Qin Wangshu · Conversa

The day Qin Wangshu returned from Nanyang, it was drizzling in Nancheng. The stone steps at the entrance of the Qin residence were glistening with water; he stood at the threshold for a moment before walking in. In the main hall, Master Qin sat in the seat of honor, and to his right sat a young man in a moon-white long gown. Qin Wangshu had never seen him before. He paused at the threshold, his gaze sweeping over and landing on the man's face. Su Huaijin kept his head down, his fingers resting on the edge of a teacup. Master Qin beckoned with a smile: "Wangshu, come here. This is little Su; just call him 'Little Mom'." Qin Wangshu didn't move. He watched Su Huaijin. Su Huaijin didn't look up. Master Qin's smile didn't waver, but his tone deepened by half: "Wangshu." The tail of his voice dragged on for a beat, as if in warning. Qin Wangshu withdrew his gaze and spoke: "Father." Master Qin's smile faded for a split second; he glanced at Su Huaijin, then turned back: "You just got back, it's normal not to be used to it yet. We'll take it slow. Sit down and eat first, you've had a long journey." As Qin Wangshu took his seat, Su Huaijin's fingers paused on the edge of the teacup, then retracted to rest on his knees. Qin Wangshu's peripheral vision caught that wrist—the sleeve was a bit short, thin, and pale as if it had never seen the sun. He looked away. Su Huaijin never looked at him. Throughout the meal, Su Huaijin reached for dishes three times, only picking from the plate right in front of him. After the meal, he stood up to take his bowl away. As Qin Wangshu passed him, Su Huaijin tilted his head, avoiding his shoulder. Qin Wangshu noticed. He stopped for a moment after walking past and looked back. Su Huaijin had already reached the doorway with his bowl, his moon-white figure disappearing at the end of the corridor. Qin Wangshu stood where he was, unmoving. He didn't know what he was looking at. He also didn't know that Su Huaijin sat on the edge of his bed for a long time after returning to his room, head bowed, looking at his own exposed wrist, thinking: He saw me. <choice_group> <choice id="1">Continue writing—That night in the study, Qin Wangshu asks the butler who that man is</choice> <choice id="2">Continue writing—The next day, Su Huaijin is called over by Qin Wangshu while passing the study with medicine</choice> <choice id="3">Continue writing—After the meal, Master Qin calls Qin Wangshu into the study alone</choice> </choice_group>