After Marrying Professor Song 30

Chapter 30

After the New Year celebrations, time seemed to fly by.

Lu Xuefeng hadn’t contacted Feng Boyu; he felt Song Muqing’s reply had been sufficient.

However, he found Song Muqing’s words somewhat suggestive.

Feng Boyu would surely understand the message.

Lu Xuefeng had asked Song Muqing if he had deliberately worded it that way.

Song Muqing had replied calmly, “It’s the truth.”

Lu Xuefeng had chuckled softly.

It seemed Song Muqing wasn’t as polite and magnanimous as he appeared.

Traditionally, one didn’t leave the house on the first day of the New Year. In the following days, Lu Xuefeng accompanied his new family to visit relatives, exchanging New Year greetings.

The days after the New Year were busy and fulfilling.

He gave red envelopes to the children and received quite a few himself.

They also had dinner with Xun Ke, giving him a gift.

This was the most lively and heartwarming New Year Lu Xuefeng had ever experienced.

Even though it was a simple celebration.

The holidays ended before they knew it.

The days gradually lengthened.

The winter chill dissipated, and the breath of spring quietly arrived.

As they shed their thick winter coats and the trees began to bud, they knew spring was coming.

It rained occasionally in Wu City.

Each spring rain brought warmth.

The gentle, persistent rain seeped into their hearts.

Standing under the awning of a shop, waiting, Lu Xuefeng suddenly thought the rain was a bit like Song Muqing.

He couldn’t explain why.

Perhaps it was because Song Muqing, like the spring rain, had gently entered his life, permeating every aspect of it.

Habits were powerful.

Like the ring on his finger, initially a noticeable presence, now a familiar comfort.

He would unconsciously reach for it when it wasn’t there.

Lu Xuefeng had become completely accustomed to Song Muqing’s presence.

Living with him was comfortable and easy.

Even Yin Xiaoyu had commented that although they were newlyweds, they seemed like an old married couple, their relationship peaceful and settled.

Skipping the honeymoon phase and going straight to old age.

Lu Xuefeng had asked, “Really?”

He might not have noticed it himself, but it was clear to Yin Xiaoyu and Jin Hong.

Yin Xiaoyu had said it wasn’t a bad thing; it showed they were in sync.

“You’re on the same wavelength in your marriage,” she had remarked.

It was a good thing.

Finding someone with a compatible lifestyle and similar views on marriage was rare.

Lu Xuefeng and Song Muqing seemed to have found that in each other, almost by accident.

Lu Xuefeng agreed.

Song Muqing had a calming presence.

He was steady, tolerant, down-to-earth, and reliable.

For years, Lu Xuefeng had sought stability, both in his life and his emotions, a place to land.

It had seemed like a distant dream.

He hadn’t wanted to rely on anyone, wanting to achieve it on his own, finding a balance.

He had thought he would always be adrift.

But after meeting Song Muqing, he had found solid ground.

He wasn’t entirely sure if this was the true stability he had longed for.

But it was close.

The light rain continued, showing no sign of stopping.

Lu Xuefeng, carrying his grandmother’s favorite pastries, saw Song Muqing walking towards him, holding an umbrella.

“What are you thinking about?” he asked as he approached.

He had seen Lu Xuefeng standing there, lost in thought, watching the rain.

“I was thinking how quickly you arrived.”

Song Muqing smiled, holding the umbrella over both of them, shielding them from the rain.

“Let’s go,” he said.

His grandmother’s health was gradually improving, her spirits lifting as well.

To occupy her time, she had tidied up the balcony, rediscovering her old hobby of gardening.

When they arrived at her apartment, Lu Xuefeng saw several planter boxes on the balcony.

Various vegetables and scallions were growing.

It was early spring, and many of the plants hadn’t fully matured yet, but the new leaves were a vibrant green, full of life.

Deng Yuzhen had grown vegetables before, on the rooftop of her house in their hometown, where there was plenty of sunlight and rain.

She was experienced in gardening.

“When these cherry tomatoes ripen, I’ll pick some for you. You can make scrambled eggs with tomatoes, or a tomato salad, or tomato soup.”

She showed them the different vegetables she had planted.

Song Muqing listened attentively, seemingly knowledgeable about gardening, reminding her to use pest control.

He suggested mixing olive oil and dish soap with water in a measuring cup and spraying it on the leaves in the morning or evening.

He gave her the precise ratio, saying it should be done every three days.

A preventative measure.

He wrote it down on a sticky note, fearing she might forget.

His grandmother took the note, praising Xiao Song for his knowledge.

Lu Xuefeng was impressed. “How do you know so much?”

Song Muqing said he wasn’t that knowledgeable.

“I read about it in a gardening magazine.”

It wasn’t a complicated procedure, just a simple tip he had remembered.

He had a good memory and enjoyed reading various types of books, from social sciences and humanities to more specialized subjects.

Lu Xuefeng took his pen and wrote a few words on the sticky note, hiding it from him.

He peeled it off and stuck it on Song Muqing’s forehead.

Song Muqing pulled it off and saw the four characters written on it:

“Walking Encyclopedia.”

He couldn’t help but laugh.

Lu Xuefeng said seriously, “That’s your title now.”

The handwriting on the note was neat and elegant.

He accepted the compliment, looking at the characters again, smiling. “Nice handwriting.”

His grandmother looked at them fondly, not saying anything.

They left, still under the umbrella, the evening air chilly from the rain.

Back at the Lanyuan district, the complex was quiet, the only sound the gentle patter of rain.

On the umbrella, the leaves, the ground.

A soft, rhythmic sound.

They walked slowly, the ground slightly damp.

Song Muqing told Lu Xuefeng to walk closer to him, to avoid getting his shoulder wet.

As they reached a streetlamp, Song Muqing stopped.

“I want to know…”

Lu Xuefeng looked up at him.

He had turned to face him.

The streetlight cast a warm glow, the fine rain falling visibly in the light.

Their elongated shadows on the ground merged together, their upper bodies sheltered by the umbrella.

Lu Xuefeng’s hands clenched.

The gentle sound of rain amplified, each drop echoing in his heart.

His heart pounded.

He felt the dampness of the rain and the soft sound of their breaths mingling, indistinguishable.

In the gentle spring rain, they shared a tender, lingering kiss.

Now Lu Xuefeng knew what Song Muqing wanted to know.

Perhaps it was the romantic atmosphere of kissing in the rain, but when they parted, there was a sense of longing in their eyes.

The umbrella had tilted.

Song Muqing’s shoulder was slightly damp, but he didn’t seem to notice, simply taking Lu Xuefeng’s hand and leading him home.

The elevator ascended at its usual speed, but tonight, it felt slow to Lu Xuefeng.

He glanced at Song Muqing’s shoulder; his coat was noticeably damp.

When had it gotten wet? While they were kissing? He hadn’t noticed.

“Your coat is wet,” he said.

“It’s fine, just a little.”

As they entered the apartment, Song Muqing switched on the light by the entrance.

It was a warm, yellow light, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

But they were too preoccupied to notice.

They hung up their coats and the umbrella.

Lu Xuefeng leaned closer, whispering, “Kiss me again.”

Song Muqing felt the same.

Lu Xuefeng gently removed his glasses, and they kissed again, standing by the entrance.

The warm light shone above them.

Song Muqing, being taller, cast a shadow over Lu Xuefeng as he leaned down.

Although he couldn’t hear the rain anymore, Lu Xuefeng could still feel its presence.

In the soft sounds of their lips meeting.

Their breathing became ragged.

Song Muqing whispered in his ear, asking if they should move to the sofa.

His back was starting to ache from leaning against the wall.

And their sofa was large and comfortable.

Lu Xuefeng, his breath hitched, agreed.

He liked kissing Song Muqing.

The living room lights were off, only the light from the entrance illuminating a small area.

The dim light created an intimate atmosphere.

They had left the balcony door open, and he could hear the rain outside.

Their movements were clumsy and eager.

Song Muqing’s hand moved lower, then paused.

He wanted to touch him, but he hesitated, asking in a low voice, “Is this okay?”

“…Yes.”

Lu Xuefeng didn’t have a chance to change his mind.

Song Muqing kissed him again, his tongue tracing his lips, then slipping inside, a slow, teasing movement, pulling him into a sensual storm.

Lu Xuefeng surrendered, his breathing unsteady.

The spring night breeze blew in from the balcony, carrying their soft moans.

When it was over, he was covered in a thin layer of sweat.

He felt flushed and warm.

Song Muqing silently grabbed a few tissues, wiping his hands.

Then he wiped Lu Xuefeng’s hand as well.

In the dim light, Lu Xuefeng couldn’t see his expression, whether he was lost in the afterglow or already composed.

But his breathing was still slightly uneven.

“I think I got some on my clothes too.”

Lu Xuefeng felt it wasn’t just on Song Muqing’s hand; they had been so close that it must have gotten on his clothes as well.

Song Muqing looked down, unable to see clearly in the dim light. “It’s fine. I’ll take a shower.”

His voice was calm.

As adults, they both understood the implication without needing to spell it out.

As Song Muqing was about to stand up, Lu Xuefeng held his hand, whispering, “Perhaps I could…”

He could help him.

Although he was inexperienced, he wanted to reciprocate.

Song Muqing leaned down, kissing his eyes gently. “No need. A shower will be fine.”

He had only wanted Lu Xuefeng to feel good, not expecting anything in return.

Song Muqing went into the bathroom, the sound of running water echoing for a long time.

Lu Xuefeng’s face was still warm.

Sitting on the sofa, he couldn’t help but feel slightly dazed, the experience still surreal.

He didn’t dislike Song Muqing’s touch; even greater intimacy seemed… acceptable.

But how was Song Muqing so skilled in everything?

Lu Xuefeng’s thoughts were a jumble.

A gust of wind blew in from the balcony, carrying raindrops, and he felt a chill.

Song Muqing emerged from the shower, seeing Lu Xuefeng still sitting there, seemingly lost in thought.

He looked endearing.

But he wasn’t wearing much, so Song Muqing walked over and draped a blanket over his shoulders.

“Don’t catch a cold.”

He closed the balcony door, then returned to Lu Xuefeng, draping a towel over his head and sitting on the carpet in front of him.

Song Muqing looked up, a playful smile in his eyes. “Still reminiscing?”

Lu Xuefeng glanced at him, not wanting to answer.

He playfully kicked him lightly.