TRMLCM Chapter 65

Chapter 65: Soaking Up the Sun

The little electric scooter sped along the cement road, drawing curious, inquisitive, and puzzled gazes from the villagers as they approached the village.

These were the residents of Li Family Village, who had already eaten breakfast and started working in the fields.

It was only because Shen Chang’an was introverted and didn’t interact much with the villagers that the reception wasn’t more than just stares. Otherwise, on the way back, it wouldn’t have been as simple as that; he probably would have been dragged into a long chat by enthusiastic elders.

Fortunately, the electric scooter was quite fast, and after bypassing an ancient Chinese Pistache tree at the village entrance, a familiar scene came into view.

Li Family Village was bathed in a platinum-golden light. The warm sun was gradually dispelling the lingering coolness of the night, and a gentle breeze rustled through the elegant eucalyptus tree standing in the corner of the yard.

Everything was peaceful and beautiful.

The electric scooter came to a smooth stop in the courtyard. Cheng Yi stretched out his strong, straight legs to the ground, balancing and stabilizing the vehicle.

Feeling the arms around his waist loosen and release, a dark glint flashed in Cheng Yi’s black eyes. He didn’t show it on his face, but he reminded, “We’re here.”

He hadn’t noticed it when they drove there in the morning, but now that he was riding back, even though he was going very slowly, how did they arrive so quickly?

Shen Chang’an withdrew his hands and got off the scooter first. The blush on his face had faded away during the ride back, blown by the wind, leaving only his fair skin visible.

He didn’t leave but watched as Cheng Yi parked the scooter. Then, he walked over. As soon as Cheng Yi turned around, he saw Shen Chang’an’s clear, gentle eyes looking at him tenderly.

Cheng Yi’s dark pupils paused slightly, a faint smile flickering in his eyes as he raised an eyebrow. “What’s wrong?”

Shen Chang’an didn’t speak but reached out to gently smooth Cheng Yi’s messy hair. Soon, his fair hand dropped.

He quietly studied Cheng Yi’s appearance for a second, as if particularly satisfied with his own handiwork. His bright eyes were full of smiles.

Cheng Yi looked at his pleased expression, his dark eyes momentarily stunned. He looked up slightly at the rising sun in the sky.

…He had only been awake for a short while, so why did it feel like he was dreaming again?

Suddenly, his finger was lightly hooked, only to be released back into the air a second later. Cheng Yi’s fingers twitched, and he couldn’t help but look at the person beside him.

Shen Chang’an’s lips curved slightly, his voice clear and soft. “Okay, let’s go.”

His beautiful eyes were very calm, as if nothing mischievous had just happened.

Cheng Yi blinked, a hint of helplessness in his eyes. He nodded slightly, lifting his feet as if stepping on cotton, soft and weightless.

This whole morning, he had been floating.

Pushing open the door, there was no one in the living room. Only some noise came from the kitchen, and a strange smell permeated the entire house, like something was burning.

Shen Chang’an didn’t stop but went straight to the kitchen.

Smelling the scent in the air, Cheng Yi’s heart skipped a beat. The excitement of the young man suddenly disappeared, and he quickly followed Shen Chang’an’s steps.

Sure enough, Grandma had come downstairs and was now preparing breakfast.

Hearing the noise outside, Grandma, who was sitting by the stove tending the fire, slowly turned her head. Seeing the two of them, she visibly paused.

The flickering firelight illuminated her face. After she slowly reacted, a peaceful smile appeared on her wrinkled face.

She reached out to support herself on the wall, slowly standing up. Shen Chang’an quickly walked over to help her, glancing at the blackened mess in the pot. Shen Chang’an pursed his lips but didn’t say anything, calmly helping her to sit down on the other side.

“Chang’an, you’re back.”

Grandma squinted, following his lead to sit down. She looked up at Shen Chang’an and then glanced at Cheng Yi, who was standing quietly beside him.

Cheng Yi glanced at Shen Chang’an, seeing that he was silent. He retracted his gaze, a slight smile on his lips.

He picked up the conversation, squatting down slightly and taking Grandma’s rough, stubby hand. “Grandma, let’s go outside.”

With that, he reached out and helped her up, his movements very gentle.

Grandma felt the strong force and was a little flustered. Unsure of what was happening, she followed him to stand up, her eyes anxiously looking at Shen Chang’an. Seeing that he didn’t say anything to stop her, she was helped out of the kitchen by Cheng Yi, trembling slightly.

“Grandma, the sunrise at the reservoir is very beautiful. I missed the scenery there as soon as I got back, but the wind on the mountain is too strong.”

“That’s normal, the bridge is right at the wind gap.”

As they walked, Cheng Yi told Grandma about his experience watching the sunrise in the morning. Hearing this, Grandma’s attention was immediately diverted. Recalling the old days, she smiled and quickly replied with a reminder.

“If you’re cold, put on more clothes. I don’t see you wearing very much. Next time you go, you still need to wear a little more, don’t be like Chang’an. Your body is your own, you need to take good care of it.”

“Okay, okay, I’ll listen to Grandma.”

Grandma’s voice was very gentle, her accent carrying the soft tones of Jiangnan. Even her nagging sounded pleasant and amiable.

After turning out of the kitchen doorway, Cheng Yi’s obedient and echoing voice slowly faded.

Shen Chang’an quietly watched the empty doorway, his fingers unconsciously clenching into a fist. His knuckles turned white as he exerted force, the sharp nails digging into the soft palm of his hand. His calm face seemed oblivious to the pain.

Smelling the burnt aroma in the air, he turned and strode over to the stove to quickly clean up the mess.

By the time breakfast was finished, the little interlude had passed without a trace.

After everyone had eaten their fill, Cheng Yi moved a stool and sat down expansively in the courtyard to bask in the sun. Shen Chang’an and Grandpa were beside him.

The weather was good today, and Shen Chang’an saw that Grandpa’s complexion was rosy and his spirits were good, so he had brought him out to soak up the sun again.

The three of them sat in a row in the courtyard, and as the gentle breeze blew, each of their faces, with their different ages and appearances, were full of enjoyment.

In the distant fields, the villagers were still working hard under the sun, sweat soaking their clothes. Their earth-yellow faces carried the weight and simplicity of the land, and their honest eyes were filled with expectations for the harvest season to come.

Rural life was boring, but just sitting leisurely with a loved one, doing nothing but basking in the sun and feeling the breeze, made the heart feel happy.

A happy life was so simple.

But…

It would be nice to have a plate of fruit.

The warm sunlight shone on Cheng Yi’s handsome face, his hair fluttering gently. He squinted his eyes comfortably, feeling his dry lips, and couldn’t help but moisten them for a moment, thinking secretly in his heart.

“Little Cheng, come and eat strawberries.”

Grandma called out softly from behind, her voice loving and gentle.

Her voice startled all three of them. Two handsome faces turned to look, and then Grandpa laboriously turned his head, looking over at them a moment later.

Grandma came from the doorway with a plate in her hands, her shuffling steps moving quickly, causing her thin body to tremble as if she would lose control and fall to the ground at any moment.

In the brief moment when Shen Chang’an and Cheng Yi’s pupils dilated, she had already steadily reached Cheng Yi’s side.

Shen Chang’an quickly stood up, took a step, and reached out to support Grandma, who was just about to hand the strawberries to Cheng Yi. Seeing him reach out, she thought that Shen Chang’an was also craving them.

She glanced at him strangely, and then carefully placed the plate into his hands, her voice slow and gentle as she scolded him.

“Chang’an, you’re just sitting here, why don’t you go find something to eat? Little Cheng has come to visit, and you don’t even know how to treat him properly.”

After she finished speaking, without waiting for Shen Chang’an to reply, she turned and took Cheng Yi’s hand, patting it gently, a peaceful smile on her face.

“Little Cheng, don’t mind him, Chang’an is just like this. You’re the first friend he’s ever brought home, and we don’t have much experience… We’ve been busy lately, so please forgive us for any shortcomings in our hospitality these past few days.”

The bright sunlight shone on her, bringing not only warmth at this moment, but also dispelling the cold shadows in her heart.

“Grandma, what are you saying? Aren’t you being too polite with me?”

Hearing Grandma’s polite words, Cheng Yi frowned slightly, his handsome face feigning grievance, his low, disappointed voice heartbreaking.

“I call you Grandma, it’s not for nothing. Ever since I can remember, I haven’t had many elders at home. You’re the first person who has been so kind to me. I treat you like my own grandmother.”

As Cheng Yi spoke, he saw that Grandma was already looking down, deeply moved. His pupils were dark and deep, a strange emotion flashing in his black eyes. He couldn’t help but look at Shen Chang’an, who was quietly watching his performance from the side.

Meeting those clear, bright eyes, he blinked, his thin lips curving upward slightly, his eyebrows arching, his eyes full of pride, as if he was asking for praise.

If he had a tail behind him, it would probably be polishing the ground to a shine.

A faint smile appeared in Shen Chang’an’s eyes. He picked up a rosy strawberry and held it to Cheng Yi’s mouth, trying to use food to stop this pitiful person from playing to his grandmother.

Cheng Yi’s eyes lit up, accepting it without hesitation. He bit off the strawberry in one bite from Shen Chang’an’s hand. The slightly sour, super sweet, and juicy strawberry flavor spread across his tongue. He looked at the strawberries in the plate, then looked at Shen Chang’an, his eyes constantly signaling.

‘One more, one more.’

Shen Chang’an: “…”

He glanced at him coolly, and Cheng Yi’s body instantly shivered as if electrified.

His Adam’s apple bobbed, a hint of resentment flashing in his dark eyes.

If the occasion wasn’t right…

Cheng Yi gave a fierce look, threatening the other party to understand on their own. Then, he composed himself, suppressing the restless little thoughts.

He took two strawberries from the plate, turned his head, and smiled innocently as before, his handsome face still full of deception.

“Grandma, you eat too. These strawberries are quite sweet and not very sour, so they’re perfect for you to eat.”

He took the strawberries that Grandma had washed and went to please her.

Unfazed by his previous threat, Shen Chang’an carried the plate to his previous spot and sat down. Looking at Grandpa, who was resting with his eyes closed beside him, he softly woke him up and slowly fed him a strawberry.

Listening to Cheng Yi’s banter with Grandma, Grandma’s hearty laughter, and watching Grandpa’s face slowly become rosy these past few days, Shen Chang’an only felt that the slight sweetness in his mouth seemed to flow into the depths of his heart.

Besides sweetness, there was only sweetness.

The gentle breeze lifted his hair, and in his lazy pose, his clear eyes unconsciously narrowed slightly, a leisurely and carefree expression evident in his eyes.

This was probably happiness.