The Best Of You (English Ver.) - Chapter 43

When Shen Nianshen returned, Sun Tiantian was still not asleep. The girl just lay on the bed with the tightly closed blanket. Only her palm-sized face was visible, along with a pair of large black eyeballs that looked bright in the dark.

Seeing Shen Nianshen return, she hastily lifted the blanket and said to him, “Hurry in.”

Shen Nianshen walked to the side of the bed and was stunned for a moment, but he did not move.

He had just taken a cold shower for quite a long time. The heat in his body finally subsided, but…

His dark eyes fell onto Sun Tiantian’s soft lips, unconsciously his throat suddenly felt dry.

He was indeed at a young age that was full of enthusiasm. Being able to sleep together with his beloved girl, of course, couldn’t escape some urges to do so.

Shen Nianshen stood at the side of the bed for a while. But in the end, he just bent down and helped Sun Tiantian tidy up the blanket, then lowered his head and gently kissed her forehead, “Sleep well, don’t kick the blanket.”

Sun Tiantian was stunned, “What about you?”

Shen Nianshen replied, “I’ll sleep on the sofa.”

After saying this, he stroked Sun Tiantian’s head and straightened himself.

Sun Tiantian grabbed his arm subconsciously, looked straight into Shen Nianshen’s eyes, and whispered, “You just sleep with me, it’s no…no problem, really.”

Shen Nianshen smiled, then bent down and put back Sun Tiantian’s hand under the blanket. Then touched her forehead, looked at her for a while, and said softly, “Go to sleep.”

Shen Nianshen took a blanket from the cupboard and went to sleep on the sofa in the living room.

The room was quiet, Sun Tiantian laid alone on the bed. The blankets and pillows were full of Shen Nianshen’s body scent, a light, and refreshing mint scent.

Subconsciously, Sun Tiantian buried herself even more in the blanket. She hid her mouth and nose in the blanket, only a pair of black eyes could be seen. She stared at the door without blinking.

She remembered what just happened, actually… if Shen Nianshen wanted to do ‘something more’, Sun Tiantian was also willing.

On the eve of Chinese New Year, the streets were illuminated by bright lights. The sound of firecrackers and fireworks outside continued until three or four in the morning before everything gradually stopped.

Sun Tiantian stayed up all night, staring at the gray ceiling above her head without blinking. Her mind was full of thoughts about Shen Nianshen’s parents.

All this time, she knew that Shen Nianshen’s family condition was not very good, but she did not know that Shen Nianshen had earned himself his tuition and living expenses for him and his grandmother since long ago. Shen Nianshen never told her this.

She remembered when Shen Nianshen was smoking on the bridge alone. At that time, Shen Nianshen must have been so sad when he saw everyone gathered in their house.

No matter how strong the young man was, he was only 20 years old.

Sun Tiantian burst into tears at the thought of this, her tears falling uncontrollably

During her lifetime, it was the first time she had insomnia all night long.

The next day, she got out of bed before dawn.

She put on her jacket and slowly opened the door.

It was just a little past five o’clock, Shen Nianshen still hadn’t woken up yet.

Sun Tiantian walked on tiptoe and slowly walked over to Shen Nianshen.

Shen Nianshen had a habit of running in the morning. Every day he would wake up at six in the morning.

His eyes were still closed, he subconsciously rubbing his temples. A few moments later, he was just about to sit up, when he felt something strange. It felt like something was pressing on top of him.

He looked down subconsciously and saw Sun Tiantian draped in her black jacket, sitting on the side of the sofa with her half body leaning against Shen Nianshen’s upper body. The girl’s eyes were closed, seemingly asleep.

Shen Nianshen laughed just for a second, he was afraid Sun Tiantian would catch a cold. He held her hand and called softly, “Tiantian?”

Sun Tiantian didn’t fall asleep, she was just laying around. When she heard Shen Nianshen’s voice, she got up immediately.

She lifted herself and rubbed her eyes. Her voice was low, she asked Shen Nianshen, “Did I wake you up?”

“No.”

Sun Tiantian sat on the edge of the sofa and Shen Nianshen hugged her, “Why are you sleeping here?”

Sun Tiantian hugged Shen Nianshen’s waist and buried her head in the young man’s arms.

She hugged him tightly and didn’t speak.

“Tiantian?” Shen Nianshen lowered his head and asked softly, “What’s the matter?” Sun Tiantian shook her head, “Nothing, I just want to hug you.”

Shen Nianshen was stunned for a few seconds and smiled afterward. He stroked Sun Tiantian’s head, “Are you hungry? Want me to buy you breakfast?” Sun Tiantian nodded and lifted her head from Shen Nianshen’s embrace.

Shen Nianshen lifted the blanket from his body, got off the sofa as he said, “I’ll wash my face and brush my teeth first. Wait for me here.”

After saying that, he went into the bathroom.

Sun Tiantian also stood up from the sofa and followed Shen Nianshen.

Shen Nianshen entered the bathroom. As he turned around, he saw Sun Tiantian standing in front of the door and looking at him pitifully.

He couldn’t hold back his laughter and said, “Wait a moment, I’ll get a toothbrush for you.”

As he spoke, he came out of the bathroom and went to his room to get a new toothbrush.

He handed it to Sun Tiantian and said, “There is no new towel, is it okay to use mine?”

Sun Tiantian nodded, “it’s okay.”

Shen Nianshen stood in front of the sink and pressed the toothpaste. Sun Tiantian went to his side and thrust her toothbrush at him, “Give me some.”

Her voice was soft and sounded very submissive.

Shen Nianshen smiled and helped her got some toothpaste, “Wait, I’ll get you a cup.”

As long as Sun Tiantian was by his side, Shen Nianshen’s mood was always good. It was as if as long as he could see Sun Tiantian, and hear the girl’s voice, then all the fog in his heart would dissipate.

After Shen Nianshen finished washing up his face, he went to the kitchen to make some breakfast. Sun Tiantian washed her face in the bathroom, hung up the towel, and went to the kitchen to see Shen Nianshen.

Shen Nianshen was cooking glutinous rice balls in ginger syrup. When Sun Tiantian came in, Shen Nianshen asked her, “The filling is green beans, do you like it?”

Sun Tiantian nodded, “I really like it.”

She walked behind Shen Nianshen and hugged him from behind, gently pressing her cheek against Shen Nianshen’s back.

Shen Nianshen was stunned for a moment and asked in a low voice, “What’s the matter?”

Sun Tiantian said softly, “It’s nothing, just want to hug you.”

Just wanted to hug him and let this young man feel her love all the time.

A gentle smile appeared in Shen Nianshen’s eyes, he gently held Sun Tiantian’s hand that was on his waist.

The water in the pot has boiled. Shen Nianshen lowered his head and put the glutinous balls into the pot. Sun Tiantian hugged him quietly from behind.

The warm sunlight entered through the window, a soft light shone on the two who were hugging each other.

On the first morning of Chinese New Year, a quiet good year ahead.

–***–

When Shen Nianshen finished the cooking, Sun Tiantian took the bowl and walked to his side, “I will call Grandma.”

“Slow down, it’s still hot.”

“I know!”

The bowl was filled to the brim, Sun Tiantian carried it carefully out of the kitchen and placed it on the dining table.

She was just about to call grandma to have breakfast. But, as soon as she walked to the door, Grandma had come out from inside.

Grandmother looked at Sun Tiantian, surprised with delight, “Oh, Tiantian! When did you arrive?”

Sun Tiantian smiled and led Grandma over, “Last night.”

“Ah? You came here last night? Why didn’t I know?”

Sun Tiantian smiled and said, “When I came, Grandma was already asleep.”

As she spoke, she helped Grandma to sit down at the dining table, “Grandma, let’s eat the breakfast, Ah Nian cooked it.”

“Okay.”

Shen Nianshen came out of the kitchen bringing two bowls, he put them on the table and helped Sun Tiantian pull up a stool, “You sit here.”

Only then did Sun Tiantian sit down.

Shen Nianshen handed her a spoon while reminding, “Eat slowly, it’s still hot.”

“Yes, I know.” Sun Tiantian scooped up a glutinous ball, blew on it, and bit it lightly.

“Is it tasty?” Shen Nianshen looked at her questioningly.

Sun Tiantian nodded, “It’s delicious, and it smells good.”

As she spoke, she blew the glutinous ball again and ate them one by one.

Shen Nianshen looked at Sun Tiantian and involuntarily pulled up his mouth into a smile.

The grandmother sat across them and saw the two young people’s interactions, her heart was very happy.

Since childhood, she rarely saw her grandson smile. After being together with Sun Tiantian, her grandson became smiling often.

There was such a good girl with her grandson that she would have rest in peace if one day she had to go.

Grandmother looked at Sun Tiantian and then at her grandson, her eyes suddenly teary.

Afraid that her grandson would see it, she wiped her eyes and lowered her head to eat.

After finished their breakfast, Shen Nianshen cleared up the cutlery to wash. Grandma stood up and said, “You guys just go. It’s Chinese New Year, you take Tiantian out to play. I’ll wash them.”

“No need. Grandma, you just rest, it’s just a few bowls.” Shen Nianshen took the bowls to the kitchen and Sun Tiantian hurriedly followed, “You rest, I’ll wash it.”

Shen Nianshen smiled, “Just some bowls, I’ll finish it quickly.”

He spoke while turning on the tap and start washing the dishes.

Sun Tiantian stood beside him and gently held Shen Nianshen’s hand. She lowered her head and whispered, “I never seem to do anything.”

Shen Nianshen said, “With me, you don’t have to do anything.”

Sun Tiantian chuckled, “This isn’t good either. Later when we got married, we have to share the chores. You cook and wash the dishes, I do the laundry and other household chores. Okay?”

Sun Tiantian looked up and smiled sweetly as she looked at Shen Nianshen.

Shen Nianshen turned to look at her, his eyes fixed on Sun Tiantian’s lips which were curved up in a smile. There was a smile in Shen Nianshen’s eyes and he gave Sun Tiantian a quick peck on her lips. Only then did he answer softly, “Okay.”

–***–

After cleaning the kitchen and went out from the kitchen, they saw Grandma was standing at the door chatting with Grandma Liang Qi.

Shen Nianshen and Sun Tiantian changed their clothes and walked out of the house.

Grandma Liang Qi looked at Sun Tiantian and said with a smile, “That’s Ah Nian’s girlfriend, eh?”

Shen Nianshen smiled and nodded, “Yes, she is.” Then he said to Sun Tiantian, “This is Grandma Liang.”

Sun Tiantian smiled and greeted politely, “Hello, Grandma Liang.”

“Ah, the little girl is really really beautiful. Ah Nian, this is your luck. You should cherish her well.”

Shen Nianshen smiled and held Sun Tiantian’s hand tighter, “That’s for sure.”

Sun Tiantian turned her head to the side and her heart suddenly felt the sweetness.

Shen Nianshen tilted his head and said to his grandmother, “Grandmother, I will take Tiantian out to play for a while, and I will accompany you this afternoon.”

Grandma waved her hand and chuckled, “You guys just go for a walk and play, don’t mind me. I’ll have a chat with Grandma Liang, this way it feels more comfortable.”

Shen Nianshen agreed, “Then Tiantian and I will go first.”

“Yeah, you guys go quickly.”

Sun Tiantian waved at grandma, “See you later, Grandma and Grandma Liang.”

Shen Nianshen took Sun Tiantian away and the two old grandmas chatted while standing in front of the door.

Grandma Liang smiled and said, “This little girl’s smile is really pretty.”

Grandma nodded and smiled too, “Of course. Since Ah Nian with her, Ah Nian has become much happier than before.”

Grandma Liang, “Sure. I heard it from Liang Qi, Ah Nian treats her girlfriend like a treasure.”

Grandma smiled, “That’s right.”

Grandma stood in front of the door for another while and suddenly she felt dizzy.

Lately, she has been having frequent headaches and they have become much more frequent.

Her voice was a bit weak and she said, “Bi Rong, I’m a little unwell. I’m going back to my room to rest first. I can’t accompany you anymore.”

Grandma Liang hurriedly nodded, “Alright, you go back in and just rest. I’m going home too.”

Grandma Shen closed the door and originally wanted to go back to her room to rest. But suddenly her head was aching and her eyes were spinning. She nearly fell to the floor and was so startled that she hastily grabbed the cupboard beside her.

But before she could hold on to the cupboard, suddenly the headache hit her again. Her eyes darkened and she fell to the floor.

–***–

Shen Nianshen originally wanted to take Sun Tiantian to the zoo, but Sun Tiantian did not want Shen Nianshen to spend his money. She said she didn’t want to go to the zoo. Finally, they just holding hands while walking slowly down the highway.

They took a walk to the nearby Huxin Park.

There was seldom any sun in winter, but now the sun was shining brightly and everyone was out for activities.

The park was crowded and old people were taking a stroll. Little children run around on the grassy ground, while lovers holding hands. Everything looks very harmonious.

Sun Tiantian looked at a couple riding a tandem bicycle. She was very excited and held Shen Nianshen’s hand, “Ah Nian, let’s go for a bike ride too. It looks fun.”

Shen Nianshen glanced at her and said with a smile, “Okay.”

Outside the park there was bike rental, they could rent a bike for an hour for two dollars.

Sun Tiantian rented for two hours and paid a deposit of 50 yuan.

This kind of tandem bike doesn’t matter if the person at the back couldn’t ride a bike. The key point was the person at the front able to master the balance.

After Shen Nianshen sat on it, Sun Tiantian immediately sat on the back and stepped on the pedal with her foot, “May I step on the pedal?”

Shen Nianshen smiled and said, “Yes, but not too fast. Follow my rhythm.”

Sun Tiantian cheered happily, “Okay!”

Shen Nianshen rode the bicycle at the front and Sun Tiantian behind him. The wind blew gently and was punctuated with a hint of warmth from the sun.

Because she also pedaled, Sun Tiantian almost felt like she could ride a bicycle. She shouted happily from behind, “Shen Nianshen, I seem to be able to ride a bicycle!”

Shen Nianshen laughed mockingly, “That’s because I’m the one keeping the balance.”

When there was no one around them, Sun Tiantian shouted from behind, “Shen Nianshen, let me try for a while. I want to ride it.”

Shen Nianshen stopped the bicycle, hold the handlebars, and got out of his position.

Sun Tiantian jumped off the bike excitedly and then sat at the front position, “I really feel like I can ride a bicycle.”

Shen Nianshen had already seen Sun Tiantian rode on a bicycle, for a moment he didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, “If you want to learn, we should change to a smaller bike. This one is too long, it can’t be used for learning.”

Sun Tiantian was stunned, “Really?”

Shen Nianshen pulled her down, “Let’s swap it for a smaller bike. I’ll teach you.”

Sun Tiantian thought for a moment and nodded, “Alright.”

As she spoke, she returned to her position at the back.

Shen Nianshen held the bicycle handlebars. Seeing that Sun Tiantian was already sitting at the back, he was about to get on the bike, when his cell phone suddenly rang. He lowered his head to look at the caller ID and immediately picked it up, “Liang Qi?”

Liang Qi’s voice sounded panicked and he shouted, “Brother! Hurry up to the General Hospital. Something happened to grandma!”

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