The Little Childhood Sweetheart's Counterattack - Chapter 65 (END)

Chapter 65: To Grow Old Together [End]

Translator's Rumblings:

This is my first completed translation, and I know some of you weren't happy with it for various reasons. However, I persevered because a few of you kept reading.

 

I understand the frustration of finding a good translated novel that gets dropped due to a lack of readers, especially when it ends on a cliffhanger. The hunt for free raws can be equally irritating.

 

So, for my dedicated readers, I'm proud to have completed this translation.

This is all for you.

Happy Reading!!!

~~~~~

 

Several days later, Hou Xingrou holds a farewell single party. She invites several close classmates and friends to gather together.

 

Lian Rui makes an appearance at the beginning. Then he voluntarily proposes to leave and give them space. He says to Hou Xingrou before leaving, “Call me if you need anything. I'll be upstairs.”

 

Hou Xingrou smiles sweetly and says okay.

 

After she and Lian Rui say goodbye, she returns to the private room. Everyone is laughing and teasing them, saying that they're like honey.

 

Hou Xingrou laughs and lets them tease her.

 

Xiang Yang looks at her. It seems like she's also infected by her smile. Her face, which has been gloomy for days, finally shows a relaxed smile.

 

After a while, Hou Xingrou finishes chatting with a few good friends from college. She picks up her juice and sits next to her.

 

Xiang Yang looks at her and says with a smile, “Congratulations. May you be happy forever.”

 

“I will be.” Hou Xingrou smiles.

 

Xiang Yang asks, “Why did you get married so quickly?”

 

“It's not quick. We've known each other for almost ten years.”

 

“That's true.” Xiang Yang continues. “But didn't you say you've only been together for four or five months?”

 

“That's true.” Hou Xingrou smiles. “But not everyone needs to be together for two or three years before they feel right about getting married. He and I are very compatible. If I missed him, I wouldn't find anyone better suited to spend my life with.”

 

Xiang Yang smiles. “I'm very happy for you.”

 

“Thank you. What about you?”

 

“Me?”

 

“How are you and Fu Guanxian doing? Isn't he pursuing you?”

 

“Nothing much.”

 

Hou Xingrou sees that the light in her eyes has dimmed. She thinks for a moment and suddenly says, “Actually, I should confess something to you. In high school, I secretly liked Fu Guanxian. But it was just a youthful crush that lasted for a while.”

 

Xiang Yang is stunned. It takes a long time before she hears her own voice. “Why didn't I know?”

 

“Do you remember when I asked you if Fu Guanxian had a girlfriend? That was when I realized I was obsessed with Fu Guanxian. Sometimes I even dreamed of him standing on the flagpole, looking handsome as he spoke. I'd be excited for days after I woke up.”

 

“But one time, he came to school to play basketball with Lian Rui. I went to watch and even boldly gave Fu Guanxian a bottle of water. He didn't take it. Instead, Lian Rui was afraid I'd be embarrassed. He took it without hesitation and thanked me with a smile. Fu Guanxian didn't look at me at all. It wasn't until Lian Rui told him that I was your junior high school classmate that he turned his head and glanced at me. At that moment, I was heartbroken.” Hou Xingrou smiles. “Do you remember that you asked me to hang out for a long time, but I refused?

 

Xiang Yang carefully recalls. It was during her first year of high school. “Didn't you say that you were busy with your studies? I remember you said that you were falling behind…”

 

“Yes, I was falling behind. Because at that time, I was just trying to recover. Lian Rui found me one day after that. He asked me if I liked Fu Guanxian. I didn't admit it or deny it. He just advised me not to. Because Fu Guanxian likes you. He's liked you for a long time.”

 

Xiang Yang's eyes flash slightly.

 

Hou Xingrou sighs. “Yes, it's been a long time. So long that maybe even Fu Guanxian himself doesn't know. Lian Rui told me that you're the only one who can make Fu Guanxian not be like Fu Guanxian. His composure and confidence all crumble in front of you. He said that Fu Guanxian knew that you were in trouble with your teacher because of the phone incident, so he rushed over to help you. For you, he even went to pre-game tutoring, which he never does. For you, he got angry enough to beat someone up for the first time. And even for you…”

 

Hou Xingrou pauses and smiles. “I was so touched just listening to it. I was very sad at the time. Because I didn't understand why it was you, not me. Later, I figured it out. There's no point in forcing something. I just had to let go. Fortunately, it was just a childish crush. Now that I'm older, it's just a fond memory.”

 

“Xiang Yang, don't let him down. Look, his company even uses your name. X&Y. Xiang Yang. So, Xiang Yang, don't miss your own happiness. Otherwise, I'll feel sorry for you.”

 

Xiang Yang says nothing. Because she suddenly feels like something is stuck in her heart. It's full, and it makes her want to cry. It also makes her want to smile helplessly.

 

He…

 

He's just using the wrong methods.

 

No, he should say that he's been treating her with his own love.

 

It's just that, for her, this is not something she can understand.

 

Fu Guanxian, he really…

 

On the way back, Xiang Yang is lost in thought. She thinks about their childhood, about the time they were in school…

 

It seems like Fu Guanxian has always been a dominant presence in her life. But after Hou Xingrou reminds her, she begins to realize that Fu Guanxian is truly different towards her.

 

This difference is beyond good or bad.

 

Eight days after the Spring Festival, Xiang Yang attends Hou Xingrou's wedding. Fan Xiaoyu is happy to be able to avoid her parents' nagging about marriage for a day, so she goes to enjoy the good fortune.

 

Watching the newlywed couple exchange vows and rings, the people below start shouting, “Kiss! Kiss!”

 

Fan Xiaoyu and Xiang Yang look at each other and shout a few times too.

 

Fan Xiaoyu smiles and asks, “Do you think the bride will come after us later?”

 

“No. There are so many people. She'll be too busy kissing to notice it was our voices.”

 

“Hahaha!” Fan Xiaoyu laughs. “Hey, why didn't Xingrou ask you to be her bridesmaid? If I were her, I'd definitely ask you. You're so popular! If I told people, my best friend Xiang Yang is my bridesmaid, it would definitely be trending. It would be trending quickly.”

 

Xiang Yang props her chin on her hand and thinks for a moment. She says, “Xingrou said she was afraid I would steal her thunder and outshine her beauty. I thought it made sense, so I agreed.”

 

Fan Xiaoyu is stunned for a few seconds, then she pulls at the corners of her mouth. “Xiang Yang, I think you're conceited.”

 

“Really? Do you think so?” Xiang Yang smiles. She asks with a light, cheerful voice.

 

“Yes!” Fan Xiaoyu says this. Then the smile on her face freezes. She points behind Xiang Yang.

 

Xiang Yang hasn't taken back her smile. She turns around and meets Fu Guanxian's icy, handsome face.

 

Xiang Yang doesn't dodge. She looks straight at him.

 

Fu Guanxian looks at her for a while. Finally, his face darkens. He walks past her seat to the left.

 

Fan Xiaoyu is puzzled. “What's wrong with Fu Guanxian?”

 

Xiang Yang shrugs. How would she know? He's probably angry at her. He hasn't contacted her in days. And she hasn't reached out to him either.

 

They're in a strange cold war.

 

After Xiang Yang figured things out that night, she's actually become more open-minded. Let him do whatever he wants. She's always had the upper hand anyway.

 

Xiang Yang thinks for a moment. She raises her eyebrows slightly and gets up to say to Fan Xiaoyu, “I'm going out for a bit.”

 

“Where are you going?”

 

“Just walking around.”

 

Fan Xiaoyu watches her go in the direction that Fu Guanxian disappeared. She smirks, muttering softly. “Don't even try to deny it! This is definitely a husband and wife act. It's blindingly obvious!”

 

Xiang Yang walks around for a while and doesn't see Fu Guanxian.

 

She's about to give up. If he wants to blacken his face at his brother's wedding, let him.

 

But unexpectedly, when she's walking back and turning the corner by the stairs, she faintly hears Fu Guanxian's voice, full of reproach. “It's winter. What is she wearing a strapless dress for! Doesn't she feel cold?”

 

Zheng Jie looks at him speechlessly. “Brother, the air conditioning is on inside. It's not cold.”

 

“Also, why is she smiling so beautifully? Who is she trying to impress?” Fu Guanxian continues to complain.

 

Zheng Jie silently sighs in his heart. Not smiling? Shouldn't he be blackening his face at the wedding like you? If someone didn't know, they'd think you were here to crash the wedding!

 

Xiang Yang hears this. She lowers her head and looks at her dress. A light purple strapless dress. The style of the dress is very simple. It's not eye-catching at all. It's just that her appearance and temperament make it even more beautiful and elegant.

 

Fu Guanxian is angry because since she entered, the men who have been staring at her delicate white skin and her charming profile haven't stopped.

 

Fu Guanxian is secretly annoyed. He also thinks that since she hasn't come to greet him, why should he go looking for trouble?

 

He holds it in for so long. Seeing her laughing and chatting with Fan Xiaoyu, beaming, showing no sadness or disappointment from their cold war, he feels even worse.

 

She's doing it on purpose!

 

Fu Guanxian bumps Zheng Jie's arm. “Is there a performance later?”

 

“What?”

 

“Didn't they say they'd invited people to sing and dance for entertainment?”

 

“Ah, yes.” Zheng Jie doesn't understand. “What are you going to do?”

 

“Get me a guitar. I'll need it later.”

 

“What?”

 

When Zheng Jie learns of Fu Guanxian's plan, he can't help but hold back his laughter as he walks back to the banquet. Xiang Yang is a talent to be able to push Fu Guanxian to this point.

 

Of course, Zheng Jie doesn't want to say that Fu Guanxian really needs to practice his pursuit techniques.

 

Lian Rui has finished toasting. He's about to move to the next table when he sees Zheng Jie walking over. He asks, “What are you laughing at? Where's Guanxian?”

 

“You'll see later.” Zheng Jie laughs strangely.

 

Lian Rui doesn't understand. He exchanges a glance with Hou Xingrou. Hou Xingrou smiles slightly. “It seems like there's going to be a good show.”

 

“Yes!” Zheng Jie laughs and replies.

 

The dance performance on stage just ends. The host welcomes the next performance.

 

But the applause just starts, and everyone stops clapping. They look at Fu Guanxian, who's standing on stage, looking dashing, in astonishment.

 

Fu Guanxian is wearing a perfectly tailored black suit. He's carrying a guitar. He stands in front of the microphone, looks at the crowd, and says loudly, “Today is my brother's wedding. I'm using this song to bless him. Also, this song is for the woman I love, my little childhood sweetheart.”

 

Among the older guests at Lian Rui's wedding, there are many who have known the Fu family for years. They all laugh when they see this.

 

But the classmates and friends who know both parties can't help but look at Xiang Yang.

 

Xiang Yang is stunned.

 

Fan Xiaoyu laughs. “Wow! Spreading dog food!”

 

Xiang Yang's face turns red.

 

Then, a melodious tune flows from his hands. He sings softly in his magnetic voice:

 

“When I was ten

 

I dreamed of kissing your forehead

 

I didn't know what gentleness was

 

Just seeing you every day was enough

 

When I was twenty

 

Nothing was more enjoyable than traveling with you

 

Let my restless heart feel

 

The tranquility of a long, flowing stream

 

When I was thirty

 

Youth had long since stopped staying with us

 

I'm thankful for all we've gone through

 

You're still by my side

 

When I was forty

 

The biggest happiness isn't career success

 

But waking up, opening my eyes

 

And seeing you sleeping by my bedside

 

When I was fifty

 

You don't know when you started calling me “Old Man”

 

I also start to reminisce occasionally

 

I've become accustomed to a face with wrinkles

 

When I was sixty

 

I finally let go of meetings and departures

 

While I can still move, I'll hold your hand

 

And travel all over the world

 

When I was seventy

 

I look forward to sunny afternoons every day

 

My grandchildren wave in front of me

 

And call for me to hurry up

 

When I was eighty… ”

 

The lyrics are sincere and simple. His voice is deep and pleasant, warm and comforting.

 

Xiang Yang looks at him. Her eyes unconsciously well up.

 

Even though everyone's attention is focused on Fu Guanxian, he seems not to notice. He only looks at her.

 

Seeing her eyes getting a little red, he suddenly smiles. The second cycle of the song has ended. The music hasn't stopped. He looks at her tenderly and says, “Xiang Yang, we've gone through ten years and twenty years together. I want to walk hand in hand with you through our thirtieth, fortieth, fiftieth years… Would you like to?”

 

“Yes!” Someone in the banquet hall suddenly shouts.

 

Fu Guanxian doesn't break his gaze on Xiang Yang. He persists. “I'm only asking my girl.”

 

His gaze is too intense, so everyone's attention shifts to Xiang Yang.

 

Xiang Yang meets his gaze. She gets up and walks towards him slowly. She stands below the stage, less than half a meter away from him.

 

She looks up at him and says softly, “If you can make me agree to be your girlfriend, then I'll agree.”

 

This answer is basically the same as not agreeing. But Fu Guanxian decisively says, “Okay!”

 

That night, after the wedding reception is over and everyone disperses, Xiang Yang drinks two glasses of wine. She's a little tipsy.

 

Fu Guanxian directly picks her up, carrying her horizontally. Under the eyes of everyone, he takes her away.

 

Whistles sound continuously behind them. Xiang Yang hits him. “What are you doing?”

 

“Are you sure you can walk?”

 

“I can!”

 

As soon as she says the word, Fu Guanxian puts her down.

 

Xiang Yang hasn't even regained her balance when Fu Guanxian forces her to back up and presses her against the wall. He lowers his head and kisses her lips forcefully.

 

He sucks, twists, probes, and entwines…

 

With all his skills, Xiang Yang, already tipsy, is no match for him. When he stops, her legs are already weak.

 

Fu Guanxian smiles. “You still say you can walk?”

 

Xiang Yang hates him. She glares at him.

 

Fu Guanxian reaches out to cover her eyes. He leans close to her ear and lowers his voice. “Do you know what I've been thinking about all night?”

 

“Hmm?” The ending sound rises slightly, incredibly alluring.

 

Fu Guanxian's warm breath blows on her ear. He slowly says, one word at a time, “Take you home, close the door, rip off your clothes, then kiss you hard… over and over again…”

 

His breath is scorching. Xiang Yang shivers. The alcohol seems to have come up. Her cheeks are flushed.

 

“Are you being a scoundrel?” She says with an unsteady voice.

 

“I only act like this for you.”

 

Xiang Yang: "…" “Hmph.”

 

Of course, one year later, Fu Guanxian's New Year's wish comes true. In the season of spring blossoms, after tireless efforts, he finally gets his beauty.

 

Seven days after Xiang Yang agrees to be his girlfriend, he goes to her apartment. Seeing her wearing a white strapless dress, which she didn't have time to take off after finishing her show, he naturally takes the initiative to help.

 

When Xiang Yang is carried from the living room sofa to the soft, large bed in the bedroom, all she can think about is one word: “Beast!”

 

He knew this was her first time, so why didn't he go easy on her?!

 

Two months after they get married, Xiang Yang gets pregnant.

 

During her pregnancy, Zheng Jie and Lian Rui's evaluation of Fu Guanxian is only two words: “Wife-obsessed.”

 

Fu Guanxian, however, enjoys it.

 

He has a lifetime to be good to her.

 

He and she will walk together slowly until they are old and can't walk anymore. He will still love her as much as he did when they were young.

 

To grow old together, hand in hand.

 

[The End]

 Sheng Yi

 

Written on 2017-10-11, 22:02

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