After Marrying Professor Song 14

? Views, Released on January 21, 2025

Chapter 14

They were on the same page.

Although Lu Xuefeng had been thinking about it, hearing Song Muqing say it aloud made him hesitate.

Meeting Song Muqing’s gaze, he said frankly, “I might need some time to adjust.”

He had lived alone for a long time.

During his final years of university and throughout graduate school, Lu Xuefeng had rented apartments on his own.

He disliked noisy environments, preferring quiet, and rarely interacted with people he wasn’t familiar with, finding it troublesome.

So, if they were to start living together now, Lu Xuefeng needed some mental preparation.

It wasn’t because he was being difficult, shy, or embarrassed.

It was simply a new experience for him.

Lu Xuefeng needed time to understand and adapt to the other person’s characteristics and habits, and then gradually, through their interactions, establish a comfortable living arrangement.

It would inevitably involve compromise and adjustments.

This process might take some time, which was why Lu Xuefeng disliked long-term, stable relationships.

“I understand,” Song Muqing replied, his gaze returning to the road ahead.

Lu Xuefeng murmured softly, “Thank you.”

“You don’t need to thank me,” Song Muqing explained gently. “We’re partners now, family. There’s no need to be so polite.”

He added that there was no need for such formalities in the future.

Lu Xuefeng wasn’t particularly insistent on this, replying with an “Okay” in agreement.

Due to the traffic, it took them a while to reach their destination.

“This is…?”

Lu Xuefeng stood outside, seeing the sign that read “Lanyuan District,” a residential complex, one with a good reputation in recent years.

“I bought an apartment here a while ago,” Song Muqing said.

“How long ago?”

“Over a year ago,” Song Muqing thought for a moment. “I haven’t lived here much, so it should be quite new.”

Song Muqing had deliberately brought him here, and Lu Xuefeng understood his intention without him having to say anything.

As they entered, Lu Xuefeng realized the complex was quite large and densely populated.

He observed the surrounding environment and landscaping; it was all quite pleasant, and the location was convenient.

Song Muqing’s apartment was in the central building, easily accessible.

“I wanted to mention this last night, but it was late, and it wasn’t convenient to come here.”

“Yesterday would have been fine.”

Lu Xuefeng hadn’t thought much about it; the late hour wouldn’t have mattered.

Song Muqing entered the passcode, the door unlocking, and gestured for Lu Xuefeng to enter first. As Lu Xuefeng walked past him, he said, “I also needed to make some preparations.”

Lu Xuefeng changed into the new slippers provided, turning around at the entrance. “Prepare what?”

Song Muqing stood there, slightly backlit, looking up at him.

“To welcome you.”

His words were clear, not loud, but they resonated with Lu Xuefeng.

Lu Xuefeng was momentarily stunned, not expecting him to say that, and didn’t respond.

Song Muqing didn’t mind, closing the door and walking towards him. “When I had the place renovated, I didn’t put much thought into the style. It’s quite minimalist. I don’t know if you’ll like it.”

Lu Xuefeng looked around, noticing a faint fragrance in the air, likely from an air freshener.

It was a three-bedroom apartment, quite spacious.

The overall color scheme was light, and with the good lighting and ample sunlight, it felt bright and warm.

The furniture and lighting fixtures blended seamlessly with the style.

Small potted plants adorned the windowsills and counters, adding a touch of color to the interior.

“Didn’t you say you rarely stay here?” Lu Xuefeng touched the leaves of a plant. “You even have houseplants?”

Song Muqing chuckled softly. “Would you be disappointed if I said I just bought them?”

This was part of Song Muqing’s preparations, and there was more.

The entire apartment had been cleaned and tidied, small objects rearranged, the master bedroom organized, an air purifier and air freshener running, and an extra set of cups and daily necessities provided.

Song Muqing had prepared all of this over the past two days.

But it hadn’t escaped Lu Xuefeng’s notice.

However, Lu Xuefeng said he wasn’t disappointed.

After showing him all the rooms, Song Muqing said, “If you don’t like it, we can redecorate.”

This was now their shared home, so Lu Xuefeng’s opinion mattered.

Lu Xuefeng looked at the two sets of toiletries on the bathroom counter, then said quietly, “No need, I like it very much.”

He saw that Song Muqing had prepared many things for him, indicating that he had anticipated him moving in and had taken action accordingly.

Lu Xuefeng felt a sense of being cared for.

It made the apartment feel less like a stranger’s home and more like their shared space.

While he was still mentally preparing himself to adjust, Song Muqing had already integrated him into this apartment.

Lu Xuefeng walked towards the living room, then paused, unable to resist saying, “You’re very thoughtful.”

Truly a worthy marriage partner.

“Really?” Song Muqing replied casually.

He accepted the compliment with a calm expression, seeming pleased.

Lu Xuefeng saw the clear smile in his eyes, about to say something, when Song Muqing suddenly raised his hand, standing very close.

He instinctively stepped back.

There was a cabinet behind him, blocking his path.

Then he saw Song Muqing’s hand reach past him, retrieving a glass from the cabinet.

Lu Xuefeng clenched his hand slightly, wondering why he had suddenly become tense.

Fortunately, Song Muqing hadn’t noticed his reaction.

The glass in Song Muqing’s hand was newly bought that morning. He hadn’t removed the tag yet.

He glanced at it casually, continuing their previous conversation.

“So, move in,” Song Muqing looked at him, “and live with me.”

It was an invitation.

Lu Xuefeng lowered his eyes, naturally reaching out to remove the tag from the glass.

“Okay.”

Having agreed to move in, Lu Xuefeng didn’t delay.

They found a free afternoon to move his belongings.

Lu Xuefeng didn’t have many possessions, and he didn’t need to take everything, leaving some things behind. After his grandmother’s condition stabilized and she was discharged, they would return to his apartment.

So, there was no need to terminate the lease.

The main items were his clothes, computer, books, and personal belongings.

Without any large furniture, there was no need to hire movers.

Song Muqing helped him pack and carry everything down to the car.

Lu Xuefeng’s apartment was much smaller than their new home, as it had only been for him and his grandmother.

Song Muqing commented that it felt cozy, filled with personal touches, creating a lived-in atmosphere.

Lu Xuefeng had many books on his bookshelf, including quite a few on dance. Song Muqing had even more books, but their new study was spacious enough to accommodate them all.

They selected the essential items to take.

Song Muqing noticed a stack of certificates, seemingly awards Lu Xuefeng had won in dance competitions.

Lu Xuefeng must have participated in many competitions, mostly winning first place, an impressive achievement.

Lu Xuefeng gathered the certificates but didn’t put them in the moving box.

“I won’t take these,” he said.

“You were a dance student.”

Song Muqing didn’t phrase it as a question. This information was readily available online. Lu Xuefeng had studied classical dance in university, then pursued choreography in graduate school, no longer dancing himself.

“Yes.”

Song Muqing hadn’t had the chance to see him dance, so he asked, “Why did you switch to choreography?”

This wasn’t the first time Lu Xuefeng had heard this question. He had received countless similar inquiries when he chose choreography as his graduate major.

Lu Xuefeng had been the best classical dancer in his department. His passion for dance was evident to everyone.

So, many people couldn’t understand why he stopped dancing and changed careers.

Lu Xuefeng, recalling the past, placed the certificates in a drawer and closed it.

“I had something I wanted to express,” he said indifferently. “To try something different.”

But he didn’t seem particularly happy at this moment.

Song Muqing didn’t know the reason, but the answer was perfect, leaving no room for rebuttal.

“That’s wonderful.”

Song Muqing looked at him. “Starting over in that situation must have taken a lot of courage. You’ve clearly done very well.”

Lu Xuefeng looked up, meeting his gaze.

Unnoticed, the sun had begun to set.

The vibrant hues of dusk filled the small study.

Song Muqing’s eyes sparkled.

Lu Xuefeng was silent for a moment before finally saying, “Thank you.”

Song Muqing, puzzled by the sudden gratitude, asked with a smile, “What for?”

“Sometimes, I need some affirmation.”

After saying this, Lu Xuefeng closed the lid of the box, preparing to carry it to the car.

But Song Muqing placed his hand on the box, stopping him.

Lu Xuefeng looked at him.

“I’ll offer you affirmation in the future, and not just ‘some’.”

Song Muqing looked back at him, his voice soft. “I can affirm everything about you.”

Lu Xuefeng blinked, his breath catching slightly.

A warmth spread through his heart.

Song Muqing didn’t say anything more, taking the box from his hand. “Books are heavy. Let me carry this.”

Then he left the room.

For the final trip, Lu Xuefeng carried a suitcase downstairs towards the parking lot. Song Muqing walked ahead of him to put the other items in the car.

Aunt Chen, returning from grocery shopping, happened to see Lu Xuefeng carrying the suitcase.

“Xiao Lu, where are you going? Going on a trip?”

“I’m moving,” Lu Xuefeng replied. “Aunt Chen, thank you for your care these past few years.”

“Moving?”

Aunt Chen repeated the word, slightly surprised.

She had just seen him a few days ago, when he had announced his marriage, and now he was moving. It was all rather sudden.

“Now that you’re married, you should live together,” Aunt Chen said understandingly.

She was quite fond of him and felt a pang of reluctance.

Lu Xuefeng explained that he wasn’t terminating the lease and that they would return after his grandmother was discharged, so they would still see each other.

Aunt Chen agreed, but she hadn’t seen his spouse, and he was moving alone. She couldn’t help but frown, offering a kind reminder, “Why are you doing this alone, Xiao Lu? Don’t let yourself be mistreated.”

“I won’t.”

Lu Xuefeng didn’t feel mistreated; Song Muqing was a good husband.

Aunt Chen still seemed worried. “Auntie sincerely hopes you’ve found someone considerate who will take care of you.”

Just as she finished speaking, a familiar male voice called out, “Not done yet?”

Song Muqing walked over, naturally taking the suitcase from his hand, then looked at the woman in front of him.

Lu Xuefeng quickly introduced Aunt Chen.

“Hello, Auntie,” Song Muqing greeted politely.

With his warm smile and courteous demeanor, Song Muqing had the kind of appearance that elders adored.

Aunt Chen observed him discreetly, finding nothing to criticize, and responded warmly.

She had assumed Lu Xuefeng was moving alone; it seemed she had misunderstood.

“Don’t worry, Auntie. I’ll take good care of Xuefeng.”

Song Muqing gave her his assurance, having heard her words.

“That’s good, that’s good.” Aunt Chen nodded, then told Xiao Lu to visit often.

They both agreed.

Aunt Chen didn’t intrude further, watching as they walked away together in the twilight. She suddenly realized they were quite well-matched.

That afternoon, back at the Lanyuan district apartment, Lu Xuefeng was surprised to find some changes.

The refrigerator, television, and cabinets had been replaced with newer, more stylish models.

The entire living room and bedrooms had been cleaned and tidied.

And there were red, festive stickers adorning the walls, celebrating their marriage.

Song Muqing explained, “My mom put them up. She said it should feel more celebratory.”

“Auntie…” Lu Xuefeng started to ask out of habit, then corrected himself when Song Muqing raised an eyebrow. “Mom came over?”

“Yes, she heard you were moving in and came to tidy up.”

The apartment was now organized and refreshed.

Even the stickers showed her care.

They unpacked slowly. In the evening, Mu Ting called, asking if they had eaten dinner.

She offered to bring food over if they hadn’t.

Lu Xuefeng and Song Muqing had just finished eating, so they declined her offer.

While Song Muqing spoke with his mother, Lu Xuefeng sat on the floor, unpacking his belongings, not wanting to interrupt them.

But he could hear their conversation.

Mu Ting, knowing it was their first night living together, didn’t want to intrude but still called to check on them, telling them not to rush with unpacking and to rest well.

Mu Ting’s voice was gentle and considerate, thoughtful, and her positive attitude made her sound younger than her actual age.

She gave off a similar feeling to Song Muqing. Lu Xuefeng thought Song Muqing must have had a good upbringing to become such a fine, composed individual.

Before ending the call, Mu Ting said they should come over for dinner when they were settled in.

Traditionally, such a meeting should have taken place before the marriage, but Lu Xuefeng and Song Muqing had rushed things, registering their marriage before informing their parents, reversing the order.

But regardless, meeting the elders was still a necessary custom.

However, Mu Ting wasn’t in a hurry. Their relationship and life together were the most important, so she suggested arranging a time later.

Song Muqing naturally agreed.

It was getting late, so they stopped unpacking. The remaining items were small and could be organized later.

They had been busy for most of the evening and needed to rest.

They went to the bathroom to wash their hands.

Song Muqing leaned against the doorframe, watching Lu Xuefeng’s slender, pale fingers under the running water.

He lowered his head, the skin of his neck pale and translucent.

The water stopped.

Song Muqing handed him a hand towel.

Lu Xuefeng dried his hands, unable to ignore Song Muqing’s gaze. “What is it?”

“I just realized…”