They booked a hotel on an island abroad. Although the journey there took more than ten hours, including layovers, the scenery was breathtaking when they arrived, and the sea breeze helped to dispel much of their fatigue. It was definitely worth the time to make the trip.
They were in a rush when they were on the dating show before, but now they can finally relax and enjoy themselves. The hotel room is a two-story villa with a swimming pool on the roof. They can swim in the saltwater of the sea and then take a bath in the spacious freshwater pool.
Xiao Shulang's surfing skills were still at a beginner level. When he got tired, he went to the side and watched Qin Shuang freely surfing in the waves.
There weren't many tourists on the island, and nobody knew them, but Qin Shuang's surfing skills were so cool that she became the center of attention after just one lap.
Under the parasol, Xiao Shulang watched as Qin Shuang, on her way back to him from the sea, rejected many people who tried to strike up a conversation with her.
Qin Shuang returned to the umbrella, and Xiao Shulang handed her a drink, then held up five fingers. Qin Shuang, holding the iced drink, was puzzled: "?"
“Five groups of people, I didn’t even count how many there were,” Xiao Shulang said jokingly. “Teacher Qin is indeed popular wherever she goes.”
Five groups of people came to chat with Qin Shuang, and many of them were still glancing under the parasol, eager to make a move.
"No one will be coming."
Qin Shuang took a sip of his iced drink, his hands still wet with the cool water droplets from the outside of the glass. He pulled Xiao Shulang into his arms, and the two kissed passionately in front of everyone. Qin Shuang then fed Xiao Shulang half a mouthful of the refreshing drink, which Xiao Shulang drank in one gulp.
After the kiss ended, whistles rang out from the surroundings. Xiao Shulang wiped his lips with his fingers and said, "Sweet."
Those around her immediately understood that Qin Shuang was already taken, and anyone with sense wouldn't come any closer.
Qin Shuang sat under the umbrella with Xiao Shulang in her arms. The two sipped their drinks, enjoying the sea view and the refreshing breeze. With beautiful scenery and a beautiful woman by their side, life was indeed very pleasant.
Since they didn't have to worry about their travel and work the next day, their nightlife became more exciting. After they had their first taste of sex, they developed a taste for it and started to try new things instead of sticking to the usual routines.
The villa's rooftops are fenced off, preventing residents from seeing each other. The rooftop pool is an absolutely private space, but with the sky overhead, it also gives a sense of openness.
As Xiao Shulang was pressed against the edge of the pool by Qin Shuang, he looked at the deep night sky and suddenly trembled. Qin Shuang, who was connected to him, immediately felt it and leaned down to kiss him: "What's wrong?"
Xiao Shulang raised his arm to shield his eyes and breathed softly, "It feels... more exciting than usual."
Qin Shuang chuckled softly, her laughter carrying a carefree and cheerful tone, and heard him say in a pleasant voice, "Hmm... I can feel it."
Drunk, he was oblivious to the sky reflected in the water; his boat was filled with dreams that pressed down on the Milky Way. Though he had no wooden boat, Qin Shuang was his own boat, carrying all his dreams and fantasies. He was willing to accompany him, drifting away with the current.
After spending three days on the island, the two began their journey back along the planned route. They stopped and strolled along the way, enjoying the scenery and creating many wonderful memories together. They also took many photos and captured the scenery, providing them with plenty of wallpapers for a long time to come.
After returning to China, the two went to the mountain they had chosen. Although it's true that you have to dress up more when you go out after returning to China, it wasn't peak tourist season, so there was no need to dress up too much.
It just so happened that it was raining when they arrived at the foot of the mountain, which was not suitable for climbing. Fortunately, they had plenty of time, so it didn't matter if they were delayed for a day. They successfully waited for the rain to stop and started climbing the mountain the next day.
There weren't many people on the mountain, so the two of them took off their hats. They occasionally encountered people who recognized them and took out their phones to take pictures, but they didn't care and just accompanied each other up the mountain.
They climbed to the top along one of the mountain paths, where a sea of clouds stretched out, resembling a fairyland. On their way down, they chose another path. Along this path, there was a small temple halfway down the mountain, and in front of the temple stood a tree that was said to be very effective in bringing good fortune in marriage.
The marriage tree was covered with red thread knots tied together in a loving knot. Xiao Shulang and Qin Shuang also bought red ropes, braided them into knots, and then hung them on the tree together.
They made vows by the stars at the beach and forged a beautiful bond in the mountains. Xiao Shulang watched the love knot sway in the wind and hooked his finger around Qin Shuang's: "Hey, does this count as us making a vow as deep as the sea and as high as the mountains?"
Qin Shuang, carrying her hiking backpack, shook Xiao Shulang's hand and nodded emphatically: "Okay."
They stood together under the tree and looked up for a while. Xiao Shulang tugged at him, indicating that it was time to go, but Qin Shuang said at that moment, "Wait a minute."
Xiao Shulang: "Hmm?"
He stood there, watching Qin Shuang walk to the side, take off her backpack and place it in a clean spot. He didn't understand what Qin Shuang was going to do until he saw her open the backpack and take out a jewelry box.
The box isn't big, but it's just right for holding the ring.
Xiao Shulang's eyes widened slightly as he realized something. He watched Qin Shuang walk towards him step by step, each step striking his heart. His heart pounded like a drum, making his ears ring.
Xiao Shulang was no longer the type to run away from someone he liked, but at this moment he still felt a sense of helplessness. He said in disbelief, "You..."
Xiao Shulang's voice stopped abruptly, and Qin Shuang knelt down on one knee in front of him.
"You confessed first," Qin Shuang said. "This time it's my turn."
Xiao Shulang looked down at him, his lips trembling, unable to utter a word.
"It wasn't a sudden decision; I thought about it for a long time."
Qin Shuang had indeed thought about it for a long time, about their relationship and their future. He found that whenever he imagined the future, Xiao Shulang's figure was always in his mind.
"You are in my future."
I want him by my side in every place and at every time.
They were both homeless, envying the lights of families reunited in those windows. Later, Qin Shuang found her home, and although Xiao Shulang had him, he still didn't have a complete family.
Qin Shuang opened the box, and the ring shone brightly in the sunlight.
"I want to become your real family, will you?"
A mountain breeze blows, and countless love knots sway gently, as if offering congratulations, lively yet silent.
Xiao Shulang's eyes were misted by the mountain breeze and the light of the ring, and he shed tears under the tree of fate.
These were tears of uncontrollable joy and overwhelming emotion.
Xiao Shulang held out his hand to Qin Shuang: "Once you put it on me, I'll be the one holding you captive. I'll never let go in this lifetime, absolutely never, and you can forget about leaving my side... I mean, Qin Shuang, I'm willing."
So Qin Shuang pushed the ring lying in the velvet into Xiao Shulang's finger, binding the two of them tightly.
Qin Shuang stood up and hugged her lover tightly.
Silently shedding tears, Xiao Shulang kissed the person he was about to spend his life with under the marriage tree, making a true vow to stay together until they grew old.
A note from the author:
He proposed!
Chapter 71: Staying together and accompanying each other is their destined good match.
The knot on the marriage tree represents the bond between kindred spirits.
When he went up the mountain, Xiao Shulang's fingers were bare, but when he came down the mountain, he had a ring on them.
Xiao Shulang was initially too excited to appreciate the ring itself, but now, upon closer inspection, he realized that the ring's design was quite good—simple yet elegant. Upon closer examination, one could also discover the intricately carved patterns on the ring's surface, revealing a level of sophistication beyond its initial appearance.
Qin Shuang made preparations behind his back, and Xiao Shulang didn't notice at all.
Qin Shuang: "One month ago."
He knew that with Xiao Shulang's personality, a proposal wouldn't need to be a grand affair. The ring was prepared well in advance. After they had planned the travel route in detail and learned about the attractions, Qin Shuang chose the location for the proposal.
My heart is as firm as stone, unyielding and unchangeable. And with a tree that blesses marriage, it is a very suitable place to propose.
Xiao Shulang's eyes were still a little red, but it was clear that he was very happy. The smile in his eyes never faded. The two held hands, and Xiao Shulang rubbed Qin Shuang's fingers: "I need to put a ring on your finger too."
"Wedding rings," Qin Shuang said. "Let's find someone to design them and brainstorm together."
It's quite interesting to set design requirements for one's own wedding ring. Since they're already engaged, there's no need for an engagement banquet; Xiao Shulang doesn't like extravagance.
But wedding ceremonies need to be planned carefully. Life still needs some sense of ritual. It's good to amplify the best wishes and remember the happy times. There's nothing wrong with that. Confessing your love, proposing, and getting married are all about telling each other again and again, "I love you, I love you so much."
I will continue to love you in the future.
They also bought two love knots as souvenirs. After descending the mountain, they put on their hats and masks, ordered something at a shop at the foot of the mountain that was said to be very popular with tourists, and took it back to the hotel to eat.
The food was indeed delicious, and the portions were very generous. This trip to the mountains was definitely worthwhile.
They brought only necessities with them when they set off, but they had more and more stuff on the way back. Some things were sent directly home, but they still set aside a suitcase for souvenirs, which they wanted to take to their next destination themselves.
Before going home, they had to go to one more place.
Qin Shuang and Xiao Shulang arrived at the orphanage, the same orphanage where Qin Shuang had been taken in, carrying a full load of belongings.
It had nothing to do with charity; they just wanted to come and visit again.
Some of the items in the box were for the head teacher, while most were for the children. The children cheered and gathered around, and the teachers distributed the items. Everyone was very happy to receive their share.
After happily receiving the items, she clung to Xiao Shulang and Qin Shuang, wanting to hear their stories.
The child who had been saved by Xiao Shulang last time immediately squeezed next to Xiao Shulang and sat down obediently. While Xiao Shulang was speaking, he noticed the ring on Xiao Shulang's hand.
The child exclaimed, "Ring! Brother Xiao, are you married?!"
The little boy didn't know that wearing a ring on different fingers had different meanings; he just thought that wearing a ring meant he was married. When the other children heard this, they immediately gathered around with great interest.
Wow, Brother Xiao and Brother Shuang got married!
"But we haven't eaten any candy yet!"
"Yes, you have to eat candy when you get married."
"Brother, brother!" The children tugged at them, their eyes wide and their voices clamoring, "Candy, wedding candy!"
The two were both amused and exasperated by the children surrounding them. Xiao Shulang quickly said, "We're not married yet. When we get married, I'll definitely remember to give you some candy, okay?"
"well!"
The teachers also happily gathered around. While Xiao Shulang was comforting the child, they tugged at Qin Shuang's arm and whispered, "Is it settled?"
Qin Shuang nodded, thought for a moment, and explained, "The person has been chosen, but the date hasn't been set yet."
"Oh, that's great news!" one teacher exclaimed. "You all watch for a moment, I'll go tell the dean right now, it's fantastic news!"
“Who says otherwise! You go quickly, we’ll keep watch here.” Another teacher said, “We’re really waiting for your wedding invitation. Oh dear, you used to be so quiet, and even counseling didn’t help. We were worried about your interpersonal relationships and love life, especially the dean.”
The teacher looked at Xiao Shulang among the children and said, "Now I can finally rest easy."
Qin Shuang's gaze also fell on Xiao Shulang, and she slightly raised the corners of her mouth: "Mm."
"Teacher Qin! Stop just staring over there!" Xiao Shulang called out, "Come and lend a hand!"
Qin Shuang: "Here we are."
He took a step and walked towards his lover.
Xiao Shulang took a child into his arms: "Come here, let your brother Shuang tell you a story."
"Brother Shuang can tell stories too?"
"I've never heard of that before!"
Qin Shuang glanced helplessly at Xiao Shulang, who was obviously doing it on purpose, just watching him with amusement.
The surroundings are bustling and lively, and there will definitely be many more days of fun and excitement to come with each other.
Six months later, the big-budget TV series "No Clothes" premiered, and the ratings soared. Interviews with the two leading actors, Xiao Shulang and Qin Shuang, were also frequent. Since they were a real-life couple, they were not afraid to show their affection. Viewers continued to ship them off-screen after watching the show, and it was very enjoyable.
That day, the production team announced a live interview with the two of them, so the audience waited in the live broadcast room early. When the time came, the screen lit up on time, and Xiao Shulang and Qin Shuang waved to the camera.