Chapter Text
If you were to ask most of the people in town, Chu Xun and Lin Wan'er were a picture perfect couple. For those who have interacted with them, it was common to leave with the impression that they were harmonious.
However, today was not one of those days.
“Honey, did you happen to forget something today?” Lin Wan'er asked, as she tidied the plates on the table.
Our story starts with what seems like a pleasant morning; the sun shone through veiled curtains dispersing the light in the dining room which smelled of freshly cooked breakfast, the still yet to warm chilly air of a spring morning has yet to leave. Chu Xun sat on the table, sipping a steaming mug of coffee,reviewing today’s news. The couple’s routine was serene and orderly, just as it’s been for the past seven years since they finally bought a home together. Lin Wan'er took care of morning duties and Chu Xun covered evening duties so that his wife could get some rest.
“Hm? I don’t believe I did,” Chu Xun stated as he took another sip. “I made sure last night that all the documents for our current donation drives have been sorted, and I don’t think there’s any upcoming event to plan for.”
Placing the plate down a bit more forcefully, Lin Wan'er scrunched her eyebrows in disbelief at Chu Xun as if to say “ are you serious?”
This reaction did not go unnoticed by the experienced Chu Xun. With the experience of a man who has been with this lady for eighteen years, he immediately caught the displeasure that surrounded his wife, sending him into a panic.
“Wan’er?” Chu Xun asked, a tone of worry carried in his voice. “Did I happen to forget to tidy up the groceries again last night?”
However, it seems that Chu Xun did in fact remember to tidy up the groceries last night.
“Hmph!” Lin Wan'er humphed. “Well you better do your best to remember it by today or I’ll be very displeased!”
Lin Wan'er strolled down the hallway, giving her twin sons Chu Lan and Chu Wanning both hugs and kisses on their (very cute) heads. Chu Xun tried following suit but was promptly ignored by his sons.
With a sigh, Chu Xun returned to the kitchen to wash the dishes in the sink. It was rare for Lin Wan'er to act in such a manner.it made Chu Xun even more worried that he did something wrong. She didn’t even let him give her a goodbye kiss! And the only times she’s gotten like this was whenever they both got in a disagreement. Chu Xun wasn’t that afraid though, they’ve both always resolved their disagreements by talking it through. Still, it was unavoidable for him to feel vexed and downtrodden.
With earlier events passing through his mind, Chu Xun started mentally listing down the relevant dates he remembers: their kids birthdays, Lin Wan'er’s birthday, the day they got the house, Lin Wan'er’s parents’ birthday, their wedding anniversary, but nothing was close to now at all!
His worrying made him take a while to finish his work. The soap seemed extra slippery today and the plates kept escaping his grasp. By the time he finally exited the kitchen, Chu Wanning and Chu Lan had moved to the living room, helping themselves to some toys.
“A-Lan, Ningning, did I happen to do something wrong?” Chu Xun sighed once again as he settled down on the sofa behind the boys.
With a raised eyebrow and a tilted head, Chu Lan asked: Should we tell him?
Chu Wanning looked at the ceiling in contemplation before nodding: We have to. Mom was really upset.
Both nodded at each other before turning back to Chu Xun who has been watching them in slight amusement.
“Today’s the day you both got together, Dad!” Chu Lan said.
“Mom told us earlier how excited she was for your surprise!” Chu Wanning said.
Everything clicked and memories came flooding into Chu Xun’s mind. Oh, how long has it been? Fifteen years? Mentally counting, Chu Xun finally realized why Lin Wan'er was so upset. Fifteen is a significant number. Most couples would’ve broken up or divorced in a shorter amount of time. It’s a marvel that Lin Wan'er and Chu Xun are still together.
A feeling of pride immediately followed by panic, worry, and anger at himself swelled within Chu Xun. He’s promised Lin Wan'er that he’d remember these days, but having to organize their charity organization’s most recent event has left him too busy to even remember what day it is today. While he has no doubt that Lin Wan'er would understand, he still felt bad about letting her down.
His eyebrows immediately scrunching, Chu Wanning leaned forward placing his hands together in thought, bearing a similar pose to the statue of the Thinker.
“It’s still not late, maybe we can prepare something for later?” Chu Xun mused to himself.
Chu Wanning and Chu Lan shared a look.
“We’ll help you dad!” Chu Lan said enthusiastically. “Right, Ningning?”
With a determined look in his eyes, Chu Wanning nodded vigorously. “Yeah! Anything to make you and mom happy!”
A bright smile spread across Chu Xun’s face. He’s so proud of these two, especially with how they care a lot about him and Lin Wan'er to the point of taking initiative to offer help. Forcing down the tears that threatened to well in his eyes, Chu Xun nods.
“Alright! Then here’s what I have in mind.”
Chu Xun described his plans to the twins. At first he thought of throwing a classic home party by decorating the living room and preparing a lavish dinner, but was immediately turned down by Chu Lan.
“Dad, I think you two should spend your time alone!” Chu Lan said. “I remember watching in a drama this guy took a rose and gave it to a girl on a date and then they made up!”
This made Chu Xun stall. Chu Lan had always been more into TV while Chu Wanning preferred books. Although Chu Lan did have a point, Chu Xun considered that perhaps he should add a child-lock to the TV later. He can worry about what the kids are watching later, first he must focus on preparing the perfect evening between himself and Lin Wan'er!
With a bit more discussion, and the twin’s help, both father and sons made a list of what they’ll need to prepare. The kids kept adding things to it, but Chu Xun made a mental note of what he’ll definitely get. There are three main things Chu Xun needs to prepare and those are:
- Cake (because what is a celebration without cake, huh? Lin Wan'er loved osmanthus cake so Chu Xun made sure that they’re in every celebration);
- Food (as Lin Wan'er will be returning later, the time they’ll end up celebrating together will be at dinnertime onwards); and
- Flowers and candlelight (y’know for setting the romantic mood)
“Then we’ll have to prepare these for later,” Chu Xun said as he listed off the three main things above to Chu Lan and Chu Wanning. “What do you think?”
“Hmm…” Chu Lan pondered. “I think it’s pretty good, but I feel like there’s something missing.”
“Hmm…” Chu Wanning pondered too. “Then how about a walk by the riverside?”
A lightbulb immediately flickered in Chu Xun’s mind. “Yes, I agree! In fact, that’s how your mom and I actually met! You see…”
“Well, Ningning, I know what we’re going to do today!” Chu Lan interrupted, choosing to talk to his brother instead.
Even after they changed clothes and got in the car, Chu Xun was still telling his story on how he and Lin Wan'er met.
“It was really windy when I went to the riverside. There wasn’t really anything particular about the day, just that it was windy and smelled of fish. Back then they used to sell fish at makeshift stalls. I think your mom used to help your grandparents on one back then. She was running errands for them when I accidentally bumped into her…”
As their dad continued to narrate him and their mother’s fated meeting, Chu Lan turned to Chu Wanning and said in a made up language only they knew. <Are you sure we really want to help dad?>
Chu Lan smiled. <Mom never said that we can’t. Besides, I don’t like seeing them fighting.>
Chu Lan did have a point, Chu Wanning mused. He thought for a bit then nodded at Chu Lan which made the latter break out in a wide grin.
<That settles it!> Chu Lan smirked. <Let’s give dad a push. I think it’d be better if they had dinner in a fancy restaurant instead, they always do that on TV. You go call Ran-er so we can stay at his place while we wait, and I’ll do something and reorganize Dad’s plans.>
Chu Wanning’s face flushed. Chu Lan always teases him and Ran-er together, probably because his older brother thought Chu Wanning had a small crush on the latter (which he doesn’t!). Shoulders raised, he started to retort, “Why do I have to–”
“Dad, can I borrow your phone?” Chu Lan asked, blatantly ignoring Chu Wanning.
Chu Xun was focused on the road and thought Chu Lan was just borrowing the phone so he can play games on it so he agreed. In the meanwhile, a half-excited half-angry Chu Wanning, who had no energy to vent his feelings, grumbled and used the spare phone their parents gave the twins for emergencies to call Ran-er’s number.
“Hello?” Auntie Duan’s familiar voice answered.
Great , Chu Wanning groaned inward. If there were two people in the world that he’s wary about, it’d be 1) his older brother, and his classmate’s(crush’s) mother 2) Auntie Duan. Disliking Chu Lan was common sense. Chu Wanning has stuck with him since birth and Chu Lan made it clear that he didn’t fear Chu Wanning’s anger. Auntie Duan, however, has a glib tongue and mischievous demeanor with eyes that seem to see through his being—to which bothered Chu Wanning a lot. Both people seemed to be aware of Chu Wanning’s puppy crush on Ran-er, which Chu Wanning hated being brought to his attention.
“...It’s me, Auntie.”
“Is that you, Ningning? What’s up?” Auntie Duan perked up after Chu Wanning replied. “Do you want to talk to Ran-er? Perfect timing, he’s just having breakfast.”
Chu Wanning’s face immediately turned a bright red. “W-wait! I’m not looking for Ran-er.”
“Oh?” Auntie Duan sounded intrigued.
“Something came up between Mom and Dad, is it okay if me and Chu Lan sleep over?” Chu Wanning asked.
“Oh, honey, you’re always welcome to! Ran-er will be delighted. Though, I’m afraid I won’t be able to accompany you guys since I have to work two shifts today. Auntie Xun’s here though! What time will you be around?”
“I think we’ll be there after lunch.”
“I hear ya! I’ll go let Ran-er know.”
Chu Wanning ended the call in a sigh of relief. He met Chu Lan’s eyes which had a wicked glint. It seemed that Chu Lan managed to do what he set out to do too.
<Well, I did it.> Chu Wanning grumbled.
<I managed to make a reservation too!> Chu Lan happily exclaimed. <Good job, Ningning!> He gave Chu Wanning a headpat.
Finally arriving at the bakery, the father-son trio ordered their cake. Returning back to the car,Chu Xun looked over the to-do list.
“Next should be getting ingredients for dinner…” Chu Xun mused. “I wonder what I should cook…?”
“Oh don’t worry about that, Dad!” Chu Lan proudly said. “I already reserved a place for you both!”
“And I called Auntie Duan, she said it’s okay for us to stay the night over.” Chu Wanning supplemented.
Chu Xun was very confused, an ominous dread settled in his stomach when he heard his firstborn say those words proudly. “Pardon? A-Lan you made a reservation in a restaurant…? Where exactly did you make a reservation…?”
Chu Lan’s grin became wider. He looked so innocent, at first.Chu Xun was forced to gulp down his saliva as the troublemaker proudly said the name of an expensive restaurant near the river. That innocent smile turned malicious and intimidating far too quickly.
Chu Xun felt as if his soul was being sucked out of him as he heard the restaurant’s name. While the Chu family was well-off and comfortable with plenty of savings to spare, this reservation was still worth a few months of salary of both Chu Xun and Lin Wan'er.
It’s okay… Chu Xun tried to reason with himself. Although all the blood had already drained from his face and he felt a bit lightheaded. Thankfully they haven’t driven off yet. It’s okay… it’s Lin Wan'er and my 15th anniversary. It will be worth it.
One does not mourn water spilt for the sake of dousing fire… Although the water is 10 bottles of Evian water in this situation.
“You too… We’ll talk later.”
Chu Wanning was unsurprised. It was pretty much in character with Chu Lan’s shenanigans. And like the previous trouble they’ve gone through, Chu Lan pretended he was none the wiser.
<Did I do something wrong?> Chu Lan, who definitely noticed Chu Xun’s change in disposition, asked Chu Wanning.
<I don’t know, but I think you just made Dad cry.> Chu Wanning replied in his usual neutral tone.
Chu Lan: 😦
Despite the tears going through Chu Xun’s eyes, the family managed to drive back home to pick up stuff for the twins and head to Ran-er’s place. It was Auntie Xun who opened the door, only to be greeted with a Chu Xun who looks like he’s barely hanging in there.
“Uhm… Are you okay, Mr. Chu?” A concerned Xun Fengruo asked Chu Xun who still has to come to terms with his financial loss.
“I’m fine… but my wallet isn’t.” Chu Xun said and proceeded to sigh, looking at the twins in pain. The twins stared back at the two adults innocently. Xun Fengruo felt like she understood the feeling somewhat.
“Ningning, Ningning!” An excited voice squealed from behind Xun Fengruo. Ran-er peeked out from behind Auntie Xun and widely grinned at the twins. Chu Lan smiled his usual smile, and Chu Wanning perked up. “I heard from Mama that you’re sleeping over! I’m so excited!”
The two adults conversed, catching up on why Chu Wanning had to call early in the morning to ask if they could sleep over, moving to the living room. Meanwhile, Ran-er took the twins to his room so they could put down their bags.
“I’m really happy you guys are gonna hang out with me, but why the sudden visit?” Ran-er asked, closing the door behind them.
“Oh, dad’s going on a date with mom.” Chu Lan replied.
“It’s their fifteenth anniversary.” Chu Wanning supplemented.
Ran-er was familiar with the concept of dates. “Oh! That’s so cool! Mom and Xun-jiejie go on dates too!”
“Do you get lonely when they do?” Chu Wanning asked. While Chu Wanning and Chu Lan have each other, Ran-er’s a single child so Chu Wanning felt concerned that Ran-er must be lonely when Auntie Duan and Auntie Xun go out together.
“Nope!” Ran-er shook his head, still smiling. “Sometimes they take me with them, and if not, I get to hang out with Mengmeng at Uncle Xue’s place!”
“Like us coming to play with you now!” Chu Lan chimed in.
Ran-er beamed. “Yeah!”
“Hey, how are you boys doing?” Xun Fengruo asked as she peeked inside the room. She smiled as she saw Chu Wanning and Chu Lan settled down on the cushions Ran-er provided them. This wasn’t the Chu twins’ first time sleeping over so it’s no surprise that they’ve made themselves at home fast.
“We’re good, Auntie Xun!” Chu Lan held a peace sign in assurance. “Did dad leave?”
“Yep, just now.” Xun Fengruo said as she entered the room. The boys made space for her and offered a cushion which she gratefully took. “I heard what you boys did, you guys are so independent! But you sure gave your dad a fright.”
“A-Lan did it.” Chu Wanning immediately said, eager to pin the blame at Chu Lan because he was still feeling upset at being forced to do the call earlier.
“I was helping!” Chu Lan objected.
“Of all places, why did you reserve that one?” Chu Wanning asked in exasperation.
“In this one drama the MC went on a date there with one of the guys! It was super romantic.” Chu Lan pouted. “Besides, it also happened that the restaurant was near the river, where dad and mom first met.”
Xun Fengruo couldn’t help but feel as helpless towards Chu Lan. All things said and done, he did help in a way that he thought was the best and handled it just fine like an adult. Mr. and Mrs. Chu’s kids are so intelligent, Xun Fengruo couldn’t help but feel envious at how blessed the family is.
“Well, how about I make you guys some sandwiches?” Xun Fengruo asked. “I bet A-Lan and Ningning haven't eaten lunch yet.”
The kids cheered.
—
Flowers? Check.
Cake? Check.
Reservation to a fancy restaurant? …Check.
Despite all that he’s done and all the support he’s received, Chu Xun still didn’t feel like he’s prepared enough. The events of earlier this morning still played in his mind, and thinking about Lin Wan'er’s upset expression made him aggrieved. It didn’t help that the kids aren’t here, they were a good distraction from his distress. Now, everything has been prepared, and Chu Xun is at a loss, waiting for the clock to strike and for Lin Wan'er to arrive at home.
He showered, made sure his suit was free of wrinkles, prepared a small snack and something to freshen up Lin Wan'er when she came back… Anything he could do to distract himself he did. And when he heard the familiar rumble of a car driving down their driveway, his heart jumped.
Chu Xun hurriedly grabbed the bouquet of flowers that he bought for Lin Wan'er, and did a once over of his clothes. Nothing was amiss.
“I’m home…” Lin Wan'er’s voice came from downstairs. Unsurprisingly she sounded tired.
She was greeted by an empty house, but not silence. Muffled crashes came from upstairs, which made her jump a bit. A Chu Xun in his dorky excellence stumbled downstairs holding a bouquet of roses.
“H-Honey, you’re back!” Chu Xun sounded surprised, he had a beaten down expression as he faced her looking like a kid who felt really bad because he said something mean.
Seeing Chu Xun’s expression, Lin Wan'er almost forgot that she was supposed to be upset at him. It was a special day after all, their fif teenth anniversary. Fifteenth! And it looks like either Chu Xun realized what day it is, or the twins let him know. The man had actually dressed to the nines.
Making sure to put on a stern expression. Lin Wan'er sulkily expressed, “Looks like you did remember in the end. What’s up? You usually remember these types of dates.”
Chu Xun winced a bit after hearing that. “I know… It’s just… managing the donation drives has been hectic and it just… slipped my mind. But you know, I can make it up to you.” His embarrassed expression changed into the same smile he used to give her when he has a surprise in store. He holds out the bouquet to her which Lin Wan'er accepts, there was a note on it: To Lin Wan'er, my first and only love. Happy 15th anniversary!
She’s always been weak to romantic gestures. All pretenses of being angry at Chu Xun disappeared and her mouth grew wide. Lin Wan'er gave Chu Xun a hug then and there and a kiss. It may have been fifteen years since they first went out together, but this man has never failed to make her heart flutter.
“I’m sorry… I was just really upset that you forgot.” Lin Wan'er admitted as she cupped Chu Xun’s face in her hands. They both settled down in the living room.
“Well, this isn’t the only thing I prepared,” Chu Xun said, turning excited. “The twins helped get me a dinner reservation! And cake.”
“Now that you mention it, where are the twins?” Chu Xun’s mention of them helping out prepare their anniversary celebration brought back what Lin Wan'er was worried about back to the forefront of her mind.
“They’re down over by their classmate’s house. Remember the kid they slept over a few months ago?”
Lin Wan'er’s eyebrows raise. Giving Chu Xun a knowing look, she said: “My, my, Mr. Chu, are you planning something steamy perhaps?”
It took Chu Xun a while to realize what she meant and, whilst his expression didn’t change as much as a slight scrunch of the eyebrows, Lin Wan'er took joy in seeing his ears turn a bright shade of red. It didn’t take long for Chu Xun to chuckle too once he realized his reaction. They both should be used to this by now.
“Not out of the question,” Chu Xun laughingly remarked. “But honestly, I figured we could use the change of space and relax together.”
“Mmmm…” Lin Wan'er reclined on the chair. “I’m not against that either. How about we give the twins a little sister next year~”
Whilst both Mr. and Mrs. Chu chatted in the living room—letting the latter rest from a full day’s work—Ran-er made a wholesome proposition to the twins who looked rather worried.
“Do you want to make a present for your mom and dad?” A concerned Ran-er asked as Chu Wanning huffed and a bored Chu Lan tumbled the dominoes he was stacking for the umpteenth time.
Both twins perked up. Ran-er—ever the most observant kid—was right with his assumption. They were both worried about their parents. While Chu Xun and Lin Wan'er made sure that Chu Wanning and Chu Lan never saw them truly at odds with each other, it’s exactly because of that that seeing their mom truly upset at their dad bothered them.
Chu Lan hummed. “What should we make?” He asked.
“Oh!” Ran-er blinked. He paused, going into a thinking pose as he reflected on what they could do. “Hmm… We can make a lot of things. We can bake cookies, perform something for them, buy them something… Oh! What about making them greeting cards?”
Chu Wanning perks up once he hears that. He quite liked the idea of making greeting cards for his parents as they seem personalized and from the heart. He felt sure that his mom and dad would gladly accept it. And… he gets to have Ran-er teach him how to draw again.
“Ohh,” Chu Lan started. “We should buy them a gi—”
“I’d like that,” Chu Wanning interjected. “Making a greeting card…”
Seeing his younger brother who rarely voiced his wants say something, Chu Lan shut his mouth. Lin Wan'er often joked that Chu Wanning doesn’t speak often because Chu Lan is so loud. It’s how they have always been since birth. Chu Lan had always been the one to call out whenever one of them needed something, and Chu Lan will always do what he can whenever Chu Wanning wants/needs something. After all, he is still the older brother.
Ran-er brightened. He went to a drawer where he put his art materials and took out a fancy set of crayons and bond paper. Chu Lan and Chu Wanning helped clear the table and the kids soon got to drawing. Chu Wanning thought real good on what he should draw, while Chu Lan immediately went at it. Seeing the two finally enthusiastic and focused on something, Ran-er felt at ease.
They ended up drawing well into the night.
—
The clock eventually struck at seven PM, and a well-dressed Lin Wan'er and Chu Xun exited their car in front of a fancy restaurant by the port. Lin Wan'er couldn’t help but feel at a loss at the sight. Had Chu Xun, in his panicking to appease her, reserved this place? All things said, it seemed excessive even for him. No wonder he told her to wear something formal.
Lin Wan'er gave Chu Xun a pointed look wordlessly asking for an explanation. She was given a pained smile and a reply: “It was A-Lan. I’m never giving him my phone again.”
Ah. They’ll have to talk to him about that after.
Dinner went well… They were served little, but the taste made up for it. Still, Chu Xun and Lin Wan'er exited the restaurant still feeling like they wanted to eat more. So they went to a quaint shop by the river and had hamburgers and fries.
“Well, that was an experience.” Lin Wan'er said, stuffing her mouth full of hamburger.
“You can say that again…” Chu Xun dejectedly sighed as he sipped a cup of tea.
They shared a look and couldn’t help but laugh. It felt like they were fifteen years younger again. Back during their first date, they went to this exact shop because it was the only cheap place around. Back then the shop was brand new; now, it’s a bit weatherworn and its menu had seen some new additions and some removals. But the place was still here. Cheap, tasty food, and loyal customers helped keep this store strong through the years; Chu Xun remarked to himself that those customers must’ve loved the place as much as he loved Lin Wan'er to keep it alive through all the years’ struggles.
“Thank you for tonight,” Lin Wan'er said after dinner. They were both walking by the river, watching the building lights from the other side reflect off the waves. Chu Xun’s hand feels warm in hers. “I’m sorry I made you worry.”
Chu Xun gave her hand a reassuring squeeze and brought it to his lips. “You can hurt me all you want, but I’ll still love you. In sickness and in health, through life and in death. I will always love you.”
Lin Wan'er stared at Chu Xun’s face, thinking how old it has gotten. No longer was he the fresh-faced youth he was before, yet he still took her breath away whenever they shared a look. He made her heart flutter whenever he gave her a kiss. Chu Xun saw Lin Wan'er in nightscape lighting, and felt as if—instead of LED lights—they were surrounded by a starry night.
“Happy anniversary,” Lin Wan'er whispered as she stepped closer to Chu Xun to plant a kiss on his lips.