Did My Wife Break Up With Me Today? - Chapter 98

Chapter 98: Extra 4 — Childhood Memories: “Only one big brother—me—is that okay?”

Chen Kongqing rubbed his backside, which hadn’t quite recovered from the impact. Thinking Xu Jingmo didn’t recognize Liang Zhenfei, he pointed at the retreating figures in the distance. “That’s Brother Liang. He’s Pengfei’s older brother. He’s in middle school too, probably a bit older than you.”

Xu Jingmo didn’t look at the figures. Instead, his gaze remained fixed on Chen Kongqing’s face.

The little bundle’s round cheeks were flushed red from the wind. His small hand was reached behind him, still rubbing his butt. Noticing Xu Jingmo’s stare, he awkwardly pulled his hand back.

Chen Kongqing felt Xu Jingmo’s eyes on him. They were hot, enveloping him from above. It was an indescribable feeling—the atmosphere felt like a cloudy day. The kind of overcast day where it’s about to rain but hasn’t yet; stifling, heavy, and a bit frightening.

Chen Kongqing cautiously lifted his eyes to meet those beautiful phoenix eyes. They weren’t gentle like before; they were dark and deep, making it impossible to see through them. Moreover, they felt chilly. He didn’t know where the temperature came from, but it was cold.

“Um…” the little bundle muttered, wondering what he should say.

Xu Jingmo stepped closer, leaning down to grab the boy’s small arm. He glanced at his backside. “Does it hurt?”

“It doesn’t hurt…” Kongqing certainly wouldn’t admit it. “Not at all.”

“Really?” Xu Jingmo arched a brow, his large hand moving as if to check for himself.

Startled, Kongqing used his free hand to shield his rear. “Even if it doesn’t hurt, you can’t hit it!” Recently, his front teeth had grown in a bit, so his lisp was less pronounced.

“We’ll use some safflower oil on it when we get back. I’ll tell Grandma,” Xu Jingmo said, leading him toward the house.

“No need. Such a small thing doesn’t need oil,” Kongqing said in a very “grown-up” tone. Hearing those words in a high-pitched, childish voice made Xu Jingmo’s lips curl into a faint smile.

The little sprout seemed to have grown a bit; the crown of his head was slightly closer to Xu Jingmo’s line of sight than before. But the boy’s mood hadn’t fully settled. “Running wild outside again, aren’t you?”

“I am not.” Kongqing pursed his lips and pulled his arm back, crossing his hands over his chest. “It’s Sunday. I only came out to play because I’m free.”

“The term is ending. Is your homework done?”

“I finished it! I only came out after I was done.” Kongqing didn’t want to hear it—Xu Jingmo was being a nag. He quickened his pace.

“Then why didn’t you come find Gege?” Xu Jingmo’s shoes followed right behind. “You haven’t visited for days. Auntie Sun made your favorite osmanthus cakes, and you didn’t even come to eat.”

At the mention of osmanthus cakes, Kongqing’s eyes lit up. “Osmanthus cakes?” The lady employed by the Xu family was amazing at making pastries, especially the fragrant, sweet cakes.

“Yes. Didn’t you beg for them before? But when they were made, you didn’t show up. You were too busy having fun with someone else here.”

“I…” Kongqing paused, looking down at the withered bushes along the road. “I was worried I’d disturb Gege’s studying.”

The gloom in Xu Jingmo’s phoenix eyes vanished instantly, pulled away like threads of silk. He crouched down to look at Kongqing’s face. “Is that why you didn’t come find me?”

“Yeah. I was holding myself back from coming over,” Kongqing said, putting his hands on his tiny hips. “And you’re still scolding me…”

“How could you disturb me? Who told you that?” Xu Jingmo asked sharply, his thick brows knitting together.

“No one,” Kongqing shook his head. “I was just worried… I know you’re busy. You’re in middle school; the homework must be a lot.”

“So well-behaved.” Xu Jingmo’s eyes softened again as he gently pinched Kongqing’s soft cheek. “You won’t disturb me, Xiaoman.”

“I won’t?” Kongqing’s eyes shone brighter than when he heard about the cakes. “Then can I go eat the osmanthus cakes now?”

“You can.” Xu Jingmo stood up and took the boy’s soft, small hand in his. “Let’s go.”

Chen Kongqing was happy to be led. He usually hated being held; he felt only kindergarteners needed that. He was a big first-grader! He wouldn’t even let his Grandma hold his hand.

But he liked it when Xu Jingmo held his hand. Xu Jingmo’s palm was always warm—like a hand warmer in winter. Plus, Xu Jingmo always smelled like a lovely tea—a bit like black tea with a sweet and sour fruity scent.

…

At the Xu house, Auntie Sun brought out the cakes. “I wondered where our little glutton went. Eat up.”

Kongqing climbed onto a high chair and reached out, but Xu Jingmo said calmly, “Wash your hands.”

He obediently hopped down and ran to the kitchen. Auntie Sun laughed, “Your parents should have another child; you’re so good with younger brothers.”

“I only want this brother,” Xu Jingmo whispered, though Auntie Sun didn’t hear him.

After eating his fill of osmanthus cakes, braised ribs, and double-skin milk, Kongqing’s belly was round. Grandma Fang would often send over home-grown vegetables to say thank you.

Winter vacation arrived, and Zijin Town prepared for the New Year. Grandma Fang was busy with village committee work and cleaning, so Kongqing spent most of his time at the Xu house.

One rainy afternoon, Kongqing was watching cartoons in Xu Jingmo’s room when he saw the older boy packing a suitcase.

“What are you doing?” Kongqing turned from the rug.

“Packing.”

Kongqing knew what that meant. Every year after the holidays, his mother would pack a rolling suitcase like that to leave. “Are you… leaving too?”

He stood up and rushed over to the suitcase. Xu Jingmo turned around to see a tiny Chen Kongqing with clenched fists and red, watery eyes. He looked like a panicked little rabbit.

Before Xu Jingmo could speak, Kongqing tried to slam the suitcase shut. It was too heavy for him, but he kept trying, his face scrunched up with effort and sadness.

Xu Jingmo crouched down and helped him close it. The little rabbit calmed down slightly.

“What’s wrong? Tell Gege,” Xu Jingmo said gently, holding the boy’s slender wrist.

Kongqing wiped his face and looked up. Tears finally spilled over, hitting Xu Jingmo right in the heart.

“You… you’re going away, aren’t you?” Kongqing choked out. He had been looking forward to showing Xu Jingmo his new winter coat and setting off firecrackers together. He had even asked Grandma to buy extra.

“I’m going away for the Spring Festival, but I’ll be back right after,” Xu Jingmo explained, using his thumb to wipe away the tears. “I have to visit my grandparents. I’ll be back in a week.”

“That’s so many days…” Kongqing lowered his head. But he understood. Everyone should be with their grandparents for the New Year. “Okay… I’ll wait.”

“I’ll try to come back earlier,” Xu Jingmo promised.

The rabbit sniffled. “Go ahead. You can play with me once the New Year is over.”

Xu Jingmo stroked his hair. He wished Kongqing were his real brother; then they would never have to part.

“My mom is coming home for the New Year too,” Kongqing said with a forced smile.

“Is your house full of people during the New Year, Gege?”

“Mhm, many relatives gather together.”

“That’s nice. It’s just me, Mom, and Grandma. I don’t need a lot of people, I just… want to be with my Daddy.” Kongqing looked out the window at the gray sky. “He was very tall. That’s all I remember. He must have been handsome, since I’m so handsome.”

Xu Jingmo sat on the rug beside him.

“Grandma says he’s working away, but I know he died in a car accident.” Kongqing leaned his head on Xu Jingmo’s shoulder. “He promised to take me to the amusement park.”

The soft hair brushed against Xu’s neck. Xu Jingmo felt frozen, unable to move.

“But I’m glad you came,” Kongqing whispered. “I have another family member now. Gege, will you always be my big brother?”

“Yes,” Xu Jingmo answered without a second of hesitation. “I will always be your Gege.”

The rabbit snuggled into his shoulder. “Gege.”

“Mhm.”

“Don’t just say ‘mhm’!” Kongqing frowned.

“Gege is here,” Xu Jingmo corrected himself immediately. Then, after a few seconds of silence, he spoke softly: “Only one big brother—me—is that okay?”

“Of course,” Kongqing replied instantly.

He leaned against Xu Jingmo’s shoulder, watching the rain outside. It was a rainy day he didn’t hate at all.