Chapter 46: I’ll Stay With You
Yang Jiabo’s zhajiang noodles were simple - just boiled noodles topped with chopped scallions, salt, MSG, and minced pork sauce, but the aroma was rich and appetizing.
“Here, adjust the seasoning if it’s not enough.” Yang Jiabo placed the condiment box and noodles on the table, then poured Wei Jing a glass of water.
Wei Jing mixed the noodles, took a bite, and gave a thumbs-up. “Perfect flavor. Aren’t you eating?”
“I’m having milk for breakfast.” Yang Jiabo had a small appetite in the morning. He took a bag of milk from the fridge, heated it, and sipped slowly.
“By the way, I brought you a gift, handmade truffle chocolates, the kind you like.”
“Where are they? Brother, you’re the best!” Yang Jiabo perked up like an ant catching a whiff of sugar, ready to pounce on the sweet treat.
“On your desk. Speaking of which, did you draw those architectural and furniture sketches?”
“Yeah. Enjoy your meal, I’m going to claim my gift.” Yang Jiabo abandoned Wei Jing and happily trotted to the study, returning with a large box of chocolates. “So fragrant. You can’t find chocolates this good in the country yet.”
“You’re such a kid.” Wei Jing laughed.
“I’m still a minor, of course I’m a kid.” Yang Jiabo shed his usual mature act, nibbled a piece, then stored the rest in the fridge.
“Definitely still a kid.” Wei Jing nodded.
After breakfast, Wei Jing asked Yang Jiabo to show him around. Naturally, Yang Jiabo obliged, taking him on a walk around the lotus pond. “See this? It’s the lotus pond. The excavation’s done, but we haven’t replanted the lotuses yet. The pavilion and walkway are still under construction too. Once it’s finished, we’ll fill it with lotuses, raise some fish, and next time you visit, you can fish from the pavilion. Maybe we’ll even have lotus root pancakes, lotus leaf egg crepes, or stir-fried lotus root. Oh, and cold lotus root salad.”
“Sounds great. Are those bamboo houses for guests?” Wei Jing pointed at the ethereal, picturesque bamboo structures.
“Yeah. The one closest to mine has a room I set up for Yang Qing. The others won’t be open to the public, I’ll save one for you. The remaining two can host visitors. Come on, let’s go up the mountain. Dad and the workers are planting peach trees there now. In spring, the whole hillside will bloom with peach blossoms. In summer, the pond will be full of lotuses. I’m also planning to plant bamboo so it won’t feel too desolate in autumn and winter.” Yang Jiabo’s eyes sparkled as he talked about the farm he and his father were building.
“Why not plant flowers or trees that bloom in autumn and winter?” Wei Jing asked.
“Nothing specific comes to mind, and it’s a hassle. I’ll replan if I think of something later. Oh, did you run into my dad when you arrived?”
“Yeah, he seemed in good spirits.” Wei Jing nodded. He’d arrived early and not only met Uncle Yang but also discussed Jiajia’s condition with him.
“Yep. My parents are finalizing their divorce now. Once it’s done, he’ll be completely free. From then on, it’ll just be me and Dad living here at the farm.” Yang Jiabo didn’t avoid the topic, to him Wei Jing wasn’t an outsider.
“Your parents are divorcing?” Wei Jing was surprised. Uncle Yang hadn’t mentioned it. He knew Yang Jiabo’s parents had a strained relationship, but he hadn’t expected divorce.
“Divorce is normal these days. No big deal. Everyone has the right to pursue happiness. Honestly, Mom and I clash too much, if we spend too much time together, we’ll definitely argue. Fragrant when far, stinky when near - it’s better this way.” Yang Jiabo spoke lightly.
[远香近臭 (yuǎn xiāng jìn chòu): lit. Fragrant when far, stinky when near; fig. Absence makes the heart grow fonder (or familiarity breeds contempt).]
“True. It’s for the best. You and Uncle Yang are doing well now.” Wei Jing agreed.
“Damn right.”
The two followed a path up the mountain, where most of the hillside was now planted with peach trees, interspersed with a few persimmon and pear saplings and a wild cherry tree that had been there originally. Aside from the cherry, everything else was just young trees and bare soil - far from picturesque yet.
Yang Jianjun, wearing a straw hat and sleeves, was working with a group of men. He spotted them and walked over. “What brings you two up here?”
“Just showing him around. We’ll head back soon. Don’t let us interrupt your work, Dad.”
“No need. These guys are old hands, they’ve got it covered. I’ll go buy some groceries instead. Cook something nice for Xiao Jing.” Yang Jianjun pulled off his sleeves and hat, his medium-length hair sticking up like a bird’s nest. It wasn’t flattering, but Yang Jiabo found the familiarity endearing.
“Get a carp and some beef…” Yang Jiabo rattled off a list of ingredients, and Yang Jianjun memorized them.
Once Yang Jianjun left, Wei Jing leaned in and whispered, “Jiajia, you’re not actually making carp stewed in white wine, are you?”
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