. “How long were you on the plane? It must have been tough catching the interflight.”
“Not really. I only realised I was hungry when I smelled your cooking,” Chen Qian sniffed. There was a smile on his face. Liu Fan added with a grin, “I’ve been eating Ayi’s cooking every day. Don’t be too envious.”
Zhao Rou smiled gently, observing Chen Qian back and forth, as if she couldn’t get enough of looking at him. When Chen Qian rolled up his sleeves to help, Zhao Rou stopped him, “You and Liu Fan sit down first. Dinner will be ready soon.”
Liu Fan chimed in, “Have some fruit as an appetiser. Mom bought a lot of things early this morning.”
He went to the kitchen to prepare fruit. While they were at the sink, they exchanged occasional words. Liu Fan set a plate down and motioned for Chen Qian to come and get it. But noticed Chen Qian looking over with a strange expression.
Chen Qian stood still, looking somewhat happy yet also a bit awkward.
Liu Fan held out fruit and said, “Why don’t you wash your hands first?”
So Chen Qian slowly walked over, obediently washing his hands behind the sink. He glanced up at Liu Fan. With a piece of mangosteen in hand, Liu Fan playfully said, “Missed us?”
Hearing this, Zhao Rou chuckled. Chen Qian, surprised to see her slightly brighter mood, looked over at her. It seemed Liu Fan had indeed been getting along well with Zhao Rou these past few days.
He murmured softly, “Thank you.”
Liu Fan placed the fruit plate on the counter and, while Zhao Rou’s back was turned, leaned in to peck Chen Qian’s cheek. This light kiss carried a hint of fruit fragrance, and Chen Qian smiled back. His eyes were filled with affection.
Liu Fan went over to help Zhao Rou with the dishes. Of course, Chen Qian couldn’t just stand by. He stepped in to assist. Zhao Rou was a capable homemaker, so soon the table was filled with dishes.
The three family members gathered for a welcoming dinner, avoiding any talk of work or unpleasant topics like Chen Chong. Liu Fan talked to Chen Qian about Zhao Rou’s interactions with Sun Yiyi over the past few days, making it easy for Zhao Rou to join in the conversation.
Sure enough, Zhao Rou happily added, “These past few days, besides catching up with your Sun Ayi, I mainly got to know her other two close friends.”
With that mention, Liu Fan paused. He hadn’t yet told Chen Qian about seeing Luo Xi that day. Although it wasn’t a big deal, it did pique his curiosity.
Liu Fan said, “Ayi, I haven’t told you yet. That Luo Xi Ayi is actually an acquaintance.”
“Ah?” Both Zhao Rou and Chen Qian were taken aback. Chen Qian frowned and asked, “How did she get involved with your mom and my mom?”
Liu Fan looked at Zhao Rou. Zhao Rou, catching the cue, tilted her head, “Your mother mentioned that Luo Xi bought insurance from her… How do you know her?”
Liu Fan replied, “Luo Xi’s son, Li Yu, works at Chen Qian’s company.”
Zhao Rou slightly opened her mouth, “Then… you know that he is also…-?”
Her phrasing made Liu Fan and Chen Qian even more confused. Chen Qian nodded, “Yes, he told me about it. Our situations were similar back then. Now that his parents have accepted him, it’s a good thing.”
“Yes, I’ve heard from Luo Xi. Xu Shujun’s son as well. And your mother seems to want to introduce the two of them,” Zhao Rou laughed as she spoke. Being in a like-minded environment for just a few days had significantly improved her acceptance of the idea of homosexuality.
Thinking of the issue with Sun Yiyi a while ago, Liu Fan had a funny idea that he couldn’t help but ask, “What’s Xu Ayi’s son’s name?”
Zhao Rou replied, “His name is Zhang Zhou.”
Liu Fan was speechless.
Liu Fan wanted to run back and kneel before his mother. What kind of matchmaking was this?! Zhang Zhou had gone on a blind date with him, while Li Yu had a crush on Chen Qian… The world was indeed very small and their circle was incredibly messy!
Chen Qian raised an eyebrow, finding the situation both amusing and fickle. When he glanced at Liu Fan, he seemed to remember Liu Fan’s numerous blind dates, which made him a bit sullen. He lost interest in gossiping and lowered his head to focus on his food.
Zhao Rou, sensing the emotional shift between them, frowned in confusion.
A phone ringing interrupted their conversation. Zhao Rou realised it was her phone. So she stood up, “I’ll take this call.”
Under the table, Liu Fan kicked Chen Qian’s leg. Chen Qian, feeling melancholy, dodged it. Liu Fan, finding amusement in it, continued kicking, making Chen Qian finally laugh.
Before long, Zhao Rou returned. Her expression was calm. Seeing the two young men smiling, she couldn’t help but smile again, “Why aren’t you eating?”
But she didn’t mention anything about the phone call.
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*Translator’s Note: Liu Fan’s mom deserves the title ‘Matchmaker of the Year’. Lol! -K
*GLOSSARY:
- Yellow croakers are a type of fish commonly found in the coastal waters of the western Pacific Ocean. They are known for their distinctive yellowish-golden colour and are popular in various Asian cuisines. In Chinese cuisine, yellow croakers (黄鱼, “huáng yú”) are often prepared in several ways, including frying, steaming, or braising. They are appreciated for their tender meat and delicate flavour.
Next update: 2024.10.19
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