Special Fondness – Extra: A few snippets

~Sleep Talking~

Fang Su has had many dreams lately, sleep talking sometimes, his voice light and low, extremely gentle, but people could easily hear it clearly.

Tang QiaoYuan seemed to have found a new interest, and has never reminded him, observing him on one side in an ill-behaved way and “having a conversation” with him. No matter what Fang Su dreamt about, or said, he always took delight in getting involved, shamelessly disturbing people’s dreams.

That afternoon, Fang Su was taking a small nap, and started again to speak in bits and pieces, saying that the end of the year was approaching, can hang on red lanterns, this time they can hang more of them, very bright, very pretty. 

Tang QiaoYuan was sitting at the bedside, lowly chuckling twice then answered by coaxing him: “You call me husband, then we’ll hang up one more time.” 

“Husband…” Fang Su who was dreaming was naive, going along with his words and replying, mumbling a few words then called again, “husband… called twice… have to hang up two more…”

Tang QiaoYuan laughed out loud.

Fang Su was accidentally startled awake, and opened his eyes in a daze, only slowly waking up after a long while, looking with confusion at the person who was full of smiles.

Tang QiaoYuan lowered his head and pecked at him, not willing to let it go, said: “Su Su called me ‘husband’ in his sleep, often dreaming of me lately, could it be that he hasn’t seen enough of me while he is awake?” 

Fang Su’s face became red.

“What did you dream of?” Tang QiaoYuan asked him on purpose.

Fang Su did not reply, from the moment he woke up from his dream, his temperament was revered to not being good at speaking. After a moment, only then he stretched out a hand from below the quilt, and said softly while pulling on Tang QiaoYuan’s sleeve: “The end of the year is close.”

“En,” Tang QiaoYuan finally did not tease him anymore, covering his palm that was languid from the sleep, said while smiling, “The end of the year is close, let’s hang a few more lanterns this year.” 

Fang Su was distracted, it was as if that person went into his dream.

A moment later, he curved his eyes, and nodded, in return, Tang QiaoYuan got the most valuable gentle smile of his life.

 

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~ Meeting friends ~

Tang Qiaoyuan brought Fang Su along for meeting friends.

In the room, a friend looked at the dark blue brocade bag at his waist and asked half-jokingly and half-seriously: “I said Tang QiaoYuan, every time I see you carry this purse with you, never changing it, what kind of treasure is that exactly, can you lend it to me so I can take a look?” 

Tang Qiaoyuan heard that but laughed, embraced Fang Su next to him, and asked: “Let them take a look or not?” 

The few friends were highly interested, repeatedly poking fun at him for fearing his wife.

The sky was clear, Fang Su tilted his head to look outside the pavilion, he simply couldn’t hear what they were discussing, he was suddenly called, and turned his head in confusion: “What?”

“Since they are laughing at me for “fearing my wife”, then I have to wait for your ok or not.”

Fang Su didn’t know the cause of the accident, after hearing this his face suddenly turned red, and could only reply softly: “You decide.”

“Then I’m not giving,” Tang QiaoYuan replied straightforwardly, teasing back those people, “The treasure my Su Su handmade, how can it easily be seen by you?”

This time Fang Su heard it clearly, sighed in his heart, and was thinking that in the future it would be better if he doesn’t come along with this person to his meeting friends.” 

~One’s fate~

On the Chinese New Year day, Fang Su went out of the city to sweep the tomb. 

A secluded path led to the depths of the forest, between the trees on the two sides were looming graves. The horse’s hooves slowly stepped, and after a while, it stopped in front of a simple and lonely grave.

Tang QiaoYuan helped Fang Su to get off the horse, helping him to take care of the fallen leaves and the weeds in front of the grave, looking at the rough lettering that hadn’t even been traced in cinnabar, his heart felt a bit uncomfortable. 

But the person beside has been used for many years, persistently carefully wiping the dust off the tombstone with a cotton cloth, extremely similar to the quiet look that was reflected in Tang QiaoYuan’s eye when he first saw him. 

Tang QiaoYuan let out the trace of a smile, asking: “How about looking for an auspicious day to relocate the tomb to somewhere else?”

Fang Su was quite surprised by that, he considered it for a while then shook his head at him: “This place is quite good.”

Tang QiaoYuan really couldn’t understand what was good about this place — — a desolate place in nowhere, overgrown with weeds, and also quite far from the city. But since Fang Su said it, he didn’t need to speak anymore, placing out the incense, candles, and tribute wine from the basket, sincerely worshiping along with Fang Su. 

Until when they were about to leave, Fang Su only sat on the horse’s back and looking around, in a docile manner whispered: “QiaoYuan, you met me here, this place is very good…….mom is blessing me from there.” 

Tang QiaoYuan’s gaze warmed, in an instant, waste weeds and desolate trees became the best landscape. 

“Tomorrow I will ask someone to replace the tombstone with a new one.” 

“Alright.” Fang Su hugged him tightly, and closed his eyes bearing the summer breeze. 

The smile on Tang QiaoYuan’s lips deepened,  protected well the person in his arms, and gripped the rope to drive the horse, horse hooves gradually quickened. 

Along with the disorderly sound of hooves, he remembered that at that time when he got a love poison attack, feeling furious and restless galloped all the way, not knowing why he was led there.   

It was probably as Fang Su said, in the unseen world, having his own shield. 

Thence seeing Fang Su, his life was set. 

~Idle dream~

A square and upright desk was set in the courtyard, an incense burner on top of it, with two wine glasses. 

Fang Su stood silently beside it, and was puzzled for a while, only seeing the person at his side toasting to the sky saying: “With the sky above, thick soil as evidence, I, Tang QiaoYuan with Fang Su are to become brothers with a different surname, not begging to be born on the same year, same month and the same day, only begging to die on the same year, same month and same day. 

Fang Su’s eyelid twitches, only feeling that these words weren’t right, it seemed that this person once told him: Only wished that you would leave before I do, not leaving you lonely and desolate. 

He looked sideways in confusion, only to see Tang QiaoYuan’s appearance unchanged, but seemed to be another person, lifted his cup and looked at him sincerely. 

Fang Su struggled back and forth, after a while, he still couldn’t bear to see him disappointed, silently taking the other cup in his hand. 

The eyes of the person before him were instantly full of joy, drinking up the wine, and made an earth-shattering promise:

“Brotherly friend Fang, in the future as long as older brother has a mouthful to eat, then brotherly friend certainly won’t have one less mouthful of meat. 

Fang Su heard this ear-bursting form of address, in the end, his hand couldn’t help but shake, the liquor spilled all over the floor. 

Through the window, the warm sun was brushing lightly on his face. 

Fang Su woke up from his dream, looking at the still life of the room, and didn’t return to his senses for a long time, it seemed that the three incense sticks from his dream were still burning in front of him. 

Someone called him from outside near the window sill: “Su Su, do you remember where I put my Lishan warm jade chess? Brother Chen came to the mansion to pay a visit, I am looking for it to relieve boredom with him.” 

“… How did you call me?”

Tang QiaoYuan didn’t understand: “Su Su?”

Fang Su enjoyed the aftertaste for a long while, and sighed in relief, fortunately, it wasn’t “Brotherly friend Fang” anymore.

He turned over to get off the bed, and went to the cabinet to get the jade chess for Tang QiaoYuan. 

Tang QiaoYuan thought he was confused by the sleep, smiled and kissed him over the railing, and turned around to meet the guest. 

Fang Su stayed alone in the room, and carefully thought about that absurd odd dream.

A little bit later, Tang QiaoYuan who returned after sending the guest back noticed that Fang Su sent out a post in the friend circle¹, but forgot to block him:

Is there any expert in the thousand friends circle² who knows how to interpret dreams? May I ask what phenomenon is about to appear if I dreamt about my husband turning silly? Urgent, waiting online. 

(Sugar³ master: ?……The phenomenon is, that you probably don’t want to sleep tonight.)

~Years~

Over the years, Fang Su learned to write a notable amount of elegant characters, and paint delicately. Every stroke dipped in ink on the rice paper contains a subtle style that came from Tang QiaoYuan’s brushwork. 

The characters looked like him, the painting style looked like him, only the temperament was not like him. 

Fang Su from many years later, his unchanged temperament was still as soft and gentle as water, day after day, warmly enveloping all of Tang QiaoYuan’s deep feelings. 

　　

[ Bonus nonsense theater]

Fang Su went to see Qin MeiWan with the note.

Qin cousin: He he he I knew you would come.

Su Su: I have something to ask you…

Qin cousin: You ask, I would let you go clearly.

Fang Su took out the note, and pointed at the word after “poison”.

Su Su: How do you read this character?

 Qin cousin vomited blood, and died.

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Notes:

1. Friend circle on WeChat, just like when you post on Facebook. (The author just added a bit of modernity in their historical work lol.)
2. I don’t know if it’s a mistake, because ‘ 网友’ (Wǎngyǒu) means ‘netizens’ but the author used ‘万友’ (Wàn yǒu) which means ‘thousand friends’, the pinyin for both is very similar so it could’ve been a typo that hasn’t been corrected, which happens.
3. Same, 糖 ‘sugar’ and 唐 Tang QiaoYuan’s family name. Typo? Play on words? Idk.

We’ve done for good with Special Fondness! I haven’t even had time to work on my other project… It’s rush period for our sector, before that, I used to take a small coffee break every two hours, and we’re so busy that I barely get the time to go to the toilets… Although our chief or boss doesn’t prohibit us from doing that, we’re just so swamped with work that we’re just trying to do as much as possible… x_x

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Milktea

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Special Fondness – Extra 4 – To keep company with the wolf

The new moon hung in the night mountain, everything was quiet under the cold branches and leaves.

The creatures in the forest were covered by the quiet moon’s brightness, and were into a deep slumber, it was tranquil as the curtain closed on the world. 

After a while, there was suddenly a crash of thunder in the sky, fiery lightning tore through the night sky, suddenly startling awake the beings of the world.

Big raindrops gradually fell from the sky, all kinds of animals in the forest arched their backs in a panic, fleeing away in a hurry. A trembling rabbit emerged from the underbrush, looked around anxiously, then stretched its short legs and ran, looking for a cave to shelter from the rain.

It stumbled all the way, the sound of thunder was incessant, under every sudden crash of thunder, the rabbit was so frightened that its whole body was trembling. It was running like a headless fly, not knowing when it found a hole hidden in the depths of the bushes.

The rabbit blinked, couldn’t care less, and sneaked inside.

In the cave, the sound of the thunder was smaller, and the tension it felt because it was worried about being caught by the thunder was finally relieved, the rabbit shook off the water drops on its body, and stretched its arms and legs, wanting to find a clean spot to rest. 

How could it know that when it turned around, a shadow covered its whole body, the heavy evil aura covering the beast swept in. 

The limbs of the rabbit turned stiff, lifted its eyes, and its red eyes looked at the wild wolf in front of it, only then did he know that the rabbit had gotten into a wolf’s den, and came walking right into the trap. 

A thunderstorm, helped to deliver a feast for the wild wolf. 

The big wild wolf bowed slowly, opened his large bloody mouth and approached him. For a moment, the rabbit didn’t even know how to tremble, and dropped its long white ears in desperation… 

The sharp wolf fangs touched the back of his neck, and in the next moment, it actually gently held up the small thing in its mouth, turned around to walk toward the haystack in the cave, carefully putting it on it. 

The little rabbit curled up on the haystack like a dead rabbit, after a while, it cracked its eyes to look ever.

The big wild wolf lay next to it and was sleeping, one wolf claw was hugging and pulling it into his embrace to warm it up, a soft and lovely ball, and the happy wolf was slightly swaying its tail. 

The little brain of the rabbit was dizzy and dazed, it was both surprised and frightened and couldn’t bear the exhaustion, snuggled up to the fluffy fur and fell asleep.

The big wild wolf was hugging the small lump, and was thinking where did this stupid come from, it couldn’t even distinguish a wolf’s den, although it didn’t know where it came from but don’t even think about running away… 

The morning light broke in, the spring sun was rising slowly.

A warm thread of light through the window’s rail, shone on the bedside curtains.

Tang QiaoYuan woke up leisurely, the wolf and the rabbit were still in his blurred mind, the stone view in the cave gradually became clear and became a brocade quilt, that he realized what he experienced was just a dream. 

The person in his embrace was still sleeping, Tang QiaoYuan laughed at himself for dreaming about that kind of bizarre absurdity, then his stare fell on Fang Su’s eyebrows, then felt that the soft rabbit was in his embrace, it was not that surprising. 

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Thinking absentminded about when the first time they stayed together, Fang Su saw him for the first time on their wedding night, he was honestly no different from the rabbit in his dream, timid and overcautious, but quietly snuggled up after falling asleep.

Tang QiaoYuan’s eyes were full of tenderness, the more he thought about it, the more he was happy, bowed down, and kissed the corner of his eyes.

After wasting time for a while, it disturbed Fang Su’s sleep, Fang Su vaguely awoken, he half-opened his eyes and felt that the daylight was still weak, stretched his arms to loop them around that person, and his mouth whispered a “husband”, and asked in a daze: “It’s still early… Do you want to get up?” 

“Not getting up,” Tang QiaoYuan’s heart seemed to be slightly scratched, patting and coaxing him to sleep some more, “Sleep well.”

Fang Su whispered something, closed his eyes, and looked for his hand, warmly hooking his finger around it, as if it would make him more reassured this way.

Tang QiaoYuan couldn’t help but smile, and gave him a peck on the ear, and whispered to himself: “You bunny is quite courageous.” 

It wasn’t completely this way. 

After all, the one in his dream turned up without being invited, but the one in his arms, even if he fell to the ends of the earth, he would find him to be by his side, and stay for a lifetime as the wolf’s companion.

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Notes:

I dreaded translating the first part of this extra, I am very bad with poetic metaphors in any language, even less when it’s in ancient Chinese language… So if it sounds a little weird.. well… One more extra and I’ll be done for good with this novel! No more historical danmei for a good while.

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Milktea

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Special Fondness – Extra 3 – Cherishing good fortune

　　Once upon a time, there was a big villain in Lin Zhou city, not to the point wicked to the extreme, they only opened a few little gambling dens, managed some restaurants, and kept a few thugs. On ordinary days they were taciturn, apart from close friends, few other people get to see his smile, and even less his enemies. If faced with an enemy, this big villain certainly has no room for mercy, frightening every family there so that they will lower their eyes when they see them, taking every step with caution, for fear that any carelessness would lead to misfortune. 

　　But after that, Lin Zhou city suddenly had one less villain and one more good person. 

　　It’s not like they were living bodhisattva, but they would help poor families from time to time, rescue a few stray girls that were kidnapped in passing, be more sympathetic to the brothers under him, and give some small money for everyone to eat and drink.

　　Tang QiaoYuan slowly took a sip of tea, examining himself critically: What use does he have of the status of master. 

　　But his wife opened his mouth to speak: “QiaoYuan, the rain fell nonstop a few days ago, the water of the river rose, it flushed away the ZhuangYuan bridge in the East of the city…” 

　　“Buy,” Tang QiaoYuan blurted out without thinking, when the words came out he felt that something was wrong, then changed his words, “repair it.”

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　　Fang Su’s expression was docile, hasn’t finished speaking: “The wealthy households in the city have donated some, this morning when they came to ask at the Tang Mansion, it only fell short of a little.”

　　“How much?”

　　“Two hundred taels of silver.”

　　Tang QiaoYuan made an estimation, that these wealthy households probably didn’t even donate one hundred taels? If it wasn’t for the fact that there’s Fang Su now, no one would dare to come to the Tang Mansion with this kind of exploitative idea. 

　　He smiled, the word “donate” hasn’t yet been pronounced, and he heard Fang Su hesitate first: “Two hundred taels of silver, it is a little too much this time.” 

　　But he couldn’t help but laugh after all, put down the teacup in his hand, and sat by the window next to the person with interest: “Feeling distressed? It isn’t a problem, tomorrow your husband will go to the gambling den himself, and win a few games to get that money back.”

　　Fang Su gently tugged at his sleeve, telling him to stop his nonsense without speaking a single word.

　　“Not going, not going,” Tang QiaoYuan caught his hand, and brought him into his arms to coax him, “Su Su can be at ease, although your husband’s wealth isn’t equivalent to that of an entire nation, it isn’t a problem to repair those few bridges.

　　Fang Su laughed out loud, however, there was still some guilt in his heart as if all this money for good deeds were all due to his fault, making Tang QiaoYuan bear the loss. But he didn’t know how to say it, there was a slight hesitation on his face, and Tang QiaoYuan, who knew he was thinking deeply about it, made a close guess. 

　　Tang QiaoYuan restrained from poking fun at him, embraced him against the wall, and pretended to be casual: “Su Su doing good deeds is accumulating virtue and merit on my behalf.” 

　　Fang Su tilted his head to look over, listening to him seriously without blinking. 

　　“I have never done good deeds before, I thought that I would be on my own, even if retribution came one day, even sudden death is nothing to fear.” Fang Su was anxious hearing this, he suddenly tightened his body, the person next to him patted his shoulder to reassure him, “It’s different now, I am older than you by eight or nine years old, I am only afraid to leave this world before you, leaving you alone and uncared for. That’s why Su Su doing good deeds, is making up for my past mistakes, to me this could not be better. Besides you, I don’t have any other relatives, riches are mere worldly possessions, you can deal with it as you’re pleased.” 

　　Hearing that, Fang Su’s nose turned sour, before, when Tang QiaoYuan spoke kind words, it was mostly warm honeyed words, never like today’s, mentioning to be parted by death a hundred years later. But Fang Su didn’t want to hear about it, Tang QiaoYuan didn’t want him to be left alone and uncared for, but how could he be willing to be left to suffer alone.

　　He suppressed the injustice in his heart, and spoke lively: “That would be hard, I will surely be gone later than you.”

　　Tang QiaoYuan faked surprise: “My Su Su has learned to ‘talk back’”, pretending to look into his reddened eyes, dropped a light kiss on his forehead, and stopped talking about these gloomy things with him.

　　Fang Su laughed softly and lifted his head to meet his kiss.

　　A gust of wind slips through the corridor, carrying along the fragrance of grass and trees, the endless rain has finally stopped, leaving a sunny day.

　　Tang QiaoYuan readjusted his robe’s placket and carry along Fang Su to stand up, taking advantage that it was still daytime to take a walk outside the mansion, it just so happens that they can go to the East of the city to take a look at that broken bridge that needs to be repaired. 

　　Not forgetting to carry some extra things before leaving, go to donate the two hundred taels of silver before turning back, so Fang Su could be at ease.

　　So it can also add a few days of longevity for him, to accompany Fang Su to grow old, year after year, going through countless years.

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Milktea

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Special Fondness – Extra 2 – Concentric knot

　　A new flower grew from the courtyard’s green mud, the bud was a weak purple, standing tall among the green leaves, completely different from the surrounding green grass, particularly eye-catching and pitiful.

　　Fang Su was resting on the couch after dinner, drifting into dreamland in a daze, in that dream, Tang QiaoYuan was as gentle as before, calling him affectionately closely, calling him a few times, and waking him up. 

　　Fang Su opened his eyes but saw that the room was empty and quiet, the person in his dream wasn’t next to him. 

　　The summer days were slightly hot, thin sweat came out of his forehead after taking an afternoon nap, he stretched out his hand to push the window, let more breeze enter, and leaned over to look through the window, looking for Tang QiaoYuan’s silhouette in the courtyard. He found no one, but suddenly looked at the purple little flower, which he had never seen before, and was surprised all of sudden. 

　　Fang Su turned over to get off the bed, he walked toward the courtyard to take a closer look, crouched beside it, and tilted his head to admire it, carefully stoking it. 

　　The flower bud was about to open, as if shy and timid, welcoming his fingertips, the touch was very soft. Fang Su looked at it for a long moment, and thought about Tang QiaoYuan again, and wanted to find him to admire it together, but unexpectedly squatted there for a too long time, and felt dizzy when getting up, he closed his eyes and took half a step back. 

　　When he opened his eyes once again, there was someone behind who held him firmly, he didn’t know when Tang QiaoYuan returned to his side and dropped a kiss on his ear, his voice carried a smile: “Be more careful.”

　　Fang Su turned around to look at him, and also kissed next to his eyes, and asked him without laughing: “Where did QiaoYuan go?”

　　“Just now I had something to do so I went out of the mansion,” Tang QiaoYuan explained in a sentence, and didn’t say anything more, then looked left and right and asked him, “What is Su Su looking at crouched here?” 

　　Fang Su did not think deeply about it, tugging at his sleeve and mentioned him to look down, and replied happily: “Look QiaoYuan, a new flower grew here, I’ve never noticed it before.”

　　“Hm, it looks good, a little purple flower grew among the green grass, it is very unique. If you like it, then let people take care of it.” 

　　Fang Su nodded after hearing that, thought about the fact that there were occasional showers in this season, and was afraid that it would destroy the leaves, it indeed needs more care, it would be better to plant it into a pot, protected under the eaves and wait until all the flower and leaves have bloomed before moving it back to the courtyard.

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　　Up until now, he has already forgotten about the fact that Tang QiaoYuan went who knows where just now.

　　When he remembered it once again, it was already the next day’s afternoon.

　　When Fang Su woke up from his nap, it was just like yesterday, Tang QiaoYuan was nowhere to be found, leaving only the flowers on the porch standing desolate in the pots. He was standing on one side and watching, some uneasiness emerged in his heart,  he patiently waited for a while before seeing that person return to the courtyard. 

　　Fang Su went forward to welcome him, he originally wanted to ask him where did he go, but at this moment found it difficult to speak, only feeling that seeing him made his heart at ease, moved his lips for a while but didn’t speak a single word, and only smiled. 

　　Tang QiaoYuan secretly saw that he felt uncertain, but still said nothing, coaxed him for a while as if nothing happened, and brought him back to the room. 

　　For three days, four days, it was successively like this. 

　　In the end, Fang Su couldn’t bear it, during the midday rest of that day he faked being soundly asleep, and secretly followed behind Tang QiaoYuan and left the mansion.

　　Tang QiaoYuan didn’t go far, did not ride the carriage, and only walked half a street, then as he turned around, he entered an elegant shop. 

　　Fang Su stood across the street and looked inside, indistinctly seeing a young charming girl standing next to him, who was telling him something and made Tang QiaoYuan full of smiles.

　　That warmth in these eyes, Fang Su couldn’t be more familiar with it, for an instant, his mind was blank, and didn’t know to advance or to retreat. 

　　There were not many people on the street, it was the hottest moment of the day, although he was standing under the eaves, his back was full of sweat. Fang Su did not move, it was as if he had hundreds of thousand catties under his feet, and they were embedded in the ground, his eyes keep looking at the shop on the opposite side, for a long time, until Tang QiaoYuan finally came out, finally lifting his head and see him. 

　　Tang QiaoYuan’s face showed a surprised look, soon after, it showed some understanding, frowning and stepping forward, and opened his mouth wanting to explain. 

　　Fang Su shook his head, he has always been a man of few words, but this time he was the first one to speak: “If you like her, then… I……”

　　Then take her to the mansion, I won’t blame you.

　　That sentence was going around his head for a long time, but in the end, he failed to say it properly. 

　　Only then did Fang Su know, how can he be that generous. 

　　Jealousy, panic, he wanted Tang QiaoYuan to only have him in his heart. 

　　Tang QiaoYuan sighed, seeing the strong water mist in his eyes, extended his palms to him, revealing an exquisite concentric knot¹.

　　“Su Su already has forgotten, today is the seventh of July².” Tang QiaoYuan felt distressed and regretted a bit for hiding it from him, at this moment he couldn’t care less about his surprise, and only did his best to coax him, “Lady Lin has nimble fingers, I only went to find her to pair that pair of silver knots for you, but you like to let your imagination go wild.” 

　　Fang Su looked distractedly at the pair of small objects and lifted his eyes to look at him, the feeling of being wronged hadn’t dissipated yet from his eyes, feeling at a loss.

　　Tang QiaoYuan lifted his sleeve to wipe the sweat off his forehead, thought about the fact that he stood there for a long time, and felt his heart ache, wrapped his fingers around him, and took him back to the mansion.

　　Fang Su was silent the whole way back, after returning to the mansion, he was hugged by Tang QiaoYuand and carefully coaxed for a long time, then his heart felt at peace, his heart was full of happiness, and lifted his head to kiss him, very affectionately. 

　　After a while, Tang QiaoYuan tied the silver knot at his waist. 

　　“Originally I only wanted to show them to you tonight, but I did not know that it would make you worried instead, blame me.” 

　　“Is it I who…” Fang Su admitted his mistake, but before he got to finish his sentence, he was kissed by Tang QiaoYuan. 

　　“My Su Su is right no matter what he does.”

　　Fang Su laughed out loud, the unhappiness he felt during these last days vanished like smoke in thin air, the silver ornament on his waist, making a pair with his (TQY).

　　Conversation in the bedchamber didn’t need any more words.

　　Just as he remembered, it was written in books: 

　　Concentric knots, attached for a hundred years, without regret when alive, unchanging when dead.³

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Notes:

1. There’s a variety of these knots but here is an example. 

2.  July 7th (Lunar calendar) is the Chinese Valentine’s day, also known as “Qi Xi”, it comes from the myth of Niu Lang and Zhi Nu, the pair only gets to be reunited every July 7th. (Also known as Tanabata in Japan.) I am a bit lazy to explain because it’s a whole myth, Google is your best friend. 
3. 扣百年, it is the same 扣 as for arrest/take someone into custody to I used ‘attached’

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Milktea

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Special Fondness – Chapter 26

R 18+ warning – Smut in this chapter between brackets 【】

　　After a while, servants carried a few buckets of hot water and entered the room, poured it into the bathtub, a mist raised behind the screen. 

　　Fang Su walked closer, his left hand pulled up his sleeve, and the other hand tried the water’s temperature, and felt that the water was slightly too hot, and thought that he would wait a bit more, and did not expect the person behind him to hug him, stretching a hand to untie his belt. 

　　“QiaoYuan?”

　　“En,” Tang QiaoYuan answered in a low voice, not concealing his desire, tilting his head and gently biting his earlobe, the body behind him sticking even closer, coaxing him, “Let’s finish washing up earlier…”

　　Fang Su felt tickled and slightly laughed, twisted his head wanting to avoid him, but his waist was tightly hugged, could only move a few inches away. 

　　That person got to kiss him, but still wanted to tease him, and absolutely wanted to make him numb until it was unbearable, the deep voice slowly laughing along with him. Summer clothes only had a few layers and they were quickly loosened. 

　　Fang Su held Tang QiaoYuan’s hand that was touching the side of his waist, finally stopping him and said: “The water is too hot, let’s wait for a little longer…”

　　But Tang QiaoYuan thought that it was just right, answered: “One should bathe in hot water in summer, on the contrary, it isn’t good to wash in cool water.” While saying that, pulled off his robe, then his thin inner pants, peeling Fang Su cleanly. 

　　The air around the bathtub was warm and humid, Fang Su wasn’t cold, his cheeks were flushed red. Tang QiaoYuan liked this expression of him the most, his palm caressed the warm side of his face for a while, turned his body around, and led his hand to his waist, his intention was obvious. 

　　Before, Fang Su was always ashamed when cooperating, usually didn’t refuse but didn’t take the initiative either, but this time his fingers just twitched imperceptibly, then his moves were gentle, on one hand, he moved his head to meet the kiss of that man, on the other hand, helped him undress, letting the slippery clothes fall down to the ground layers by layers.

　　Tang QiaoYuan felt his heart soften and remembered his first wedding night with Fang Su, although it was under the influence of the love poison, and the image was quite distant and vague, but the inner feelings were very clear. Just by thinking at the inexperienced and submissive look Fang Su had, he couldn’t help but feel his whole body heating up, and just wanted to take good care of him.

　　—— And after the poison has been cured, he has decided that he doesn’t want to restrain his lustful thoughts, and it was actually the first time that they have surged. 

　　Now, Tang QiaoYuan could recognize his deep affection, no matter if it was because he has gotten used to it, or if it was developed over the time, all in all, he wasn’t confused and at a loss anymore, and with a clear train of thoughts, he has always loved Fang Su, and had never forgotten it after falling in love. 

　　Fang Su had once thought that he had lost him but was picked up as soon as he left, at that time, everything between them was just like usual, but both of them were clear and knew that under that appearance was some elusive strangeness mixed to it. After Fang Su has encountered a danger, Tang QiaoYuan finally came to realize and understood that his attempt to give his sincerity was superfluous, because he deeply loved Fang Su to begin with, he has never taken back his sincere heart and had always loved him to the point that he cannot extricate himself. 

　　—— Then after that until now, the feelings of the two of them were completely exposed, and they got along like glue compared to before, as if they were afraid that they weren’t greasy¹ enough in front of everyone in the mansion. 

Read the original translation at milkteatranslations.wordpress.com

　　Tang QiaoYuan looked at Fang Su, wanted to kiss him at all times, touch him, and be intimate with him, but Fang Su’s forehead was wounded, had headaches from time to time, and that person was distressed, so he could only suppress the desires in his heart. To kiss in the bed during the nighttime, and could only stop before causing unintended consequences, Tang QiaoYuan always stoked Fang Su’s back and waited for him to gradually relax, coaxed him into sleeping, then splash some cold water on himself, and wait for the fire to extinguish by itself. 

　　Fang Su said nothing but kept everything at heart. 

　　So to this day, Fang Su’s wound has healed quite a lot, and Tang QiaoYuan wasn’t the only one who did not want to bear with it anymore.

　　Fang Su closed his eyes and kissed him, his tongue took the initiative to enter that person’s mouth, Tang QiaoYuan’s arms tightened, with a moment of pity, sighed and carried him into the bathtub. 

　　The slightly hot bath water enveloped the bodies, it was midsummer to begin with, Fang Su was so hot that his face became slightly red, a layer of pink spread on the fair skin all over his body, but after a short while, the him who usually doesn’t sweat also slowly started to sweat from his neck. 

　　Fang Su felt so warm to the point he felt weak, leaning on Tang QiaoYuan’s shoulder and letting his hands caress his body, thought that the tub wasn’t spacious enough, and was afraid that it won’t be very convenient, the person next to him restrained his extremely ambiguous breathing in a blink of an eye, thoughtfully and carefully helped him to turn his body sideways, holding the wooden spoon and slowly poured water on his hair, helping him to wash his hair. 

　　“Be careful of your wound.” Tang QiaoYuan coaxed him, only afraid that he would move his head; 

　　Hearing that, Fang Su leaned against him motionless, it wasn’t the first time since he got injured, he naturally knew how he should be careful. He slightly closed his eyes and enjoyed it, his whole heart was warmed up. 

　　Tang QiaoYuan’s movements were particularly gentle, curved his eyes looking at his lazy appearance, took the matter of serving others full of pride, and was getting addicted to it.

　　His movements were too gentle, it took a long time, Tang QiaoYuan washed Fang Su’s clean and soft from head to toe. The water’s temperature was getting colder, he held the person who had already sunk into a deep sleep, wiped off the drop and took him back to the bed.

　　Fang Su who was half awake and half asleep turned around, the wet hair made a damp spot on the bedsheets, Tang QiaoYuan hurriedly picked him up, wrapped a cotton towel around and wipe it patiently, and freed one hand to pinch his cheek, said: “Wake up Su Su, your hair is still wet, you will catch a cold if you sleep like this.”

　　Fang Su confusedly woke up, turned around to look at him, then gradually regained his senses, and opened his arms.

　　Tang QiaoYuan stopped his movements, curved his lips and hugged him to sit up, he initially thought that Fang Su only wanted to sit up, but unexpectedly, the person under him raised his head to kiss him in such a posture, the warm arms wrapped around his neck, taking advantage of the fact that both of them were not separated by clothes to gently rub against him. 

　　Tang QiaoYuan’s eyes suddenly darkened, 【 now, how could he still endure it, immediately regained momentum, and kissed Fang Su ‘till his tongue felt numb.

　　“QiaoYuan…” Fang Su called out in a low voice.

　　The box of ointment quietly opened next to the pillow, the cool paste was rubbed and dispersed in the body by the burning hot fingers, Fang Su’s feet stepped on the quilt, until he couldn’t endure it anymore, raised a leg and hooked it around that person’s strong waist, urging him to hurry up without a word. 

　　Tang QiaoYuan’s eyes showed the trace of a smile, withdrew his fingers, holding the robust thing on his lower body that has been enduring for days and propped it into Fang Su’s pleasurable intimate spot, as if to torture him, pushed it in very slowly.

　　“Su Su, does it hurt?”

　　That person kissed the corners of his eyes in a query, Fang Su hearing that shook his head, and used his cheeks to rub against him.

　　Tang QiaoYuan let out a low laugh and hug him into a sitting position, the object on his lower body went deeper and deeper, Fang Su was ground until his waist went soft, silently sitting on the other party’s body, after he waited for a while but couldn’t feel for any movement, then who knew what he was thinking about, closed his eyes and held that person’s shoulders, and moving up and down by himself.

　　“hm…” Fang Su’s cheeks were burning hot, was swallowing and spitting it at his own will, his eyes getting confused, he buried his head in this person’s neck, licking and biting at random.

　　Tang QiaoYuan was breathing heavily, at that moment, felt the happiness of someone who got his wish fulfilled, enjoying the fact that Fang Su was taking the initiative, only occasionally holding his buttocks and slamming into his deep sensitive place, then would hear a sweet moan. 

　　Fang Su was more and more interesting, his waist was sore and tired but did not want to stop, at the end, he really did not have any more strength, and could only sit on this person’s body and shallowly grind from time to time, the place where they were joined was a sticky mess, making a slightly wet sound. 

　　Tang QiaoYuan stroked his long wet hair, seeing that he didn’t have any strength, he took control, kneaded his buttocks and started to thrust, going in and out vigorously, which naturally wasn’t like before. Fang Su was pounded until he slightly choked with sobs, couldn’t bear it, and bit his shoulder, the pleasurable sensation was getting more distinct, after a long time, he ascended to climax with the deep tooth mark.

　　Tang QiaoYuan held him in his arms, satisfied, and as if he wanted to make up for the part during which he had to endure it, pressed him onto the bed, and very quickly started a new attack…

　　The light did not go off for the whole night and the bed curtain did not stop shaking.】

　　The next day, Fang Su was naturally asleep for half of the day, he was originally supposed to go out for a walk with that person, but his whole body really felt weak, each of his bones has been dismantled once, and was too lazy to move even the slightest, not to mention getting out of bed and go out.

　　Tang QiaoYuan did not mention it either, he knew that he went a bit overboard last night, and thought that seeing Fang Su aroused like this, it was really hard for him to resist, thus at this time, let him sleep, only waking him up for a while to coax him to eat and drink.

　　Waiting until it was another day, Fang Su finally had some energy, only then did Tang QiaoYuan take him out.

　　Fang Su sat in the horse carriage, the carriage’s wheels were rolling forward, he did not know where they were going. Outside the curtains, the scenery was getting quieter, they had already left the city, Fang Su was in high spirits, turned his head and asked with interest: “QiaoYuan, where are we going?”

　　“Going to the temple,” That person sat closer, and looked outside along with him, said with a smile, “I want to take you to the temple to worship Buddha, and hope that you can stay safe and worry-free for the rest of your life.”

　　Fang Su’s eyes softened, looking at him with his lips pursed into a smile.

　　This monastery was built on a hillside of a green mountain outside of the city, after leaving the city, the horse carriage traveled for about two hours before arriving. Fang Su was helped off the carriage by Tang QiaoYuan, looking with novelty at the scenery outside the temple, such a place has been depicted many times by the teacher during his childhood, but it was the first time that he was seeing it with his own eyes.

　　Tang QiaoYuan saw his happy look, knew that he liked it, his mood was also very good, held his hand and walked inside.

　　The temple was very quiet, and one could hear the voice of the monk chatting from afar, unable to distinguish where it came from. In the wide yard, young little monks sweeping the yard appeared from time to time, each of them was not taller than the broom’s handle, but they were very serious, doing a decent job, they would also put their hands together to greet them when seeing them, let out a soft and immature “Amitabha”.

　　Fang Su found them cute, and always smiled lightly in return.

　　After going through several courtyards, and climbing several steps, the two of them arrived at the hall where the figure of Buddha was. The big figure of Buddha had benevolent eyes, sitting tall, as if he was looking at the visitor.

　　After entering the hall, Fang Su followed Tang QiaoYuan and donated merits, offered incense, during this time, not sure about what to do so it would conform to the rules of the etiquette, so let himself be guided by that person. Kneeled on the praying mat, and joined his hands in prayer.

　　Tang QiaoYuan came to the temple before, but it could be counted on the fingers of one hand, and never really wished for anything. But now, he was with his heaviest concern in his heart by his side, as if pouring out over twenty-year worth of desires, looked up with a sincere and respectful gaze, curved his lips, and said: “This mortal has three wishes, hope that Buddhas can give me his blessings. The first wish is that my wish can stay safe, without falling sick and without worries; the second is that the mansion can be peaceful, without attracting disaster…”

　　His speech was serious, Fang Su put his hands together with his eyes closed, listening to each word very attentively.

　　His voice stopped there, Tang QiaoYuan kowtowed three times, then said with deeper affection: “The third wish, only wish that I can be with Fang Su forever, never parting.” 

　　Fang Su opened his eyes, and the person next to him kowtowed twice more.

　　He was a little stunned, his eyes looking back and forth between Buddha’s figure and the person next to him, the word² “forever” was ringing in his ears and a taste that he couldn’t describe overflowed in his heart.

　　After a while, Fang Su curved his lips into a smile, imitated that person, carefully bowed, saying in silence in his heart his three wishes.

　　The first wish is that his husband could stay safe and without worry; the second wish is that the mansion could be peaceful without disaster.

　　The third wish is, to be with Tang QiaoYuan forever, never parting.

【End of the main story】 

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Notes:

1. Greasy, equivalent to cheesy/lovey-dovey.
2. “生生世世”, means life after life, the original version is four words long, but because of the translation, I’ve changed it to one word.

That’s it for the main story! Sorry for the not very sexy translation of the smut, I am extremely bad at writing or translating smut and I am solely good at reading them, lol. As I’ve mentioned in the previous chapter, extras are going to be translater later since I will be back at my sad adult life (aka work). I think I will be able to post 2 extras/month so this project should be complete by June.

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Milktea

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ToC