Chapter 39
As Song Muqing had said, no one would question his tardiness.
However, to those who knew him well, his absence from the theater for several days was unusual.
Lu Xuefeng was always punctual and disciplined.
This was rare.
So, Lan Xin assumed he was busy with something important and didn’t message him in the mornings, waiting for him to arrive before discussing any work matters.
There weren’t many performances scheduled, so work wasn’t too hectic.
Lu Xuefeng was mostly attending dance-related events and performances, and he had also met with Yin Xiaoyu twice.
Yin Xiaoyu had recovered from her injury and returned to the dance troupe, which had a new production.
Lu Xuefeng and other industry professionals had been invited to their premiere performance.
After the performance, they had a chance to chat.
Yin Xiaoyu noticed that Lu Xuefeng seemed different, his energy levels high, his demeanor vibrant.
Although he was always energetic at work, there was a subtle difference.
She teased, “Director Lu is glowing lately.”
Lu Xuefeng glanced at her, not understanding her observation, then, recalling her performance on stage, complimented her in return. “You were glowing on stage too.”
Yin Xiaoyu laughed, her face still stage makeup, glitter sparkling. “That’s different.”
Being single and being married weren’t comparable, especially with a caring husband like Professor Song.
“I didn’t see you at the theater the other day. Your assistant said you arrived late. I was worried you were sick.”
She looked at him, observing his healthy complexion.
“You look great. I was worried for nothing.”
Lu Xuefeng replied casually, “I just overslept.”
“Spring fever?”
Yin Xiaoyu often felt sluggish in spring, although she was always dedicated to her work. She loved sleeping, especially after intense rehearsals.
Lu Xuefeng considered this. “…Something like that.”
He had indeed been tired.
It seemed Song Muqing couldn’t get enough of him lately; they had been quite intimate.
And Song Muqing had incredible stamina; even he felt exhausted afterwards.
He suspected Song Muqing was making up for lost time.
It was a bit overwhelming.
Yin Xiaoyu, knowing Lu Xuefeng well, knew this wasn’t his usual behavior. Although spring could make one feel sluggish, he looked energetic and healthy, not at all tired.
It must be Professor Song’s doing.
Yin Xiaoyu didn’t have much time; she had to return to the troupe for rehearsal.
Lu Xuefeng also had something to do, so they didn’t chat for long.
He was going to Z University, Song Muqing’s university.
A few days ago, Song Muqing had told him about the faculty badminton tournament.
Song Muqing was relatively athletic, and since they were short a player, he had been volunteered.
He had invited Lu Xuefeng to watch.
Lu Xuefeng had asked about the time and venue.
He hadn’t been sure if he would be free, so he hadn’t made a definite promise.
Song Muqing had said it was fine; it wasn’t a big deal, and he could come if he had time.
Lu Xuefeng grabbed a black baseball cap from the theater and took the subway to Z University.
Visitors could easily enter the campus by registering on the university’s official app.
Wearing his cap, he scanned his ID and entered the campus.
He had been invited to give lectures at universities before, accepting when he had time, declining or sending Jin Hong in his place when he was busy.
But in his view, attending lectures wouldn’t significantly improve one’s dancing skills; it was all about practice.
As established professionals, they could only share their experiences and offer guidance.
Previously, when he visited universities, there would be someone to receive him.
But today was different; he was here to see Song Muqing, not wanting to draw attention to himself.
Lu Xuefeng, with his slender build and casual attire, blended in with the university students.
Having arrived a bit late, he hadn’t informed Song Muqing beforehand, hoping the tournament wasn’t over yet.
He checked the campus map, noting the general direction, then followed the navigation on his phone, finding the indoor stadium where the tournament was being held.
The stands were filled with students and faculty, creating a lively atmosphere.
Lu Xuefeng was surprised by the large crowd.
He found a seat near the edge, his gaze fixed on the court.
He spotted Song Muqing.
Song Muqing was tall, even among the other athletes, his presence noticeable.
As the shuttlecock was hit towards him, Song Muqing looked up, his gaze following its trajectory, then swung his racket, hitting it cleanly, a graceful arc.
He was clearly skilled, his movements precise and fluid, his athleticism enhanced by his handsome appearance, attracting many admiring glances.
Many of the faculty members participating were also skilled players.
The electronic scoreboard displayed the scores.
Several matches were being played simultaneously on different courts.
Gradually, more people filled the seats around him, including a group of female students who had just finished their classes. They chatted excitedly while watching the match.
Lu Xuefeng hadn’t been paying attention to their conversation, but then he heard them mention “Professor Song.”
He paused, raising an eyebrow slightly.
The game ended, and during the break, Song Muqing went to get some water.
The excited chatter around him continued, their voices slightly louder now, their words carrying clearly to where he sat.
From their conversation, Lu Xuefeng learned about Song Muqing’s popularity among the students, even those outside the biology department.
He was a frequent topic of discussion on the university forums.
“This is the first time I’ve seen Professor Song in athletic wear. He looks so handsome.”
“He doesn’t usually dress like this. I still prefer him in a shirt, that aloof look, you know?”
“That forum thread about him in formal wear had over ten thousand replies. It was legendary. I have to find it and look at it again.”
“And his glasses…”
Lu Xuefeng discreetly opened his browser, searching for the Z University forum. It was public, but guests couldn’t post, only read.
He saw several threads about Professor Song.
He browsed through them quickly, noting some key information, then closed his phone, his expression unchanged.
The final match ended, and the tournament concluded.
All participants received a participation award.
Song Muqing, drinking water and wiping his sweat, scanned the stands, his gaze stopping on a familiar figure near the edge.
The person was wearing a cap, pulled low, obscuring half of his face.
But Song Muqing recognized him instantly; Lu Xuefeng’s calm and aloof demeanor, even in a crowd, was unmistakable.
He knew it well.
Song Muqing smiled.
The audience began to disperse, and Lu Xuefeng stood up.
Song Muqing was about to message him when a message from Lu Xuefeng arrived.
“I’m waiting for you outside.”
He replied with an “Okay,” then was pulled aside by his teammates for a group photo.
They then suggested having dinner together, but Song Muqing declined.
He gathered his things and left the stadium.
Lu Xuefeng was waiting under a large, leafy tree, a prominent spot, the sunlight filtering through the branches.
He was dressed simply but stylishly, his slender frame and elegant demeanor making him stand out, like an art student.
Someone approached him, wanting to chat.
Seeing his delicate features beneath the cap, the person paused, then stated his intention.
Lu Xuefeng listened patiently, then replied politely but firmly, “I’m sorry, I’m married.”
The young man was stunned, having expected rejection, but not for this reason.
Song Muqing arrived just as the young man was leaving, his gaze lingering on him for a few seconds.
Lu Xuefeng, seeing him approach, waited patiently, their eyes meeting, smiles exchanged.
As Song Muqing drew closer, Lu Xuefeng noticed the beads of sweat on his forehead and his slightly damp hair. “Good job, Professor Song,” he said.
Song Muqing shook his head, aware of his own limitations; the other faculty members were highly skilled.
“It was just for fun,” he replied.
He wanted to hold Lu Xuefeng’s hand, but his palms were sweaty, so he refrained.
“Let’s go to my dorm first.”
His dorm was on the third floor, a single room.
Lu Xuefeng followed him inside. The faculty dorm was spacious and simply furnished.
It was well-equipped, the accommodations decent.
Song Muqing had lived here for a while and had kept it tidy.
He was about to retrieve a change of clothes when Lu Xuefeng stopped him, their eyes meeting.
Lu Xuefeng waited for a moment, then, seeing he wasn’t making a move, asked, “Aren’t you going to kiss me, Professor Song?”
“After my shower,” Song Muqing replied, his voice slightly strained. “I’m sweaty.”
Lu Xuefeng watched him enter the bathroom, thinking that they had been sweaty in bed last night, and he hadn’t stopped then.
He was being strangely particular now.
While he showered, Lu Xuefeng looked around the dorm.
The bed was neatly made; Song Muqing often took naps here.
The large desk was covered in books and papers, his laptop closed.
Lu Xuefeng glanced at the experimental data, then looked away, not interested.
The window was open, the room bright and airy.
A gentle breeze blew in.
He walked to the window, looking out at the campus.
The trees were lush and green, the scenery beautiful.
The water in the bathroom stopped.
As he turned around, he was pulled towards the window and kissed deeply.
Lu Xuefeng, still slightly miffed about his earlier restraint, playfully pushed him away.
But Song Muqing didn’t budge, the kiss deepening.
The campus was crowded, and Song Muqing was sweaty from his match, so he had refrained from being too intimate until now.
Lu Xuefeng stopped resisting; he hadn’t been truly upset.
They kissed passionately, their breaths mingling.
A drop of water from Song Muqing’s hair fell on Lu Xuefeng’s face, like a raindrop.
Lu Xuefeng’s lips parted, his tongue tangling with Song Muqing’s, until he could no longer breathe and pulled away slightly.
“I thought you weren’t coming,” Song Muqing whispered against his forehead. “You surprised me.”
“I happened to be free,” Lu Xuefeng replied softly, his words carrying more weight than he intended.
Seeing him in the stands had made Song Muqing’s heart skip a beat.
He was falling deeper in love with him.
His cap fell to the floor.
Lu Xuefeng’s hair, soft and thick, fell across his forehead.
Song Muqing gently brushed it aside.
“You look good in a cap,” he said.
Lu Xuefeng’s eyes crinkled with a smile. “Always with the compliments.”
Song Muqing nuzzled his nose affectionately. “I mean it.”
They stood close together, the sounds of the campus drifting in through the open window, like the familiar noise after class.
Lu Xuefeng felt a sense of nostalgia.
“So, what did that student want?” Song Muqing hadn’t forgotten about the encounter.
Lu Xuefeng raised an eyebrow. “Are you jealous, Professor Song?”
It was impossible not to be; Song Muqing was well aware of his own charm.
He gently bit Lu Xuefeng’s lip.
Lu Xuefeng tried to pull away. “I told him I’m married.”
He hadn’t directly answered Song Muqing’s question, but it was enough.
They looked at each other.
Song Muqing was satisfied, but not entirely.
The words “I’m married” coming from Lu Xuefeng’s lips were incredibly alluring.
He knew exactly what Song Muqing wanted.
Song Muqing’s eyes darkened, and he pulled the curtains closed, kissing him deeply again.
The darkened room heightened the intimacy.
Lu Xuefeng’s neck tingled.
He squirmed slightly, stopping Song Muqing’s wandering hand, meeting his gaze, and smiling. “Professor Song, do you know what your students say about you?”
“What do they say?” Song Muqing asked absently, his mind elsewhere.
Lu Xuefeng, remembering the key words, recited them slowly, each word a soft caress against Song Muqing’s heart.
“Young, handsome, aloof, refined, calm…”
Before he could finish, Song Muqing, his patience wearing thin, silenced him with a kiss.
Lu Xuefeng closed his eyes, recalling his behavior these past few days.
Only he knew how different Professor Song was in private, nothing like his usual aloof and restrained self.
