Chapter 46
That night, they slept soundly, nestled together, perhaps due to the strenuous activity before bed. Lu Xuefeng had a dreamless sleep, waking up refreshed.
The rain had stopped, the sky clear, the sunlight streaming in through the window, illuminating the white curtains.
Lu Xuefeng sat up, putting on a loose white tank top.
A strong arm wrapped around his waist, pulling him back against a warm body. Song Muqing, his head on Lu Xuefeng’s shoulder, his breath warm against his skin, seemed to still be half-asleep.
Lu Xuefeng waited for a moment, then chuckled. “Song Muqing, wake up.”
Song Muqing murmured in response, then said, “I don’t want to.”
The morning air after the rain was cool and refreshing, perfect for sleeping in.
They had been enjoying a leisurely vacation, their schedules relaxed and flexible.
“I have to get up,” Lu Xuefeng said.
“No, you don’t,” Song Muqing held him tighter, not letting him move.
Lu Xuefeng, resigned, let him hold him, waiting for Song Muqing to wake up properly. They had both slept well last night; he knew Song Muqing wasn’t truly sleepy, just enjoying the lazy morning.
After a while, Song Muqing kissed his chest.
Lu Xuefeng’s heart fluttered. “Where are you kissing?” he asked.
Song Muqing propped himself up slightly, looking into his eyes. “Xuefeng, you look very sexy in that tank top.”
Lu Xuefeng raised an eyebrow. “Is that your way of saying it’s easy to take off?”
Song Muqing chuckled, shaking his head.
It was easy to take off, but it was more than that.
The loose, sleeveless tank top accentuated Lu Xuefeng’s slender frame, the thin fabric clinging to his skin, the outline of his nipples visible.
It was a subtle invitation.
Song Muqing’s gaze lingered on his chest for a moment, finding him incredibly alluring. He gently brushed Lu Xuefeng’s hair aside.
“Your hair is getting long,” he said softly, his fingers twirling a strand of hair that had fallen across his eyes.
“It’s fine. I’ll get it cut when we go back,” Lu Xuefeng replied. He had noticed it too, but they would be here for another week; it wouldn’t grow that much longer.
He always went to the same barber, the same stylist, not wanting to try anything new. The risk was too high.
Song Muqing, smiling, offered to cut it for him.
Lu Xuefeng, unmoved by his gentle persuasion, firmly refused.
They lingered in bed for a while longer before getting up to wash up.
Stepping outside, Lu Xuefeng felt the cool breeze from the lake, a refreshing sensation. The rain last night had knocked the roses off the bushes by the gate, the pink petals scattered on the ground. The leaves were damp, raindrops clinging to them, glistening in the sunlight. The flower garden was a mess; they had just tidied it up a few days ago, but the storm had undone their work. They decided to wait until it dried before cleaning it again.
The air was fresh and clean, the scent of earth and plants filling his senses. The sunlight sparkled on the wet leaves and petals.
Lu Xuefeng sat by the lake, enjoying the breeze and the view, the greenery even more vibrant after the rain.
He used a clip to pin back his hair, revealing his forehead.
Song Muqing brought over a small, round watermelon, cut in half, with spoons. He handed one to Lu Xuefeng, noticing his clipped hair and exposed forehead, which made him look even more youthful.
“Cute,” Song Muqing commented.
Lu Xuefeng looked at him, raising an eyebrow. Who called a thirty-year-old man cute?
Song Muqing leaned down and kissed his forehead. “It looks very kissable,” he said with a smile.
Lu Xuefeng gave him a look and scooped a spoonful of watermelon into his mouth. It was sweet and refreshing. Delicious.
When the weather cleared, they went hiking in the nearby mountains. The scenery was beautiful, the air cool and crisp. A clear stream flowed through the forest, the gurgling water a soothing sound.
They weren’t serious hikers, not aiming for any particular destination, simply enjoying each other’s company, walking, talking, and admiring the scenery. They discussed everything and anything, sharing their thoughts and feelings, their everyday lives, their hopes and dreams. They were learning more about each other with each passing day.
When the path became too difficult, they turned back, not wanting to get lost. They were both tired after the long hike and spent the rest of the day resting, their muscles aching. They massaged each other’s legs and backs. They stayed at the villa for the next few days, recovering.
Shao Fang came over, bringing homemade hawthorn wine. She called out to them from the gate. Song Muqing and Lu Xuefeng went out to greet her. “Oh dear, what happened to your legs?” she asked, noticing their slight limp. Song Muqing explained they had gone hiking and were still sore. Shao Fang chuckled. “That’ll take a few days to recover. You two are quite energetic.”
She handed Song Muqing a large glass jar of hawthorn wine, the liquid a clear, reddish hue. “I haven’t seen you two out for your walks lately. I thought you were probably resting at home. This is homemade hawthorn wine. It’s quite good. Try it.” They hesitated, not wanting to accept such a generous gift. “Take it. It’s not much. Yuanyuan’s father loves this. We have several jars at home.” She insisted, and they thanked her. “Thank you, Aunt Shao. You’re so kind.” “You’re welcome,” she replied with a warm smile, urging them to rest, then left.
They took the wine inside. Ollie, wagging his tail, followed them excitedly, thinking it was a treat. Song Muqing told him it wasn’t for him.
That evening, while having steak for dinner, they tried the hawthorn wine. It was sweet and tangy, the aroma of hawthorn strong and pleasant. Lu Xuefeng, not usually a fan of alcohol, enjoyed the flavor.
They chatted during dinner.
Lu Xuefeng, looking at the reddish liquid in his glass, asked, “Do you remember when I said I wanted a partner who didn’t smoke or drink excessively?”
Song Muqing looked at him, his eyes dark. “No, but I happen to fit that description, don’t I?”
They had been sitting far apart at the cafe and hadn’t been able to hear each other clearly.
“Yes,” Lu Xuefeng smiled faintly. “You mentioned it during your introduction. I was surprised.” He continued, “It was my grandmother’s request. She wanted me to marry someone like that.”
Song Muqing looked at him intently. “Is there a reason for that?”
Lu Xuefeng, savoring the sweet and sour flavor of the hawthorn wine, poured them both another glass.
“My grandfather was a heavy smoker. He had lung problems before he passed away. My father…” Lu Xuefeng paused, rephrasing his words, “the one who abandoned us, became an alcoholic after his business failed. He would get angry every time he drank.”
It wasn’t just anger, but Lu Xuefeng didn’t want to delve into those details; Song Muqing understood.
“So, that’s why their marriage didn’t work out.”
Song Muqing murmured in agreement, taking Lu Xuefeng’s hand.
Lu Xuefeng smiled at him. “It’s fine. I just remembered it because of the wine. It feels like we were destined to be together from the start.”
Song Muqing’s eyes crinkled with a smile. “Thank you for choosing me.”
Lu Xuefeng thought it was a mutual choice; they were perfect for each other.
But he smiled and replied, “You’re welcome.”
They looked at each other, their eyes filled with affection. They hadn’t had a drink together like this before, neither of them being big drinkers. But the atmosphere was pleasant, the hawthorn wine delicious, and Lu Xuefeng couldn’t resist having a bit more.
He later realized that since this was Yuanyuan’s father’s favorite drink, the alcohol content must have been quite high.
His face felt warm, but he wasn’t drunk.
Song Muqing touched his cheek. “You’re blushing.”
Lu Xuefeng explained he just blushed easily. The aroma of hawthorn and alcohol filled the air, not unpleasant. Song Muqing turned on the music, a soothing melody filling the room. The lights were soft, the atmosphere romantic.
Lu Xuefeng, feeling emboldened, leaned closer and kissed Song Muqing’s lips, a rare display of affection.
Song Muqing, surprised and pleased, asked, “Why did you suddenly kiss me?”
“Because I like you,” Lu Xuefeng replied.
Song Muqing’s heart melted.
“Just one kiss because you like me?” He nuzzled Lu Xuefeng’s nose, coaxing him to kiss him again. It wasn’t enough. A few more kisses wouldn’t suffice; a longer kiss was a better option.
Lu Xuefeng leaned in, their lips meeting in a slow, tender kiss. They held each other close, the kiss lingering.
“…I can’t breathe,” Lu Xuefeng murmured, pulling away slightly, resting his chin on Song Muqing’s shoulder.
Song Muqing felt the warmth of his breath on his skin. He held him close, whispering in his ear, “I like you too. Very much.” He added, “I like you the most.”
