#34: Everyone’s Emotional Debts

On the first day of the Lunar New Year, arguments were best avoided if possible.

In front of the gods and Buddhas, disputes were better left unresolved.

Based on these two principles, Jiang Beibei suppressed her urge to curse out the companion and instead dragged her over to confront Qin Yuan.

It was true that Qin Yuan liked to flirt, but he wasn’t reckless or indiscriminate. Third Brother wasn’t lustful, nor was he a playboy, and he certainly wouldn’t cross ethical boundaries. He wouldn’t do anything against his principles—there was no way he’d ever meddle in someone else’s relationship.

Though Qin Yuan might appear frivolous on the surface, his heart was pure. Whenever he spoke of his ex-girlfriends, he always said the same thing: ‘These are all people I chose myself. Choosing for myself is far more reliable than being set up through blind dates arranged by others. After all, relationships require effort to cultivate. Every one of them, I pursued with marriage in mind. Maybe it just wasn’t meant to be, but in the end, we parted on good terms, which is still something.’

At this moment, Jiang Beibei suddenly realized that she understood Qin Yuan—at least, she knew he was sincere. Just like when he confessed to her, though it seemed sudden and impulsive, at that moment, he must have been genuine.

If he hadn’t been sincere, how could someone as proud, stubborn, and picky as Qin Yuan ever muster the courage to speak up?

Yes, someone like Qin Yuan, who had grown up surrounded by praise and adoration, an outstanding figure in everyday life—how could he possibly stoop to becoming a third party?!

No, he wouldn’t allow it, not even himself!

Damn it, my Third Brother was clearly in a legitimate relationship, got cheated on, and now he’s being branded as the other man—how frustrating! Jiang Beibei’s mind seethed with anger. How dare they call my Third Brother a homewrecker and then critique his appearance? Who gave them the right?!

Qin Yuan had just finished praying and was about to offer incense when he turned around to see Jiang Beibei, her forehead practically steaming with rage, pulling a strange girl toward him. ‘Third Brother, tell her! She’s accusing you of being the one who ruined someone else’s relationship! You tell her!’

Qin Yuan looked bewildered. Seeing his ex-girlfriend standing outside, visibly panicked and unsure what to do, he pieced together what had happened. Smiling awkwardly, he pushed Jiang Beibei away, lowering his voice. ‘What are you doing? Let go, let go. It’s the New Year—we shouldn’t be causing trouble. Let’s celebrate peacefully…’

Jiang Beibei glanced up and saw the strained look on Qin Yuan’s face. He was almost pleading with her in a hushed tone. ‘Let’s leave quickly…’

Qin Yuan’s attitude made Jiang Beibei’s heart skip a beat. Could it be that she had misunderstood earlier? Was it actually true that Third Brother had been the other man, persistently纠缠 until he was ultimately rejected? If that were the case… Jiang Beibei deflated instantly, like a punctured balloon.

Seeing their reactions, the companion sneered. ‘What nonsense! A whole family of lunatics.’

Her voice wasn’t loud, but it was clearly meant for them to hear.

After speaking, she strode over to the ex-girlfriend with an air of righteousness, saying sarcastically, ‘They’re crazy—ruining someone else’s relationship and still having the audacity to shout about it. What an ungrateful family, idiots…’

Jiang Beibei didn’t hear the rest because Qin Yuan’s expression suddenly changed. With a sharp ‘Stop!’ he froze everyone in place.

He pushed Jiang Beibei toward Chu Yao, then walked over to the ex-girlfriend, who had turned her back to avoid looking at him. Qin Yuan said, ‘Don’t hide. I know it’s you.’

‘To deceive feelings and love is one thing, but throwing mud on someone else’s reputation is crossing the line,’ Qin Yuan said, his tone softening slightly. ‘I value my reputation, and I respect others’ too. I’ve never spoken ill of you, so I hope you’ll show some self-respect. Lies can’t withstand scrutiny. I’ve always advocated for peaceful breakups. It’s the New Year, and this is a sacred place for worship—I won’t make things difficult for you. Let’s leave it at that today. But there’s one thing: your friend’s words made me uncomfortable and offended my family… Beibei, come here.’

How perceptive Jiang Beibei was. From just those few words, she understood that Qin Yuan didn’t want to embarrass his ex-girlfriend by revealing the full story. Her gaze toward the companion shifted.

Jiang Beibei stepped forward. Qin Yuan placed a hand on her shoulder and gently pushed her toward the companion. ‘My sister isn’t unreasonable. If she got angry, it must mean your friend said something unpleasant. As for the content, I don’t want to ask further. But I heard the last few sentences clearly. An apology is in order. Apologize.’

Jiang Beibei turned her head and saw Qin Yuan’s calm expression. For some reason, her heart ached. ‘…Third Brother.’

‘Hurry up. Once the apology is done, this matter is over. It’s the New Year—let’s keep things harmonious and enjoy the holiday.’

The companion was caught in a dilemma, unwilling to apologize so quickly. She glanced at her friend for support but found no response.

From a distance, Tang Xizhou, watching the scene like it was entertainment, finally spoke up. ‘Young lady, it’s the first day of the Lunar New Year, and we’re standing before the gods and Buddhas. Accusing someone of being a homewrecker isn’t exactly a nice thing to say. Without knowing the full story, you’ve insulted an entire family—that’s unacceptable. Look at your friend—she’s staying silent even after seeing the person involved. Clearly, your friend is at fault here. You should apologize. It’s the New Year, and they won’t push the issue further. But if unnecessary details come out, I doubt you and your friend will have a pleasant holiday…’

Though it sounded like mediation, Tang Xizhou’s words caused the companion to lose confidence upon seeing her friend’s reaction.

The ex-girlfriend still had her back turned, head bowed. She called out softly to her companion, ‘Let’s go.’

Perhaps realizing there was more to the story—and that it didn’t favor her side—the companion shot an awkward glare, grabbed her friend’s arm, and muttered, ‘Such fragile egos over trivial matters…’

Jiang Beibei, still fuming, immediately exploded with a curse. ‘Apologize! You’ve ruined my brother’s mood on this festive day. My brother showed mercy out of goodwill and didn’t say anything harsh. Don’t you have any shame? An apology is letting you off easy—show some proper respect!’

‘What did I say about you?’ The companion, equally short-tempered, yanked her hand free from her friend and emphasized the word ‘you.’ ‘Did I say anything about you? Did I insult you directly? Why are you sticking your nose into everything? Why don’t you run for president while you’re at it! Did I even mention you?’

‘Forget it… Stop talking,’ the ex-girlfriend intervened, pulling her companion aside and apologizing softly. ‘Sorry… I’m sorry…’

‘…Sorry.’

She repeated it twice, then pulled her companion away.

Still simmering with anger, the companion grumbled, ‘Why are we leaving? Aren’t we burning incense anymore? Running into bad luck on the first day of the New Year…’

‘Third Brother, let go! Let go, I’ll go beat her up!’ Jiang Beibei, red-faced with fury, shouted.

‘Enough. Do you want the gods to laugh at you?’ Qin Yuan said. ‘Let’s enjoy the holiday peacefully. We’re not like them.’

‘Yes, they’re just ordinary people,’ Song Lang finally chimed in. ‘Two young girls mouthing off—it’s not worth taking seriously. If it were truly serious, a simple apology wouldn’t suffice. They’d already be dealt with by now.’

‘They slandered Third Brother! How dare they! If it weren’t the New Year, they wouldn’t have gotten off so easily!’

Still seething, Jiang Beibei felt Chu Yao approach from behind and wrap his arms around her. ‘Calm down. Don’t let Qin Yuan’s emotional baggage upset you.’

Qin Yuan nodded. ‘Yes, Yao-ge is right. This wasn’t something worth making a fuss over… Relationships don’t have one-sided right or wrong. It’s also my fault—I didn’t ask properly. I assumed she was single because her father said so. That’s on me, and I can’t blame anyone else.’

Tang Xizhou teased, ‘See? When you attract too much romantic karma, this is the result.’

‘Stop teasing me,’ Qin Yuan sighed. ‘But hearing her say ‘sorry’ in my lifetime… I’ve finally let go. Thanks to all of you, I’m finally free of emotional debts this year…’

‘That’s what you say,’ Chu Yao chuckled. ‘Don’t create more emotional debts this year.’

Qin Yuan turned around, only to see Chu Yao hugging Jiang Beibei. Startled for a moment, he smirked and shoved Chu Yao away. ‘This one’s different. This one’s worth pursuing.’

Tang Xizhou laughed. ‘Yao-ge, watch out. Once Yuan-ge wakes up, this year’s going to be a battle.’

‘By the way, I have a request,’ Qin Yuan said. ‘In the new year, please stop calling me ‘San-er’ (Third Boy).’

Tang Xizhou burst out laughing. ‘Hahaha… San-er got hurt!’

Yan Qingming added, ‘That’s a reasonable request. Everyone should try to cooperate.’

‘Hey, you guys are bullying Third Brother,’ Song Lang waved his hand dismissively, draping an arm over Qin Yuan’s shoulders. ‘Third Brother, let’s stick together!’

Jiang Beibei asked Yan Qingming, ‘Has Big Brother prayed yet?’

‘I don’t need to. One of us burning incense is enough. I don’t believe in this stuff…’

‘No way, Big Brother has to,’ Jiang Beibei insisted, pushing him toward the queue. ‘Your job is high-risk, and so is your love life. Go quick!’

Unable to resist Jiang Beibei, Yan Qingming relented. ‘Alright, fine. I’ll buy some peace of mind.’

Hearing this, Qin Yuan grew curious. ‘Big Brother’s burning love incense?’

Tang Xizhou joined in the teasing. ‘Yeah, Big Brother, are you burning love incense?’

‘You guys…’ Yan Qingming reluctantly bought three sticks of incense, holding them carefully. His expression turned solemn, and his eyes became cautious.

‘Tsk, Beibei, look at his expression,’ Tang Xizhou remarked. ‘He says he doesn’t believe, but his actions say otherwise.’

Jiang Beibei smiled and nodded knowingly. ‘Not bad at all.’

After returning home, the group gathered at Song Lang’s shop for a meal and began playing a game of Truth or Dare.

After losing a round of a mini-game, Qin Yuan chose Truth. ‘Alright, it’s time for the annual truth-telling session! Everyone, don’t hold back—winner gets to ask.’

Luck King Jiang Beibei asked, ‘Third Brother, out of all the girlfriends you’ve dated, who do you miss the most? Your ex-girlfriend?’

Qin Yuan’s eyes sparkled mischievously as he winked flirtatiously. ‘Wrong. It’s you.’

All the older brothers exploded in outrage. Tang Xizhou shouted, ‘Eldest Brother, pin him down! Let Yao-ge punch him! Hurry! Even our little sister isn’t safe from his flirting! He just cleared his emotional debts and is already causing trouble again! Look how shameless you are!’

‘Unfair!’ Qin Yuan struggled and yelled, ‘Yao-ge, Yao-ge! Don’t pour alcohol on me! Ah—’

Chu Yao set the bottle down. ‘Qin Yuan is disqualified. Let’s continue.’

‘Hahaha…’ Jiang Beibei clasped her hands together. ‘Sorry, Third Brother, but I’m also kicking you out of the game.’

Qin Yuan wiped his face, lamenting, ‘You’re all bullying me. This is so unfair.’

The game continued. The winner was Song Lang, and the loser was Yan Qingming.

‘What a lucky start! I beat Eldest Brother!’ Song Lang rubbed his hands together excitedly. ‘Eldest Brother, your choice: Truth or Dare?’

‘Truth—I’m too old for adventures.’

‘Who’s the love of your life, Eldest Brother?’ Song Lang asked with curiosity. ‘I’ve heard Beibei mention it today, and I’m dying to know!’

‘I can’t say that…’ Yan Qingming poured himself a drink. ‘I’ll self-punish with three cups. Let me off the hook.’

‘No way!’ Song Lang slammed the table playfully. ‘If you don’t tell us, I’ll assume it’s an affair with a married person! Where did you pick up this emotional debt, Eldest Brother?’

Seeing Yan Qingming’s ambiguous smile, Jiang Beibei tried to smooth things over. Unexpectedly, Yan Qingming looked up gently and said, ‘No, we’re both single. It’s him.’

He tilted his chin toward Tang Xizhou.

Tang Xizhou laughed heartily and downed a glass of alcohol. ‘That’s right—it’s me.’

Jiang Beibei nervously started nibbling on her fingers, but Chu Yao caught her hand and held it firmly.

Qin Yuan, about to laugh, noticed everyone falling silent and froze in shock.

Song Lang: ‘…?’

Tang Xizhou: ‘Wow! Don’t be so serious—it’s scaring people… Come on, next round!’

‘Holy crap!’ Song Lang slammed the table. ‘For real?! Truth or Dare!’

Yan Qingming casually made a ‘six’ gesture with his hand. ‘Fourth Brother, Xizhou and I have been together for six years.’

Song Lang was utterly shocked, blurting out profanity. His expression shifted wildly—he didn’t know what face to make. For the first time, he felt awkward.

Qin Yuan snapped out of his daze and suddenly clapped. ‘Good!’

‘Damn! I never would’ve guessed…’ Song Lang stammered repeatedly. ‘This has to be a joke, absolutely… You two don’t look like a couple at all! Seriously, I’ve seen enough—I can’t believe this!’

He shook his head vigorously.

Tang Xizhou smirked. ‘Do you want us to kiss so you can see it with your own eyes?’

Yan Qingming frowned. ‘Enough. Stop messing around.’

‘How can you all be so calm about this?!’ Song Lang asked the others incredulously.

Qin Yuan: ‘Isn’t this just brotherly affection? Haven’t you slept under the same blanket with me before? What’s so surprising about that! So naive… Eldest Brother, Second Brother, let me toast to you both.’

Jiang Beibei burst into laughter. ‘Third Brother’s drunk!’

Song Lang turned to Chu Yao. ‘Yao-ge?!’

Chu Yao raised his glass. ‘Since everything’s out in the open now, I’ll also toast to Eldest Brother and Second Brother. Wishing you happiness.’

Song Lang: ‘???’

Tang Xizhou consoled the poor Fourth Brother, who was still struggling to process this shocking revelation. ‘Don’t be shy. You won’t get wedding invitations from us since we’re not getting married, but later, Eldest Brother and I will give you red envelopes. Fourth Brother, it’s just brotherly affection—two single people living together. If you can’t wrap your head around it, don’t think too hard.’

Song Lang: ‘No, no, no, give me a moment… Let me process this!’

He gripped his wine glass tightly and asked Yan Qingming again. ‘Eldest Brother, you’re reliable—you wouldn’t joke about this. Tell me straight—is this really about living together, or are you just messing with us?’

Yan Qingming replied calmly, ‘Living together, of course. Six years now. We officially talked about it the year he started working.’

Song Lang’s expression shattered.

Tang Xizhou reminded him, ‘Your brother is still your brother—even if you sleep under the same blanket. There’s no difference. Kid, lighten up!’

Qin Yuan clapped again. ‘Well done!’

‘But wait, Third Brother, why aren’t you surprised?’

‘Six years—that’s longer than all my relationships combined. Clearly, they’re living together. Why should I be surprised?’ Qin Yuan shrugged.

‘What about you, Yao-ge?’

Chu Yao admitted, ‘I might have known the earliest—I found out three years ago.’

Jiang Beibei gasped. ‘What? Yao-ge knew even before me?’

Chu Yao smiled. ‘Over time, you notice the details. I’m nosy—I directly asked Eldest Brother.’

Song Lang: ‘…Wait a minute, so that leaves me, huh? Let me digest this…’

He leaned on the table, muttering to himself.

But what no one expected was that after finally processing it, Song Lang blurted out, ‘So should I call Eldest Brother ‘Second Sister-in-Law’ or Second Brother ‘Eldest Sister-in-Law’?’

‘Damn it! You’re asking the wrong questions and ignoring what matters! Unforgivable!’ Tang Xizhou leaped up and grabbed Song Lang in a one-handed hold. ‘Eldest Brother, I’ll pin him down—you punch him! Didn’t you hear what I just said? They’re still your brothers—no ‘sister-in-law’ nonsense!’

Song Lang crouched, shielding his head. ‘Eldest Brother! You definitely chose Dare earlier!’