116. New Year's Day

Winter in Province S was completely different from that in Hai City. Qi Le An only wore a thin sweater in Hai City, while he felt cold wrapping himself in a down jacket when he arrived in Province S.

Wei Chang Feng couldn’t ask for leave, so he asked Gary to pick up Qi Le An at the airport. After leaving the airport, Gary drove for almost three hours before they he arrived at the village where ‘The Coffin’ was being filmed.

Qi Le An saw the cameras from afar and asked Gary, “Is Wei Sama busy today?”

Gary drove as he replied, “The weather wasn’t good a few days ago, and they failed to shoot a few scenes. Today it was sunny, and they like to make it up for the delay today.”

Qi Le An nodded understandingly.

Gary pulled over the car by the roadside. When the crew just arrived, many villagers came to watch them for fun. After a few days, they had lost interest. There were no media here, and the set was particularly quiet.

When Qi Le An arrived, he saw Wei Chang Feng acting. Wearing a rustic sweater and jacket, he was angrily arguing with his father, who was the head of the village.

It was below zero. When one talked, wisps of steam puffed from his lips. However, the actors were wearing costumes for early winter.

“It’s going to snow these days. The director wants to finish the outdoors scenes before it snows.” Gary whispered and took Wei Chang Feng’s thick coat from another assistant.

At the end of the filming, the director shouted “Cut”, and Gary quickly went up to give Wei Chang Feng some hot water. The two actors were frozen, and Wei Chang Feng’s fingers were red.

Qi Le An had never encountered extreme weather in the filming since his rebirth. He had almost forgotten how hard it was to act outdoors. When he saw Wei Chang Feng work in such a bad condition, he couldn’t help feeling distressed.

If he had known about this, he would not have recommended this movie to Wei Sama…

Wei Chang Feng saw Qi Le An and walked over quickly. “Why are you wearing so little? Do you feel cold?” As he spoke, he was about to take off his thick coat and give it to Qi Le An.

Qi Le An quickly said, “I’m not cold. I have a woolen sweater under the coat.”

“Have you had breakfast yet?” Wei Chang Feng asked again.

Qi Le An took the early flight and ate a little on the way, so he nodded and said, “Yes.”

Only then did Wei Chang Feng relax.

Seeing that Wei Chang Feng cared about Qi Le An a lot, Huo Hai said jokingly, “Wei Sama, why don’t you introduce us?”

Huo Hai was around twenty-six years old, and he looked ferocious because he shaved his head bald for the movie. He liked to stay with Wei Chang Feng among the crew.

Wei Chang Feng introduced, “This is my brother.”

Qi Le An glanced at Huo Hai, who was not the cup of tea for Wei Chang Feng, and he was relieved, saying, “Hello, I’m Qi Le An.”

Qi Le An was actually much more famous than Huo Hai, but Huo Hai had never met him before, thinking he was an obscure actor, so he said, “Can I call you An? I am Huo Hai.”

After they chatted for five minutes, the Script Supervisor started urging them to start filming again. In such a short time, Qi Le An felt his feet frozen.

Wei Chang Feng said, “It’s too cold outside. Go to the car and sit.”

Qi Le An shook his head and smiled, “I want to stay here and watch you act.”

Seeing that Qi Le An was unwilling to return to the car, Wei Chang Feng did not continue to persuade him. He took off his thick coat and gave it to Qi Le An before returning to the set.

It was sunny on the last day of the year, and they felt some warmth in the sun.  Wei Chang Feng was busy all day, and he finished his work until eight in the evening.

Although they were exhausted, the filming went well. Everyone had smiles on their faces. Wei Chang Feng introduced Qi Le An to the director, who was friendly because he had heard of Qi Le An because of Dou Zhiyuan.

The next day was New Year’s Day. The crew booked a table in a restaurant of the village, and they had a feast until well after ten at night.

Qi Le An was a visitor, and he needed to find a place for himself. There was not a decent hotel in the village and the crew stayed at the villagers’ houses. There were Kangas (heatable brick beds) which could accommodate quite some people, so Wei Chang Feng openly brought Qi Le An back to his room.

Qi Le An was from the south, and it was the first time he had seen a Kang. He was curious and touched the hot bricks, asking, “Do you feel hot sleeping on it at night?”

Wei Chang Feng put his thick coat on the rack and said, “Yes, and the quilt is thin.”

Qi Le An looked at it. It was true!

Wei Chang Feng had been busy. After he put away the clothes, he started pouring hot water into a jar and said, “Take off your clothes. You’ll feel hot in a while.”

Qi Le An compliantly took off his down coat. He glanced around and saw Wei Chang Feng’s belongings neatly placed on the only square table in the room.

He recalled for three seconds the messy living room at home, deciding he should tidy up right after he went back!

“You’ve stayed in the cold for a whole day. Have some fried-flour tea.” Wei Chang Feng handed the fried-flour tea in the porcelain jar to Qi Le An.

Qi Le An found that just now Wei Chang Feng was not pouring water. He looked at the porcelain jar and took a sip of the instant fried-flour tea.

Wei Chang Feng sat on the side and looked at him gently. “How is it?”

Qi Le An nodded with bright eyes. It tasted good.

Wei Chang Feng took out a large packet of new fried-flour tea and put it into Qi Le An’s suitcase, saying, “I found this very convenient. Take it back. You can make yourself a glass when you’re hungry at night.”

Qi Le An thought Wei Chang Feng was so nice to him, and he had to express his thanks! He looked around and saw that the windows were covered with newspapers, so he sprang at Wei Chang Feng and kissed his lips.

Wei Chang Feng accepted the kiss happily. Qi Le An had the taste of spiced salt fried-flour tea in his mouth. Wei Chang Feng sucked the taste between his lips and teeth and smiled. “Well, the fried-flour tea is delicious.”

Qi Le An asked, “Am I not delicious?”

Wei Chang Feng looked at Qi Le An and couldn’t help scratching his nose. “You are the most delicious.”

Qi Le An felt contented.

The electric kettle made a warning sound of boiling water, and Wei Chang Feng went over, pouring the hot water into the basin by the door. Seeing this, Qi Le An got up from the stool and asked, “Do you want some cold water? I’ll go get it.”

Wei Chang Feng didn’t stop him, saying, “It’s right at the door. Put on your coat and go.”

Qi Le An put on his down coat and took an empty basin out.

The water pipe stood on the ground outside. Huo Hai was fetching cold water there. He smiled at the sight of Qi Le An, saying, “I’m almost done.”

Qi Le An smiled, waiting on the side with a plastic basin.

Huo Hai suddenly asked, “Are you close with Wei Sama?”

Qi Le An nodded and said, “He is very good to me.”

Huo Hai gave a meaningful smile and turned off the tap.

After Huo Hai went away with the water, Qi Le An fetched half a basin of water and went back. After he entered the room, Wei Chang Feng said, “I was worried that you’d get lost.”

Qi Le An poured the cold water into the basin and said, “No. I said a few words with Huo Hai there.”

After they washed their faces, Wei Chang Feng brought over a big bucket. Qi Le An looked at the bucket and asked curiously, “What is this for?”

Wei Chang Feng poured the remaining half basin of cold water into the bucket with the new hot water and said, “It’s very comfortable to soak your feet.”

After he spoke, he felt the water temperature with his hand and said, “Sit on the bed.”

Qi Le An didn’t know what Wei Chang Feng was going to do, and he sat on the bed curiously. Unexpectedly, Wei Chang Feng took off Qi Le An’s shoes in the next second. Qi Le An was startled and instinctively withdrew his feet. Wei Chang Feng grabbed them and frowned, “Didn’t you say it’s not cold? Why are your feet so cold?”

Qi Le An didn’t expect Province S to be so cold. He was not wearing thick boots, and his feet had been cold since he arrived. But how could he feel cold when his feet were held by Wei Chang Feng now? He hastily said, “I’m not cold.”

Wei Chang Feng shook his head with a wry face. He covered Qi Le An’s feet with both hands, and then rolled up his trousers and put his feet into the bucket.

A warm feeling came from the feet, and Qi Le An felt warm all over.

He looked at Wei Chang Feng, who was washing his feet, and his heart was filled with love.

Wei Chang Feng raised his head and asked, “Do you want to add some hot water?”

Qi Le An shook his head. He suddenly smiled and said, “Wei Sama, come join me.”

Wei Chang Feng thought about it and brought a stool over. He took off his shoes and put his feet in the bucket.

Qi Le An got playful and stepped on Wei Chang Feng’s big feet. Wei Chang Feng teased Qi Le An. The two of them ‘fought’ in the bucket like two kids. The water splashed on the bricked floor and wet a large spot.

Qi Le An’s feet were caught by those of Wei Chang Feng, and he panted with a smile, “Stop it! I surrender.”

Wei Chang Feng wiped his feet with the cloth on the side, put on his slippers, and wiped Qi Le An’s feet, smiling. “Okay. Go to bed.”

Qi Le An rolled to the warm bed.

Wei Chang Feng went to pour the water and turned off the light at the door. Qi Le An turned on the light by the bed and lay on the bed, looking at Wei Chang Feng.

The night in the village was very quiet. Occasionally, a dog was barking in the distance. Wei Chang Feng went to bed and turned off the light. He patted Qi Le An on his butt and said, “Go to sleep.”

Qi Le An rolled further inside and Wei Chang Feng got under the quilt. Qi Le An was wide awake, and he couldn’t sleep. Afraid to disturb Wei Chang Feng, he didn’t dare to move, feeling upset.

Fortunately, Wei Chang Feng was right next to him. He could see Wei Chang Feng’s face in the moonlight.

His face looked gorgeous, and the soul beneath it was the gentlest.

Wei Chang Feng suddenly opened his eyes and looked at Qi Le An helplessly, “You can’t sleep?”

Qi Le An’s eyes were shining.

Wei Chang Feng extended his long arm and held Qi Le An in his arms.

“Let’s chat if you can’t sleep.”

Qi Le An rested his head on Wei Chang Feng’s arm and lay on his side, whispering, “About what?”

“Anything.”

“Well… By the way, I told Chen Shan about us.”

Wei Chang Feng was taken aback, asking, “Why didn’t you wait for me?”

Qi Le An pulled a long face and said, “Chen Ge guessed it, and he sounded me out.”

Wei Chang Feng kissed Qi Le An’s nose and said, “It’s okay that you told him. I will solve the problem if there’s any.”

Qi Le An smiled foolishly.

“It’s almost midnight.” Qi Le An looked at the glowing watch on the bedside table. “Ten more minutes.”

Wei Chang Feng said, “You can make a wish and see if it could come true.”

Qi Le An sighed, “My biggest wish has come true… but…” As he spoke, Qi Le An suddenly sat up and laughed mischievously, “There’s another little wish!”

Qi Le An quickly climbed on top of Wei Chang Feng and said playfully, “Let’s see if you can grant it.”

Wei Chang Feng raised his eyebrows and put his hands on Qi Le An’s waist.