Chapter 49
The Z University forum erupted in excited chatter. Professor Song referring to the guest lecturer, Lu Xuefeng, as his “beloved” was shocking news.
Then someone noticed their matching rings.
And the look in Professor Song’s eyes, as he watched Lu Xuefeng, was almost adoring.
Everyone was envious.
But the two at the center of the commotion were oblivious.
Lu Xuefeng, confident and at ease, shared anecdotes from his creative process and rehearsals, the students captivated by his words and his handsome face. Some, however, were distracted, browsing the forum and searching for Professor Song.
Finally, it was time for the Q&A session.
Many dance students asked questions, and Lu Xuefeng patiently answered them all. But there were too many questions, and time was running out.
The last question came from a female student. “Are you and Professor Song from the biology department partners?”
The room buzzed with excitement.
Lu Xuefeng paused, his gaze meeting Song Muqing’s across the room.
The students turned to look at Professor Song in the back rows.
“That’s not related to today’s topic,” Lu Xuefeng replied, then smiled faintly. “But I can answer your question.”
“Yes, we are partners.”
His expression softened slightly.
There was nothing to hide; since they wanted to know, he would tell them.
“Wow…”
The students gasped and murmured amongst themselves.
Lu Xuefeng answered one last question related to dance before concluding the lecture.
He stood on the stage, thanking the audience.
“Thank you all for coming.”
The students began to leave.
A student approached him, asking for a photo, saying she was a fan of his work. Lu Xuefeng agreed readily.
Other students followed suit, and he patiently posed for photos with each of them.
Song Muqing remained seated, watching him, waiting for him to finish and for the conversations with the faculty members to end before walking towards him. His steps were steady, his gaze fixed on Lu Xuefeng. As he reached him, he smiled. “Director Lu, I’m a fan of your work. Can I have a photo too?”
Lu Xuefeng, seeing the amusement in his eyes, chuckled softly.
“No photos for family members,” he replied playfully.
He put on his coat. “How did the students know about our relationship?” he asked, recalling the earlier question.
“I told them,” Song Muqing admitted with a smile.
Lu Xuefeng met his gaze, then raised an eyebrow. “On purpose?”
“On purpose,” Song Muqing confirmed, stepping closer and fastening Lu Xuefeng’s coat, his fingers lingering on his waist. “It’s cold outside.”
Lu Xuefeng looked at him, his gaze soft and affectionate, Song Muqing’s movements gentle and patient.
“Are you done with your classes?” he asked.
“Yes, waiting for you to go home.”
They exchanged a smile, Song Muqing taking his hand, and they left the lecture hall together.
They had dinner at his parents’ house that evening.
Mu Ting and Song Hongfan had been considerate, not wanting to disturb him during his busy schedule. Although they were proud of his success, they were also worried about him, thinking he had lost weight.
Now that things were less hectic, they finally had time for a family dinner.
Song Hongfan had prepared a delicious meal, and Mu Ting insisted Lu Xuefeng eat more.
After dinner, Lu Xuefeng played with Ollie, who was overjoyed to see him, jumping and rolling around excitedly.
Lu Xuefeng couldn’t help but laugh.
Mu Ting brought out a large photo album, a thick stack of old photos, inviting Lu Xuefeng to look through them with her. The early photos were faded and slightly blurry, showing his grandparents, family portraits from years ago, the passage of time evident. Song Muqing, a baby, was being held by Mu Ting. As they flipped through the album, the photos became clearer, the resolution higher. Later photos included Lu Xuefeng and his grandmother, now part of their family.
“Memories are precious,” Mu Ting said, her finger tracing a photo. “Every time I look at these photos, I feel something different.”
“Yes,” Lu Xuefeng agreed.
“Oh,” Mu Ting suddenly remembered something, smiling. “I also have an album dedicated to Song Muqing’s childhood. Would you like to see it?”
Lu Xuefeng said yes.
She retrieved the album. It wasn’t large, and there weren’t many photos, but each one was a precious memory of Song Muqing’s past.
Lu Xuefeng had never seen them before.
Song Muqing, passing by the study, leaned against the doorframe, his demeanor casual. “I heard my name. What are you talking about?”
“Looking at your old photos,” Lu Xuefeng replied, looking up.
Song Muqing walked over, glancing at the album. He didn’t remember having so many photos taken. Many of them were from his school days, wearing his uniform. He had been a handsome young man, his demeanor gentle and refined.
Lu Xuefeng liked them.
Before leaving, he asked Mu Ting if he could borrow the album.
Mu Ting smiled. “Of course. Keep it. It’s yours now.”
As they were leaving, Mu Ting gave them some homemade muffins and cookies.
Back at their apartment, Lu Xuefeng sat at the coffee table, looking through the album.
Song Muqing, slightly displeased, sat beside him. “I’m right here. You can look at me if you want.”
“It’s not the same,” Lu Xuefeng replied. These were photos of Song Muqing’s past, a side of him he had never known.
Young Song Muqing had been adorable, a handsome teenager in his school uniform. And his personality had always been exceptional.
Lu Xuefeng turned to him, asking curiously, “Were you popular in school?”
Song Muqing considered this. “There were a few admirers, but I wasn’t interested.”
“Interested in what?”
“Studying, having fun, and…” he paused. “…Figuring out my sexual orientation.”
During adolescence, Song Muqing had been unsure about his sexuality. He hadn’t been interested in dating, not attracted to girls, and not particularly interested in boys either. But after figuring things out, he had accepted it readily. His parents’ open-mindedness had helped.
So, one afternoon, he had casually told his parents he was gay.
Mu Ting had simply responded with a surprised “Oh,” then told him not to “corrupt” any straight boys.
Lu Xuefeng, hearing this, smiled; Mu Ting was a wonderful mother.
“I’m glad I met you,” Song Muqing said, leaning in and kissing him, a silent declaration of love, effectively distracting him from the photo album. He closed the album, suggesting, “Let’s watch a movie, Xuefeng.”
“What movie?”
“I’ll choose one.”
He turned on the projector and chose a romantic film. They sat on the carpet, leaning against the sofa, watching quietly. The film was beautifully shot, the atmosphere romantic, but the pacing was slow.
After a while, Lu Xuefeng rested his head on Song Muqing’s shoulder. It was a cold winter night, and they were nestled together comfortably.
The sound of the movie faded.
Song Muqing felt Lu Xuefeng’s stillness, his breathing slow and even.
The movie hadn’t ended yet.
Lu Xuefeng had fallen asleep.
Song Muqing remained still, waiting for the movie to end before carrying him to the bedroom.
Lu Xuefeng stirred slightly as he was lifted into Song Muqing’s arms.
“Let’s go to bed,” Song Muqing said gently.
Lu Xuefeng, still drowsy, asked, “What was the ending?”
“They got together and lived happily ever after.”
Lu Xuefeng yawned, his eyes slightly damp. “Oh, a happy ending.”
Song Muqing placed him on the bed, tucking him in. “Yes, a happy ending.”
Lu Xuefeng smiled, holding his hand.
Song Muqing leaned down, kissing him deeply.
After the kiss, they looked at each other, recalling their first meeting:
That autumn, that rainy day, that cafe, that proposal.
It felt like a lifetime ago.
Yet, the memories were still vivid.
“Us too,” Song Muqing said.
Lu Xuefeng’s eyes crinkled with a smile. “Yes, I’m very happy now.”
And they would continue to be happy for many years to come.
—End of Main Story—
