I Only Choked on Noodles, Why Am I Here?! [BL]

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Everyone immediately became busy.

The goods that had been delivered were carefully carried into the courtyard one by one.

The large sacks of rice and wheat flour were moved into the storage room first and stacked neatly against the inner wall.

Beside them, jars of soybean paste, vinegar, and cooking oil were arranged in a row, their lids tightly sealed.

Bundles of dried noodles were placed on the upper shelves to keep them away from moisture.

The seasonings were sorted separately. The fine salt was poured into a clean ceramic jar, while dried chili peppers, garlic, ginger, and sugar were stored in smaller containers nearby.

The once-empty shelves quickly filled with supplies.

The small kitchen that had seemed desolate for so long gradually became lively.

Lin Xin carefully wiped each jar before placing it in position.

Meanwhile, little Dong Hai followed closely behind him.

His small arms struggled to carry things that were almost too large for him, yet his expression remained extremely serious.

Every trip was made with utmost caution, as though he was transporting treasures.

Even when carrying nothing more than a small bundle of dried noodles, he held it with both hands and walked carefully across the courtyard.

Han Yan watched the child quietly for a moment.

A faint smile appeared in his eyes.

The cloth and bedding were brought into the bedroom next.

The newly purchased quilts were much thicker than the old ones.

The cotton stuffing inside felt soft and warm to the touch.

Lin Xin carefully spread them out and folded them neatly before placing them inside the wooden cabinet.

The pale blue cloth, dark blue cloth, and brown cloth were stacked separately on another shelf.

Needles, thread, and other sewing supplies were stored in a small basket nearby.

Before long, even the previously half-empty bedroom looked considerably fuller.

The entire courtyard seemed to have gained a different atmosphere.

Only after everything had finally been arranged did Han Yan pick up several bundles that he had set aside earlier.

"These are for you two."

Lin Xin blinked in surprise.

Dong Hai also looked over curiously.

Han Yan handed the first bundle to Dong Hai.

The little boy hurriedly accepted it.

When the cloth wrapping was opened, a brand-new set of clothing appeared inside.

The fabric was smooth and sturdy.

Although it was not luxurious silk, it was far better than anything Dong Hai had ever worn before.

The little boy froze.

His fingers carefully touched the sleeve.

For a long moment, he simply stared.

"This..."

His voice became soft.

"Is it really for me?"

Han Yan nodded.

"Who else would it be for?"

Dong Hai looked down at the clothing again.

His eyes slowly widened.

The material was thick, the stitching was neat and unlike the clothes he had worn before there were no patches, tears or signs of countless repairs.

It was completely new, something he had never owned before.

The little boy suddenly became flustered, his small hands tightening around the fabric as though he was afraid to let go.

He looked as though he didn’t even know where to place it.

Meanwhile, Han Yan handed another bundle to Lin Xin.

The moment Lin Xin unfolded it, he froze.

Inside lay a set of pale blue garments. The color was elegant and refined, carrying a quiet beauty.

As his fingers brushed against the soft fabric, he could immediately tell that its quality was far beyond the rough cloth he usually wore.

Lin Xin’s eyelashes trembled slightly.

"This is..."

Han Yan glanced at him.

"I thought the color suited you."

Lin Xin immediately lowered his head.

The tips of his ears quietly turned red.

He held the clothing carefully, almost afraid of wrinkling it.

A strange warmth spread through his chest.

No one had chosen clothes specifically for him before.

Not like this.

Han Yan naturally noticed the complicated emotions in their eyes.

However, he chose not to mention them.

To him, they did not need to say anything.

Providing them with proper clothing was only something he should do.

After all, winter would arrive sooner or later. Preparing in advance was merely common sense.

Seeing their expressions, Han Yan quietly looked away and turned his attention back to the room, a faint smile appearing in his heart.

The house looked considerably better than before.

However...

His gaze landed on the old wooden bed.

The faint smile on his face immediately disappeared.

"The house is much better now."

He paused.

"But there are still a few things we should replace."

Lin Xin looked up.

"What else is needed?"

Han Yan pointed toward the bed.

"A new bed."

Lin Xin froze.

His fingers unconsciously tightened around the clothing in his hands.

"A new... bed?"

For some reason, those simple words immediately made his thoughts wander.

A married couple discussing changing their bed...

The image that surfaced in his mind caused his face to grow hot almost instantly.

His gaze lowered.

Even his breathing became slightly unsteady.

Han Yan, completely unaware of what was going through Lin Xin’s mind, continued speaking calmly.

"The current one is too old."

He walked over and pressed a hand against the wooden frame.

The bed immediately let out an unpleasant creak.

One side even shook slightly.

"The wood has loosened."

"It creaks whenever someone moves."

"Some sections are beginning to crack as well."

"If we keep using it, it may collapse sooner or later."

Only then did Han Yan add casually,

"We should also make one for Dong Hai."

Lin Xin blinked.

The embarrassing thoughts in his head instantly scattered.

"...Ah."

His face became even redder.

Thankfully, nobody seemed to notice.

Meanwhile, Dong Hai immediately raised his head.

"For me too?"

Han Yan nodded.

"Of course."

"You are part of this family now."

"You should have your own bed."

Dong Hai stared blankly.

His own bed.

Not a corner of the room.

Not a straw mat on the floor.

A bed.

Belonging to him alone.

The little boy’s eyes immediately brightened.

"En!"

Han Yan nodded before turning back toward Lin Xin.

"Do you know of any carpenter in the village?"

Lin Xin quickly composed himself.

"There is Uncle Shang."

"His craftsmanship is very good."

"Many villagers ask him to make furniture."

Han Yan nodded.

"Then I’ll visit him later."

"En."

Lin Xin answered softly.

A small smile unknowingly appeared at the corner of his lips.

Even though it was a simple conversation, he felt strangely happy.

Han Yan was asking for his opinion, consulting him and including him in decisions concerning their home. That simple feeling alone was enough to warm his heart.

After discussing the matter, Han Yan suddenly reached into his robe.

Both Lin Xin and Dong Hai looked over curiously.

A moment later, several paper packages appeared.

The moment they were opened, a rich sweet fragrance immediately spread through the room.

Dong Hai’s eyes widened.

Inside were all kinds of pastries.

Golden honey cakes.

Peanut candy wrapped in thin paper.

Rabbit-shaped pastries with delicate patterns pressed into the surface.

There were even several beautifully made sweets that looked far more expensive than the others.

Dong Hai froze completely.

His mouth slowly fell open.

He had never seen so many pastries gathered together before.

Not even during festivals.

For a moment, the little boy simply stared.

His brain seemed unable to process the sight.

"These..."

His voice came out weakly.

"These are all for me?"

Han Yan nodded.

"I bought them for you."

Dong Hai looked as though he had been struck by lightning.

Even Lin Xin appeared surprised.

There were enough pastries here for many days.

The little boy looked at the treats.

Then at Han Yan.

Then back at the treats.

His face gradually turned red.

"They’re too many..."

Lin Xin smiled softly as he looked at Dong Hai’s delighted expression.

He only hoped that this child could experience the happiness that had been missing from his childhood.

Seeing his joy, Lin Xin couldn’t help but speak gently.

"Take them."

"Young children should have snacks sometimes."

Dong Hai hesitated.

Only after hearing Lin Xin’s encouragement did he carefully accept them.

His movements looked extremely cautious.

As though he was afraid they might disappear if he wasn’t careful.

Suddenly, his gaze landed on several beautifully shaped pastries.

Unlike the honey cakes and peanut candy, he had never seen these before.

The pastries were shaped like blooming flowers.

Their delicate appearance made them look almost too pretty to eat.

Dong Hai blinked.

"What is this called?"

Han Yan followed his gaze.

"Those are flower cakes."

The little boy nodded.

Then pointed at another piece.

"What about this one?"

"Osmanthus pastry."

"And that one?" Dong Hai asked, pointing at a small cake that looked round and delicate, with a soft, fluffy texture that made it appear especially tempting.

"It’s called a bean paste cake. The filling is made from sweetened bean paste."

Dong Hai listened attentively.

His eyes became brighter and brighter after learning each name.

Eventually, he sat quietly while staring at the mountain of treats in front of him.

His expression became unusually serious.

As though he was facing an extremely difficult problem.

Lin Xin and Han Yan exchanged puzzled looks.

A moment later, Dong Hai carefully picked up a honey cake.

He handed it toward Lin Xin.

"Brother Xin."

Then he picked up another piece and held it toward Han Yan.

"Big brother Yan."

Only after doing so did he take one for himself.

The room suddenly fell silent.

Lin Xin held the soft and fragrant pastry in his hand, quietly staring at it.

Han Yan also paused.

Dong Hai scratched his head awkwardly, his little face flushed with shyness.

"There are so many pastries..."

"There are so many, everyone can have some."

For a brief moment, neither adult spoke.

Then Lin Xin’s eyes softened, a trace of warmth appearing in his gaze.

He reached out and gently ruffled Dong Hai’s hair, his smile becoming gentler and more affectionate.

Looking at the little boy, Han Yan suddenly laughed, the smile in his eyes reaching deeper than before.

"If you like them that much, I’ll get you more the next time I head into town."

Dong Hai blinked.

"As many as I want?"

"Of course. If you like them, I’ll buy as many as you want."

This time, both Dong Hai and Lin Xin turned to look at him.

The two of them stared at Han Yan with the same stunned expression, as though he had suddenly grown another head.

After all, in an ordinary village household, pastries were already considered a rare luxury.

Who could speak so casually about buying more pastries whenever they pleased, as though spending money on such luxuries was the most natural thing in the world?

Yet Han Yan’s expression remained completely serious, as though he were merely stating an obvious fact.

The setting sun slowly cast its golden light across the courtyard.

The room was filled with the scent of fresh sweet pastries.

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