Chapter 6
Song Muqing hadn’t expected such a question.
He suddenly recalled the scene at the cafe, where Lu Xuefeng had reduced the man opposite him to flustered silence with just a few words. It had been quite amusing.
His current casual demeanor and tone carried a similar air, and Song Muqing knew he was being scrutinized.
Lu Xuefeng didn’t get angry easily, but he had his own temper and boundaries. He maintained rationality in his interactions, not easily swayed by emotions.
He wanted to understand Song Muqing’s true motives, whether he had ulterior motives.
If it were just to find a blind date partner, it seemed like too much effort.
“You knew I was on blind dates. You watched my dance drama, took the initiative to give me flowers, and even offered me a ride, all to get closer to me. You’ve done so much preparation beforehand, effortlessly raising your score to full marks. Mr. Song, it’s hard for me to believe you simply need someone to marry.”
After hearing his analysis, Song Muqing couldn’t help but admire his meticulous thinking.
But he also noticed a detail in his words and couldn’t help but smile. “So, my score is full marks now.”
Lu Xuefeng didn’t let him change the subject, his expression serious. “That’s not the point.”
“It’s very important to me.”
Song Muqing continued, “I understand your concerns.”
Being wary of strangers was a good thing.
He thought for a moment, considering how to explain the situation clearly.
“Not long after seeing your dance drama, I happened to see you on blind dates twice. I felt it was fate. My family has been urging me to get married these past two years, and I’m also under pressure. So, I wanted to make a good impression and try my luck.”
Song Muqing chuckled softly, adding playfully, “Director Lu, I’m truly a decent person with good intentions. I’m not after fame or fortune.”
These words effectively eased the slightly tense atmosphere.
The tension in Lu Xuefeng eased slightly.
“Or perhaps,” after explaining himself, Song Muqing tilted his head slightly and turned the question back to the other party, his gaze fixed. “What do you think I’m after, Mr. Lu? What do I want from you?”
His gaze was intense, seeking a genuine answer. Being looked at like this, Lu Xuefeng felt a flush of warmth on his face for some reason.
Too cunning, Lu Xuefeng thought.
This man always managed to skillfully deflect questions and turn them back on him, seizing control of the conversation.
Lu Xuefeng averted his gaze slightly.
“…I don’t know.”
Only Song Muqing himself knew the answer; he couldn’t provide one.
“Let’s eat first,” Song Muqing changed the subject.
They had been so engrossed in conversation that they hadn’t touched their food much. The dishes would get cold if they didn’t eat soon.
They returned to their initial state, eating slowly and chatting intermittently.
“However, there’s one thing I must clarify,” Song Muqing’s voice was gentle. “You said I had done my homework beforehand, but some things I’m doing for the first time, so I’m not very knowledgeable.”
Lu Xuefeng was slightly surprised.
“Even the meeting gift was something my mother specifically reminded me to prepare, to make a good impression.”
“…Your mother?”
“My mother knows about our dinner today,” Song Muqing’s voice was warm when he mentioned his mother, Mu Ting. “She told me to behave myself and not scare you away.”
There was an element of exaggeration in his words, but Lu Xuefeng couldn’t help but smile faintly.
“Does your mother know me too?”
“Yes.”
Song Muqing’s family was close, and they shared important matters with each other. Fearing Lu Xuefeng might misunderstand, he added, “I only mentioned it briefly. Don’t worry, they won’t interfere in my affairs.”
He had mentioned his family several times, and Lu Xuefeng easily deduced that they had a harmonious relationship, a happy family.
He was somewhat worried he wouldn’t fit in.
“My mother will like you very much.”
Hearing this, Lu Xuefeng was puzzled. “Why?”
He hadn’t even met his mother’s family; how could he draw such a definite conclusion?
“I know her.”
Song Muqing replied, lowering his eyes to ladle a bowl of soup for Lu Xuefeng, placing it in front of him.
“She likes good-looking and capable people.”
“Just like me.”
Lu Xuefeng didn’t catch the underlying meaning of his words, continuing, “Can I take that as a compliment?”
Song Muqing saw a hint of amusement in Lu Xuefeng’s eyes and couldn’t help but smile.
“Of course it’s a compliment.”
The conversation became more relaxed after that. Lu Xuefeng learned that Song Muqing’s mother had worked in the book publishing industry, and his father, Song Hongfan, was a middle school math teacher, nearing retirement.
His parents didn’t require much care in their daily lives.
By the time they finished their meal, it was evening, the late autumn twilight soft and gentle.
After leaving the restaurant, feeling full, they noticed the beautiful sunset and Song Muqing suggested a stroll.
One of the reasons Nanjiang Road was so popular for dining was its scenic beauty.
A river flowed through the area.
Many restaurants boasted river views from their windows, one of their selling points.
People were strolling and chatting along the riverbank, looking relaxed.
Song Muqing and Lu Xuefeng walked along the path by the river, exchanging words occasionally.
Someone cycled past them at a rather fast pace. Song Muqing happened to notice and gently pulled Lu Xuefeng, who was closer to the path’s edge, towards him.
“Careful.”
A gust of wind swept past.
Lu Xuefeng was now quite close to Song Muqing. He lowered his eyes and saw Song Muqing holding his wrist, a warm touch. He softly thanked him.
Song Muqing consciously released his hand.
They continued walking.
Lu Xuefeng could still feel the lingering warmth on his wrist, realizing Song Muqing’s hands were quite large. He didn’t notice a young couple approaching from the opposite direction.
The path wasn’t very wide, and there was nowhere to avoid them.
As they drew near, Lu Xuefeng heard the girl call out, “Teacher Song!”
Song Muqing stopped and turned slightly, explaining to Lu Xuefeng, “One of my students. Just a moment.”
Song Muqing glanced at Tang Xinhui and the young man beside her. They were around the same age, both looking like students.
They had been whispering to each other as they approached. Now, standing before him, Tang Xinhui had released the young man’s arm, standing respectfully.
However, everyone knew the young man was her boyfriend, as he often came to see her. He was polite and also addressed Song Muqing as “Teacher.”
Song Muqing nodded at them, teasing, “On a date?”
“We’re going to dinner later.”
Tang Xinhui smiled, her gaze shifting to Lu Xuefeng. Suppressing her curiosity, she asked playfully, “Teacher Song, aren’t you on a stroll too?”
She hadn’t expected to run into Professor Song here and was seeing Lu Xuefeng for the first time. She couldn’t help but admire him, secretly speculating about their relationship.
Song Muqing smiled, not offering much explanation. He deliberately asked, “Have you looked at the comments I made on your paper? Have you revised it properly?”
Bringing up studies the moment they met, Tang Xinhui knew he would mention her paper. It gave her a headache.
“I’m working on it, Teacher Song. I’ll send it to you in a couple of days. You’ll be satisfied, I promise.”
Song Muqing knew her well, replying with a smile, “Should I believe you?”
Lu Xuefeng remained silent, simply listening, observing that Song Muqing was just as gentle and amiable when speaking with his students, always with a smile. It seemed they had a good student-teacher relationship.
Hearing the student address Song Muqing as “Professor,” Lu Xuefeng was surprised.
He had only heard Song Muqing mention working at the university, but he hadn’t realized he was already a professor.
He discreetly observed the man beside him.
Song Muqing didn’t speak with Tang Xinhui for long before they parted ways. He then turned to Lu Xuefeng and asked, “What is it?”
“I’m a little surprised. So, you’re a professor.”
Song Muqing smiled, accustomed to this reaction. He said modestly, “I was recently promoted. The students and colleagues like to tease me about it.”
“That’s still quite impressive,” Lu Xuefeng said.
At Song Muqing’s age, it was truly an achievement.
He felt relaxed around Song Muqing, without any unnecessary worries. The other man was well-mannered, and his words never made him feel uncomfortable.
“You have a good relationship with your students.”
“It’s alright,” Song Muqing looked ahead. “Conducting experiments and analyzing data can be tedious and boring. I don’t want to put too much pressure on them, but I’m still strict when necessary.”
Lu Xuefeng nodded in agreement, sharing the same view. He held a similar attitude towards the dancers in his troupe.
“You must be very popular with your students,” Lu Xuefeng asked curiously. “Do many students want you as their advisor?”
The number of spots under a graduate advisor was limited, and students usually contacted their preferred advisors beforehand to make an impression before the official selection process.
Song Muqing readily admitted, “Quite a few.”
During the advisor selection period, Song Muqing would receive numerous messages and emails from students. Fortunately, he could handle it.
Lu Xuefeng imagined himself as a student. Those who successfully secured Song Muqing as their advisor must be fortunate. Being chosen from so many students, it would be impossible not to be happy.
“Your students are very lucky then.”
Song Muqing glanced at him meaningfully.
“Choices are important, and so are people.”
Lu Xuefeng naturally understood the implication.
The sun was about to set completely, and the temperature would drop at night. They didn’t walk any further, as Lu Xuefeng still needed to visit his grandmother at the hospital.
He was about to hail a cab when Song Muqing offered, “I’ll drive you there.”
“No need,” Lu Xuefeng declined.
From here to the hospital was truly a detour, and he didn’t want to take up too much of Song Muqing’s time. It would be too much trouble.
Seeing this, Song Muqing didn’t insist. “Alright then.”
He also noticed that Lu Xuefeng’s attitude towards him was different today. Lu Xuefeng had taken the initiative to ask about his life, suggesting he was trying to get to know him, and hadn’t expressed any outright rejection.
That meant there was still hope. He shouldn’t rush things.
But parting like this left him with a slight sense of loss.
Song Muqing’s gaze lingered on his face briefly before he spoke, “Mr. Lu.”
“Yes?”
“Will there be another meeting?”
He hadn’t even left yet and was already mentioning the next meeting.
This time, Lu Xuefeng didn’t avoid his gaze, looking into Song Muqing’s eyes, which reflected the soft, warm glow of the setting sun.
“What about you, Mr. Song?”
Do you want to meet again?
Song Muqing didn’t hesitate. “I do.”
The corners of Lu Xuefeng’s eyes curved slightly, the aloofness around him dissipating in the evening breeze, becoming gentle.
He didn’t speak, reaching out to hail a taxi.
Lu Xuefeng grasped the door handle, opening the car door slightly, then paused, his gaze returning to Song Muqing.
“Then, we’ll meet again.”
