Chapter 20
A click echoed as the ward door suddenly opened, startling them both.
Lu Xuefeng quickly pulled away from Song Muqing’s embrace.
Xu Li, carrying a bag, emerged from the room, witnessing their hasty retreat.
“Oh dear, excuse me,” Xu Li said softly, slightly flustered. “I was just taking out the trash and getting some medicine.”
She carefully stepped aside, smiling. “Carry on, carry on.”
As she went downstairs, she couldn’t help but think how affectionate they were.
Young love.
After she left, they stood there, facing each other, not moving.
Lu Xuefeng looked up, meeting Song Muqing’s gaze.
They simply looked at each other, neither speaking.
After a few seconds, they both smiled softly.
Lu Xuefeng could still feel the warmth in his ears, perhaps from the slightly warmer air.
Or perhaps from the lingering intimacy.
He couldn’t tell.
“Let’s go inside,” Song Muqing said finally.
“Okay.”
They entered the ward. It was a single room, convenient for his grandmother, allowing her to rest without being disturbed.
Lu Xuefeng also disliked noisy environments.
He noticed that this ward was more spacious, with newer furnishings, clean and comfortable.
His grandmother had woken up at some point. They walked over and told her the good news from Dr. Xun Zhihai: she could have the surgery, and he was confident about the success rate.
Hearing this, Deng Yuzhen felt a wave of relief.
She had been reluctant to transfer hospitals, worried about the cost and the possibility of another futile attempt.
Wasting precious time.
She didn’t want to be a burden to Lu Xuefeng and had even considered giving up, but Xuefeng had been persistent.
Now, seeing Xuefeng and Xiao Song happily married, her wish had been fulfilled. She could accept her condition; she had endured it for so many years and knew the difficulty of a complete cure.
Every day she stayed in the hospital, she felt the burden on Xuefeng increasing.
It pained her.
Sometimes, she wondered if it would be better to just… die.
Now, Lu Xuefeng’s news gave her new hope.
She wanted to stay with Lu Xuefeng longer, to see him happy.
“But the exact surgery date is up to Dr. Xun,” Lu Xuefeng held her hand, reassuring her. “Grandma, just focus on resting and preparing yourself.”
Deng Yuzhen nodded emphatically, her voice slightly choked. “I’ll listen to the doctor.”
Lu Xuefeng knew his grandmother had never undergone major surgery before and would likely be worried and afraid.
He said, “We have to trust the doctor.”
“I know,” Deng Yuzhen understood his meaning. “I’m not afraid.”
No matter the outcome.
After leaving the hospital, they went to the pet boarding facility to pick up Ollie and take him back to his parents’ house.
Ollie, freshly groomed, was waiting for them.
Seeing them, he ran over excitedly, jumping into their arms.
They had developed a bond over the past few days, and Ollie’s gentle nature made him endearing.
Even the staff at the facility praised his good behavior, saying he was a well-behaved and clean dog.
They returned home, packed Ollie’s things, and drove to his parents’ house.
Mu Ting insisted they stay for a late-night snack.
She also gave them food she had brought from her hometown: oranges, crispy biscuits, handmade candies, and some pickled vegetables in glass jars. Lu Xuefeng didn’t recognize them, but they looked like local specialties.
“The oranges are from our relatives’ farm. They’re quite sweet, so I brought back two boxes. Try these snacks; Xuefeng probably hasn’t had them before. If you like them, I’ll bring more next time.”
Mu Ting pointed at a jar of handmade candies, glancing at Song Muqing, and said to Lu Xuefeng, “He loved these when he was young.”
Lu Xuefeng glanced at Song Muqing, playing along. “Then I must try them.”
Song Muqing smiled, taking a candy, unwrapping it, and popping it into his mouth.
“Still the same taste.”
He then unwrapped another one for Lu Xuefeng.
Lu Xuefeng tasted it. It wasn’t overly sweet, but rather tangy and refreshing, with a hint of fruit juice.
Quite unique.
Mu Ting, watching their interaction, took something else out of her bag.
“Xuefeng, this is for you too.”
She handed it to Lu Xuefeng.
It was two amulets.
“I happened to visit a temple when I was back home, so I got one for you and one for your grandmother, for good luck.”
Song Muqing already had one, so there wasn’t one for him this time.
Lu Xuefeng knew it was a thoughtful gesture, and he felt a surge of emotion.
He held them tightly, thanking her. “Thank you, Mom.”
“You’re welcome, dear,” Mu Ting replied, wishing them both good health and safety.
She smiled, saying a few auspicious words, claiming the temple in her hometown was quite effective.
Whether it was true or not, Lu Xuefeng was willing to believe it.
Before they left, Ollie seemed reluctant to part with them, following them to the door.
They played with him for a while before saying goodbye.
Ollie whined sadly, and Song Hongfan chuckled, saying he hadn’t seen Ollie so reluctant even when they left for their hometown.
“Ollie really likes you two,” he said.
Lu Xuefeng liked him too.
On their way back, Song Muqing took Lu Xuefeng’s hand, tucking it into his coat pocket. Noticing his mood, he asked, “Sad to leave him?”
“A little. Ollie is so lovable.”
“If you want a dog, we can get one.”
Lu Xuefeng shook his head, adjusting his hand in his pocket for a more comfortable position.
“No,” Lu Xuefeng replied. “I just like Ollie.”
Other dogs weren’t Ollie.
Moreover, Lu Xuefeng wasn’t sure he could properly care for a pet. Once he became attached, it would be difficult to let go.
He would become dependent.
Song Muqing understood. “Then we’ll visit more often.”
This was what Mu Ting hoped for, to spend time with his parents and see Ollie.
“Okay,” Lu Xuefeng agreed.
Jin Hong hadn’t forgotten about the patron who wanted to meet Lu Xuefeng. Finally, at the end of the month, they found a free evening.
Lu Xuefeng didn’t decline.
He had agreed during their previous dinner, and Jin Hong had taken care of his grandmother while he was away.
He owed him a favor.
So, that evening, he couldn’t go home with Song Muqing. After work, he went with Jin Hong.
In the car, Jin Hong explained that the patron, surnamed Han, worked in finance and was a friend of his childhood friend, Su Yuhan.
He had learned that Han Chen was interested in dance dramas and had seen Lu Xuefeng’s work.
Lu Xuefeng had heard of his childhood friend.
A rich kid, spoiled and pampered, not serious about his studies. After graduation, he had joined his family’s company and was now a businessman.
But his nature hadn’t changed; he still enjoyed socializing and having fun, though he was more restrained than before.
Lu Xuefeng had heard Jin Hong mention him but had never met him.
Tonight’s dinner was a small gathering organized by Su Yuhan.
Jin Hong’s birthday was approaching, and Su Yuhan would be out of town, so he wanted to celebrate early.
Han Chen happened to be free, so he joined them.
“The troupe has a performance next month, right? Mr. Han asked me to reserve two tickets for him.”
Jin Hong mentioned this, and Lu Xuefeng responded with a noncommittal “Hmm,” indicating he was listening.
“He’s a good person. It wouldn’t hurt to make a new friend.”
Jin Hong believed in expanding his network.
Although Lu Xuefeng wasn’t particularly interested, he had agreed to the introduction and couldn’t go back on his word.
Lu Xuefeng looked down at his phone.
Song Muqing had just arrived at the hospital to visit his grandmother and asked if he needed a ride home later.
Lu Xuefeng thought for a moment and said no.
It was just dinner; it shouldn’t be too late, and he could get home himself.
After replying, he said to Jin Hong, “I’ll leave after dinner.”
“Alright, there aren’t any other plans.” Jin Hong glanced at him, noticing he was texting someone, and smiled. “What, your family is already checking up on you before you’ve even arrived?”
Lu Xuefeng turned off his phone screen, replying indifferently, “No.”
“Seems like married life is treating you well.”
Jin Hong could tell that although there weren’t any significant changes in Lu Xuefeng’s life, it must be going well, as he seemed to be in good spirits lately.
He had also heard that his grandmother’s treatment was progressing.
These were all good things.
Jin Hong was happy for him.
Lu Xuefeng, thinking of Song Muqing, agreed. Things were indeed looking up. He hummed in response.
The dinner was at a restaurant. When they arrived, Su Yuhan and Han Chen were already there.
Lu Xuefeng followed Jin Hong, and the two men stood up, looking at them.
Lu Xuefeng discreetly observed them. One seemed frivolous, the other more composed.
Based on Jin Hong’s descriptions, Lu Xuefeng guessed that the man with the smiling eyes and slightly upturned corners, resembling a fox, was Su Yuhan.
The other man must be Mr. Han.
He seemed much more reserved, with an air of authority, a subtle aura of power even when silent.
“You’re late,” Su Yuhan greeted Jin Hong familiarly. “You’ll have to punish yourself later. I’m keeping track.”
“Don’t even start,” Jin Hong wasn’t falling for it. He couldn’t outdrink Su Yuhan.
He changed the subject, introducing Lu Xuefeng. “This is Lu Xuefeng, a renowned dance choreographer.”
“Su Yuhan, his childhood friend,” Su Yuhan introduced himself, looking at Lu Xuefeng. “I’ve heard of Director Lu’s reputation. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”
“You flatter me,” Lu Xuefeng replied with a faint smile.
Su Yuhan immediately turned, introducing the man beside him. “This is my business partner and friend.”
This subtly bridged the gap between them.
Han Chen looked at Lu Xuefeng, extending his hand.
“Mr. Han.”
Lu Xuefeng remembered how Jin Hong had addressed him and offered a polite greeting.
“Just call me Han Chen.”
They shook hands briefly, acknowledging the introduction.
They all sat down.
The dishes had already been served during the greetings, and they could start eating.
Su Yuhan, a natural socializer, kept the atmosphere lively, with Jin Hong joining in, creating a pleasant ambiance.
Lu Xuefeng only responded occasionally, mostly listening to their conversation.
When Jin Hong steered the topic towards dance, Lu Xuefeng became more talkative, and Han Chen joined in.
As Jin Hong handed Han Chen the two reserved tickets, he asked, “Who are you taking, Mr. Han?”
The upcoming dance drama was a classic, popular and highly anticipated, so tickets were hard to come by.
Han Chen accepted the tickets, thanking him. “A client.”
Then, his gaze shifted to Lu Xuefeng. “It’s a shame I missed Director Lu’s performance.”
He was interested in Lu Xuefeng’s work, having seen it once before and remembering it fondly.
He had missed Lu Xuefeng’s last performance due to a work emergency.
“There’s another performance at the end of the year,” Lu Xuefeng said. “The last one this year.”
Han Chen nodded slightly. “I won’t miss it.”
Jin Hong smiled, saying there would be many more opportunities to see his work, this year, next year, and beyond.
They continued chatting, discussing Lu Xuefeng’s earlier works, with Han Chen asking many questions.
Lu Xuefeng, seeing his polite and humble demeanor, patiently answered them.
They gradually became more acquainted, the initial awkwardness fading.
Lu Xuefeng’s original works conveyed deep emotions, but he himself seemed rather reserved.
“Director Lu is even younger than I imagined,” Han Chen remarked.
“Famous at such a young age, a talented artist. That’s wonderful,” Su Yuhan smiled, saying it was a good thing.
Lu Xuefeng could be considered an artist, but he had never seen himself that way.
The term felt too weighty.
He didn’t accept the compliment. “I still have a long way to go in this industry.”
Han Chen looked at him, not responding.
Jin Hong changed the subject.
They ate, chatted, and drank.
Lu Xuefeng only had one drink at the beginning, not refilling his glass.
The four of them in such a large private room, with so much food, seemed extravagant.
Lu Xuefeng ate quietly, enjoying the food.
Han Chen chatted with him briefly, offering to serve him some soup, but Lu Xuefeng politely declined, saying he could help himself.
Su Yuhan, always well-informed, asked about Lu Xuefeng’s new project, and they chatted for a bit. He wished Lu Xuefeng great success with his new work.
He raised his glass, a gesture of toast, and Lu Xuefeng, unable to refuse, accepted the well wishes and took a sip of his drink.
He could tell Su Yuhan was trying to get him to drink.
In his view, friends should drink together.
Jin Hong tried to intervene, but Su Yuhan, with his smooth-talking and clever excuses, made it difficult to refuse.
As Jin Hong had once described him, he was cunning and meticulous, like a fox. If they hadn’t grown up together, he would have been wary of him.
So, Lu Xuefeng couldn’t escape and had a few drinks.
He had come, had dinner, and met Han Chen, completing his task. Normally, he would have left early.
But this dinner was also a pre-birthday celebration for Jin Hong, and as his friend and colleague, it wouldn’t be appropriate for Lu Xuefeng to leave early.
The conversation shifted to Jin Hong and his business. Lu Xuefeng ate slowly, planning to leave after they were done.
However, Su Yuhan and Jin Hong were reminiscing about their school days, and it seemed like it would take a while.
Lu Xuefeng was about to check the time when Song Muqing called.
“Excuse me, I need to take this call.”
Lu Xuefeng excused himself, taking his phone and leaving the private room.
Stepping outside, the cool air cleared his head.
He had left his coat inside, wearing only a slightly loose sweater, but he didn’t feel cold.
There was a large terrace outside, overlooking the city lights.
Lu Xuefeng walked over, feeling the cool breeze on his face, and leaned against a corner, answering Song Muqing’s call.
“Xuefeng.”
The familiar voice was warm and comforting.
Lu Xuefeng’s grip on his phone tightened slightly.
“…Yes?”
“I see everyone else’s husbands have gone home,” Song Muqing paused, as if he had been waiting for a long time, then asked, puzzled, “Why hasn’t mine returned yet?”
