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Once there was half a second of hesitation, the previous persistence and obsession crumbled at a visible pace.
Zhao Xi looked up slightly and saw Zhao Mingchuan’s chin, his slightly darkened stubble, his well-maintained skin, and his expectant eyes.
One step back, and the state of mind was completely different.
Her mind turned, and the first thing she said was, “Zhao Mingchuan, did you change your cologne?”
Zhao Mingchuan was stunned for a moment, “No, I didn’t.”
Zhao Xi brought her nose closer and sniffed again, “It’s not that scent.”
He had these meticulous habits. Though his temperament was rough, he lived spiritedly, with his own aesthetic for food, clothing, and use, never disorderly in any situation.
Zhao Mingchuan exclusively loved one cologne, an obscure foreign brand with limited production, unavailable without special channels. It was somewhat like the humid air of the evening ocean—not particularly noticeable, but it brought clarity to mind and body with one whiff.
She had never said it before, but Zhao Xi was actually very fond of that scent.
Now that he had changed it, she felt a slight disappointment.
Zhao Mingchuan understood immediately and said quite frankly, “I don’t want to use it anymore.”
“Why?”
“After you left, I changed everything. How could I continue to use it? Just smelling it made me upset.”
Zhao Xi pushed him away, not speaking.
His embrace was empty, and Zhao Mingchuan grew anxious again. He grabbed her arm and asked in a low voice, “Can you just give me a straight answer?”
Zhao Xi lowered her brows and strode forward, “Let’s eat.”
________________________________________
The Hakka cuisine was light and elegant, not heavily flavored, but it had a back-to-basics taste. The flavor of this meal was like their current state—very comfortable.
Zhao Mingchuan ordered all of Zhao Xi’s favorite dishes. After so many years, it was remarkable that he still remembered them.
He said little, ate quietly, and occasionally served Zhao Xi some food.
“When did you return to the country?” Zhao Mingchuan asked calmly.
“Half a month ago.”
“Are you still leaving?”
“It depends,” Zhao Xi didn’t give a definitive answer, “If work goes smoothly here, I probably won’t leave.”
Zhao Mingchuan breathed a sigh of relief.
He then asked, “Are your parents still well?”
“Yes, they’ve retired. My father was hired as an external consultant and gives lectures from time to time.”
“It’s boring to be idle; this is quite good,” Zhao Mingchuan said, “If it’s convenient, I’d like to visit them.”
Zhao Xi held the slender handle of her spoon, neither agreeing nor refusing.
Zhao Mingchuan was skilled at controlling the pace. As long as she gave him a chance, he wouldn’t let either of them feel awkward. He also handled the boundaries well, chatting about various topics, rarely touching upon their past.
He cherished this progress greatly and would never let things reach a breaking point again.
Finally, as their state gradually improved, Zhao Mingchuan finally steered the conversation to the main point. He asked casually, “Was living abroad quite difficult to get used to?”
“It was okay, it’s not as cold there as in Beijing,” Zhao Xi said, “When I first went, I got seriously ill and it took me half a month to recover. I had a fever at night, and I couldn’t always bother my uncle’s family, so I went to the hospital by myself. Doctors there rarely give IV drips; they just gave me some medicine and sent me away. I wrapped myself in a quilt, alternately feeling cold and hot, and fell vaguely asleep. When I woke up in the middle of the night, the quilt was soaked with cold sweat.”
Speaking of these things again, Zhao Xi was very calm.
Zhao Mingchuan, however, fell silent, his fingers resting on the tabletop, almost digging into the wood.
He looked up and asked, “When you were sick, did you think of me?”
Zhao Xi looked at him, then slowly averted her gaze, saying softly, “I did.”
With just those two words, Zhao Mingchuan felt complete.
He felt distressed, hating himself, hating his past carelessness, and said hoarsely, “Xiao Xi, the day after you left the country, I booked a flight to Spain.”
Zhao Xi was stunned. Their eyes met, one with a thousand knots in her heart, the other bewildered.
“You left without a word, without any lingering attachment to me. I was depressed, but then I realized it wasn’t your fault, it was because I wasn’t good enough. If a girlfriend leaves so mercilessly, it shows how much of a failure I was as a boyfriend. I wanted to go find you. I had my secretary book a flight, didn’t even bother packing my luggage, and drove straight from the company to the airport.”
Zhao Mingchuan narrated plainly, as if recounting an unremarkable, ordinary event: “But I missed the flight because I got into a car accident. A three-car pile-up, and I was caught in the middle. I broke two ribs and lay in the hospital for a month. In that month, I thought a lot. I never felt my life was such a failure. After being discharged, I understood. What a good girl, she didn’t deserve to be held back by me. If you wanted to leave, that was your choice; I had no face to argue anymore. I just thought that if there was a chance in the future, I would definitely let you see my change.”
And then later.
There were many more things that happened later, but Zhao Mingchuan remained silent about them.
For instance, when on a business trip, he would arrange his business in the west if possible, never going to the east.
Or that he wasn’t allowed to go to Spain again. Walking through the streets of Madrid, watching street performers play accordions and dance freely, passing by shops with customers coming and going, Zhao Mingchuan would often stop for a long time, take off his sunglasses, and quietly watch the crowd, as if his beloved girl might suddenly appear.
A flock of white doves flew diagonally across the square, facing the setting sun, reflecting the light and shadow. The faint sound of a harp could be heard around him.
At that moment, Zhao Mingchuan put his sunglasses back on, feeling boundless sorrow in his heart.
He embarked on a journey with love, but his beloved was no longer where she was.
Not all apologies are forgiven.
Not all new beginnings can truly begin again.
Zhao Mingchuan held a glass cup, took a sip of water, and when he put it down, the bottom of the cup lightly touched the table. He looked at Zhao Xi, his gaze sincere: “I didn’t dare to disturb you because I felt that you would be happier without a scoundrel like me.”
He paused, then said, “As long as you’re happy.”
Zhao Xi turned her face away, looking at the French window, her strained figure gently swaying on the glass.
When she turned back, her voice was uncontrollably hoarse: “Zhao Mingchuan, you’re really silly.”
Zhao Mingchuan smiled, sat up straighter, and reached his right hand across the table, openly gripping her left hand. “Yes, I am quite silly. But whether a silly person has silly luck is entirely up to you.”
Zhao Xi pursed her lips, couldn’t hold back, and started to smile.
________________________________________
After dinner, Zhao Mingchuan drove through Beijing’s night. Whenever they encountered a red light, he’d shift gears, his hand never idle, reaching across to the passenger seat to rest on Zhao Xi’s hand. Zhao Xi struggled a bit, “Can you drive properly?”
Zhao Mingchuan said, “No.”
Zhao Xi glared at him.
He quickly nodded, “Yes.”
He was obedient, but his hand didn’t let go, his palm warm, gently caressing her hand as if it were a treasure.
When the light turned yellow, he reluctantly moved his hand to her head, stroking her smooth hair, and willingly said, “I’ll listen to you.”
He got what he wanted and still acted innocent, making her seem heartless.
Zhao Xi lowered her head and smiled, glancing sideways, her eyelashes fluttering. “Zhao Mingchuan, so that day you said you sold a kidney for an iPhone, was it because your bone was broken there?”
“Hmm.”
“Is it healed?”
“Still okay, it hurts a bit when the season changes.”
“Didn’t you find anyone to treat it?”
“My father was very attentive and arranged for some master, but I’m busy with work, so I go on and off.”
“How can that be? If you don’t follow the treatment course, the continuity of the effect will be greatly reduced. Don’t delay it, or in a few years, you’ll develop chronic issues, and then you’ll know what’s good for you.”
Zhao Mingchuan smiled, a deep line at the corner of his eye curving upwards, adding a touch of a dandy’s charm. He said, “You care about me, and my illness is already half cured.”
Zhao Xi was speechless.
“Come on, say a few more nice words, and the other half will get better immediately.”
Zhao Xi said coolly, “No, then you’d better stay sick.”
Zhao Mingchuan chuckled, truly feeling light and happy.
________________________________________
When they reached her apartment building, the car stopped. Zhao Xi reached for the door.
“Drive safely, I’ll watch you go.”
Zhao Mingchuan grabbed her arm. “Xiao Xi.”
She turned around and was kissed by the man’s lips.
His tongue sucked inwards, then gently pulled hers outwards, truly an expression of mutual reliance. Zhao Mingchuan tried his best to restrain himself, afraid of startling her, afraid of her disgust, afraid of everything falling apart. He first probed gently. Not feeling any resistance was the greatest encouragement.
Love deepened, hearts beat faster.
Life came alive.
One kiss, a final decision.
Zhao Xi wrapped her arms around his neck, starting to respond, starting to initiate, starting to reveal her heart.
Zhao Mingchuan couldn’t control his breathing, letting out a soft “hmm,” a unique masculine moan, his body’s most honest reaction.
Zhao Xi lay on his shoulder, panting, motionless for a long time.
Zhao Mingchuan slowly stroked her back, over and over, helping her catch her breath.
He whispered, “Get some rest early. Should I pick you up for work tomorrow?”
Zhao Xi said hoarsely, “No, it’s not on the way, it’s too far.”
“Then shall I see you up? Not leaving tonight?”
She rewarded him with a gentle punch.
Zhao Mingchuan laughed and laughed, pulling her into his arms, “It’s fine, it’s not far. Seven in the morning, let’s have breakfast together.”
The two reconciled, an unspoken understanding between them.
There was no need for dramatic displays of affection, nor eager attempts to impress. There was no pretense, no passionate reunion after a short separation. Just mutual understanding, plain and simple. This state felt more natural.
________________________________________
Working from nine to five, both were busy during office hours, with few affectionate calls or texts. After work, they’d eat together, go shopping, hand in hand, experiencing the everyday life in the most bustling part of Chang’an Street. Zhao Xi occasionally told him about work, like how difficult a customs document was to translate, or how someone’s husband turned out to be a friend of his. She’d marvel at how small the world was.
Zhao Mingchuan listened intently, able to offer advice on work and bring joy to life. Passing a hawthorn candy seller, he casually asked, “Do you want some?”
Zhao Xi nodded; having been abroad for so long, she had truly missed that taste.
Zhao Mingchuan led her over, “Give us one.”
The boss smiled, “Which one do you want?”
Zhao Mingchuan looked left and right, then pointed, “The prettiest one.”
“Alright, that’ll be twenty-five.”
Zhao Xi held the skewer of candied hawthorn and devoured it greedily.
Zhao Mingchuan watched, amused, “Slow down, no one’s going to snatch it from you.”
“Why don’t you want one? You should’ve bought another skewer; it’s really delicious, sweet but not cloying.”
“Who said I don’t want it?” Zhao Mingchuan lowered his head and bit into the hawthorn skewer she was holding, taking a piece of candied hawthorn.
Zhao Xi exclaimed, “Hey! That was the one I bit into already!”
Zhao Mingchuan chewed, his cheeks bulging, “I love it.”
“Don’t you mind it being dirty?”
“When we kiss, do you mind?”
Zhao Xi’s face flushed crimson. She stood on her tiptoes to cover his mouth, “Do you want a loudspeaker or something?”
Zhao Mingchuan laughed, his eyes crinkling, pushing her hand away and quickly kissing her cheek.
________________________________________
Around nine, he dropped Zhao Xi home.
“Go on up, I’ll watch you,” Zhao Mingchuan said, his hands resting on the steering wheel, radiating a relaxed laziness. His jacket was off and thrown in the backseat; he wore only a black undershirt. His skin wasn’t pale, but healthy and even, immersed in the dim light inside the car, his features sharp and handsome.
Zhao Xi said, “Remember to see the Chinese medicine doctor tomorrow.”
Zhao Mingchuan smiled.
“This master’s skills are very good. Let him check your pulse and regulate whatever needs regulating.”
Seeing him still smiling, Zhao Xi walked over, reached through the car window, and kneaded his face, “Did you hear me? Hmm?”
Zhao Mingchuan pulled her hand, pressed the back of her head, and pulled her down, kissing her.
Zhao Xi blushed, “You!”
As soon as she opened her mouth, Zhao Mingchuan continued kissing her.
“You! You!”
He kissed her again, his tongue tracing the shape of her lips, a tingling sensation, utterly sensual.
Zhao Mingchuan said with a half-smile, “What about me?”
Zhao Xi dared not speak, defeated.
________________________________________
The next day, Zhao Mingchuan obediently went to see the Chinese medicine doctor.
Zhao Xi was working overtime, so he was alone. After his appointment, while waiting for his medicine, he couldn’t help but report to his buddies:
“The battle was fierce! Our side won big!”
Everyone: “What’s going on? You’re alive and well, trying to write some pretentious nonsense to get yourself killed?”
Zhao Mingchuan: “Xiao Xi and I made up.”
The group chat exploded with replies—
“Delusional?”
“Psychiatrist, much?”
“If I believed you, I’d be possessed by evil.”
Zhao Mingchuan convincingly sent a photo to the group—a candid shot of Zhao Xi from their walk that night.
Long dress, smiling face, looking back.
Clearly posing for the camera.
His buddies exploded: “Heaven!”
“Heaven +1”
“Heaven +2”
...up to 10.
“Congratulations, Boss Zhao, on winning your heart’s desire.”
“Boss Zhao, drinking tonight?”
“Boss Zhao, the card game’s set up for you. Not staying up all night isn’t manly.”
They were all a bunch of scoundrels, always poking fun at his weaknesses.
Zhao Mingchuan imperiously said, “Scram.”
After a moment’s thought, he sent two more words—”Going straight!”
The group chat filled with “hahahahas” for a hundred times.
Someone asked, “Brother Chuan, where are you?”
“Seeing a Chinese medicine doctor.”
Silence for a few seconds.
“Damn it! Hahahaha!”
“Male wellness, look it up.”
“Decreased X function after thirty, look it up.”
“I just thought of a phrase that perfectly suits him.”
When to sleep on one’s spear, awaiting battle; ready for battle at any time appeared on the screen, Zhao Mingchuan himself chuckled, muttering, “Scumbags,” but his smile was incredibly unrestrained.
After a while of teasing, a serious message popped up: “Huh? I saw Xiao Xi.”
Zhao Mingchuan frowned, replying, “Where?”
“HITT Bar. The one we always go to. Wait, I’ll send you a video, I’m not mistaken, am I?”
Zhao Mingchuan clicked it open. Noise assaulted him; the sound system alone could give one a heart attack through the screen.
He focused. A slender figure bounced in the dance floor, hands held high, swaying to the rhythm. On closer inspection, she was wearing a super short skirt and a tight strawberry print camisole! Her slender waist curved upwards, leading to an alluring silhouette.
What did she say on the phone this afternoon?
I have to work overtime today, so I won’t be able to accompany you to the Chinese medicine doctor tonight.
Zhao Mingchuan’s heart bled.
Heh heh heh, roles reversed.
Karma.
Oh, karma!
Zhao Xi, on the other hand, didn’t hear someone’s distant call; she was having a blast. Pei Jiajia had rushed to Beijing from Shanghai that afternoon, and Zhao Xi had called Chu Ning. The three sisters were a force to be reckoned with; the other two were unrestrained spirits, leading the slightly more reserved Zhao Xi to completely let loose.
Men?
They didn’t exist!
They danced with such abandon, interacting with the DJ, almost shouting slogans. All three had applied heavy eye makeup; with good skin, their foundation was thin, and their bright red lips looked incredibly alluring in the hazy lights.
“Having fun?” Chu Ning yelled as she danced.
Zhao Xi excitedly shouted, “Having fun!”
“Just think of it as revenge!” Chu Ning said with a smile, “Why was Zhao Mingchuan such a scoundrel before? Let’s walk his path, dance his dance, drink his liquor, and let him taste this feeling too!”
Zhao Xi heard that and realized it made perfect sense.
So she raised her arms and did a neat hair flip. Her cascading long hair swayed in an alluring curve.
Pei Jiajia was also very outgoing. She held Chu Ning’s hand, her eyes full of admiration: “Wow, is Zhao Mingchuan really your brother?”
Chu Ning said, “Yeah, we have a plastic sibling bond! Deeply touching, right?”
And the eldest young master Zhao, who had just arrived, watched his beloved, his sister, so cruelly stabbing him in the heart—
He wanted to cry.
________________________________________
When Zhao Xi was pulled out of the bar by Zhao Mingchuan, she wasn’t completely sober, vaguely smiling at him with her head tilted.
Zhao Mingchuan roared, “How much did you drink?!”
Zhao Xi held up five fingers: “One bottle.”
“That’s five!!”
She giggled: “Six, eight, nine, you lost! Drink!”
Turns out they were playing finger-guessing games.
Zhao Mingchuan’s face was dark. He pulled Zhao Xi into the car, pinning her with one hand and fastening her seatbelt with the other. “Overtime? Busy with work? No time to accompany me to see the Chinese medicine doctor? Huh? This is your overtime? Chu Ning, that little vixen, just you wait, I’m going to tell her boyfriend right now. She needs discipline, she needs to be taught a lesson, she’s too wild and needs to be tamed!”
“Yesterday she even bragged to me that she’s getting her marriage certificate next week, and I even gave her a 250 yuan red packet. That damn girl better spit the money back out!” Zhao Mingchuan vented angrily, then looked up and froze.
Zhao Xi stopped moving, became quiet, her eyes moist like dewdrops, looking at him.
Her expression could be described as sad, as painful, having fallen into a realm of memories she dared not touch.
Under the influence of alcohol, her fair face flushed. Zhao Xi’s tears fell, and she began to complain hoarsely and incoherently: “Do you also know that it doesn’t feel good? You lied to me about meetings, with so many people playing with you, pretty, young, all kinds of women. I’d also be anxious, I’d also feel insecure, I’d also lack a sense of security. Do you understand, do you understand?”
Zhao Mingchuan understood.
His Xiao Xi hadn’t completely let go. She still cared, still had lingering fears.
Zhao Mingchuan’s heart ached. He held her tightly in his arms.
“Xi’er, I’m sorry, I’m sorry.”
He kept repeating these three words, filled with unutterable regret.
Zhao Xi was mostly sober now, her eyes red, looking at him pitifully, “Zhao Mingchuan, I’m only giving you this one chance. There won’t be a next time.”
Zhao Mingchuan nodded, “I know. From now on, you get to torment me. I won’t say a word, no matter how you torment me.”
Zhao Xi tilted her head, her smile ambiguous, “Torment you tonight, okay?”
Zhao Mingchuan’s eyes darkened, “Torment where?”
Zhao Xi made a gun shape with her hand, aiming at him, “Biu~biu~biu~ — why aren’t you falling down?”
He pressed her back against the seat, and said in a low voice, “Fall, fall back, fall onto the bed.”
They sped home, to his own apartment.
The door wasn’t even fully closed when Zhao Mingchuan pressed her against it and kissed her.
Alcohol was a good thing; when drunk, it could make one speak the truth, and also force out true feelings. Zhao Xi wrapped her arms around him, softly and tenderly responding.
Clothes, dresses, pants were scattered everywhere, shoes lying haphazardly, separated.
Zhao Xi was pressed beneath him, her back drenched in sweat.
“Zhao Mingchuan,” she liked to call him by his full name, asking softly, “Last time, you said you had four times, was that true?”
Zhao Mingchuan chuckled softly, “It wasn’t true.”
“Then how many times can it be?”
“You can count it yourself later.”
With that, a passionate kiss fell upon her.
A night of passion, the love of a lifetime.
Once, they didn’t know what day it was; from this moment on, it would be every single day.
Zhao Xi endured the pain, Zhao Mingchuan endured the sweat. Later, they gradually harmonized, and pleasure swept over them.
Like the moon tonight.
Full and complete.
---The End---
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