Chapter 45
Time seemed to slow down while they were at the villa.
Lu Xuefeng liked this feeling, as if their vacation would last forever.
They woke up with the sun and went to bed under the moonlight, listening to the wind, the chirping of cicadas, and Ollie’s occasional barks.
Life was slow and leisurely.
But it wasn’t always sunny. There were cloudy days, overcast days, the sun hidden behind thick clouds, the air humid and still, but it hadn’t rained yet.
The weather forecast predicted rain, but it never came.
Yuanyuan occasionally came over to play, but not for long, as Shao Fang didn’t want her to be a bother.
They didn’t mind; Yuanyuan was quiet and well-behaved, always polite.
Compared to Yao Yao, she was more reserved and shy, but also endearing.
Sometimes, Song Muqing would share his homemade treats with her.
One evening, Lu Xuefeng and Song Muqing were strolling along the lake with Ollie.
They encountered several people along the way.
Having been here for almost a week, they were now familiar with the neighbors, thanks to Song Muqing’s friendly nature and his grandfather’s reputation.
Everyone was curious about Elder Song’s grandson and had showered him with compliments.
Two handsome young men strolling with a dog were a noticeable presence.
They were used to the attention.
As they passed Shao Fang’s house on their way back, she called out to them. “Thank you for the crayfish yesterday. They were delicious. Yuanyuan loved them.”
“You’re welcome. I’m glad you liked them,” Song Muqing replied.
They had driven to town yesterday to buy groceries and, seeing it was crayfish season, had bought some, sharing half with their neighbor.
Song Muqing hadn’t cooked crayfish before, following a recipe online, adding lots of spices.
Yuanyuan had loved them.
Shao Fang invited them for dinner, but they declined, having just eaten.
They were taking a walk to aid digestion.
It was a cloudy day, the air humid, and it was almost dark after their walk.
“Alright, I won’t keep you then,” Shao Fang said, wiping her hands. “Come over tomorrow and pick some grapes. I see you always buy fruit. Do you like grapes?”
They exchanged glances. Pick grapes?
Shao Fang explained, “I have a grapevine in my backyard, and the grapes are ripe. There are too many for us to eat. Come and pick some tomorrow, save yourselves a trip to the store.”
Her tone was warm and inviting, so they agreed.
“It’s settled then,” Shao Fang said, pleased, urging them to come.
The next morning was sunny and bright.
After a short nap, they went to Shao Fang’s house.
Only she and Yuanyuan were home; her husband had gone to town for work.
Shao Fang had a large vegetable garden in her backyard, filled with various vegetables, all fresh and vibrant.
Lu Xuefeng and Song Muqing looked around the garden, admiring the plants. Lu Xuefeng couldn’t identify some of them.
Yuanyuan, knowledgeable about the plants, explained what they were.
Shao Fang gave them each a basket for the grapes, but Lu Xuefeng said one would be enough; they couldn’t eat that many.
The grapevine in the yard was quite large, the vines intertwined, the lush green leaves providing shade from the sun.
Sunlight filtered through the leaves, creating dappled patterns on the ground, where Shao Fang had placed a wooden rocking chair.
Clusters of ripe grapes, purple and almost black, hung from the vines, looking juicy and tempting. There were also some green grapes, translucent in the sunlight.
Shao Fang told them to pick as many as they wanted.
Yuanyuan played quietly with Ollie nearby.
Song Muqing and Lu Xuefeng picked grapes, filling the basket. The grapes were plump and firm, their skins bursting with juice.
Song Muqing picked a grape, wiped it casually, and fed it to Lu Xuefeng, discarding the skin.
“How is it?”
The sweet juice filled Lu Xuefeng’s mouth. “It’s sweet,” he replied, two small seeds remaining on his tongue.
Song Muqing held out his hand. “Spit them out.”
Lu Xuefeng smiled, about to say it was fine, he could discard them himself.
“I’ll throw them away.” Song Muqing already had a grape skin in his hand.
Lu Xuefeng opened his mouth, spitting the seeds into his hand.
Song Muqing wrapped them in a tissue and tossed them in the nearby trash can.
Shao Fang returned, carrying two stools. “Did you try them? They’re sweet, aren’t they?”
“Very sweet,” they replied.
“The purple ones are sweet,” Shao Fang pointed at a cluster of green grapes. “These are a bit sour. They’re okay occasionally, but too many will make your teeth hurt… Just talking about sour things makes my mouth water.”
They both chuckled.
They picked several clusters of purple grapes, then sat under the grapevine, enjoying the shade.
Shao Fang had also picked some, planning to share them with an elderly neighbor.
As they finished, the sun disappeared behind thick clouds. The air was humid and still, a slight dampness clinging to their skin.
Song Muqing picked up a large fan and fanned himself, creating a welcome breeze. He looked relaxed and comfortable, and Lu Xuefeng teased him for looking like a retired old man.
Song Muqing chuckled. “This is the life of a retiree. So relaxing.”
He fanned Lu Xuefeng as well, the breeze strong and refreshing.
Lu Xuefeng smiled. “I’m fine.”
“Aren’t you hot?” he asked.
“I am, but we’ll be going home soon,” Lu Xuefeng held his hand, stopping him. “Don’t tire yourself out.”
“So considerate, Director Lu.”
They waited for Shao Fang to return; she had gone to deliver the grapes. The clouds had darkened, obscuring the sun, the air heavy and still. The wind picked up, bringing a welcome coolness. The only sound was the wind, an eerie stillness before a storm.
“Is it going to rain?” Lu Xuefeng asked, just as Shao Fang returned, saying, “It’s going to pour.”
She told Yuanyuan to bring in the laundry.
Song Muqing and Lu Xuefeng stood up, carrying the basket of grapes, thanking Shao Fang, and saying they were leaving. She urged them to stay for dinner, but they declined, saying they had food at home and Ollie needed to be fed. They insisted, and Shao Fang, seeing they wouldn’t change their minds, didn’t press further, seeing them off and reminding them to hurry.
She offered them an umbrella, but they said it wasn’t necessary, it wasn’t far.
They walked home against the strong wind, Ollie trotting behind them, sniffing at everything.
Song Muqing held Lu Xuefeng’s hand, their pace leisurely.
Everyone else had gone inside, bringing in their laundry and closing their windows.
Song Muqing, slowing down, leaned down and kissed Lu Xuefeng’s cheek. They both stopped, the wind whipping around them. The air was humid and heavy before the rain.
Lu Xuefeng looked at him. “If it pours, we’ll be drenched.”
Song Muqing smiled. “Then we’ll take a shower together.”
“Not with you,” Lu Xuefeng retorted.
“Why not?”
Lu Xuefeng simply looked at him, knowing he understood.
Showering together never ended with just a shower; it always led to something else.
As they reached their gate, the rain started, large raindrops falling without warning.
Song Muqing pulled Lu Xuefeng towards the house, but they still got slightly wet. The wind howled, the rain lashing against the trees and the grass. Song Muqing’s glasses were slightly damp, and he took them off. The air was thick with humidity, their skin damp and sticky, the scent of earth filling their senses. Ollie barked excitedly, rolling around in the rain and mud, getting filthy. Song Muqing called him back sternly, then, seeing his joy, relented.
They patiently bathed Ollie, drying him thoroughly, then closed the doors, not letting him out again. Ollie was happy and clean, while they were exhausted and sweaty.
Lu Xuefeng showered first, putting on a white tank top, revealing his toned arms. The sound of rain continued outside, a calming presence. The windows were fogged with condensation, raindrops tracing patterns on the glass.
Lu Xuefeng sat by the window on the second floor, reading, a bowl of fresh grapes beside him. The storm raged outside, the wind and rain relentless. He looked peaceful and serene, like a figure in a painting.
Song Muqing, wearing his glasses, walked over unnoticed. He turned Lu Xuefeng around, so they were facing each other. Lu Xuefeng’s legs dangled over the edge of the window seat, Song Muqing standing between them.
“What are you reading, so engrossed?” Song Muqing asked, his forehead touching Lu Xuefeng’s.
Lu Xuefeng told him the title of the book.
Song Muqing, however, wasn’t interested in the answer. They had both just showered, the scent of shower gel lingering on their skin, their bodies close.
He kissed him.
Kissing in the rain was romantic and sensual.
Lu Xuefeng loved the sound of the rain and the feeling of Song Muqing’s lips on his.
He couldn’t help but moan softly.
“Do you like it?” Song Muqing asked.
“Yes,” Lu Xuefeng replied, their eyes locked, their desire growing.
Song Muqing’s hand moved down his back, then to the front, gently untying the drawstring of his shorts. He leaned closer.
Lu Xuefeng, startled, realizing what he was about to do, stopped him.
Song Muqing kissed him again, his voice a low murmur. “Be good. I’ll make you feel good.”
He continued, and Lu Xuefeng’s body tensed, his legs weakening, his breath hitched. He held onto the windowsill with one hand, the other tangled in Song Muqing’s hair.
Song Muqing wasn’t exactly experienced, but he was skilled.
Lu Xuefeng’s fingers turned white, his toes curling.
The rain outside felt like it was falling on him, warm and wet, enveloping him.
After a long while, he stopped.
Lu Xuefeng’s body trembled, his breath coming in short, hot gasps.
Song Muqing looked up, his face calm and composed, but his glasses were fogged with condensation.
