BIAS Chapter 5: Birthday

The store was usually warm and filled with steam, but the shop was closed tonight and the boiler was completely cold, so the shop was naturally chilly.

Yan Xu didn’t take off his coat. He put on an apron, took the dumplings out from the fridge, and began working.

He turned on the stove, and when the frying pan began to slowly heat up, he poured a bit of oil in it. He picked up the pan to turn it clockwise to coat the pan with oil. Then, he spread the frozen dumplings on the pan. When he heard the sizzling sound, he poured the bowl of starch water prepared in advance into the pan. He finally covered the pan and turned the heat down, leaving the dumplings to simmer.

While the dumplings were being cooked, Yan Xu opened the stove on the other side. He took out a small pan and started to fry eggs. After he finished frying the eggs, he waited for a while, and the fried dumplings were done too.

He took out two plates and put the fried eggs on one of them. Then, he took the other plate and covered the pan with it. He picked up the pan deftly and placed the fried dumplings upside down on the plate.

Yan Xu untied his apron, picked up both plates, and turned around—he was suddenly met with a pair of gleaming eyes.

Chi Ye had stood against the door for a long time—from the moment Yan Xu poured the starch water into the pan. He, without moving, watched Yan Xu work quickly and skillfully, staring at Yan Xu’s slender wrists and pale fingers as he cracked and beat the eggs. It was not until Yan Xu took off the apron and turned around with the plates in his hands, and their eyes met through the lingering smoke in the kitchen, that he slowly snapped out of it.

“I, I…” Chi Ye was like a thief caught in the act, his ears turning red. He stammered, “I c–came, came to see if there’s anything I can help you with.”

Yan Xu pursed his lips to hold back his smile, then handed the plates over to him, and pointed his eyes at the dining table closest to the kitchen. “Let’s eat at this table. It’s colder near the entrance.”

“O-okay.” Chi Ye took the plates and placed them on the table as told. He also took two pairs of chopsticks from the chopstick holder and placed them on the edge of the plates before making the tea. The water had already been boiled, but he didn’t want to make the tea so early as it would get cold, so he only took out two cups and put them aside first.

The boiling hot water was poured into the cups. Chi Ye picked up the two cups and placed them on the table; one cup was filled with chrysanthemum and the other was plain boiled water.

Yan Xu came out after washing his hands. When he saw the cups on the table, he asked, “Do you not like chrysanthemum tea? Would you rather have tea leaves or soy milk powder?”

“No, no need.” Chi Ye waved his hands and spoke with some embarrassment, “It looks expensive. I’m fine with drinking water.”

Yan Xu was stunned for a moment. He swapped their cups and told him, “It’s not, it’s just regular old chrysanthemum tea. Just drink it, I don’t really like the taste.”

Chi Ye moved his lips, but when he saw that Yan Xu had already picked up the cup and drank from it, he could only nod and thank him.

Yan Xu raised his head and looked at Chi Ye. “Sit, the dumplings will get cold.”

Chi Ye was still in a daze. When he heard him speak, he quickly pulled the chair and sat down, then picked up the chopsticks in front of Yan Xu and handed them to him.

Yan Xu also didn’t stand on ceremony, taking the chopsticks and picking up a dumpling for himself. Earlier tonight, his family had a table full of delicious food, but he didn’t eat enough. At this hour, he was already starving.

The golden and crisp dumpling skin had a light burn aroma, while the corn and pork filling was soft and sweet, instantly satisfying one’s bland taste buds.

Seeing the satisfied Yan Xu, Chi Ye also picked up a dumpling and ate it. He slowly chewed on it, and after swallowing it, he cautiously asked, “You didn’t eat dinner?”

Yan Xu, with a dumpling in his mouth, answered unclearly, “I didn’t eat much, so I’m hungry again.”

Chi Ye silently pushed the two plates to Yan Xu.

“Does it not taste good?” Yan Xu noticed that Chi Ye wasn’t eating much. “How about I make you some steam dumplings?”

“Oh, no, no. It’s delicious.” Chi Ye hastily shook his head and almost bit his own tongue as a result. He said, “You should eat some more.”

Yan Xu had a sudden realization—Chi Ye was worried he wouldn’t have enough to eat. He pushed the plates a little toward Chi Ye. “I have a small appetite. Even if you don’t eat, I won’t be able to finish it all either, and they’ll just end up being tossed out.” He pushed the plate of fried eggs to Chi Ye. “I made these eggs especially for you.”

Chi Ye paused his chewing for a long time, then picked up an egg and whispered, “Thank you.”

The two ate dumplings in silence, but the atmosphere wasn’t awkward at all.

Chi Ye didn’t speak much; Yan Xu wasn’t much of a talker either, nor did he know what they should even talk about. Bring up the upsetting stuff about his family? But why bother talking about it and affect the other party’s mood?

Besides, they only really got to know each other today, so they weren’t in the kind of relationship where they could talk about such personal matters.

Since there was still cake to eat, Yan Xu didn’t make a lot of dumplings.

After they finished eating the dumplings, there was still one remaining egg in front of them, so Yan Xu asked, “Can’t eat anymore?”

Chi Ye was staring at the egg intently, and when he heard his question, he raised his head. “N-no, I want to have it packed to eat it tomorrow, can I?”

He isn’t full, but he still wanted to have it packed?

Yan Xu assumed that the other party really couldn’t eat anymore but felt bad to speak up about it, which was why he asked to have it packed. He pursed his lips, upset at himself for forgetting to ask him if he was hungry in the first place. What if he had already had a late-night snack?

But saying that was already far too late. He looked at the white and yellow egg and said, “Alright, I’ll get you a container for it.”

After putting away the plates and packing the egg, Yan Xu looked at the brown bag on the table with a bit of embarrassment. However, he had originally invited Chi Ye to eat cake with him, so it didn’t seem good if he didn’t take them out. Moreover, this was technically his birthday cake, so it made sense to take it out to share, right?

Yan Xu agonized for a while, but he still asked him, “Do you still want to eat cake? If you can’t eat anymore, just taking a bite is fine.”

“I c-can still eat it!” Chi Ye immediately stood up, his tall body casted a shadow on Yan Xu.

Yan Xu curled the corners of his lips, then placed the two cupcakes on the table, asking him, “There’s strawberry and blueberry flavor, which one would you like?”

“You can pick first,” Chi Ye answered, “I’m fine with either.”

Yan Xu’s mind conjured up the image of the cream cupcake decorated with half a strawberry, so he said, “I’ll take the strawberry one, then.”

Chi Ye was fine with it and kindly opened the outer box, then placed the plastic spoon on the plastic base. He then opened his own cupcake, pushed it in front of Yan Xu, and said, “You should also try this flavor.”

Yan Xu originally wanted to say no, but Chi Ye’s gaze was so sincere and earnest that he felt bad to refuse him. Thus, he scooped a small piece of cream with fruit from the side and put it in his mouth. “It tastes pretty good. You should also eat.”

Chi Ye finally scooped a piece and ate it, but he immediately furrowed his brows.

Yan Xu nervously asked, “It doesn’t taste good?”

This was probably a cook’s instinct; once the food was served, he would unconsciously observe the diner’s expression. Once he saw that the other party’s expression wasn’t happy, he would urgently ask them if the food wasn’t good, even if the cake wasn’t made by him.

Chi Ye shook his head. “No, it tastes good. It just feels a bit strange and sticky in my throat,” he explained with embarrassment. “This is my first time eating a cake and I made a fool of myself.”

He laughed at himself, but Yan Xu didn’t think it was funny, asking him, “You never celebrated your birthday?”

Chi Ye shook his head and said honestly, “My family is from the countryside. We were poor when I was younger, so we couldn’t afford to care about these things. Later, my dad passed away and my mom remarried, so nobody took care of me anymore.”

Yan Xu’s lips turned stiff and he was speechless for a long time. Chi Ye’s situation was similar to his.

He suddenly felt the cupcake in front of him become tasteless and repulsive. He felt like an inferior copy-cat, buying two cupcakes because he envied Yan Bai and Fang Jincheng. He was deceiving himself into thinking that he also had what they had, but in reality, he actually didn’t even like sweets.

He even dragged Chi Ye into his one-man show, pretending that he also had someone to celebrate his birthday with, but he inadvertently uncovered the other party’s scar.

It was already such an embarrassment for him alone, why did he have to drag an innocent person into it?

“It seems to have gone bad. Don’t eat anymore.” Yan Xu suddenly stood up, took the cupcake in front of Chi Ye, and muttered, “Birthdays are just like that, an ordinary day not worth mentioning.”

“It’s not, it’s a pretty fresh experience.” Chi Ye then grabbed Yan Xu’s wrist, belatedly realizing the meaning behind Yan Xu’s words, surprise showing on his face. “Is today your birthday?”

Yan Xu stood stunned, realizing he had lost his composure and spoke his mind. He stood beside the table awkwardly holding the two cupcakes, then hesitated for two seconds before nodding slightly.

Chi Ye completely didn’t notice the struggle in Yan Xu’s eyes, he suddenly stood up and said, “The cakes on TV are all big and round, and they have candles too, right? I’ll go buy you one.”

Yan Xu’s mind wasn’t functioning, and it wasn’t until Chi Ye had already reached the door that he snapped out of it. He hurriedly caught up to him and stopped him. “The cake needs to be ordered in advance. It’s too late now, you won’t be able to buy it.”

“Ah, so it’s like that…” Chi Ye’s raised eyebrows drooped in regret. “But I should still be able to buy some candles. I’ll go buy it, it’ll be quick.”

Yan Xu pulled at his clothes, and he couldn’t help but laugh.

“Wh-what’s wrong?” Chi Ye thought he did something or said something wrong, so he asked uneasily.

“It’s nothing.” Yan Xu looked at the brown bag he brought back that contained the candles. “I had already bought it.”

He raised the bag and took out a package of slender colorful candles.

Chi Ye took it and asked embarrassingly, “How many should I stick in? Do I need to stick in as much as your age?”

Yan Xu made a “pfft” laughing sound. “I’m twenty-eight. Such a small cupcake will turn into a hornet’s nest.” He thought about it, then said, “Just stick one in, it’s enough to get the idea across.”

Chi Ye nodded. “Okay, then I’ll just put one.”

The situation had developed in an unfathomable direction, but it was still consistent with Yan Xu’s initial thoughts. He had the sudden idea of stopping Chi Ye because he had originally hoped to share the cupcakes he bought on impulse with someone. He also hoped to celebrate his birthday with someone, even if the other person didn’t know it was his birthday today.

After inserting the candle, he lit it with a lighter.

The flickering candlelight instantly illuminated Yan Xu’s handsome features, shining into his dark pupils.

Chi Ye stared at Yan Xu’s beautiful eyes, and when the other party looked over, he promptly avoided his gaze. He looked at the thin candle burning rapidly within the flame and suddenly remembered, “Do I need to sing? But I can’t sing…”

Yan Xu was touched by Chi Ye’s sincere expression, smiled knowingly, and said, “No need, I also can’t sing.” He hesitated for a moment, then said in a low voice, “How about saying ‘Happy Birthday’ to me?”

The candle light was reflected in Chi Ye’s vacant eyes, and he looked at Yan Xu in a daze. It was only when the candle was one-third burned down that he finally cleared his throat, sat upright, and said seriously, “Happy Birthday.”

“Thank you,” Yan Xu said sincerely, then made a wish while staring at the flame, and blew out the candle.

The two slowly finished eating the cake. Chi Ye said he would help wash the dishes, but Yan Xu of course refused. Chi Ye could only tidy up the table and chairs while Yan Xu was washing the dishes, then sweeped the floor.

After Yan Xu finished washing the dishes, he came out of the kitchen while wiping his hands. He helplessly watched Chi Ye’s busy figure and wholeheartedly felt that he had previously been deceived by the other party’s appearance.

It was already late when the two finished cleaning up. Chi Ye told him that he would be going home.

Yan Xu walked with him to the door before finally remembering something important. He pursed his lips. which still tasted of the sweet cream, and said, “I forgot to introduce myself—my name is Yan Xu. It’s spelled y-a-n and x-u¹.”

Chi Ye silently recited it before smiling and saying, “I know.” After a pause, he hurriedly explained, “There was one time when I was eating here, someone came to deliver you something. I took it for you and saw your name written on the box.”

“So it’s like that.” Yan Xu smiled. “Then I guess we’re considered acquainted now.”

“Mhm, yes we are.” Chi Ye let out a simple and honest “hehe” laughter, then slightly leaned forward to help Yan Xu block the wind. “The wind is strong, you should hurry back in.”

“Alright.”

Chi Ye turned to leave, but after walking a few steps, he turned back and said to Yan Xu again, “I wish you a happy birthday.”