Sissy (Niang Niang Qiang) - Chap 50
Chapter 50
Shao Qun’s cheek burned in pain. His father was old, but you couldn’t tell that from the force of that slap at all.
The pain was nothing. A much bigger issue was being embarrassed in front of Li Shuo, which really made Shao Qun angry.
He probed his beaten cheek with his tongue from the inside and called out reluctantly, “Dad.”
Old General Shao scolded him, “Oh, so you still know that I am your father! How did I manage to produce such an ungrateful thing like you!”
Shao Qun lowered his head and stepped out of the way: “Come in and let’s talk.”
General Shao took a deep breath, turned his head slightly and said in a deep voice to Li Shuo, “Young man, we’re going to deal with some family matters. So you should leave for now.”
Li Shuo’s face was gloomy. His eyes had already scanned every corner of the living room, but he couldn’t find Li Chengxiu. He responded, “Mr. Shao, I have no intentions to get involved in your family affairs. But the reason why I reached out to you was because my lover has been taken away. Make your son release him, and I’ll leave.”
Shao Qun’s face suddenly changed, and his cold gaze cut Li Shuo like a knife: “Your lover? You phony foreign devil who takes what doesn’t belong to him! Get the hell out of my house!”
When General Shao saw his only son fighting over a man like nobody’s business, he couldn’t stand the humiliation and exploded. Angrily he shouted, “Shut your mouth!” Then he added in an aggravated tone, “Young man, I will return your… lover back to you. Just let me finish this matter first. Go and wait downstairs.”
General Shao was an imposing man, and his words were loud and clear. It was impossible to disobey.
Li Shuo hesitated for a while, but in the end, assistant Zhou half-pushed and half-coaxed him to go downstairs.
General Shao and Shao Wen entered the room, and both sat down on the sofa.
Shao Qun stood besides them, constantly throwing glances towards the bedroom.
General Shao also glanced at the bedroom door and coldly said, “Call him out. I want to see what kind of a looker he is.”
Shao Qun frowned: “Dad, don’t you have something to discuss with me?”
General Shao fiercely slammed the table, “Call him out right now! Do as I tell you!”
Shao Qun sighed, came up to the bedroom and knocked on the door: “Chengxiu, come out.”
After a long while, Li Chengxiu opened the door, his face pale.
Shao Qun softly comforted him: “My dad and my sister are here. Don’t be afraid, I won’t let them bully you.”
Li Chengxiu didn’t want to be involved in the Shao family affairs, but he knew that he couldn’t hide forever. He seemed to have heard Li Shuo’s voice just now, and that made him feel a lot more at ease.
He couldn’t help but ask, “Is Li-Dage here?”
Shao Qun’s face immediately darkened, he gritted his teeth and said, “Do you only have eyes for Li Shuo?”
Li Chengxiu lowered his head, as Shao Qun dragged him into the living room.
When Old General Shao and Shao Wen’s cold eyes fell on him, Li Chengxiu felt that their gazes were slashing him open.
He couldn’t help but think how naive he was before when he imagined that he and Shao Qun could be together forever.
What kind of person was Shao Qun? What kind of family did Shao Qun have?
Being together with Shao Qun was a foolish dream for someone like him.
At this point, shouldn’t he be glad that he woke up early from this dream? Otherwise, he would definitely fall to pieces and never be able to become whole again.
Li Chengxiu lowered her head slightly, as if awaiting his own trial.
Fortunately, General Shao just gave him a cold look. Similar to Shao Wen, he didn’t even want to bother with Li Chengxiu.
General Shao pointed at Shao Qun’s nose and scolded: “Oh, you’ve grown bold. You’ve grown very bold. So bold, in fact, that you don’t even dare to come home to your family, huh? What was so wrong with Old Qi’s daughter that, instead, you now have to fool around with this thing that’s neither male, nor female?”
Shao Qun frowned and subconsciously stepped in front of Li Chengxiu: “Dad, don’t say such things about him.”
General Shao’s eyes widened, he picked up an ashtray from the table and threw it at Shao Qun’s forehead.
The delicate crystal ashtray reached its target. Shao Qun closed his eyes, as blood flowed down his face.
Shao Wen couldn’t sit still anymore and grabbed her father’s arm: “Dad, we agreed not to do something like this before we came.”
General Shao said sternly: “Shut up! You women spoiled him rotten! Just look at him! He can’t even behave properly. When I was at home, I used to beat him up three times a day to get all this nonsense out of him! And now look at him! He either hangs out with his good-for-nothing friends all day long or locks up people who don’t want to be with him. God damn you! In my day and age, such a rogue like you would just be shot!” The old general got more and more agitated as he continued speaking. He finally stood up and slapped Shao Qun again.
Shao Wen was really distressed. She quickly gave Shao Qun a wink, trying to tell him to concede softly.
Shao Qun seemed not to have seen it. With an ashen face, he stood upright.
Li Chengxiu glanced at the blood on Shao Qun’s face and quickly turned away.
Only now did he understand that Shao Qun’s irritability, Shao Wen’s arrogance, and Shao Nuo’s spiteful unruliness was nothing to fear compared to their father’s temper.
He had seen enough of the Shao family to know that each of them was worse than the other.
Old General Shao was so angry that the veins on his forehead were throbbing. He pointed at Shao Qun’s nose and said, “You pack up now and come home with me immediately!”
Shao Qun ripped at his hair and said with a sullen face: “Dad, I still have business here to take care of. How can I just leave?”
Mr. Shao snorted coldly: “Business? Is it business that keeps you so busy that you can’t come home for New Year’s? You’re going back with me now, and we will both directly go to Old Qi’s door to offer our apologies.”
Shao Qun turned his face away: “Dad, don’t worry about this. I gave Qi Ming a house and a car. She was really happy about this and was going to explain everything to Old Qi herself.”
The old man’s face turned dark: “You youngsters! You made such a mess! Such a mess! Treating your marriage so sloppily! What are you even thinking about? Come back with me. You absolutely have to apologize to Old Qi!”
Shao Qun pursed his lips and said bluntly, “I can’t leave.”
Mr. Shao quickly stood up from the sofa and looked heavily at his son, who was half a head taller than him: “I can’t control you anymore, can I? You’re completely out of control?”
Shao Qun’s Adam’s apple went up and down, and he couldn’t help turning his head slightly to glance at Li Chengxiu, his eyes full of reluctance and struggle.
But Li Chengxiu wasn’t even looking at him.
Shao Qun felt like he was about to cry, it seemed like his heart was yet again cut by a knife. He closed his eyes and said dumbly: “Dad, I can’t leave. Don’t force me.”
Mr. Shao straightened his military uniform, took out his phone and said in a commanding tone, “Both of you, come up.”
Shao Qun and his sister looked at each other.
Shao Wen was desperately winking at him, begging him to just do as he was told.
Shao Qun gave his father an angry look: “Dad, I told you not to force me.”
Old General Shao said coldly: “Your old man isn’t dead yet. Once I’m gone, who else will be able to reign you in? If I don’t discipline you before I kick the bucket, I won’t be able to face your mother!”
Soon the sound of neat and rhythmical footsteps came from the corridor.
Two soldiers in military uniforms came in and immediately saluted General Shao.
General Shao pointed at his son: “Take him.”
The two men looked at each other.
Mr.Shao repeated with an emphasis: “Take him!”
Shao Qun’s face turned blue from anger, and he clenched his fists.
Seeing this, Shao Wen quickly went up and hugged her brother’s arm, desperately shaking her head at him.
The two soldiers approached Shao Qun and twisted his arms behind his back.
Shao Qun waved them away angrily: “I can go by myself.”
Shao Wen breathed a sigh of relief.
The old man snorted, turned around and headed out the door.
Shao Qun smiled self-deprecatingly at Li Chengxiu: “Didn’t you hate me for being an asshole? See, I’ve learned from the best.”
Li Chengxiu slightly lifted his chin, but did not look at him.
Shao Qun went up and grabbed Li Chengxiu’s arm, forcing him to face him. He looked into his eyes and said solemnly, “Wait for me, I won’t give up.”
Shao Wen took a tissue from the coffee table and pressed it at her brother’s bleeding forehead, urging him: “Hurry up, don’t irritate Dad.”
Shao Qun took one last look at Li Chengxiu and left.
Frozen in place, Li Chengxiu stood in the room that was now completely empty and looked at the open door.
He heard footsteps coming from the corridor, and soon Li Shuo rushed in.
As soon as he came through the door, he hugged Li Chengxiu.
“Chengxiu, Chengxiu, are you all right? Did he give you a hard time? Did he hurt you?”
Li Chengxiu looked at him absent-mindedly, and it took him a long time to realize that this was Li Shuo in front of him.
He numbly shook his head: “I’m fine.”
Li Shuo touched his thin face and said sadly: “I was looking for you everywhere… Then I managed to contact Shao Qun’s elder sister. She found this property in Shenzhen under Shao Qun’s name. Only then did I know where you were. I was going insane…””
Li Chengxiu’s eyes were slightly wet: “I made you worry…”
Li Shuo forced a smile and said, “What are you talking about! It was impossible for me not to worry, when I couldn’t find you night after night.”
Li Shuo looked drained and exhausted. Indeed, it was noticeable how much effort he had put into looking for Li Chengxiu.
Li Chengxiu was very grateful: “Thank you. Thank you.”
Li Shuo hugged him again and said softly, “As long as you’re fine, it’s all good.”
Li Chengxiu looked at the open door and was silent.
Although Shao Qun was temporarily detained by his father, he couldn’t be locked up forever after all. So sooner or later, he was coming back. Thus, Li Chengxiu couldn’t stay at any of the places he had stayed in before.
Li Shuo offered Li Chengxiu to move in with him, until they could find another place.
Li Chengxiu had always been a little bit hesitant about this new relationship in his heart. It wasn’t that he couldn’t accept Li Shuo – he was trying really hard to accept him. It was just that he needed more time.
Besides, Li Chengxiu didn’t want to live with anyone anymore. Especially not Li Shuo.
He wanted to find a place of his own and pay his own rent, so that there wouldn’t come another day when he was forced to leave in embarrassment because of a failed relationship.
He didn’t want to experience the double blow of losing a familiar lover and losing a familiar place to live for the second time.
No matter how awful the pain was, he could endure it – it was just a part of life. There was no hurdle in this world that he couldn’t overcome. However, Li Chengxiu was afraid that the hurdles will just become higher and higher every time. So he had to become stronger day by day, in order to be ready to face any coming disaster or despair all by himself at any moment.
Seeing his dilemma, Li Shuo didn’t pressure him, but rather carefully gave him some suggestions.
Adrian was also not used to living with others, but he offered his help in looking for a house.
Li Chengxiu politely refused and insisted on doing everything himself. He was a self-reliant person. In fact, he didn’t need any help from others. He felt that Li Shuo and Adrian had already done their best for him, and he was embarrassed to trouble them again and again.
Since he got his job through his connections with Li Shuo, Li Chengxiu’s boss didn’t give him a hard time, even though he missed a few days of work.
He now had a fixed income, so he managed to find a decent house for himself this time. It was gradually getting warmer outside. When Li Chengxiu was at work during the day, little Teacup could leisurely bask in the sun. Although his new house was old and small, it had a kitchen and bathroom, and the transportation was quite convenient. This was ideal for Li Chengxiu.
The dark memories about his imprisonment in Shao Qun’s house for more than a week slowly faded, and Li Chengxiu’s mood gradually calmed down. Since Shao Qun had completely dropped off the radar, Li Chengxiu’s life returned to the right track.
It was also an undoubted pleasure to interact with Li Shuo.
He wasn’t like your usual young man in love who was eager to monopolize every aspect of his life. Instead, Li Shuo respected Li Chengxiu’s work time and personal space, and he also encouraged him to have more social life. He enjoyed the fact that both of them had their own busy lives going on during the weekdays, while having sweet cozy dates on their days off.
Such a mature and considerate way of communication made Li Chengxiu feel grateful, and he became more and more trusting and committed to Li Shuo.
Li Chengxiu’s independence also surprised Li Shuo.
In his eyes, Li Chengxiu was too weak and required protection. He had proposed living together because he felt that Li Chengxiu needed to be taken care of. But gradually he found out that Li Chengxiu didn’t need the care of others. His life was regular and orderly. His house was very old, but he always kept it spotlessly clean. Even the cushions in Teacup’s nest were changed every three days, keeping them fresh and free of smells.
Li Chengxiu took good care of his own life. This made Li Shuo both admire him and feel greatly pleased by him.
It was a fact that Li Chengxiu was by no means the best among the people that Li Shuo had been with. However, he was the one who fit him the most in regards to his character and behavior. Li Chengxiu corresponded to the image of the person he had imagined spending his whole life with.
Li Shuo didn’t need an unrestrained love that was tormented by passion from the inside out. He didn’t want to date different kinds of people anymore and experience relationship failures over and over again. All Li Shuo wanted was a good, reliable person whom he loved and could regard as his wife. He was willing to give all his feelings and all his respect to this person and be with him for the rest of his life.
He felt that Li Chengxiu was this person.
When he returned home after a busy day, Li Chengxiu took a bath and then sat down to read a book on the sofa together with Teacup.
Teacup had grown a little in this time, and was now bigger than his palm. It also felt a little heavier than before. This puppy could really eat and sleep well!
Teacup didn’t like eating dog food very much nowadays. Ever since Li Chengxiu once gave him some leftover chicken soup with rice, it was the only thing he wanted.
Such a small dog was very delicate, and it was more difficult to take care of than a big dog.
When he used to live alone, Li Chengxiu would never turn the lights on when going to the bathroom at night. Now, not only did he have to turn on the lights but also be extra careful while walking not to step on the little pup.
Adrian told him several times not to spoil Teacup so much, but every time he came over, he brought a bunch of dog snacks and toys with him. Li Chengxiu was very adamant about always preparing and heating up the soup for the puppy, no matter how tired he was after work.
It was also a good way to save money.
Li Chengxiu touched Teacup’s soft curly hair, while quietly enjoying his book.
Suddenly his phone rang.
He thought it was Li Shuo at first, but when he saw the caller ID, it turned out to be an unfamiliar number.
Since he started working, he had many different people contact him via mobile phone, so it wasn’t that big of a surprise to receive a call from an unsaved number.
“Hello?”
There was only the sound of nervous breathing on the other end.
Li Chengxiu frowned suspiciously and whispered, “Hello?”
Suddenly, he heard a weak voice: “Chengxiu…”
Li Chengxiu was shocked and hung up the phone as quickly as possible.
This voice he could never forget for the rest of his life. It was Shao Qun.
The phone rang again immediately, and Li Chengxiu just directly turned it off.
He panicked, wanting to call Li Shuo. But he was too scared to switch his phone on again.
How did Shao Qun get his number? Where was he now? Was he back? Did he know where Li Chengxiu was?
A series of questions made Li Chengxiu anxious, as he looked at his mobile phone in fear.
[1] All the details in “Additional Inheritance”, hehe.
[2] One of the largest beaches in Shenzhen
[3] In the original, it says “couldn’t eat raw seafood”. In Cantonese “raw seafood” could refer to something refreshing. But I’m not 100% sure about it.
[4] 188 cm, obviously XD
[5] The counter of phones destroyed by Shao Qun in a fit of rage: 3
[6] I won’t “designate” any skippable parts for the rape this time because some dialogue at these moments can’t really be skipped. In general, this is the worst chapter so far. Be prepared. Maybe take a break?
[7] In the original, it says “bipolar disorder” or “manic depression” (躁郁). I would presume that it doesn’t mean that Shao Qun is actually bipolar. Rather, that he has a mania in the sense that he has an “excessive desire/obsession”. But it’s just my interpretation.
[8] To avoid any misunderstandings: In the original, it says “sex that was the same as rape”. It sounds a bit clunky, so I rephrased it a little. But the main point is that his experience is equated to rape completely, and not just compared to it. The author doesn’t avoid calling things what they are.
[9] It’s a transparent quartz crystal that can be used in industry (e.g. for watches or semiconductors)
[10] A bully friend from school – the one with the violent older brother.
[11] Another bully friend from school – the one with red hair
[12] It’s one of the most important foods in Chinese New Year.Traditionally, members of a family get together to make dumplings during the New Year’s Eve.
[13] It’s a Chinese New Year special produced by China Media Group. It is broadcast annually on the eve of Chinese New Year. The Gala has the largest audience of any entertainment show in the world.
The program is a variety show, often featuring music, dance, comedy, and drama performances. It has become a ritual for many Chinese families, including overseas Chinese,
[14] The New Year ‘s goods refer to certain items that are traditionally purchased before the New Year’s. Usually, it’s abalone, sea cucumbers, shark fins,and fish maw. In some places, people will buy candy melon seeds and put them on a traditional platter. The New Year’s goods could also be gifts for New Year’s greetings, like chocolates, cookies etc. This is because when visiting relatives and friends’ homes, it is customary to bring something with you.
[15] Just like “Dage”, it means “older brother”, however “Gege” is more informal, some would even say flirty. “Heaven Official’s Blessing” is a great novel to read to learn all about the usage of “Gege” 😉
[16] In the original it says that he knew that he was “Mara” (魔障), which refers to a demon of temptation in Buddhism. It is usually used to describe a person who is crazily obsessed with something.
[17] Reference to this song 周華健 Wakin Chau【孤枕難眠 Sleepless night alone】Official Music Video
[18] About 82 Fahrenheit.
[19] This case is elaborated in more detail in “Winner Takes All”. The gist, however, is that Li Shuo did, in fact, cook the books. On a personal sidenote, this is one of the biggest reasons I dislike Li Shuo – he helps rich assholes game the system.
[20] A bit of inconsistency with “Additional Inheritance”. Adrian can actually fight. Maybe just not against three trained soldiers.
[21] More about the nephew in “Additional Inheritance” 🙂
