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Xiao Yan Zi tossed and turned in the creaking old bed, clutching a hot water bottle and shivering under the covers, trying not to think about her lying, cheating scum of an ex-boyfriend or her publicity campaign for the new movie that was dropping in two days on Lunar New Year's Eve. 

She was increasingly regretting this Airbnb house swap. 

The listing on the website advertised the place as a one-of-a-kind, quaint mansion located in the heart of Beijing and built in the Qing dynasty seeped in rich history, for goodness sake. In reality, it was very cold, damp and dusty with everything falling into disrepair. The howling wind rattling the two hundred year old window shutters did not help with the uneasy feeling she had that the house was haunted. Xiao Yan Zi wished she was back in her condo on sunny Hainan island sipping a cocktail by the pool. 

Suddenly, she heard a very persistent knock at the front door. Who could it be at this hour? She looked at the clock. 9:15pm. God, she was lame. Xiao Yan Zi tip-toed cautiously to the reception hall in her pyjama bottoms and Bambi sweater before opening the door slowly. 

A man was standing in front of her in a black coat with speckles of snow in his hair and a surprised look on his face. A very attractive man. 

He blinked. "Oh, hi. Um, you're not Zi Wei," he said.

"I'm her Airbnb guest, we did a last minute house swap for Lunar New Year," she answered cautiously. 

"Oh, sorry to bother you. I'm Yong Qi, her older brother." 

Xiao Yan Zi surveyed him. “Oh, her older brother. I’m Xiao Yan Zi. Zi Wei’s, uh, Airbnb house swap person.”

He let out a short laugh, his breath visible in the frosty air. “So I gathered. I guess that was what the missed call from Zi Wei was about.” He glanced behind her at the dimly lit interior. “Are you settling in okay?”

She hesitated, glancing back at the freezing, drafty house she’d been trying to convince herself was quirky and full of character. “Settling might be a strong word,” she admitted, her shoulders slumping. “It’s been an...adventure.”

Yong Qi chuckled. “That’s one way to describe it. I told Zi Wei she should either renovate or stop pretending this place is habitable. But she’s sentimental about it. Do you want me to come in and take a look? Make sure the boiler’s not about to explode or something?”

“Do you always show up unannounced to your sister’s house guests and invite yourself in?” she joked. 

“Only when they look like they’re about to freeze to death,” he replied smoothly.

She smiled a little despite herself and stepped aside to let him in.

Inside, Yong Qi began to adjust the knobs on the ancient radiators and fiddled with the thermostat. Xiao Yan Zi hovered nearby, half-watching and half-distracted by how ridiculously good he looked in a simple black coat and scarf. She really wished she wasn't wearing her Disney pyjamas.

“So,” he began casually, crouching down to inspect the radiator. “What brings you to Beijing during Lunar New Year? Not celebrating with your family?”

She fidgeted with the hem of her sweater. “I didn't really want to see family this year. I just broke up with my boyfriend who turned out to be a lying jerk.”

“Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.“

"Anyway,” she said quickly, brushing past the topic, “I needed a change of scenery. Zi Wei’s listing popped up, and now here I am. Although I'm not sure if this was a good idea.”

He stood up, brushing his hands on his coat. “Well, I've fixed the heating so at least you won't freeze to death." He paused for a beat. "I live very nearby, it's that house next to the big oak tree. let me know if you need anything else, anytime.”

“I think I’ve got it covered. Thanks for your help, I appreciate it.”

He smiled at her. "Well, I guess I should be going." 

"Yeah, I guess so," Xiao Yan Zi said, her voice trailing off. As Yong Qi turned to leave, she found herself blurting out, "Wait. Um, do you want to stay for tea? It’s the least I can do.”

Yong Qi looked surprised for a moment but then smiled, a warm, genuine smile that reached his eyes. “Sure. Tea sounds nice.”

They moved into the tiny kitchen, a space clearly not built for two. As Xiao Yan Zi reached for the kettle, Yong Qi leaned over to grab the tea canister from the opposite counter, their shoulders brushing.

“Sorry, it’s a bit of a tight fit," Yong Qi said. He stepped aside to give her room, only for them to bump into each other again as she turned toward the stove. They both laughed a little awkwardly. 

“Cute jumper,” he said playfully, gesturing towards her Bambi sweatshirt. Xiao Yan Zi’s cheeks burned as she gave a self-conscious chuckle.

His gaze lingered on her, his expression shifting from amusement to something more intense.

Without thinking, he reached out, his hand resting lightly on her waist. “Sorry, I-” he started, but then his words faded as he leaned in, capturing her lips in a kiss that was tentative at first but quickly grew more deep and urgent. 

After a few moments, he pulled back slightly. “Sorry, I shouldn't have done that-” he started, breathing hard while her hands clutched at his coat collar. 

“Don’t apologise,” she interrupted, her finger on his lips, her breaths heavy as she tugged him by his scarf to kiss him again.

The pale winter sunlight streamed through the shutters, casting golden stripes across the room. Xiao Yan Zi stirred, her senses slowly awakening to the warmth of another body beside her. She turned her head to find Yong Qi lying beside her, sleeping peacefully. 

As if sensing her gaze, his eyes fluttered open, and he gave her a lopsided, sleepy smile. “Morning.”

“Morning,” she replied, pulling up the bedsheets to her chest, her cheeks warming as he looked at her. 

"Me too." 

They smiled a little awkwardly at each other. 

"Would you like to stay for breakfast?" she suggested hesitantly, breaking the silence. 

Yong Qi's smile widened, before faltering slightly. He propped himself up on one elbow to look at her. “I would love to,” he began earnestly. “But I can’t. There’s somewhere I need to be.”

She quickly nodded, masking her disappointment. “Oh, of course. No problem. You probably have a million things to do. I get it,” she replied, her tone too cheerful to be entirely genuine.

“I’m really sorry,” he said apologetically. “I don’t want you to think I’m just running out on you.”

“It’s okay. I get it, really.”

Yong Qi hesitated for a moment, as if debating whether to say more. "Can I see you again? Before you go?" 

"You don't have to say that. It's fine," she answered with a tight smile. 

“No, I mean it. I want to,” he replied firmly.

Her cheeks flushed again. "Alright, sure," she answered softly.

He smiled at her, warm and genuine, before he slid out of bed. Xiao Yan Zi averted her eyes pointedly as he dressed, though she couldn’t resist sneaking a few covert glances.

As he went into the bathroom, Xiao Yan Zi saw his phone light up beside the bed. She couldn't help but glance at the screen.

Nan Er: [Heart][Heart][Kiss][Kiss] 

Her stomach tightened as an uneasy feeling crept over her. Who was Nan Er?

That evening, Xiao Yan Zi found herself standing in front of Yong Qi’s house. They had made plans to meet the day after but she had replayed the morning in her mind, unable to shake the question: who was Nan Er? His girlfriend? A wife he conveniently failed to mention? She needed answers. 

The door swung open, revealing Yong Qi in a casual sweater looking surprised but pleased to see her. “Xiao Yan Zi? What are you doing here?”

“Hi,” she said, forcing a small smile. Her eyes flickered over his slightly messy hair and his expression. “Am I interrupting something? Can I come in?”

“Uh, of course, come in,” he said, looking slightly dazed as he stepped aside.

She walked inside, glancing around the cosy, lived-in space. There were toys scattered on the floor and drawings taped to the wall while a large collection of Disney character plushies sat on the window sill. The air smelled faintly of home-cooked food.

Before she could gather her thoughts, a small figure appeared from the next room. A little girl with pigtails, no older than six or seven, ran over to Yong Qi's side, her tiny hand gripping his sweater. Her wide, curious eyes locked onto Xiao Yan Zi.

“Baba, who is she?” the little girl asked, clutching a stuffed rabbit. 

Yong Qi crouched down, his voice gentle. “Nan Er, this is Xiao Yan Zi. She’s a friend of mine.”

A wave of relief and surprise rushed through Xiao Yan Zi. Nan Er is his daughter. She crouched down to the little girl’s level, smiling warmly. “Hi, Nan Er. It’s nice to meet you.”

Nan Er hesitated before stepping closer. “Hi," she said shyly. "Are you staying with us tonight?"

Yong Qi chuckled, ruffling the little girl’s hair. “Why don’t you grab some marshmallows for the hot chocolates, Nan Er?”

As Nan Er bounced off to the kitchen, Yong Qi straightened and turned to Xiao Yan Zi, rubbing the back of his neck. “Sorry, I probably should’ve mentioned her earlier,” he admitted. “She was at her grandparents’ last night, and that’s why I had to leave so early this morning to pick her up. It’s just been... a while since I’ve had someone over.”

Xiao Yan Zi’s voice softened as she replied, “It’s fine. She’s adorable.”

He smiled at her. "It's just the two of us," he clarified quickly. "Her mum left when Nan Er was a baby. It’s just been Nan Er and I ever since.”

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. It seems she's very close to you."

Before he could respond, Nan Er bounded back into the room, carefully balancing a steaming mug of hot chocolate in her hands. “This is for you,” she said shyly, holding the mug out to Xiao Yan Zi.

“Wow, thank you, Nan Er,” Xiao Yan Zi said warmly, taking the mug. “That’s so thoughtful of you.”

“Do you want to play checkers with us?” Nan Er asked, her eyes lighting up with excitement.

Xiao Yan Zi glanced at Yong Qi, who gave her an encouraging smile. “Sure,” she said.

The next hour passed very quickly as the three of them sat on the floor playing board games.

“She’s really smart,” Xiao Yan Zi said as Nan Er put away the games. “You must be so proud of her.”

“I am,” Yong Qi answered softly.

Their eyes lingered over each other for a moment before Nan Er came back into the room.

“Xiao Yan Zi jiejie, can you stay for dinner? We're making dumplings,” she asked, her eyes wide with hope.

Xiao Yan Zi glanced at Yong Qi, who shrugged with a smile. “We'd both love for you to stay, but it's up to you.”

“I’d love to,” Xiao Yan Zi said as Nan Er clapped her hands in delight.

The next two weeks passed in a blur. Xiao Yan Zi and Yong Qi spent their days exploring the city, walking through the snow-dusted streets of Nanluoguxiang and marvelling at the grandeur of the Forbidden City. Nan Er, bundled up in her pink coat and matching earmuffs, held both their hands as they strolled through Beihai Park, her giggles echoing in the crisp winter air as she fed breadcrumbs to the ducks on the frozen lake.

One evening, as the snow fell gently outside, the three of them built a pillow fort in Yong Qi’s living room. Underneath its makeshift canopy, Nan Er fell asleep in Xiao Yan Zi’s lap, clutching her beloved Thumper plush.

“You’re good with her,” he murmured.

“She makes it easy. She’s such a sweet kid," Xiao Yan Zi answered softly. 

Her cheeks warmed under his steady gaze as he tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear before leaning in to brush a light kiss to her lips.

The holidays eventually came to an end, as holidays always do. Nan Er had spent the evening before hugging her legs and begging her not to leave, her little voice breaking Xiao Yan Zi’s heart. Yong Qi had been quieter than usual, his gaze unreadable as they’d shared their final dinner together.

On her last morning, as Xiao Yan Zi was packing her things, she heard a soft knock at the door. Opening it, she found Yong Qi standing there, his hands tucked in his coat pockets. 

“I wanted to see you off,” he said quietly, his gaze sincere.

“Oh,” Xiao Yan Zi replied, her voice equally soft.

He stepped into the room. For a moment, they stood there in silence. 

“Nan Er asked me if you could come back next year for the New Year,” Yong Qi said finally.

Xiao Yan Zi felt her throat tighten. “She’s so sweet. I’m going to miss her.”

“And me?” Yong Qi teased but his eyes were serious.

“What?”

“Will you miss me?” he asked, taking a step closer.

She looked down, her heart pounding. “I don’t know,” she said. “Maybe.”

“Maybe?” Yong Qi repeated, his lips curving into a faint smile.

She met his gaze. “Okay, yes. I’ll miss you. Happy?”

His smile softened before his expression became more intense. He took a breath, as if steadying himself, and spoke again. “What if...what if we tried to make this work?”

Her eyes widened slightly. “What do you mean?”

“I mean us,” he said, grasping her hands, his voice steady but gentle.

"But- but I live in Hainan..."

“I know we’ve only had a short time together, but I don’t want to let this end here. I really like you, Xiao Yan Zi. You know I would fly to Hainan in a heartbeat if I could, but Nan Er, my publishing company...my life is Beijing. I know it’s a lot to ask, but you already spend so much time here for work anyway, and maybe we can try long distance for a while? See where this goes before we make any permanent decisions?" 

She stared at him. “What if it doesn’t work?” she whispered.

Yong Qi offered a reassuring smile. “Then at least we’ll know we tried. But I think it will.”

For a moment, Xiao Yan Zi hesitated. Then, with a deep breath, she nodded slowly.

"Is that a yes?"

“Yes,” she whispered, a smile breaking across her face.

Relief and happiness lit up his expression as Yong Qi captured her lips in a blissful kiss as Xiao Yan Zi sank into his arms, her heart full. 

“Hey Zi Wei,” Yong Qi greeted casually as he answered the phone.

“You slept with my Airbnb guest?!” Zi Wei’s voice exploded through the line, sharp and incredulous. “Are you out of your mind?”

“Relax, Zi Wei. She gave you a five-star rating, didn’t she?” Yong Qi said calmly. 

“That's not the point!” she snapped. “Did you even read her review? She said she was ‘very pleased with the personal services the stay provided.’ Personal services! Do you have any idea how bad that sounds? What if my listing gets flagged as some kind of...gigolo service?”

Yong Qi chuckled. “You’re overthinking this. It’s just a review. And it’s not like I’m planning to...expand my services to your future guests. I’m serious about her.” 

“And by the way,” he added, “you can’t exactly talk. Xiao Yan Zi mentioned you’ve been getting very friendly with her neighbour Er Kang, the marine biologist next door.”

“That’s- that’s completely beside the point!”

“Is it?” Yong Qi teased. “I’m glad you’re taking some time off work to relax, though. Seems like it’s done you some good.”

“Don’t change the subject,” she retorted, although her tone had softened. “And thanks, I guess.”

“Happy New Year, Zi Wei,” Yong Qi said, his voice light with warmth.

Zi Wei sighed, half in resignation, half in amusement. “Happy New Year, ge.”

As the call ended, Zi Wei shook her head. “Personal services,” she muttered to herself. “Unbelievable.”