Chapter 33
The sounds of activity woke them before dawn.
Living by the street meant the windows weren’t soundproof, and they could clearly hear the sounds of shops opening early every morning.
Shops in this small town opened early, especially breakfast places.
It had always been this way.
They had gone to bed early last night and weren’t particularly sleepy now.
But it was still early, so there was no rush to get up.
Song Muqing listened to the sounds outside, noisy but full of life.
He asked Lu Xuefeng, “Was it always like this?”
“Yes,” Lu Xuefeng replied softly.
These shops had been here for years, their routines unchanging.
When he was a student, he didn’t need an alarm clock or his grandmother to wake him up; the sounds from the street told him it was time to get ready for school.
He would review his lessons while eating a simple breakfast, walking to school, the timing perfect.
Song Muqing was intrigued, having never experienced such a life.
He had always been driven to school, struggling to turn off his alarm clock every morning.
Mu Ting and Song Hongfan were highly educated, and Song Muqing, influenced by them, had always excelled academically without much effort.
But he wasn’t a particularly disciplined student.
He had been playful and mischievous, like most students.
With his good looks and easygoing personality, he had many friends and was popular with his teachers. He had sailed through school, getting into a top university, pursuing academia, then returning to Wu City to work at Z University.
His life had been completely different from Lu Xuefeng’s.
So, waking up in this small apartment, in Lu Xuefeng’s old bedroom, felt strangely novel.
It was like experiencing a part of Lu Xuefeng’s past.
He liked the feeling.
He looked at the person beside him, his gaze deep and affectionate. “I like hearing you talk about your past.”
Lu Xuefeng didn’t understand what was so interesting about it.
It was just ordinary, everyday life. His childhood had been mundane and uneventful.
But Song Muqing insisted he liked it.
Lu Xuefeng smiled helplessly. “There’s a lot more where that came from.”
“Tell me everything,” Song Muqing said, not finding it boring at all. He wanted to know more.
It had rained last night, but today, Qingming, was cloudy, the rain having stopped.
The air was crisp and clean, the ground slightly damp.
They went downstairs for breakfast, and Aunt Li, smiling, commented on how early they were up, chatting briefly before returning to her work.
Before leaving, Lu Xuefeng asked if the liquor store nearby was still open.
His grandfather had enjoyed fruit wines, which he used to brew himself.
He had had a high tolerance for alcohol, a trait Lu Xuefeng hadn’t inherited.
Fortunately, he rarely had occasions to drink; it wasn’t a good thing to drink too much.
It had been years since he last bought alcohol, and the town had changed slightly, so he wasn’t sure if the store was still there.
Uncle Li, familiar with the area, said, “It’s still there, near the intersection, the same place.”
Lu Xuefeng thanked him, and after finishing their breakfast, they went to the liquor store.
Following the street, they easily found the store, the aroma of alcohol wafting through the air.
The store sold homemade wines, including strong liquor.
Perhaps because of Qingming Festival, when people traditionally paid respects to their ancestors, the store was quite busy.
Lu Xuefeng bought two types of wine and then went to buy incense, flowers, qingtuan (green rice balls), and other pastries.
Time flew by as they ran errands.
The cemetery was some distance away, so they drove there. After arriving, they cleaned his grandfather’s tomb.
Lu Xuefeng poured the wine, arranged the offerings, and lit the incense.
Then he spoke to his grandfather, mostly about his grandmother.
His grandparents had been close, and Lu Xuefeng thought his grandfather would be happy to hear about her recovery.
He also told him about his marriage.
After the incense burned down, he poured the remaining wine onto the ground.
They bid farewell, promising to visit again.
On their way back, the sky was still overcast, showing no sign of clearing.
They decided to drive around.
Lu Xuefeng drove; he knew the scenic spots and wanted to show Song Muqing around.
At the cemetery, Song Muqing had heard Lu Xuefeng talking to his grandfather and was now interested in their story.
So, Lu Xuefeng recounted their story as he drove.
His grandfather had passed away early, so Lu Xuefeng’s memories of him were faint, mostly from stories his grandmother had told him.
But he remembered his grandfather’s portrait, displayed at home for years.
His grandmother’s words were etched in his memory.
When they moved to Wu City, his grandmother had spoken to his grandfather’s portrait, informing him of their move. In a way, her reluctance to leave had been because of him, not wanting to be too far away.
Even now, she would occasionally take out his photos and look at them for hours, still missing him.
“Your grandparents had a wonderful relationship,” Song Muqing remarked. “Finding true love in that era must have been rare.”
Lu Xuefeng agreed. “Their marriage was arranged.”
In those days, people married young, often through arranged marriages, barely knowing each other before tying the knot.
Then they would spend their lives together.
It was common practice back then.
But his grandparents had found love amidst the mundane realities of life, their relationship happy and fulfilling.
Song Muqing raised an eyebrow, looking at him. “It seems… a bit like us.”
Although their marriage wasn’t arranged, they had also gotten married partly due to age and family expectations.
Lu Xuefeng smiled faintly.
“It is, isn’t it?”
It was somewhat similar.
He continued driving, his slender fingers on the steering wheel.
His pale wrists were exposed, the bones prominent, beautiful.
“Yes,” Song Muqing looked at him, then after a moment, said, “Let’s follow their example.”
His words were sincere.
He truly admired their enduring love.
They passed a school.
Lu Xuefeng glanced over, realizing it was his old high school.
He remembered a good restaurant nearby.
It was lunchtime, and they hadn’t eaten much for breakfast, so they could have a meal there.
He parked the car by the roadside.
He ordered three local dishes, the cuisine in Pinghe County light and flavorful, suited to Song Muqing’s taste.
Song Muqing, noticing the school, asked intuitively, “Is this your alma mater?”
Lu Xuefeng nodded. “How did you know?”
“I guessed.”
Lu Xuefeng smiled faintly; Song Muqing’s intuition was always accurate.
“Let’s take a look around later,” Song Muqing said, wanting to see his school.
“Okay.”
After finishing their meal, they walked towards the school.
It was closed for the holiday. The high school campus was quite large and seemed empty without any students.
They strolled along the wide road outside.
Song Muqing could see the buildings and the layout of the campus.
After all these years, the school hadn’t changed much.
Lu Xuefeng wasn’t sure if he felt nostalgic, just a strong sense of time having passed.
At an intersection, Song Muqing stopped.
He suddenly asked, “Which way did you walk to school back then?”
Lu Xuefeng pointed to the left. “This way.”
Song Muqing looked at the long road, seemingly stretching endlessly.
He had walked this road alone.
Every morning and every evening.
Back then, Lu Xuefeng had been busy with his studies and dance practice.
Tired but fulfilled.
Lu Xuefeng looked at the road he had walked countless times, lost in thought.
Song Muqing took his hand.
Lu Xuefeng seemed to understand what he was thinking.
He reminisced, “I didn’t have many friends in high school, but walking alone wasn’t so bad. I didn’t feel lonely.”
Or rather, he hadn’t had the time or energy to feel lonely.
He had always been independent and resilient, enduring hardship without complaint.
Although he had once considered giving up on dance, after receiving help, he had become even more determined.
Song Muqing felt a pang of sympathy.
“You won’t be alone anymore.”
Lu Xuefeng looked at him, replying softly, “It’s all in the past.”
Even if he could go back, he would still choose the same path.
He knew that it was because of his past experiences that he had become the person he was today.
That he had met Song Muqing.
The sun emerged from behind the clouds in the afternoon.
The thick clouds couldn’t completely obscure its light, which shone through like a golden fan unfolding in the sky.
The air was still slightly humid.
They carried small stools to the rooftop to enjoy the view.
There were old planter boxes on the rooftop, remnants of his grandmother’s gardening days, now filled with weeds and wildflowers.
The building was low, so the view wasn’t spectacular.
But sitting there, looking out at the distance, feeling the gentle breeze, it felt peaceful.
This was an old neighborhood, surrounded by residential buildings.
Clothes hung drying on balconies, flowers blooming in window boxes.
The sounds of car horns and neighbors chatting mingled together, a familiar cacophony.
But up on the rooftop, it felt distant.
Song Muqing stood up, walking to the edge, gazing into the distance.
He could faintly see the outline of mountains in the distance, shrouded in clouds.
There were no mountains in Wu City.
He thought the view was nice, a different kind of beauty, the natural scenery.
The sunset glow in the clouds was also beautiful.
Lu Xuefeng walked over, seeing his focused expression.
He leaned against the low wall at the edge of the rooftop, blocking Song Muqing’s view. “Is it that beautiful?”
Song Muqing turned to look at him.
“You’re more beautiful.”
Lu Xuefeng glanced at him. “I didn’t come here for compliments.”
“Really?” Song Muqing raised an eyebrow. “You’re standing here, in front of me, aren’t you asking me to look at you?”
Whether his intentions had been exposed or not, Lu Xuefeng didn’t reply.
They looked at each other silently.
Song Muqing’s voice was gentle. “I only see you.”
Lu Xuefeng felt his face warm and looked away.
“Living in a small town doesn’t seem so bad.”
Song Muqing’s eyes crinkled with a smile. “It’s a good place to retire.”
Small towns had their own charm: a strong sense of community, a slower pace of life.
But he wasn’t referring specifically to Pinghe, knowing Lu Xuefeng had unpleasant memories here. If he were to choose a place to retire, he wouldn’t choose this town, but it was a possibility.
“Really?” Lu Xuefeng echoed his words, raising an eyebrow.
Bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, his eyes, like amber, sparkled.
“Of course…” Song Muqing stepped closer, leaning down. “With you.”
He cupped Lu Xuefeng’s face in his hands.
They shared a tender kiss on the rooftop, the setting sun painting the sky in vibrant hues.
The wind blew gently, their clothes rustling softly.
Lu Xuefeng hadn’t thought much about the future.
But Song Muqing’s mention of retirement seemed distant.
He smiled, and just as they parted, Song Muqing kissed him again, a deeper, more passionate kiss.
The light in the clouds intensified.
The setting sun melted into their kiss.
A few days after returning from Pinghe County, Lu Xuefeng rushed to the hospital.
Not for himself, but for Yin Xiaoyu, who had injured herself during rehearsal.
He had rushed over immediately after receiving her message.
Injuries were dangerous for dancers, and he had feared the worst, but Yin Xiaoyu was lying comfortably in bed, her foot wrapped in thick bandages.
“You’re here? It’s nothing, just a sprain,” she said.
Lu Xuefeng: “…”
He was relieved, seeing she seemed to be in good spirits; it couldn’t be too serious.
“A sprain requires hospitalization?” he asked.
“It hurts a lot,” Yin Xiaoyu grimaced. “The doctor said I might have torn a ligament.”
Minor injuries were fine; with proper rest and recovery, she would be able to return to her normal state, her career unaffected.
Lu Xuefeng, relieved, glanced at the bedside table, where a fruit basket and flowers were placed, likely from her colleagues and friends.
“A seasoned dancer like you, getting injured.”
Lu Xuefeng sat beside her bed.
Yin Xiaoyu chuckled. “That’s not how it works, Director Lu. Seasoned dancers get injured more often.”
Lu Xuefeng didn’t argue.
Yin Xiaoyu asked him to get her a banana, which she peeled and ate, then looked at him as he replied to a message.
Song Muqing had messaged him, saying the weather was good this weekend and they could go to the farm. His mother had been talking about it for days; they finally had time for a family outing.
Lu Xuefeng naturally agreed.
“Chatting with your Professor Song?” Yin Xiaoyu asked.
Lu Xuefeng put away his phone, replying indifferently, “Is there a problem?”
His casual tone made Yin Xiaoyu feel like she was being shown off.
“No, no problem at all.”
She then asked, “Did you take him to your hometown during the Qingming holiday?”
“Yes, we went back for a visit.”
Yin Xiaoyu drew out an “Oh,” looking at him enviously. “Such a loving relationship.”
Lu Xuefeng glanced at her, not saying anything.
He was aware of the subtle changes in their relationship.
They were becoming closer.
After being married for so long, they understood each other better and were more considerate of each other’s feelings.
Lu Xuefeng had shared things with Song Muqing that he had never told anyone else, done things with him that he had never done with anyone else.
They had found a comfortable rhythm in their relationship.
Thinking of him made Lu Xuefeng feel good, like the feeling of a sunny day.
Yin Xiaoyu observed his expression.
People looked different when they thought of someone special.
Having been in love before, Yin Xiaoyu understood this feeling. “He’s become a part of your life.”
Lu Xuefeng didn’t deny it.
Perhaps it had started when he brought Song Muqing to the theater, to his workplace, allowing him a glimpse into his world.
Lu Xuefeng considered this, looking at her, one of his few friends. “Yes,” he agreed softly.
Yin Xiaoyu, understanding, was also happy for him. “That’s wonderful. I’m glad for you.”
Song Muqing was a good match for him.
More importantly, Lu Xuefeng seemed happy with him.
She was so happy for him that she almost forgot about her injured foot.
She couldn’t resist teasing him. “Someone once vowed never to fall in love.”
Lu Xuefeng stood up, his expression calm. “What would you like to eat? I’ll buy it for you.”
Yin Xiaoyu chuckled. “Don’t change the subject.”
She said, “I truly think you two are good together.”
Lu Xuefeng touched the bouquet by the bed, his eyes lowered. “I just don’t know what he thinks.”
Lu Xuefeng had said he would control his emotions, but with Song Muqing, it was difficult.
He was too charming, too effortlessly perfect.
Lu Xuefeng could acknowledge his own feelings but wasn’t sure if Song Muqing felt the same way.
“I think you’re probably on the same page,” Yin Xiaoyu said, based on her intuition.
They were in sync, their relationship so natural and harmonious. It couldn’t be just one-sided.
They must both be falling for each other.
Lu Xuefeng wasn’t so sure.
“Just think about your interactions, especially those intimate moments. Look into his eyes, and you’ll know.”
Her words made Lu Xuefeng recall their intimate moments, and he fell silent.
They had kissed countless times.
Their only truly passionate moment had been that night on the sofa.
They hadn’t crossed that line again since, even during their most intense kisses.
He didn’t know if it was because Song Muqing had incredible self-control or if he simply wasn’t interested.
Lu Xuefeng replied, “…I haven’t really noticed.”
“Then pay attention next time.”
Yin Xiaoyu, unaware of the details of their relationship, assumed they were already intimate and offered a casual reminder.
Yin Xiaoyu was discharged from the hospital but still couldn’t move around much, so Lu Xuefeng offered to drive her home.
Song Muqing happened to be free that day and came with him.
Yin Xiaoyu was touched, seeing them together, such a visually appealing couple.
While Song Muqing wasn’t looking, she winked at Lu Xuefeng several times and gave Song Muqing a thumbs-up.
She hadn’t interacted much with Song Muqing before, but now, seeing his kindness and helpfulness, she had a good impression of him.
He was truly gentle, polite, and considerate.
However, she knew that his kindness was partly due to her friendship with Lu Xuefeng.
They helped Yin Xiaoyu pack her belongings.
There weren’t many things, so Lu Xuefeng didn’t have much to do.
“Here.”
Lu Xuefeng handed him the discharge papers and receipts. “Put these somewhere safe.”
“Okay.”
Standing close together, they seemed oblivious to their surroundings.
Yin Xiaoyu got out of bed, able to walk slowly with some support.
Lu Xuefeng helped her.
Song Muqing drove, and Lu Xuefeng sat in the passenger seat.
On the way, Yin Xiaoyu complained about the inconvenience of being injured and hospitalized, saying she hadn’t eaten or slept well these past few days.
“It’s definitely inconvenient,” Song Muqing agreed.
Yin Xiaoyu was always talkative, and with someone responding to her, she easily launched into a conversation.
Lu Xuefeng was surprised by how long they chatted, the atmosphere in the car quite pleasant.
It seemed Song Muqing could easily converse with anyone, his demeanor relaxed and casual.
It was comfortable talking to him.
Lu Xuefeng had noticed this when they first met.
He suddenly recalled a theory he had once heard: if you feel comfortable and happy talking to someone, it might be because they are adapting to your level.
Song Muqing made everyone feel this way.
It meant he was adaptable, adjusting his communication style and behavior to match the other person.
His emotional intelligence was high.
Before parting, Yin Xiaoyu reminded them, “Take care of yourselves. Don’t get sick or injured.”
“Okay,” Lu Xuefeng told her to rest well.
“I will.”
Yin Xiaoyu looked at them, then patted Song Muqing’s shoulder as she left, saying earnestly, “Professor Song, you’re so young and accomplished, you must stay healthy. It’s important.”
Song Muqing: “…?”
“Exercise more. It’s good for your health.”
Lu Xuefeng smiled, urging her to leave. “Don’t worry about us. Focus on recovering and getting back to rehearsal. The entire troupe is waiting for you.”
Yin Xiaoyu replied obediently, “…Yes, Director Lu.”
