After Marrying Professor Song 44

Chapter 44

Song Muqing’s family had a villa in the countryside near Pingcheng.

It was a beautiful, scenic area with a mild climate, perfect for escaping the summer heat.

His grandparents had lived there, enjoying their retirement.

After they passed away, the villa wasn’t sold, and Mu Ting and Song Hongfan would visit occasionally, maintaining the property.

They weren’t going this summer, planning a trip elsewhere.

Lu Xuefeng took a two-week vacation, and the day after Song Muqing’s semester ended, they set off with Ollie.

It was the hottest time of the summer.

They packed two suitcases and Ollie into the car, arriving in the afternoon.

Mu Ting, anticipating their arrival, had arranged for the villa to be cleaned beforehand.

She was supportive of their trip, encouraging them to enjoy the scenery and spend some quality time together, a chance to strengthen their relationship.

And for Ollie to have some fun as well.

They parked the car and carried their suitcases inside, Ollie excitedly running ahead, rolling around on the grass.

The sunlight was still intense, but not as scorching as in Wu City.

“I haven’t been back in a while,” Song Muqing said, looking at the white villa. It looked the same as he remembered.

It wasn’t a grand or imposing structure, just a two-and-a-half-story building, simple yet elegant.

It had been more rustic when it was first built, but they had renovated it later, Mu Ting adding her personal touches, the furniture and decorations all high-quality.

Lu Xuefeng, shielding his eyes from the bright sunlight, commented, “It’s beautiful.”

The scenery along the way had been picturesque: rolling hills, lush green trees, and a serene lake.

The yard was a patchwork of green lawns, slightly overgrown from neglect, wildflowers blooming along the edges.

Ollie, waiting for them, sniffed at the wildflowers. He had been here before with Mu Ting and Song Hongfan and was more familiar with the place than Lu Xuefeng.

They walked along the stone path towards the house, carrying their suitcases.

The interior was minimalist and bright, spacious, decorated by Mu Ting. Her good taste was evident; it was easy to imagine living comfortably here.

Exhausted from the long drive and the heat, they collapsed onto the sofa before unpacking.

The sunlight streamed in through the windows, but the house was cool and shady.

The heat dissipated, a sense of calm washing over Lu Xuefeng.

Ollie, exploring the house, ran out to the backyard.

Lu Xuefeng looked out the window at the lush greenery, a welcome contrast to the bustling city.

“Jin Hong asked why I was taking time off, and I said to escape the heat. He didn’t believe me,” Lu Xuefeng said. “This place is so beautiful. It feels like a vacation.”

Song Muqing smiled. “Then enjoy your vacation. Don’t think about anything else.”

“Okay.”

He had never taken time off simply to relax before; it was a novel experience.

But Song Muqing had encouraged him to do so, not to worry about work.

After resting for a while, they carried their suitcases upstairs. There were many rooms on the second floor, and Song Muqing had his own bedroom.

The view from the second floor was even better, the large windows open, a cool breeze blowing in, the white curtains billowing gently.

Lu Xuefeng stood by the window, his loose-fitting t-shirt filled with the wind. He closed his eyes, feeling the breeze against his skin, a welcome relief from the summer heat.

“This feels good,” he said.

Song Muqing joined him by the window, enjoying the breeze.

It was their first day here, and there was much to do.

There was no food in the house, and the yard was overgrown.

That afternoon, after resting, they drove to town to buy groceries, stocking up on enough food, fruits, and dog food for a week.

On their way back, Lu Xuefeng was eating a popsicle, finding it too sweet, and offered the remaining half to Song Muqing.

They couldn’t let it go to waste.

Back at the villa, they carried the groceries inside, Ollie running around excitedly. After several trips, he was panting from the heat, sitting under the eaves of the house, his tongue lolling out.

As Song Muqing returned with the last box, about to park the car, he noticed a little girl, about six or seven years old, peering curiously into the yard.

He squatted down, asking patiently, “Can I help you?”

The little girl didn’t speak, her big, round eyes blinking shyly.

Someone called out, “Yuanyuan!”

A woman hurried over, pulling the little girl along, apologizing to Song Muqing. “Sorry, she likes to wander off.”

Song Muqing stood up, smiling. “It’s alright.”

The woman looked at him, then at the villa, her expression surprised. “This… Elder Song used to live here. You look familiar. Are you…?”

“He was my grandfather,” Song Muqing explained.

“Oh,” Shao Fang nodded, smiling. “I haven’t seen you before. I didn’t recognize you.”

She introduced herself as their neighbor.

Her family had known his grandparents, their relationship cordial.

She remarked that Elder Song’s grandson had grown up, time flying by so quickly.

Just then, Lu Xuefeng emerged from the house, wondering why Song Muqing was taking so long. He was carrying a bottle of water.

“Yuanyuan thinks your villa is beautiful, and she likes the flowers, so she often comes over to look. I just saw the car and wondered who was here,” Shao Fang explained, referring to the roses by the gate, almost wilting. She looked at Lu Xuefeng. “So, you’re back.”

“We’re here for a vacation.”

Shao Fang smiled. “That’s wonderful. Enjoy your time here.” She looked at them, her expression puzzled. “You two brothers are so handsome, but you don’t look alike.”

They both laughed.

The sun was hot, and they were both slightly sweaty.

Song Muqing invited her inside. “Would you like to come in for a drink?”

“No, thank you. I have things to do,” Shao Fang declined, pulling Yuanyuan along, then added, “If you need anything, just come next door.”

Yuanyuan, seeing Ollie, hid behind her mother.

Lu Xuefeng reassured her, “He doesn’t bite.”

Ollie, usually so friendly, looked slightly dejected, his big eyes pleading.

Lu Xuefeng patted his head.

Yuanyuan asked softly, “Uncle, can I come and play here?”

“Of course,” Song Muqing replied.

Shao Fang thanked him, reminding Yuanyuan not to be a bother, and they left.

They were both hot and sweaty from carrying the groceries.

Song Muqing finished his water, tossing the empty bottle in the trash.

Lu Xuefeng found the neighbor’s comment about them being brothers amusing.

She hadn’t meant anything by it.

He didn’t bother correcting her; they wouldn’t be here for long.

Song Muqing leaned closer and kissed him.

The kiss deepened. Their skin was warm and damp from the heat and exertion.

Lu Xuefeng, feeling hotter, pulled away.

“I’m going to take a shower,” he said.

Song Muqing, still close to him, suggested, “Together?”

They showered together. It was almost evening when they emerged from the bathroom, changed into shorts and t-shirts, feeling refreshed.

They hadn’t eaten much during the day and were now starving. Song Muqing prepared a simple dinner, and they ate outside, watching the sunset.

Ollie lay beside them, enjoying his meal as well.

As dusk settled and night arrived, the air was still warm and humid.

Only the evening breeze brought a hint of coolness.

A crescent moon hung in the sky.

Lu Xuefeng looked up, listening to the distant chirping of insects, Song Muqing’s gentle voice beside him.

Their summer here had begun.

The next morning, they started tidying the yard.

Although they were here to relax, there were still things to do.

The shed was filled with gardening tools.

In the early morning sun, before the heat intensified, they used a lawnmower to cut the overgrown grass.

The loud whirring of the machine filled the air.

The yard was large, and although it was a somewhat therapeutic activity, it was also tiring.

The hydrangeas were in full bloom, large clusters of blue flowers, adding a splash of color to the landscape.

After finishing, Lu Xuefeng lay on the grass, resting.

Ollie played with a ball nearby.

It was now noon, the sun high in the sky, the air filled with the scent of grass and earth, a mixture of fresh, earthy, and slightly sweet aromas.

Song Muqing walked over, carrying a damp towel, and squatted beside him, his shadow shielding Lu Xuefeng’s face from the sun.

Lu Xuefeng’s skin seemed almost translucent in the bright light.

“Aren’t you hot?” Song Muqing asked, placing the cool towel on his eyes.

The coolness was a welcome relief.

Lu Xuefeng wiped his face with the towel.

Just mowing the lawn had been tiring. They would have someone collect the cut grass later.

There was also a small, neglected garden in the backyard, enclosed by a wooden fence, with a trellis and overgrown plants.

They decided to work on it later.

Song Muqing stood up, looking around, seemingly satisfied.

He extended his hand to Lu Xuefeng.

Lu Xuefeng, his eyes still closed, reached out as well.

Their hands, one high, one low, seemed separated by an insurmountable distance.

Lu Xuefeng sat up, and Song Muqing, grabbing his hand, pulled him up.

Lu Xuefeng stumbled slightly, falling against him, but Song Muqing caught him, their bodies pressed close together.

“Falling into my arms already, and it’s only noon?” Song Muqing teased.

Lu Xuefeng gave him a playful shove. “Don’t be silly.”

“There’s juice on the table. I just made it, with ice.”

Song Muqing pointed towards the shaded area, urging him to rest.

Lu Xuefeng sat down, sipping his juice, watching Song Muqing watering the flowers in the front yard, his movements gentle and patient.

When he returned, they went inside to prepare lunch.

The fan whirred overhead, a welcome breeze.

After lunch, they relaxed on the sofa, browsing their phones, replying to messages.

Mu Ting asked how the weather was in Pingcheng.

Lu Xuefeng, eating a juicy peach, replied that it wasn’t as hot as in Wu City, the breeze pleasant.

Song Muqing sent Mu Ting a video of their neatly mown lawn.

She replied, asking if he wanted a gold star, reminding him to tidy up the flower garden as well.

Lu Xuefeng chuckled, discarding the peach pit and sending an emoji.

Song Muqing tossed his phone aside and pounced on him.

Lu Xuefeng, caught off guard, fell back against the sofa, Song Muqing on top of him. They weren’t wearing much in the summer heat, their bodies pressed close together, the fan providing a welcome breeze.

Lu Xuefeng’s legs were pinned beneath Song Muqing’s. He shifted, trying to free them. “You’re crushing me.”

“Yes,” Song Muqing replied lazily, not moving, his tone matter-of-fact. “That’s the idea.”

His words seemed to carry a double meaning.

Lu Xuefeng chuckled, pushing him over and rolling on top of him.

“Who’s crushing whom now?” he asked, his long legs on either side of Song Muqing’s waist.

The position was incredibly suggestive.

Song Muqing’s hand caressed his smooth, toned legs. “You’re crushing me,” he said, his eyes crinkling with a smile. “Is this better, Xuefeng?”

Lu Xuefeng couldn’t resist the way he said his name, each syllable a soft caress, a trap he willingly fell into.

“It’s alright,” he replied casually.

Song Muqing’s hand moved higher, slipping under his shorts, almost reaching his inner thigh.

The sensitive skin tingled.

Lu Xuefeng stilled, stopping his hand.

He looked down, his voice firm. “Behave yourself.”

He had noticed Song Muqing seemed to have a particular fondness for his legs, not just touching them, but also biting them. There were still faint marks on his thighs.

Song Muqing chuckled softly, his shoulders shaking slightly.

“Okay,” he said obediently.

Lu Xuefeng wasn’t heavy.

Song Muqing looked at him. “Xuefeng, come closer.”

“Why?”

“I want to kiss you.”

His words were direct, his eyes filled with affection, a gentle invitation that Lu Xuefeng couldn’t resist. He leaned down and kissed him.

He had just eaten a juicy peach, and the sweetness lingered on his lips.

The taste was intoxicating, and Song Muqing deepened the kiss, his tongue slipping inside. He flipped them over, now on top, the kiss turning more passionate. Soft moans escaped their lips, the sounds amplified in the quiet room.

Lu Xuefeng, lost in the kiss, felt a pleasant dizziness, his response weak and languid, Song Muqing’s weight pinning him down. His face burned, his breath coming in short gasps.

After a long while, they finally parted, their clothes slightly dishevelled.

Song Muqing leaned against him, their legs intertwined, thoughtfully pulling down Lu Xuefeng’s shirt, covering his exposed waist. He seemed strangely composed, as if he hadn’t been the one who had just moments ago been exploring his body.

Lu Xuefeng, his lips swollen, his breathing ragged, licked his lips unconsciously. “Aren’t you hot?” he asked.

“No,” Song Muqing replied, and Lu Xuefeng, not wanting him to move, let him stay close.

It was the hottest part of the day, and Lu Xuefeng, lying on the sofa, felt drowsy from the heat. Ollie, tired from playing, was asleep by the door.

“I’m sleepy,” Lu Xuefeng murmured, closing his eyes.

“Me too. Let’s take a nap.”

Lu Xuefeng turned slightly, snuggling closer to Song Muqing. They weren’t bothered by the heat, falling asleep in each other’s arms.

The sky was a clear, deep blue, the clouds thin and wispy, like silk. The mountains and the lake were shrouded in a hazy heat. A few birds flew overhead. The fan whirred gently.

They lay there, embraced, their breathing slow and even, enjoying the peaceful afternoon nap.

A stolen moment of tranquility.

But there would be many more such moments this summer, in this quiet sanctuary.

Just the two of them.

Free to embrace, to kiss, to be together.