Chapter 9
A strong sense of unreality washed over Lu Xuefeng.
He hadn’t expected Song Muqing to appear here, and he quickly realized this was the second time this thought had occurred.
He watched as Song Muqing walked towards him.
Song Muqing’s eyes held a gentle smile, softened by the sunlight.
“Sorry, I didn’t ask for your opinion before coming to find you.”
Lu Xuefeng shook his head.
Song Muqing’s proactive explanation left him speechless. He wouldn’t fault him for such a small matter.
Then it occurred to him that Song Muqing’s words about missing him seemed genuine, which was why he was here.
Lu Xuefeng glanced down, noticing the transparent bag in Song Muqing’s hand, containing what appeared to be several boxes of medicine.
Sensing his gaze, Song Muqing raised the bag slightly, offering an explanation. “I happened to be here to pick up some medicine.”
“Are you sick?”
“No, it’s for my family,” Song Muqing continued. “I didn’t expect you to be at this hospital too, so I came to try my luck.”
The First Hospital was large, but the inpatient department wasn’t difficult to find.
It seemed they were quite fated.
Song Muqing’s gaze fell on the elderly woman sitting on a bench not far behind Lu Xuefeng, who was also looking at him.
“Is that your grandmother?” he asked.
Lu Xuefeng turned around.
Deng Yuzhen waved at them, her eyes kind, beckoning them over.
“Xuefeng, is this your friend?”
Lu Xuefeng glanced at Song Muqing, then back at his grandmother. “…Yes, he’s my friend.”
Song Muqing showed no awkwardness, introducing himself politely to the elder. “Hello, Grandma. My name is Song Muqing.”
He added apologetically, “I came rather abruptly today and didn’t prepare anything. Please forgive me, Grandma.”
“It’s alright, it’s alright. You don’t need to bring anything. I’m happy just to have visitors.”
This was Deng Yuzhen’s first time meeting Song Muqing. She looked him over carefully. He had pleasant features, tall and slender, fitting the image of a handsome young man in an elder’s eyes.
She smiled, the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes deepening, seemingly pleased that Xuefeng’s friend had come to visit.
“Xuefeng rarely brings friends over.”
“Is that so?” Song Muqing glanced at Lu Xuefeng before saying, “Then I’m quite lucky.”
Although it was he who had come uninvited, without Lu Xuefeng’s prior consent.
“Grandma, that’s not true.”
Lu Xuefeng refuted his grandmother’s words.
Deng Yuzhen chuckled, not saying anything more.
On the one hand, Lu Xuefeng indeed didn’t have many friends. Only Jin Hong, Yin Xiaoyu, and Teacher Xiao, his closest acquaintances, knew about his grandmother’s illness.
On the other hand, Lu Xuefeng didn’t want to trouble others or be pitied.
Apart from Sister Xu’s daily care, Lu Xuefeng had been looking after his grandmother himself, feeling he could provide her with sufficient companionship.
They sat together for a while, chatting as usual.
Song Muqing was good at socializing and knew how to keep the conversation flowing.
He mentioned seeing some beautiful maple trees when he arrived and asked if his grandmother would like to see them, as they weren’t far.
His grandmother didn’t refuse.
So, they helped her walk over and sat on a bench by the path near the inpatient department, admiring the crimson maple trees that painted the entire path red.
It was quiet here, the breeze comfortable, not bleak.
The rustling of leaves was pleasant to the ear.
Song Muqing sat beside Lu Xuefeng and said softly, “Listening to this sound, I can almost feel life itself.”
Lu Xuefeng couldn’t help but ask, “Why?”
He had heard the rustling of leaves countless times but had never thought of it that way.
Song Muqing looked at him, not offering much explanation, simply saying, “It’s the sound of the trees.”
Lu Xuefeng met his gaze, gradually understanding the meaning of his words. He waited for the next gust of wind and listened intently.
His grandmother’s gaze lingered on them, then she asked Song Muqing, “I forgot to ask, child, what do you do for a living?”
Song Muqing replied, “I teach at a university.”
“You’re a teacher.”
“Yes.”
Deng Yuzhen couldn’t help but think that perhaps he was the person Lu Xuefeng had mentioned, the one he was seeing.
His temperament and appearance were indeed well-matched with Lu Xuefeng.
A university teacher… Even without much education, Deng Yuzhen could tell he was an outstanding individual, a good catch.
So, she naturally asked, “How old are you?”
“Thirty-one.”
Two years older than Lu Xuefeng.
“Are you a local? To our Xuefeng…?”
“Grandma…!”
Lu Xuefeng quickly interrupted her, afraid she might say something inappropriate. He whispered, “Don’t ask.”
“Are you embarrassed?” his grandmother teased.
Lu Xuefeng replied softly, “No.”
His grandmother chuckled, assuming he was shy, and agreed, “Alright, alright,” not pressing further.
Lu Xuefeng apologized to Song Muqing. “My grandmother seems to ask a lot of questions.”
Song Muqing shook his head, saying it was fine.
But he also understood the implication of her words, sensing a misunderstanding.
He glanced at Lu Xuefeng but didn’t offer any explanation.
After resting for a while, feeling the chill in the air, they returned to the ward.
Song Muqing noticed it was a single room, or perhaps it had a companion bed, as the other bed showed signs of use.
He helped his grandmother lie down on the bed, his movements practiced and efficient.
“Thank you, Xiao Song,” his grandmother said.
“You’re welcome.”
Song Muqing explained that his father had undergone minor surgery a while ago and had been bedridden for several days, so he was familiar with such things.
The atmosphere in the ward became more relaxed.
Lu Xuefeng noticed that his grandmother was in a much better mood with Song Muqing present.
“Thank you,” Lu Xuefeng thanked him again later.
“It’s nothing,” Song Muqing simply said it was what he should do.
It was still early evening, and Song Muqing didn’t leave immediately, staying to chat with his grandmother.
The doctor came by to check on her briefly; her condition was stable.
Lu Xuefeng followed the doctor outside to discuss adjustments to her medication, the dosage, cost, and effectiveness.
Sister Xu had gone out to buy something earlier.
So, only Song Muqing remained in the ward with his grandmother.
When Lu Xuefeng returned, he overheard his grandmother asking how they had met.
Song Muqing replied naturally, “I met him after watching his dance drama.”
Lu Xuefeng suppressed his surprise and walked over. “Grandma, didn’t we agree not to ask?”
Deng Yuzhen said, “I was just curious.”
Lu Xuefeng didn’t know what they had talked about. Perhaps Song Muqing had realized he had lied to his grandmother about having a partner.
He felt that with Song Muqing’s perceptiveness, he would definitely know.
And his grandmother had naturally assumed Song Muqing was that person.
Lu Xuefeng felt a pang of guilt.
When he looked at Song Muqing, the other man was completely at ease, giving him a calm smile.
Having expended quite a bit of energy during the day, his grandmother felt sleepy shortly after lying back down.
After she fell asleep, Song Muqing prepared to leave.
Lu Xuefeng went to see him off.
Night had just fallen, the sky a deep blue.
A cool breeze blew through the corridor.
As Lu Xuefeng closed the ward door, Song Muqing changed his mind and asked, “Would you like to get some fresh air?”
“Hmm?”
Lu Xuefeng didn’t react immediately.
Song Muqing simply turned and walked towards the long corridor.
The window was only half-open, the air outside chilly.
Song Muqing rested his hands on the silver railing, hearing Lu Xuefeng’s footsteps behind him.
His steps were light, his demeanor calm as always.
Today was no exception.
“Why do you suddenly want some fresh air?”
Lu Xuefeng stopped beside him, gazing into the distance.
Song Muqing turned his head, his gaze fixed on Lu Xuefeng’s profile, trying to discern the emotions in his eyes in the fading light.
Sensing his gaze, Lu Xuefeng turned slightly, meeting his eyes, and heard Song Muqing ask, “Lu Xuefeng, are you unhappy?”
Lu Xuefeng didn’t answer immediately.
In his memory, apart from his grandmother and Teacher Xiao, few people had genuinely asked him if he was happy.
Throughout his life, his relationships with most people had been superficial: neighbors, classmates, schoolmates, colleagues.
Lu Xuefeng wasn’t good at handling deep interpersonal relationships and rarely opened up to others. He didn’t concern himself with others’ feelings, so naturally, his own emotional needs weren’t prioritized by others.
It didn’t bother him.
Lu Xuefeng wasn’t emotionally dependent; he was independent and capable of taking care of himself.
But when Song Muqing noticed the emotions he had deliberately concealed, he felt a subtle stir within him.
“Because of your grandmother’s illness?” Song Muqing asked.
Lu Xuefeng lowered his eyes, murmuring a soft affirmation.
“Can you tell me about it?”
Song Muqing’s voice was gentle, carrying a comforting quality in the night, encouraging Lu Xuefeng to confide in him.
But he wasn’t forceful; it seemed it was alright if Lu Xuefeng didn’t want to talk.
Lu Xuefeng rarely spoke about his grandmother’s illness with others, afraid of worrying them and adding to their burdens.
But the doctor’s words today had made the weight on his heart even heavier.
Although Lu Xuefeng tried not to show it in front of his grandmother.
“The doctor said her current condition isn’t suitable for surgery.”
Lu Xuefeng turned, watching people passing by in the long hospital corridor, some entering wards, others leaving.
They were all rushing around because of loved ones in the wards.
“Your grandmother’s condition is…?”
“Her heart,” Lu Xuefeng explained. “She has a heart problem.”
“The surgery is too risky. The doctor said if she doesn’t have it, there must be other more suitable treatment methods.”
“I know.”
Lu Xuefeng agreed. “But the process is too long.”
He didn’t want his grandmother to be constantly tormented by illness and medication; it was too painful.
He said, “I discovered it too late. It’s my fault.”
Lu Xuefeng couldn’t help but blame himself. He should have taken his grandmother for a check-up earlier.
He had been preparing for her surgery.
But unexpectedly, there was no chance.
He followed the doctor’s instructions, but his heart ached.
Song Muqing didn’t know what to say, as if any words of comfort would be futile.
He wanted to hug the man in front of him, but he realized it might be inappropriate given their current relationship.
So, he lowered his hand, placing it on Lu Xuefeng’s back, patting him reassuringly.
“Your grandmother will get better. She definitely will.”
He said that his grandmother seemed optimistic, and a positive attitude was a powerful healing tool.
He mentioned several cases of people diagnosed with cancer who had lived long lives.
Lu Xuefeng watched him analyze the situation seriously, like a proper teacher.
He didn’t want to dismiss his kindness. “You’re very serious.”
Seeing his mood improve slightly, Song Muqing smiled.
He admitted honestly, “This isn’t my area of expertise.”
“Then what are you good at?”
Song Muqing thought for a moment, then said with a hint of difficulty, “Perhaps… I can identify every plant here?”
Lu Xuefeng couldn’t help but smile faintly.
They looked at each other silently for a moment.
Lu Xuefeng averted his gaze, quickly composing himself. “Thank you for today. I’ve taken up so much of your time.”
Song Muqing said it was no problem.
“I’ll walk you downstairs.”
“Alright.”
They took the elevator down, and Song Muqing bid him farewell.
Lu Xuefeng didn’t respond immediately, hesitating before speaking, “My grandmother seems to have misunderstood our relationship. She thinks you’re… my partner.”
Song Muqing replied, “I know.”
He had certainly understood the implication of her words.
“Thank you for not correcting her.”
“Is that why you need to get married?”
Lu Xuefeng looked at him, not hiding anything, and nodded. “Yes, it’s my grandmother’s wish. I could only lie and say I was seeing someone to reassure her.”
Song Muqing expressed his understanding.
He looked at Lu Xuefeng quietly for a few seconds before saying softly, “It could become reality.”
“…Hmm?”
As Song Muqing spoke, several people passed by, their voices loud, and Lu Xuefeng didn’t quite hear him.
Song Muqing smiled, not repeating himself, and said it was nothing.
“I’ll be going then.”
Lu Xuefeng finally bid him farewell, saying goodbye before turning and heading back inside.
On Sunday afternoon, Xiao Shuyi invited Lu Xuefeng to meet for dinner.
Before that, Song Muqing had contacted him, asking about his weekend plans.
Lu Xuefeng said he had an appointment and would be dining at the Huaxin Restaurant.
Song Muqing replied with an “Okay,” not saying anything more.
Lu Xuefeng had initially planned to go directly, but something came up at the theater, delaying him. He arrived at the restaurant a little late.
He didn’t want to keep Xiao Shuyi waiting too long, so he rushed over, feeling a bit anxious.
As he went upstairs, he turned a corner and almost bumped into someone.
“Sorry.”
Lu Xuefeng steadied himself, instinctively apologizing.
“In such a hurry?”
A familiar voice responded.
Lu Xuefeng looked up, meeting Song Muqing’s gentle eyes.
The other man’s eyes held a smile as he greeted him first. “What a coincidence, you’re here too.”
Lu Xuefeng was surprised to see him here. “You’re…?”
He trailed off mid-sentence, realizing that people usually came to restaurants to eat.
Moreover, he wasn’t in a position to inquire about his private life.
Song Muqing, sensing his hesitation, explained slowly, “A colleague from my department is celebrating his birthday. We’re having a gathering.”
Lu Xuefeng nodded slightly. “I also have a dinner appointment.”
“I know.”
Song Muqing looked at him, about to say something, when Lu Xuefeng said apologetically, “I have to go. I’m already late.”
Song Muqing replied with an “Okay,” stepping aside to let him pass.
He watched as Lu Xuefeng entered a small private room on the left, a space seemingly just right for two people to dine and chat.
Song Muqing pondered this.
“Professor Song, what are you looking at?”
The voice beside him interrupted his thoughts. Song Muqing looked away, turning to Zhao Qi. “Nothing. Let’s go.”
“This place you recommended is hard to find. You said you would pick me up, but I didn’t see you, so I came up myself.”
“I was running late. This way.”
Zhao Qi patted his shoulder with a smile, not minding at all, and followed him to another private room.
When Lu Xuefeng met Xiao Shuyi, the dishes were already served. They ate and chatted comfortably.
The conversation flowed from work at the theater, rehearsal routines, to Lu Xuefeng’s personal life.
Xiao Shuyi inevitably brought up the topic of blind dates, asking, “I heard you’ve found someone suitable?”
A few days ago, Xiao Shuyi had visited Lu Xuefeng’s grandmother at the hospital, bringing gifts.
It wasn’t the first time his grandmother had met Xiao Shuyi. She knew that Xiao Shuyi had helped Lu Xuefeng a great deal and had always remembered her kindness.
From his grandmother, Xiao Shuyi learned that Lu Xuefeng was seeing someone. Although surprised, she was also pleased.
Lu Xuefeng still had reservations about this “suitable person,” so he couldn’t give a definitive answer. “We’re still getting to know each other.”
Xiao Shuyi’s eyes crinkled with a smile. “That’s good.”
She said getting to know someone takes time.
Lu Xuefeng nodded.
“When I introduced someone to you before, you seemed reluctant to meet new people. Now that you’ve found someone suitable, I’m very happy for you.”
Xiao Shuyi knew Deng Yuzhen’s condition wasn’t good, and she couldn’t bear to see Lu Xuefeng so downcast.
His grandmother was very important to him, and she hoped he could have a family.
Xiao Shuyi knew that Lu Xuefeng would try his best to fulfill any request his grandmother made.
So, even with marriage, he would do his best.
But finding the right person to marry wasn’t easy.
“Where is he from? What does he do? What’s his personality like?” Xiao Shuyi asked.
Lu Xuefeng answered each question.
When it came to personality, he hesitated slightly, then said, “He’s… easygoing, respectful, and polite.”
Xiao Shuyi smiled. “Actually, I wanted to ask if he treats you well.”
Lu Xuefeng thought about everything related to Song Muqing.
“Yes… he’s very good to me.”
He felt that with Song Muqing’s personality, he would be kind to everyone.
Xiao Shuyi observed Lu Xuefeng’s expression carefully. He didn’t seem to be lying.
“Then I’m relieved.”
She added that if there was an opportunity, he should bring him over to meet her.
Xiao Shuyi also wanted to know what kind of person he was.
Someone who could make Lu Xuefeng willing to spend time getting to know them must be special.
Lu Xuefeng had been alone for so many years, without a partner. With his talent and status, he had received many admirers, but Xiao Shuyi had never seen him accept anyone.
She couldn’t help but be curious.
Lu Xuefeng murmured a soft “Yes” and didn’t continue the topic, asking about Xiao Shuyi’s recent activities.
They hadn’t seen each other for a while, and they had much to talk about.
The food at this restaurant was excellent, although the location was a bit out of the way. Xiao Shuyi had only recently discovered it and wanted Lu Xuefeng to try it.
Lu Xuefeng also enjoyed the food, suddenly realizing that Song Muqing was also dining at this restaurant.
It was already evening; he wondered if their gathering was over.
Birthday dinners usually lasted quite late.
As he was thinking this, his phone rang. Lu Xuefeng glanced at the name.
Why was he calling?
“Aren’t you going to answer?”
Xiao Shuyi noticed that Lu Xuefeng seemed hesitant or lost in thought.
She found it amusing and couldn’t help but ask, “Who is it?”
“Teacher, I’ll step outside to answer.”
“Go ahead, go ahead.”
Lu Xuefeng picked up his phone, excusing himself to Xiao Shuyi, and left the private room.
He answered the call outside.
“Mr. Lu.”
The restaurant was now more crowded, and the corridor was noisy, but Lu Xuefeng could still hear Song Muqing’s voice clearly.
“Is your dinner over?”
Lu Xuefeng replied truthfully, “Not yet, but almost.”
“Good,” Song Muqing paused after hearing his answer, then asked, “After it’s over, would you like to come out and look at the stars?”
Lu Xuefeng was momentarily stunned. “Hmm?”
“I’ll wait for you, outside.”
