YJDNY - 35

That night, while Xiang Ge was asleep, Zhou Xingyan returned home.

Early the next morning, when she woke up again, the man had already returned. An open suitcase lay at the entrance.

Xiang Ge was a bit taken aback.

Although he had mentioned it the night before, his efficiency seemed unusually high.

She originally thought he was just saying it casually.

Xia Wei had already gone to work. Zhou Xingyan was wearing a white long fleece sweater, with two suitcases spread out by his feet as he packed her clothes into his own suitcase.

Seeing her come out, he looked up: “Awake?”

Xiang Ge opened her mouth but didn’t say anything.

He didn’t seem to care either: “Breakfast is in the kitchen, go eat first.”

Xiang Ge secretly made a frowning face as if she wanted to vomit.

Zhou Xingyan noticed, paused his actions, and watched her calmly.

In his hand was a piece of clothing from her suitcase—black, semi-transparent, with lace trim.

Xiang Ge glanced at it without much reaction.

When her mind slowly caught up, she glanced again, her expression freezing.

She raised her hand and pointed at him.

Zhou Xingyan didn’t react.

Xiang Ge opened her mouth and muttered something softly.

Separated by the entire living room, Zhou Xingyan didn’t hear: “What?”

“…”

Xiang Ge turned her head away: “Nothing.”

Since his suitcase was large enough, they decided to put everything together and bring only one suitcase. Xiang Ge watched him pack for a while, then went to the kitchen. She glanced at the preserved egg and roast duck porridge on the table, slightly frowned, lifted her hand, and pushed the bowl behind the calendar on the dining table with her fingertips.

The bottom of the white porcelain bowl rubbed against the wooden table, making a very faint sound. Zhou Xingyan was in the living room, his back turned without even looking back, yet suddenly spoke: “Hiding what?”

“…”

Xiang Ge froze, then slowly said: “I don’t want to eat.”

“I bought tickets for noon. We’ll arrive in the afternoon. Eat something to fill your stomach first, or you’ll be hungry later.”

Xiang Ge lowered her eyes: “I’m not hungry.”

Zhou Xingyan put down what he was holding and walked over.

She lowered her eyelashes, staring at the edge of his white sweater.

Fluffy, it looked warm and soft, making her want to touch it.

Without much thought, she raised her hand, extending a finger to poke his sweater.

There was no reaction from the person in front of her. Xiang Ge tugged the edge of the sweater little by little, rubbing it lightly between her index finger and thumb.

The material felt extremely good, fine and soft bristles brushing against her skin, a bit itchy.

Zhou Xingyan didn’t say anything, letting her hold onto the edge of his sweater until she was satisfied, then slowly spoke: “One meal for every touch.”

Xiang Ge paused and immediately let go.

Zhou Xingyan’s lips curved slightly: “Too late.”

Xiang Ge rubbed her fingertips along the edge of the dining table and looked up at him.

Zhou Xingyan sat down first, patted the chair next to him, and brought the bowl she had pushed far away, half-hidden behind the calendar, placing it in front of her.

Xiang Ge hesitated for a moment, then sat down.

Zhou Xingyan rested his elbow on the table, supporting his head, and looked at her sideways.

Xiang Ge picked up the spoon uncomfortably, ate two bites, then looked up at him.

“Does it taste bad?”

Xiang Ge shook her head and didn’t speak.

He had never seen her like this.

In his memory, whether it was eight years ago or later, he had never seen her so cautious and silent. For a moment, he felt a bit at a loss, not knowing what to do or how exactly to help.

Zhou Xingyan pursed his lips and coaxed her gently: “Eat two more bites. Just a little more, and then we’ll stop.”

“I don’t want to eat,” she repeated hoarsely, “I feel nauseous.”

He sighed: “Then don’t eat. Take it slow.”

Zhou Xingyan had booked the flight for 1 PM that afternoon. When he finished packing everything and pushed open the door to Xiang Ge’s room, she was still in her pajamas, hugging her knees and sitting at the head of the bed, staring blankly at the wall.

Zhou Xingyan walked over, casting a shadow. Xiang Ge raised her head.

After a while, she blinked slowly.

Zhou Xingyan took a set of clothes from the nearby rack, leaned close while supporting himself on the bed: “Is there anything you want to bring?”

Xiang Ge shook her head.

“Then change your clothes. We’re leaving.”

Xiang Ge processed his words, tightened her arms around her knees, buried her chin and nose, leaving only her eyes visible, rubbed twice, then finally raised her head and nodded: “You go out first.”

Zhou Xingyan originally thought Xiang Ge would dawdle for a while, but surprisingly, she changed quickly. They arrived at the airport early. It was a weekday, and the airport was still bustling; the terminal was crowded with people. The woman kept her head down, following closely behind like a small tail. Zhou Xingyan carried the suitcase in one hand, while the other hand’s sleeve was held by her, fingers clutching the fabric silently.

Zhou Xingyan flipped his hand naturally, enveloping her tiny, cold hand completely. He turned his head: “Are you cold?”

Xiang Ge shook her head, her fingertips retreating slightly, carefully hiding in his palm, enjoying his warmth.

Zhou Xingyan’s heart softened. He raised her hand, bringing it to his lips and kissed it gently.

Xiang Ge was startled, tilting her head slightly: “A girl’s hand can only be kissed by her boyfriend.”

At this moment, she was wearing a light-colored dress. In the bright airport lighting, her complexion had regained some color, and her spirit seemed to have recovered significantly.

Zhou Xingyan didn’t let go of her hand, raising his eyes: “Who was it that said they wanted to chase me again?”

Xiang Ge’s fingers in his hand moved slightly, unconsciously scratching his palm, then were squeezed tightly again.

Zhou Xingyan’s thumb rubbed her hand soothingly: “Let’s go.”

Zhou Xingyan had purchased first-class tickets. They went through security via the VIP channel, where there were few people. Xiang Ge followed behind him and gradually relaxed.

By the time they boarded the plane, she started to feel sleepy.

Due to prolonged lack of sleep recently, she had heavy dark circles under her eyes. She nestled into the seat and rubbed her eyes.

Zhou Xingyan helped her fasten her seatbelt, bending down with his head lowered: “If you’re sleepy, rest for a while. I’ll wake you when we arrive.”

Xiang Ge shook her head, looking down at the seatbelt around her waist, lost in thought.

Zhou Xingyan tilted his head, watching her silently.

During this period, it seemed that the thing she did most was to space out. From the initial emptiness and confusion to occasionally showing some signs of life now.

Almost three hours later, the plane landed at Kansai Airport.

Xiang Ge had been to Japan once before, but it was for work, arriving and leaving in a rush, with no time to visit anywhere. Zhou Xingyan, however, seemed quite familiar with the place. He took her to collect their luggage at the airport, then took the JR Special Rapid Service HARUKA line to Kyoto.

Dragging their luggage, they hailed a taxi. Xiang Ge listened as Zhou Xingyan communicated with the driver in English.

His English was excellent, with a very standard American accent. Unfortunately, the driver was neither fluent in English nor had a very clear pronunciation.

Zhou Xingyan furrowed his brow, seriously and carefully deciphering the driver’s almost incomprehensible pronunciation. Finally giving up after a while, he pulled out his phone map and pointed it out to him.

After pointing for a long time, the driver finally understood, smiling and speaking rapidly before starting the car.

Zhou Xingyan’s shoulders sagged slightly, seemingly relieved.

This was a rare moment for Xiang Ge to see him so vividly expressive.

“I thought you had been here before.” These were her first proactive words to him in days.

“Hmm, I’ve been here once.” Zhou Xingyan leaned back into his seat. “But back then, Liang Shengxi hired a local guide, so there wasn’t much need for me to talk.”

Compared to Tokyo, Kyoto blended ancient and modern elements. It wasn’t peak tourist season, and the streets weren’t crowded. The whole city appeared quiet and gentle.

Their accommodation was arranged by Liang Shengxi, who had acquaintances here.

They didn’t choose a hotel but rather a Japanese-style hot spring inn located some distance from the city center.

It was a three-story building, a pure Japanese Sukiya-style structure. Ink paintings adorned the sliding doors, and decorative rocks were placed at corridor corners. Wall hangings exuded Japanese charm. In the front courtyard, the sound of the spring was clear and cool, surrounded by lush greenery.

Their suite was on the first floor, with a private square courtyard behind the house. A standalone hot spring made of stone and wood emitted warm steam.

As soon as Xiang Ge entered the room, she ran directly to it, squatting by the pool and dipping her hand into the water.

Zhou Xingyan finished unpacking, found slippers, opened them, and placed them by her feet: “Put them on.”

Xiang Ge stepped onto the Hinoki wood floor outside, wiggling her toes, and slowly slipped into the slippers.

Her fingers rippled through the water, which flowed warmly through her fingers, and she curved her lips slightly.

Zhou Xingyan stood up, leaning against the wooden doorframe and watching her: “Eat something first.”

Xiang Ge’s gaze remained on the ripples she created, silently protesting.

Zhou Xingyan calmly said: “If you don’t eat, you can’t soak in the hot spring.”

Xiang Ge stopped her movements, turned around, and looked up.

Steam filled the space between them, creating a hazy atmosphere. Xiang Ge looked at him lightly.

The man’s voice was calm: “If you go in, I’ll pull you out.”

Xiang Ge: “….”

Whether it was because she truly believed Zhou Xingyan could do such a thing or because the tranquil and comfortable environment had somewhat calmed her emotions, the Kaiseki cuisine ordered for dinner was unexpectedly eaten by Xiang Ge for the most part.

The food was exceptionally delicious, with small, exquisite portions.

As soon as she finished eating, she stood up, lowering her head to stare at the man across from her.

Her gaze was direct, and for the first time in days, her black eyes showed some liveliness.

Like a child asking for permission to go out and play.

Zhou Xingyan was still holding a teacup, somewhat speechless.

He helplessly tilted his chin: “Go ahead, but don’t soak too long.”

Xiang Ge licked her lips and ran off in small steps.

Zhou Xingyan watched her run out, put down his cup, stood up, and went to the inner bedroom. After searching for a while, he found the yukata she would wear when she came out. The women’s version was a pale pink with cherry blossoms dyed on it, neatly folded and wrapped in thin washi paper.

Zhou Xingyan tore open the thin paper and delivered it to her, but when he went out, the door to the small hot spring in the backyard had already been closed by Xiang Ge.

The washi door blocked the view, making the sounds inside seem especially noticeable.

The sound of water being splashed, penetrating the thin milky-white washi, accompanied by the heat of the hot spring, seemed to carry every movement inside clearly in the silence.

Gentle yet distinct.

Zhou Xingyan swallowed hard, his gaze darkening.

He closed his eyes momentarily, supporting his eye socket with one hand.

When he considered taking her on this trip, he hadn’t thought of this aspect at all.

Now it seemed, things might be a bit off.