Is there a reason to be kind to someone?
Xiao Qiqi was speechless. Is there a reason to be good to someone or to love someone? Perhaps there are a million reasons, but when we try to count them, they have already slipped through our fingers without leaving a trace, leaving only a faint ripple in our hearts.
Xia Xuan carried Xiao Qiqi to a large rock, facing east. The bright red sun was bursting forth from the towering mountains, veiled in its own light, carrying clouds and colorful sunset glow as it slowly ascended. In an instant, everything was bathed in a golden halo, life seemed to burst forth anew, and vitality and passion flowed naturally from the depths of the heart. Xia Xuan looked down into Xiao Qiqi's bright eyes, curiously observing the world awakening from its slumber. He lowered his head and gently kissed her lips, slightly pale from the cold. The soft kiss, carrying the scent of sunshine, slowly soothed Xiao Qiqi's heart. Xiao Qiqi awkwardly opened her mouth to respond. Lips and tongues intertwined, passion ignited in this vibrant morning.
It left behind an indelible memory. Back then, we were so young, so convinced that with love, we had everything.
"Xia Xuan, look, that's the Flying Stone, the Flying Stone from *Dream of the Red Chamber*." Xiao Qiqi pulled Xia Xuan to stand under an ancient pine tree, gazing at the increasingly clear, enormous stone. Xiao Qiqi patiently explained, and Xia Xuan, with her usual tolerant smile, replied, "It's not the Flying Stone, it's the Three Lives Stone." Xia Xuan smiled, winking at Xiao Qiqi. Xiao Qiqi was stunned; such charm from Xia Xuan was truly a rare sight. She swallowed hard: "Xia Xuan, you're a vixen."
Xia Xuan squeezed Xiao Qiqi's palm, "Where did you hear that men are vixens?"
“Where there are female fox spirits, there must be male fox spirits,” Xiao Qiqi said with a grin. “Then I’ll be the female fox spirit, and we’ll be a match made in heaven.”
Making a wish on the Three Lives Stone wasn't the unrealistic dream one might imagine. Xiao Qiqi and Xia Xuan, their fingers intertwined, leaned against the two sides of the flying stone and had someone take a picture of them together. Perhaps, that was their most sincere wish at that moment: to hold hands for three lifetimes.
Xia Xuan and Xiao Qiqi's journey was slow; they weren't in a hurry and felt they had plenty of time.
Bright Summit, Carp's Back—the scenery is endless, the clouds and mist are boundless, and the strangely shaped mountains and pines are breathtaking. But that heavenly ladder has become a torment in Xia Xuan's heart. Xiao Qiqi walked in front of Xia Xuan, took his hand, and patiently instructed him as he climbed backwards with his eyes closed, "Lift your foot, put it down, that's right, another step." Each word was spoken with great patience. Xia Xuan's heart was in his throat; he dared not open his eyes, his face paler than the towering rocks above him, yet he remained silent.
Finally reaching the last step of the ladder, Xia Xuan couldn't help but hug Xiao Qiqi's waist and wouldn't let go. She nestled in her arms, panting, and after a while, she turned her head to look at the steep stone steps that stretched to the horizon. She wiped her sweat and smiled, "Qiqi, I feel great. I've overcome another obstacle."
Xiao Qiqi worriedly took out a tissue to wipe his sweat. "Xia Xuan, let's go down the mountain when we reach the Welcoming Pine. We won't go to Tiandu Peak. I'm worried about you." Xia Xuan held her hand and felt its softness. He felt calmer. "Don't worry. Acrophobia can be overcome. Just watch me."
Xiao Qiqi pointed to the carp-back shape opposite, "Is that really okay?" Xia Xuan hesitated for a moment, then stood up and patted her thigh, "Don't worry, as long as Qiqi holds my hand, anything is fine." Xiao Qiqi hugged Xia Xuan's waist, "Xia Xuan, I will remember how good you are to me for the rest of my life." Xia Xuan embraced Xiao Qiqi and kissed her forehead, "Let's go."
Sitting on the back of the carp, Xia Xuan hugged Xiao Qiqi and, after a moment of hesitation, said, "Qiqi, I want to smoke." Xiao Qiqi looked at him strangely, "Don't you never smoke?" Xia Xuan scratched his head sheepishly, "Sigh, don't laugh, I just wanted to give myself courage." Xiao Qiqi hugged his soft waist, "Xia Xuan, you're so good to me." Xia Xuan patted her head, but said, "It's not for you, it's to overcome my fear of heights. Every time I stand on the balcony, I'm trembling with fear, I feel ashamed of myself." Hearing him defend his willfulness like this, Xiao Qiqi felt even warmer inside, overflowing with tenderness. So she jumped up, walked to an uncle smoking, and smiled sweetly, "Uncle, can I have a cigarette?" The man had already heard Xia Xuan and Xiao Qiqi's conversation, quickly took out a cigarette for Xiao Qiqi, gave her a lighter, and waved to Xia Xuan, saying, "Good luck, young man." Xia Xuan smiled and nodded, saying, "Thank you."
A girl who looked to be about Xiao Qiqi's age approached. Seeing Xiao Qiqi lighting Xia Xuan's cigarette, she said, "I came to climb the mountain alone, shall we go together?" Her eyes, however, were fixed on Xia Xuan. Xiao Qiqi pouted, took the lighter and returned it to the uncle who was about to leave, sweetly saying a few words of thanks. Turning back, she saw the girl busily patting Xia Xuan's back. Xiao Qiqi's expression changed, but she walked over without saying a word.
The girl showed no embarrassment whatsoever, continuing to pat Xia Xuan's back. "Oh dear, he doesn't smoke, why did you give him a cigarette? Look, he's choking." Xiao Qiqi was taken aback, shrugged, as if she were the outsider. Xia Xuan finally stopped coughing and beckoned to Xiao Qiqi, "Qiqi, come here and get me some water." Only then did Xiao Qiqi go over and wring out a bottle of mineral water for him. "Oh my god, Qiqi, this cigarette is so hard to smoke." Xiao Qiqi ignored him with a cold face. Xia Xuan pulled Xiao Qiqi in confusion, "Hey, what's wrong?"
Xiao Qiqi noticed the girl was petite and delicate, with exquisite features and porcelain-white, translucent skin. She was standing beside Xia Xuan, biting her lip, her beautiful eyes fixed on him. Xiao Qiqi slapped Xia Xuan's hand. "Hmph, climb up yourself, I'm not helping you anymore." She then slung her bag over her shoulder and turned to leave. Only then did Xia Xuan realize the girl had been standing beside him. He glanced at her and immediately understood. He got up and chased after her, hugging Xiao Qiqi and whispering, "What? Jealous?" Xiao Qiqi blushed and shook off Xia Xuan's hand. "You vain girl, who's jealous? Didn't someone massage your back when you choked? Then let her hold your hand while you climb the mountain!"
"Oh dear, Qiqi, I didn't expect you to be so petty. She's just a young girl who wanted to go hiking with us, why are you overthinking it?" Xiao Qiqi looked up at Xia Xuan's smug smile and stomped her foot. "Hmph! She's just up to no good!"
Seeing Xiao Qiqi's angry face, Xia Xuan found it exceptionally cute, but she refused to laugh loudly, only smiling gently and saying, "Qiqi, I'm very happy."
"Happy my foot!" Xiao Qiqi turned around and saw the girl looking at them strangely as they whispered to each other. She realized her jealousy was completely unfounded, so she took off her hat and hit Xia Xuan. Xia Xuan, however, snatched Xiao Qiqi's white round hat and put it on her head. "Hmm, it just so happens that I like loaches the most. You should get a tan." The mention of loaches stirred up a lot of memories for Xiao Qiqi, and she chased after her. "Oh my, you pervert, do you still remember that?"
Xia Xuan jumped away, and the two laughed and joked for a while, seemingly dispelling their fear of kicking the carp's back. Seeing that the two had stopped, the girl walked over and extended her hand to Xiao Qiqi: "My name is Su Xia, let's go hiking together." Xiao Qiqi couldn't ignore her any longer, so she smiled and extended her hand as well: "Xiao Qiqi, this is my boyfriend, Xia Xuan." Hearing her introduce herself as her boyfriend for the first time in front of someone, Xia Xuan smiled gently, his dark, deep eyes sending flirtatious glances at Xiao Qiqi. Seeing Su Xia staring at her so openly, Xiao Qiqi blushed, pushed Xia Xuan away, and whispered, "Xia Xuan, I feel like I don't recognize you anymore. How did you become so bad?" Xia Xuan nonchalantly puffed on his cigarette, "Sigh, women don't love men who aren't a little bad." He couldn't hide his refined and handsome charm; trying to act roguish seemed odd. Xiao Qiqi pushed him again, "You're better suited to being a gentle and refined good man. Don't pretend to be bad." Xia Xuan smiled faintly, a smile as gentle as the moon and as cloud as the sky, a smile that swept over the heart like a gentle breeze, leaving a lingering fragrance.
Seeing the confusion in Su Xia's eyes, Xiao Qiqi couldn't help but feel unhappy again. However, having accepted the invitation, she had no choice but to try to avoid it. So, she took Xia Xuan's hand and headed towards the back of the carp.
Whether it was the cigarette or Xiao Qiqi's constant banter, Xia Xuan didn't tremble as violently as he had on the narrow gorge. He silently climbed upwards, not looking back, and seemed less afraid. Finally reaching the arduous "Carp's Back," Xia Xuan nestled against Xiao Qiqi's shoulder again, panting and wiping the sweat from his brow. Looking at the smooth, straight rocks beneath his feet, he exclaimed excitedly, "Qiqi, look! I've made another step forward! I didn't disappoint you, did I?" Xiao Qiqi, patting his back, nodded repeatedly. "You've improved! You've improved! Xia Xuan, you're the best!" Hearing this, Xia Xuan grinned like a little kid, his smile as radiant as the sunset, pure and innocent, leaving even Xiao Qiqi, who was used to Xia Xuan's charm, speechless with awe.
Others nearby had already been watching them, and some quick-witted people started praising them, saying things like "The young man is so handsome" and "His smile is so beautiful." Xiao Qiqi felt as excited as if she were being praised herself. Finally, she felt a sense of belonging and pride that Xia Xuan belonged to her.
"Qiqi, are you tired?" Xia Xuan and Xiao Qiqi sat on the straight roadside in the mountains. "Shall I massage your feet?" Xiao Qiqi was used to running around in the mountains at her grandmother's house since she was a child, so she didn't feel very tired. However, she saw that Xia Xuan's face seemed to have lost weight. She must be exhausted from the shock. So she insisted on taking off Xia Xuan's shoes. "Let me massage them for you."
Xia Xuan refused, saying, "My feet are so sweaty, they stink." Xiao Qiqi shook her head, ignoring him completely, and insisted on taking off his shoes. She put the shoes and socks aside to dry, then began to massage Xia Xuan's feet: "Oh, they don't stink at all. You don't know how famous my dad's feet are. There isn't a single cockroach in our house. My mom says they were all killed by the stench from my dad's feet." Xia Xuan laughed happily upon hearing this, pinching Xiao Qiqi's nose, "You're so sweet-talking."
“Xia Xuan, I suddenly have a feeling.” Xiao Qiqi gently massaged Xia Xuan’s large feet, her own hands becoming unusually small. “It wouldn’t be bad to massage a man’s feet for the rest of my life.” Xia Xuan’s eyes lit up when he heard this, and he stroked Xiao Qiqi’s hair even more gently. The two smiled at each other, each understanding what they wanted to say.
Xia Xuan put on her shoes and was about to take the water from her bag for Xiao Qiqi to wash her hands, but Xiao Qiqi stopped her, saying, "There are only two bottles of water left. What will we drink after washing our hands?" Xia Xuan frowned, "Qiqi, you're not planning to run all over the mountain with hands like that, are you?"
A bottle of water was suddenly placed between the two of them. Su Xia held up the bottle, saying, "I filled this from a mountain stream. Wash your hands." Xiao Qiqi looked at Su Xia embarrassedly. She had been following them for a while, but they hadn't paid any attention to her. Seeing Xiao Qiqi hesitate, Su Xing shoved the water into her hand, saying, "Here, take it. We're traveling together, so let's look after each other." Xiao Qiqi could only say thank you and then turned to make a face at Xia Xuan. Xia Xuan smiled calmly as usual, took the water, and poured it for Xiao Qiqi to wash her hands carefully.
27. Huangshan (Part 3)
"Xia Xuan, you little flirt." Xiao Qiqi pinched Xia Xuan's waist as she walked, the touch firm and resilient. The pinch turned into a squeeze, then a caress. Xia Xuan endured her torment, finally grabbing her wandering hand and forcing a wry smile: "Stop touching me."
"Why? It feels so good." Xiao Qiqi looked up and asked, her clear and innocent eyes without a trace of impurity. Xia Xuan didn't answer, just kept smiling, but there was a hint of unspoken ambiguity in her smile. Xiao Qiqi suddenly realized what was going on, broke free from Xia Xuan's embrace and ran away.
Love in spring begins like this, progressing step by step amidst purity and testing, leaving behind our messy footprints.
Xia Xuan knew that Xiao Qiqi minded Su Xia following them, so he tried his best not to speak to her. However, he was always a very polite person, and if Su Xia initiated a conversation with him, he would never show the capricious rejection that Xiao Qiqi had displayed. Just like now, with Xiao Qiqi running off alone, Su Xia quickened her pace, speaking softly to Xia Xuan. Xia Xuan could only smile and answer Su Xia's various questions one by one. From afar, Xia Xuan saw Xiao Qiqi standing on a rock under an ancient pine tree, fanning herself vigorously with her hat, her eyes piercing the sky like sharp swords. He couldn't help but smile, nodded to Su Xia, and quickened his pace.
"Hmph!" Seeing him follow, Xiao Qiqi jumped off the stone and dashed through the crowd towards the bustling Welcoming Pine. Xia Xuan had no choice but to follow, dodging the throng. He finally caught up with Xiao Qiqi, pulled her into his arms, and whispered in her ear, "If you run away again, I'll kiss you." Xiao Qiqi raised an eyebrow defiantly, "Aren't you afraid of scaring away the beauties before kissing them?" Xia Xuan saw her furrowed brows and reached out to touch her long, thick eyebrows. "Qiqi, I never realized you were so jealous before?" Xiao Qiqi huffed again, her heart filled with a multitude of frustrations. When did she become so concerned? Back at school, would Xiao Qiqi still be the carefree, generous, and cheerful person she once was? Knowing Xia Xuan's gentle nature, knowing how many beauties surrounded him, how many covetous eyes he held, was her jealousy simply a consequence of her concern?
Xiao Qiqi wrapped her arms around Xia Xuan's waist. "Xia Xuan, I'm scared. Let's not go back to school." Xia Xuan playfully pinched her nose. "Don't talk nonsense. We need to trust each other."
"I don't trust you at all," Xiao Qiqi pouted. "You're like a butterfly, always smiling at every flower. Do you expect everyone to think that way?" Xia Xuan sighed. "Qiqi, I don't know how to refuse people. Perhaps it's because of my mother's influence since I was little. My mother is an incredibly kind person; she wouldn't even hurt an ant, let alone a human. So... I don't know how to refuse either. But you have to believe me, I'm not a promiscuous person." Xiao Qiqi nodded. He had always been like this, treating everyone around him with gentle tenderness, but his inherent aloofness made it impossible for anyone to get close. Entering his inner world was a very difficult thing. This was Xia Xuan, the unique Xia Xuan, his personality predetermined long ago, remaining unchanged even after so many years.
Finally standing at the foot of Tian Du Peak, Xia Xuan looked up at the ant-like crowd crawling along the ridge and forced a smile. "Qi Qi, if I climb Tian Du Peak, there will be nothing left for me to fear in my life." Xiao Qi Qi nodded seriously. "Have you thought it through? If you say you don't want to climb, we'll immediately turn back and go down the mountain." Xia Xuan shook her head resolutely, the deep determination in her eyes startling Xiao Qi Qi. "I don't want to have anything to fear anymore." Her eyes narrowed, a piercing longing and pride spreading from the depths of her soul. Fearlessness, courage, struggle, and even giving up—perhaps only then can one achieve success.
"Xia Xuan, don't be afraid, I'm holding your hand." Xiao Qiqi led Xia Xuan slowly uphill, panting but still refusing to stop. "Don't look behind you, it'll be fine. Just think of it as crawling training during military training."
"Okay, I know. Stop talking so much, you're tired enough." Xia Xuan squeezed Xiao Qiqi's hand and forced a smile. "If we fall, we'll go together." Xiao Qiqi let him hold her hand tightly, not daring to struggle. "Fine, we'll go to the Yellow Springs together." Xia Xuan frowned. "What are you saying? That's unlucky." Seeing Xia Xuan's worry, Xiao Qiqi felt much better, and her steps became much lighter. Seeing that the slope had become much straighter, she deliberately let go of Xia Xuan's hand. "Let's rest on the stone bench ahead." Xia Xuan watched as Xiao Qiqi leaped a few steps onto the flat ground a short distance away, grabbed a green vine, and cautiously turned back. He felt dizzy and his heart pounded in his chest. Behind him was a sheer cliff, the terrifying height making him feel as if he were floating on clouds. The palpitations and dizziness almost caused him to stumble and fall. Looking up, he saw Xiao Qiqi smiling smugly, and he couldn't help but smile bitterly. Forcing himself to calm down, he gritted his teeth and quickly stepped over the stone steps, plopping down next to Xiao Qiqi and resting his head on her shoulder, still panting. He heard Xiao Qiqi's mischievous laughter beside him, and Xia Xuan smiled bitterly again. Had he brought this trouble upon himself?
No matter how slowly he walked, every step was incredibly difficult for Xia Xuan, a struggle against his will and spirit. But in the end, he slowly realized the road ahead wasn't so terrifying after all. Occasionally, looking back at the height of the spiraling ladder behind him, it no longer felt so breathtaking. Perhaps this was the best cure for acrophobia: forcing oneself to adapt and overcome it. After returning from Huangshan, Xia Xuan never experienced acrophobia again. He once stood atop a skyscraper in his office, looking down at the city's microcosm, yet felt a touch of melancholy. The motivation and hardship that freed him from fear remained a regret that would haunt him until his death.
By the time they reached the summit of Tiandu Peak, the sun was already quite low. Xiao Qiqi and Xia Xuan had walked very slowly; everyone else was already preparing to descend and return, but they had only just reached the top. Looking at the narrow path suspended over bare rocks, with only a few trembling iron chains on either side, whistling in the mountain wind, it seemed to remind the travelers that the bottomless cliffs shrouded in mist were their final destination. Xiao Qiqi nervously squeezed Xia Xuan's hand, encouraging her, "Don't be afraid, just look straight ahead and at me. Don't look to either side." Xia Xuan, seeing the worry in Xiao Qiqi's eyes, shrugged, "I'll only look at you; I won't be afraid anymore." The final step of this long march—crossing it meant victory—this was Xia Xuan's final advice and encouragement to herself.
With eyes focused on the nose and nose focused on the heart, Xia Xuan followed Xiao Qiqi step by step, traversing the dozen or so stone steps. Those few dozen seconds felt like an eternity of waiting. Finally, with the last step successfully taken, a joyful smile spread across Xia Xuan's lips. He hugged Xiao Qiqi tightly and spun her around, his heart overflowing with indescribable happiness, which he could only express with a passionate kiss to quell the boundless tenderness and excitement within him.
Hand in hand, Xiao Qiqi and Xia Xuan exchanged a smile and slowly walked towards the edge of the world, where the words "Tian Du Peak" were inscribed. Xia Tian still had his arm around Xiao Qiqi's waist, standing behind her, facing the mountain breeze, gazing at the mountains shrouded in mist and golden sunlight. Below, the mountains were covered with green pines and clouds, and the smooth, clean peaks, like square pebbles, stretched across the sky and earth, creating a colorful, dreamlike fairyland. The sense of grandeur and beauty of thousands of mountains and valleys stretching out beneath their feet left them speechless for a long time, completely immersed in the magnificent masterpiece of nature.
"Aren't you going down the mountain? It'll be several more hours before we reach the bottom. If we don't leave now, we won't be able to get down." Someone behind her reminded her insensitively. Xiao Qiqi turned to look at Su Xia, whose petite figure appeared even more pitiful against the vast expanse of sky and earth. Her womanly cunning resurfaced. "We'll spend the night on the mountaintop. We're not going down. You can go ahead." She found her own words unbelievable, but not wanting to show off in front of Su Xia, she pinched Xia Xuan's hand. "Xuan, is that alright?" Xia Xuan chuckled, not daring to resist the nails already on her fingers, and quickly nodded. "We won't go down the mountain. We'll see the moonlight on the mountaintop, admire the Milky Way, the starlight and clouds, and listen to the mountain wind at night." She added almost inaudibly, "We'll hear the carnival of all the beasts."
Xiao Qiqi chuckled inwardly, watching Su Xia reluctantly descend the mountain from the back before leaning on Xia Xuan's shoulder and bursting into laughter. She pulled out Xia Xuan's phone, saying, "Delete her number." Xia Xuan exaggeratedly exclaimed, "Xiao Qiqi, do you have hindsight?" He took the phone, put it in his pocket, and smiled faintly, "I didn't save it at all, don't worry." Xiao Qiqi persisted, pinching his waist, "Then we won't go down the mountain tonight."
Xia Xuan smiled and replied, "Okay." The two of them sat together on a flat rock on the mountaintop, looking at the Lotus Peak in the distance, which stood quietly and ethereal like a blooming lotus. The distant sea of mist and clouds was like a fairyland, and the smooth cliffs below were novel and precipitous. The mountain wind was fierce, and the gradually setting sun was like blood.
Xia Xuan stood up and pulled Xiao Qiqi, "Sweetie, let's go down the mountain. If we don't leave now, we'll really be keeping company with wolves." Xiao Qiqi stubbornly refused to get up, "You said you'd stay with me on the mountaintop to watch the moon." Xia Xuan smiled wryly, "Do you want to freeze to death? We didn't bring any warm clothes."
Xiao Qiqi had no choice but to get up and descend the mountain via the south route. It was already late, and most of the people on the summit chose to descend via the north route back to Yuping Tower to take the cable car. Xiao Qiqi had heard that the south route was winding and mostly nestled among the rocks, unlike the north route with its stark and breathtaking cliffs, so she pulled Xia Xuan along the south route. Xia Xuan knew her intentions and went along with her.
Xiao Qiqi continued forward, jumping down first where there were steep sections, then helping Xia Xuan back down. The path was lined with towering rocks and cold, imposing cliffs, yet it seemed as if only Xiao Qiqi and Xia Xuan existed in the vast expanse of heaven and earth. Seeing Xia Xuan's nervousness, Xiao Qiqi mischievously jumped down three steps at a time, then cheerfully leaped onto the stone railing beside her. "Xia Xuan, look how ambitious I am!" Xia Xuan slowly climbed down the last few steps. "Don't stand like that, be careful not to fall." Looking to the side, the cliffs south of Tiandu stood like knife-cut walls, their chilling, oppressive aura making Xia Xuan feel a pang of panic. Turning back, she saw Xiao Qiqi playfully shifting her feet, her body tilting precariously, almost tumbling down. Xia Xuan, disregarding the fact that this corner was only for one person, rushed over and caught Xiao Qiqi. Seeing Xia Xuan carrying him about to fall down the steep stone steps around the corner, Xiao Qiqi screamed in fright and frantically grabbed onto a protruding stone railing. Xia Xuan also crashed into the adjacent steps, rolling a couple of steps before awkwardly managing to steady himself. Xia Xuan, with one arm around Xiao Qiqi's waist and the other supporting himself on the ground, finally managed to sit down. Xiao Qiqi then let go of his arm and carefully sat down as well.
Xiao Qiqi looked down at the steep, winding stone steps, then at Xia Xuan's grim face. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she dared not say a word. Xia Xuan stared at the towering height that had once chilled him to the bone, then glanced at the oppressive mountain walls, and suddenly smiled.
Xiao Qiqi's voice trembled, "Xuan...you, what are you laughing at?" Xia Xuan winked at Xiao Qiqi, reached out and wrapped his arm around Xiao Qiqi's slender waist, his face as radiant as the moonlight so alluringly close, "Qiqi, I suddenly realize I'm not afraid anymore."
"Huh?" Xiao Qiqi stared blankly at the magnified, captivating face before her, still reeling from the shock. Xia Xuan saw her long eyelashes trembling like a deer's, her bright eyes brimming with tears, and her lips pale. A surge of joy at the relief of her fear and tenderness for the person before him welled up within him. He couldn't help but lean down and deeply kiss those lips that had once captivated him, the kiss deepening, seeping into every pore of Xiao Qiqi's skin.
28. Huangshan (Part 4)
Xiao Qiqi responded slowly, as if tenderness was the best medicine for shock and fear. The entanglement of their lips and teeth was filled with the warmth of spring. Xia Xuan gently pecked and sucked at Xiao Qiqi's lips, and the tempting saliva from between their lips and teeth gradually tempted the demons in his heart. What was originally an excited embrace gradually deviated from its original course.
A mountain breeze rustled, strange rocks stood tall, cliffs rose majestically, and the air was filled with the fragrance of grass and trees. In this tranquil world, it seemed as if only the two of them remained, their emotions slowly igniting in a passionate heat. Xia Xuan couldn't resist slowly searching downwards; the alluring skin, with its snowflake-like eagerness, fervently attracted the pent-up desires and longings within the adult man's heart. His hand slowly slipped down her lower back, touching her smooth skin, his fingertips trembling as he gently moved along her spine. His mouth was already enveloping her rounded earlobe, gently nibbling, licking, and sucking.
Xiao Qiqi felt a strange flame rise in her heart, burning through her body and soul. When Xia Xuan sucked on her sensitive earlobe again, she couldn't help but moan. The unspeakable desire that erupted from the bottom of her heart gradually made her mind hazy. She felt the warmth of Xia Xuan's fingertips and the fatal temptation between his lips and tongue. It was as if the moan could relieve that unspeakable pain, and she couldn't help but let out another soft moan. To Xia Xuan, however, it was an even more fatal temptation. His lips slowly moved to her delicate collarbone, and his tender, youthful licks quenched the growing desire in their hearts.
Trembling hands slowly slid forward from her back, reaching for that long-desired soft area for the first time. The awkward touch and gentle kneading sent Xiao Qiqi slump into Xia Xuan's arms, her last shred of reason making her reach out and grab Xia Xuan's wrist. "Xuan...don't..." Her soft, weak refusal was more of a temptation than a refusal. Her thick nasal voice and passionate breaths, though seemingly gentle, planted a seed of allure in Xia Xuan's ear.
Xia Xuan's lips moved lower and lower, inch by inch, pulling away Xiao Qiqi's loose T-shirt to reveal her delicate, fair skin, now tinged with a rosy blush. He slowly moved his lips, kissing that soft, white, and beautiful spot, then gradually moving to the already erect, tender bud, gently taking it into his mouth, transforming it into the sweetest, most alluring, and wildly tempting desire. Xiao Qiqi groaned again; the electric, tingling sensation was unfamiliar and frightening, yet the desire drove her mad. She hugged Xia Xuan's head, trying to push him away, but it was so weak. "Xuan, no… I'm scared."
Xia Xuan was already in a daze of passion. The woman's fragrance, the trembling of her skin, and Xiao Qiqi's awkward moans were all tempting him to the abyss of desire.
His voice was now completely low and hoarse. He picked up Xiao Qiqi, walked up a few steps, and bypassed the huge rock beside the mountain path. To the side was a small patch of soft grass. Xia Xuan placed Xiao Qiqi on the grass and bent down to continue kissing her lips. Xiao Qiqi opened her eyes. The oppressive feeling that made her almost unable to breathe made her increasingly afraid. Xia Xuan also opened his eyes at this moment, looking at Xiao Qiqi's panicked and blinking eyes. He suppressed the intense desire in his heart, stroked Xiao Qiqi's eyelids, and said softly, "Be good, don't be afraid, close your eyes." His other hand slowly slid down from her softness and caressed Xiao Qiqi's soft waist. Xiao Qiqi trembled spasmodically again, biting her lips, but an uncontrollable moan escaped from her lips and tongue, so soft, languid, and weak. Xia Xuan brought her mouth close to Xiao Qiqi's ear and kissed her already pink earlobe. "Qiqi, I... want you." Her voice became increasingly hoarse and deep with desire, gradually striking Xiao Qiqi's already chaotic heart. At this moment, her whole body was weak and powerless, and a strange desire surged within her. Fear, shyness, and passion made her only able to utter a lazy and seductive nasal sound from her lips.
Xia Xuan's fingertips, warm and gentle, slid over Xiao Qiqi's firm skin, finally trembling as he unbuttoned the tangled clasp and slowly pulled down the zipper. His fingers, like snakes, slid into the depths of that longed-for paradise, gently caressing and stroking it inch by inch. His lips remained entwined with Xiao Qiqi's fragrant lips, their bodies locked in a suffocating, indescribable heat of desire coursing through them. Xiao Qiqi felt Xia Xuan's hands penetrate her most secret place and involuntarily arched her legs, making a final attempt to retreat. Only the burning heat and tingling sensations on her skin reminded her that her struggle was merely a feigned retreat, utterly insignificant. She couldn't help but reach out and embrace the strong waist of the person leaning over her, her fingers, for the first time, reaching for that firm skin, whispering words of desire and love through her fingertips.
A firm, burning desire pressed against Xiao Qiqi's waist and abdomen, gently rubbing against her, sending shivers of tingling pleasure through her. Snake-like lips and tongue ravaged the soft, white flesh of her breasts. Xia Xuan couldn't help but let out a soft moan, half-sitting up and removing the last layer of clothing from Xiao Qiqi's body. Her fair skin tightened, turning a translucent pink. Xia Xuan removed her own clothes and placed them beneath Xiao Qiqi, then leaned over her again. Their smooth skin touched, igniting the flames of desire even more intensely. "...Xuan, I'm scared." Nervousness, fear, excitement, and passion made Xiao Qiqi cling to Xia Xuan's tight waist, whispering again, tears welling in her eyes, glistening beads of sweat blurring her vision. Xia Xuan kissed her eyes, eyebrows, and lips, his fingers probing into the mysterious, early-blooming patch of fragrant grass. "Be good, don't be afraid. I love you, I will love you well." His soft whispers, tender words, delicate caresses, and awkward allure made Xiao Qiqi slowly loosen her tightly closed legs.
Xia Xuan, suppressing his pounding heart, slowly pushed in, his desire already swelling and ready to burst, seeping little by little into that tight, soft, mysterious place. The tingling, numb sensation made him lose all control, and finally, with a thrust, he fully entered that long-awaited fragrant land. It wasn't as difficult or hesitant as he had imagined; a gentle thrust was all it took for them to merge completely. Xiao Qiqi felt her body tighten as the hot, hard object touched the sensitive nerves deep within her soul, and she couldn't help but let out a loud groan.
Xia Xuan quickly stopped, leaning down to kiss Xiao Qiqi's cheek and lips. "Baby, does it hurt?" Xiao Qiqi shook her head, her legs involuntarily curling up to wrap around Xia Xuan's waist. A thousand emotions coalesced into a single, sweet, soft, and low call, "Xuan..." This sweet, low cry captivated Xia Xuan once more. The first time he experienced such intense stimulation, he couldn't help but move rapidly. There was no hesitation, but it wasn't without pain. Xiao Qiqi gripped Xia Xuan's back, biting her lip, enduring the excruciating pain brought on by each impact. But after the pain came an indescribable pleasure. Happiness spread like the ocean under the blue sky, soaring into the clouds and then plunging into the sea. The stimulation, pleasure, happiness, and comfort, tinged with a subtle pain, pulled the two into a bottomless abyss of bliss.
The sudden sound of footsteps made Xiao Qiqi hastily push Xia Xuan away. Opening her eyes, she looked at Xia Xuan. Xia Xuan's eyes weren't their usual calm, but rather surging with a tidal wave of emotion, as alluring as peach blossoms in March, filled with tenderness, affection, and love. Xia Xuan slowly stopped thrusting, but refused to leave her side, leaning down to gently kiss Xiao Qiqi's delicate lips until the footsteps grew closer and then faded away. Novelty, excitement, and tension made them kiss tightly. Xia Xuan quickly released, thrusting forward and pouring all his passion and desire into Xiao Qiqi's soft belly.
Xia Xuan lay on top of Xiao Qiqi, unable to move, refusing to get up, only kissing her delicate cheeks, lips, and earlobes again and again. Xiao Qiqi held the man who had led her into an abyss of happiness, without regret or remorse, only complete acceptance and joy.
Getting up, Xia Xuan took out tissues from his backpack to clean Xiao Qiqi up and helped her put on her clothes. Xiao Qiqi felt all her strength drained away, like a limp doll held in Xia Xuan's arms, letting him do as he pleased. As Xia Xuan casually threw away the tissues stained with desire, he seemed to suddenly remember something, a hint of doubt flashing across his face, but he quickly pinched himself in annoyance. Looking up at Xiao Qiqi, his tenderness and love overflowed, and he held the limp figure in his arms, "I'm sorry, Qiqi, is it my fault?"
Xiao Qiqi wrapped her arms around Xia Xuan's neck and buried her head deeply in his chest, which still carried the scent of desire. "Xuan, I don't regret it."
“Me too.” Xia Xuan took Xiao Qiqi’s hand and placed it on her chest, “Feeling the heartbeat here, stronger because of you.”
The two sat embraced, watching the clouds and sky merge into one, the setting sun draped in a veil, smiling gently amidst the misty mountains. The mountains, the sea of mist, the pines and rocks—all became the most beautiful scenery in their hearts. Perhaps it was simply because of love, because of you and me.
The sun was already setting, and the pace of the descent had to be quickened. Xiao Qiqi looked at Xia Xuan ahead, who had overcome his fear of heights and was beaming with confidence, and refused to move. Men, really, are they all just running off after they've had their fill? Xiao Qiqi felt like crying; her whole body was sore and weak, how could she possibly make it? Suddenly, a pale blue wall appeared before her. Xia Xuan bent over and turned back, his delicate features full of tenderness. "Sweetie, I'll carry you." Xiao Qiqi smiled and obediently climbed onto Xia Xuan's now broad back. The familiar scent, the warm touch—Xiao Qiqi felt an overwhelming sense of happiness.
The rest of the story wasn't so romantic. Xia Xuan twisted her ankle, and Xiao Qiqi was incredibly frustrated. Holding Xia Xuan's hand, she hopped up and down the stairs like a kangaroo, enduring the soreness in her legs and groin. They watched as the setting sun slowly disappeared into the back mountain, leaving only dim shadows of trees.
Xiao Qiqi pinched Xia Xuan's arm, scolding him irrationally, "It's all your fault, it's all your fault!" Xia Xuan could only smile ingratiatingly, mimicking, "It's all my fault, it's all my fault." Xiao Qiqi was both amused and annoyed, and pounced on him, kissing him fiercely. The two stumbled and staggered, finally catching the last bus back to Tangkou from Ciguang Pavilion. Xiao Qiqi, panting heavily, nestled in Xia Xuan's arms, all her exhaustion dissolving into a silent embrace. Xia Xuan held Xiao Qiqi's waist, gently kissing her fair neck, his fingers entwining irrevocably in her softness. Xiao Qiqi laughed and slapped his hand, and the two of them, laughing and joking, were cuddling together again.
Love in youth comes so quickly and fades just as fast, catching us off guard. The innocent days of adolescence are over, and what follows is the naked game of adulthood.
At the entrance of the pharmacy in Tangkou Town, Xia Xuan limped out and shoved the medicine into Xiao Qiqi's hand. "Take it." Xiao Qiqi frowned. "I hate taking medicine the most." Xia Xuan pinched her cheek. "Then don't take it. If you get pregnant, just give birth." Xiao Qiqi spat at him and ran away. Back at the hotel, she drank a bottle of water, but couldn't swallow the two tiny pills no matter what she tried. Xiao Qiqi counted on her fingers for a long time, finally deciding to give up. She secretly threw the pills away and rushed into the bathroom. She clasped her hands together and prayed, "It's only been five or six days since then, everything will be alright, please bless me."
29. Misguided Love (Part 1)
Entering June on campus, the heat is mixed with a sense of unease. That unease ignites every year among a group of students, because that moment is graduation. Late June and early July mark the time to leave campus, and the days of youthful exuberance spent living in the dorms together are numbered.
Lin Wen has moved back to the dormitory, and everyone rarely goes out, all for this final moment of reunion. This troubles Xiao Qiqi and Xia Xuan greatly; for them, every minute of their first love is precious, inviolable by others, and they cannot bear the daily separation. But they cannot help it. From thesis defense to graduation photos, commemorative pictures, and gatherings, the series of tedious yet touching farewells makes everyone forget their private feelings and gradually blend into the collective sadness.
Xiao Qiqi had an exceptionally high alcohol tolerance, a fact known to all her classmates and friends. She always ended up drunk at gatherings. Xiao Qiqi sighed, thinking how nice it was to be drunk; at least she wouldn't have to face Xu Chun's probing and vulnerable gaze. She wasn't a saint; she had selfish moments too. No matter how much guilt and embarrassment she felt towards Xu Chun, it couldn't outweigh her possessiveness in love. Only Xiao Qiqi knew the guilt and unease hidden beneath her daily laughter and seemingly peaceful care. Even so, she still met with Xia Xuan every day, the subtle, bittersweet love that blossomed into a burning intensity, igniting their youthful faces.
According to Huang Yu, Xiao Qiqi must be hooking up with some random guy. Her eyes were glazed over, and her rosy cheeks were even more alluring than Xu Chun's slightly pale face. Xiao Qiqi could only laugh awkwardly at their teasing, then avoid Xu Chun's probing gaze.
That night, Lin Wen and Su Tong went to their friends' farewell party. Huang Yu was drinking with someone, and only Xiao Qiqi and Xu Chun were in the dormitory, making the atmosphere unusually awkward.
Xu Chun casually straightened her black hair, which was cut to a length similar to Xiao Qiqi's. "Qiqi, Xia Xuan went drinking with his dorm mates again tonight. It's so annoying! He always gets drunk; it's bad for his stomach. I feel so sorry for him." Xiao Qiqi's heart tightened. She no longer felt the suspicion she once did, but instead felt a pang of guilt. Lately, Xu Chun had been talking like this for no apparent reason, as if Xia Xuan really was her boyfriend. This attitude made Xiao Qiqi repeatedly reconsider confessing her relationship with Xia Xuan to everyone. She felt she owed Xu Chun so much for her stubborn and innocent nature. Rather than hurting her now, it was better to reveal the truth when everyone was no longer seeing each other. That way, the awkwardness, resentment, and guilt would lessen.
Xiao Qiqi forgot how she had casually replied before going into the bathroom, showering under the hot water, conflicted. The loud sound of the water drowned out the clear ringtone of her phone. Xu Chun picked up Xiao Qiqi's phone, a cold, hateful glint in her eyes, her usual gentleness and charm gone. She quickly typed, and only after the message was sent did she put on her usual sweet smile. After a few more keystrokes, clearing the inbox, sent items, and spam folder without a trace, she put the phone down. Looking up at the corner of a black leather notebook peeking out from under Xiao Qiqi's green pillowcase on the upper bunk, Xu Chun felt a pang of sadness and murmured to herself, "Qiqi, don't blame me. You were the one who wronged me first."
Xiao Qiqi emerged from the bathroom, dripping wet, and dried her hair with a towel. Xu Chun pointed to the phone on the table, "It was out of battery, so I charged it for you." Xiao Qiqi didn't think much of it and sweetly said, "Thank you."
Xu Chun smiled meaningfully at Xiao Qiqi: "Sunshine Hotel, Room 203. I have a date tonight, I don't know if I should go." Xiao Qiqi pondered for a moment, then understood—Xu Chun was secretly dating Li Yue. "Go, go! Why not?" she said, winking mischievously at Xu Chun. Xu Chun smiled shyly: "Then I'll really go, but don't regret it later." Xiao Qiqi sat down and laughed exaggeratedly: "Why would I regret your date?" Xu Chun grabbed her bag, twisting her slender waist as she was about to leave, then turned back and said: "By the way, Qiqi, don't always leave your phone on while charging, it'll shorten its lifespan." Xiao Qiqi looked at the flashing phone in surprise and quickly turned it off. "Oh, I really didn't know that. I'll never leave it on while charging again." Xu Chun left satisfied.
Xia Xuan, after being forced to drink the last mouthful of wine by Li Yue, staggered and hid under the grape trellis on the hotel rooftop. He texted Xiao Qiqi, "Drunk, miss you." A reply came quickly: "I miss you too, Sunshine Hotel, Room 203, waiting for you." Xia Xuan stared blankly at those words. When had his Qiqi become so proactive? Because of her youth, shyness, and fear of pregnancy, she had always avoided him since that incident in Huangshan, not letting him make any further moves. They only kissed and caressed each other when no one was around at the foot of Zihu Mountain; they hadn't dared to go out to a hotel. Xia Xuan thought for a moment and smiled. Li Yue's frantic shouts could be heard from the stairwell. Xia Xuan was in high spirits, feeling like his alcohol tolerance had increased. They drank a few more bottles together, and the six of them from the dormitory said many crazy things, laughing and cursing before helping each other leave the hotel.
Leaving the hotel, Xia Xuan made up an excuse to part ways with his dormmates and hailed a taxi to the Sunshine Hotel, not far from the school. The driver kindly opened the window, and the pungent smell of alcohol, amplified by the night breeze, rushed in. Xia Xuan had drunk far more than he usually did that day, but fueled by his excitement, he managed to stay awake. The alcohol hit him hard, making him dizzy and lightheaded, but remembering Xiao Qiqi waiting for him, he forced himself to stay awake, got out of the car, and limped to the Sunshine Hotel. The moment he knocked on room 203, Xia Xuan nearly collapsed. The door opened, but no one was there. Xia Xuan, supporting himself on the doorframe, half-closed his eyes and shuffled into the room, mumbling, "Qiqi." There was no response for a while, only the sound of running water from the bathroom. Xia Xuan felt a surge of heat in his head. He unbuttoned his shirt, still feeling hot, so he took off his trousers, leaned against the wall, and forced himself to clear his head for a moment. Yes, Qiqi was taking a shower. As she pondered, a fervent desire surged in her lower abdomen. Fueled by the hazy effects of the alcohol, Xia Xuan pushed open the half-closed bathroom door. With her eyes half-closed, she saw a youthful, radiant, yet perfectly curvaceous body partially hidden behind a thin gauze curtain. Her head was slightly raised, her short hair flying wildly in the water, and slender fingers moved slowly across her neck. Every inch of her body exuded a silent allure, her exquisite curves appearing and disappearing, while the splashing water added to the sensuality.
Xia Xuan could no longer resist. She closed her eyes and took a step forward, her murmured words still unfinished when a soft body leaped out from behind the curtain and tightly embraced her. Xia Xuan opened her eyes to find it completely dark; the bathroom light was off. Only the air was thick with the scent of spring, heavy breathing, the faint fragrance of shower gel, and the woman's soft body. Her desire, hard as iron, no longer hesitated.
Xia Xuan's reason was completely overwhelmed by alcohol and desire. He was only frantically riding on that youthful and voluptuous body, unable to distinguish whose body the dark night was lying in the bathtub, or what kind of different taste those soft lips had.
After the frenzy, only endless exhaustion remained. Xia Xuan had forgotten how she left the bathroom, how she collapsed onto the bed. In the middle of the night, thirsty and with a splitting headache, she groaned, rubbing her forehead, and mumbled incoherently, "Qi Qi, get me some water, my head hurts so much." The woman's lithe body moved in the darkness, and water was quickly brought to Xia Xuan's lips. Xia Xuan sat up and drank a few sips from her hand, then grabbed her wrist again, "Mmm, Qi Qi, it hurts so much." Naturally, she leaned her head closer to that familiar, soft body.
Xia Xuan took a few deep breaths, frowning. "Qi Qi?" After a moment's thought, he slowly released his grip on her arm, lifting her waist and chest, then suddenly let go. "Who are you?" The other person remained silent, still standing by the bed, with the faint sound of tears already audible. Xia Xuan jumped off the bed, fumbling for the light switch. The sudden brightness made him close his eyes involuntarily. When he opened them, he saw a full, slender, fair, and smooth body before him—straight legs, a slender waist, full breasts, and perfect features flushed. Her alluring eyes were now brimming with tears. Xia Xuan's mind froze. He stepped back, his fingers trembling. "You... Xu Chun?"
Xu Chun twisted and put on her own clothes, choking back sobs. Xia Xuan slowly regained her senses after the initial shock, grabbed her clothes from the ground and quickly put them on. She turned around and grabbed Xu Chun's shoulder, "Tell me, what happened?" The unprecedented gloom in her eyes made Xu Chun shiver involuntarily, but things had come to this point, and she had no choice but to step back. She shyly shed tears, and after a long while, she whispered, "...It was Qi Qi, she...sent me here."
Xia Xuan angrily gripped Xu Chun's shoulder, as if trying to dig into her skin. "What did you say? She sent you?" Xu Chun nodded. "Don't be angry when I tell you, Qi Qi, tell me..."