Addicted: Book One - The Inquietude of Youth

Chapter 132: A grown son can't be kept at home either

Bai Luo Yin calm and quietly looked at everyone smiling faces. He listened to them discussed each other's cheerful stories, ate soggy sweet dumplings, and no sooner did a as a strong pervasive warmth infiltrated into the bottom of his heart.

It was unfortunate, that he had that kind of mother, but he was fortunate enough to have such a great family that forgave and love him dearly.

A gleaming reflection of tears in the light, shone on those earthen eyes of Bai Luo Yin. He willed them away, out of his sight before he placed his chopsticks down and walked out.

Aunt Zou noticed that Bai Luo Yin had left so she prodded Bai Han Qi and asked, "Why did Yin Zi eat so little today?"

"I'll go and take a look."

Bai Han Qi followed behind his son's shadow.

Bai Luo Yin returned to his own room, simply gathered up some things and dragged his luggage out. A bag of sticky sweet balls, that he had won earlier, was held tightly in his hand as he pushed the door open and made his way out.

Bai Han Qi stood planted at the front door, looking at Bai Luo Yin with amazement. His eyes continued to drown in astonishment as Bai Luo Yin got closer.

"Where are you going so late at night?"

Bai Luo Yin silently allowed his gaze to reach his father's face, "Dad, I have to go back."

"Today is the fifteenth day of the lunar month, the time when the whole family are together. Why don't you go back once the holiday ends?"

Bai Luo Yin didn't move.

Bai Han Qi looked at the expression on Bai Luo Yin's face, knowing full well that he will undoubtedly leave, but at the same, he still urged and wished for him to stay.

"Why don't you at least finish eating your meal before leaving?"

Bai Luo Yin's heart struggled for a second, a mini war broke out from deep within, but still he faced Bai Han Qi. And, with a stern tone, he said, "I finished eating. Please talk to my grandpa and grandma and let them know that I'll be back in two days."

Bai Han Qi let out a long sigh, his heart somewhat unwilling to let go. However, he still patted Bai Luo Yin's shoulder and looked at with understandings, an air of approval permeated from his gaze.

"Go then. There's still a whole family here, even with one less member, it will still be lively. Da Hai's dad went to the army base, so don't let him celebrate the New Year alone at home."

Nobody understands one's son better than his father.

And, no words escaped Bai Luo Yin's lips as he remained unresponsive. He merely turned around and walked out of the courtyard.

Bai Han Qi stood against the strong whistling sound of the Northern wind and watched as Bai Luo Yin's shadow gradually disappeared into the distance. A bitter sadness welled up in his chest, and he couldn't help the tears that reared its' way around the corner of his eyes. It is said that when a girl has come of age, she will not remain at home any longer, how can it be that a grown son can't remain at home either?*2

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Gu Hai was dragged from slumber and into consciousness from his position on the sofa. The lights in the room remained on and the windows were still opened wide. He was unable to distinguish whether it was daytime or nighttime, even worse, the exact time or date. He wasn't certain at all, how many days he had spent in this bemused and hazy frame of mind. His eyes, once like two pristine stones of onyx, now lifelessly wandered toward every and all corners of the room.