"Buy flowers? Why buy flowers?" Xiao Qiqi stared blankly at the blue roses in the little girl's hand, the Blue Enchantress.
"Tomorrow is Valentine's Day, sister, are you going to give your boyfriend a present?" The little girl's voice trembled with coldness.
Xiao Qiqi smiled, then turned serious and said, "You've got the wrong idea, little sister. Look at me, I'm the kind of person who waits for others to give me flowers. How can I buy flowers and give them to others myself?"
The little girl was clearly stunned by Xiao Qiqi's serious reprimand. She awkwardly shook the flowers in her basket, her big eyes looking dimly at the passersby who were walking by. Xiao Qiqi had an idea and called out, "Little sister, come back. I didn't say I wouldn't buy them."
The little girl's eyes lit up, and she picked out the best blue rose from the basket and handed it to Xiao Qiqi, saying, "Sister is giving you the prettiest one."
"How much?" Xiao Qiqi held the flower under her nose; it smelled wonderful.
"Three yuan a branch."
It was only a little more expensive than usual, after all, tomorrow was Valentine's Day. Xiao Qiqi gave the little girl five yuan, "Since you picked out the prettiest one for me, I'll give you two extra yuan to buy some candy."
"Thank you, sister." The little girl, wearing a red cotton-padded jacket, had rosy cheeks from the cold. Her big eyes blinked as she happily took the money and went away.
As Xiao Qiqi smelled the fragrance of roses, she finally understood that something was missing from this city: her own love.
That evening, Xiao Qiqi called Jiang Yilan and told her about the roses. Jiang Yilan remained silent for a long time before finally saying, "Xiao Qiqi, I think you're in heat." Xiao Qiqi hung up and pondered for a long time. She realized she was different now. She wouldn't have thought about these things before, but when did she start caring about gains and losses? Unrestrained emotions, grasping at the sands of time that were gradually slipping away?
Xiao Qiqi slept soundly that night. Perhaps she was too tired, or perhaps she had too many thoughts, or perhaps looking at the blue rose in the wine bottle, her heart followed the dreamy color and entered a fairy tale.
The happiest thing in winter is to snuggle up in a blanket. When Xiao Qiqi was woken up from her dream, she was very angry. It was Xia Xuan. Xiao Qiqi's anger retreated back into the blanket. She forgot to tell him that she was not going to work today.
"Why aren't you up yet?" Xia Xuan asked with a light laugh as she listened to Xiao Qiqi's humming.
"I finally have a holiday, of course I'm going to sleep." Xiao Qiqi scratched her messy hair, still sleepy-eyed. "Ugh, so sleepy, can I call you later?"
"Okay, then you go to sleep. Where are you now?"
"The blankets," Xiao Qiqi hummed with her eyes closed.
"Hehe, I remember you said there's a large pine and cypress forest outside your company, which is lush and green even in winter, and looks very much like spring. Hmm, I saw it, it is indeed very nice."
“Yes, I pass by there every morning. It seems like there are a lot of flowers planted there. It must be very beautiful when they bloom in spring.” Xiao Qiqi followed Xia Xuan’s words, then suddenly opened her eyes with a start, “…You, what did you say? You saw it?”
"Hehe, yeah, I thought you would be at work, so, um, I'll wait for you at your company entrance. I just asked some people, and they said you don't go to work."
"Ah!" Xiao Qiqi cried out and sat up, stammering, "You, I, no, no, how did you get here? Oh, wait, I'm coming to find you." She jumped off the bed, barefoot and not even bothering to put on her shoes.
Xia Xuan's voice was soft and warm, "Okay, I'll wait for you. No rush, don't panic, I have two days."
Xiao Qiqi was completely disoriented. She hung up the phone, quickly tidied herself up, and rushed towards the company. Anxiously watching the road, the bus hadn't arrived yet. Gritting her teeth, she decided to hail a taxi!
Just as she got into the taxi, her phone rang again. Xiao Qiqi quickly answered, "I'm coming right away, don't..."
"Xiao Xiao, talk to your boyfriend?" It was Sister Chen, who was in charge of Xiao Qiqi's job at the company, who lowered her voice mysteriously. "Xiao Xiao, you should thank me. Luckily, I gave you the day off for Valentine's Day, and now your boyfriend has come knocking on your door." Sister Chen was actually not very old, having graduated four years ago. She took good care of Xiao Qiqi, and Xiao Qiqi was happy to befriend her.
Xiao Qiqi felt extremely embarrassed, her face flushed red, and she tried to argue in a mosquito-like voice: "Sister Chen, don't joke around, we're just classmates."
"Okay, okay, let's just say we're classmates. What a handsome young man, I'm even a little smitten. If you don't want him, introduce him to me," Sister Chen said with a serious smile. Xiao Qiqi chatted with her for a few more minutes before putting down his phone.
Boyfriend? Valentine's Day? Xiao Qiqi felt her heart pounding faster and faster.
Xiao Qiqi jumped out of the taxi and saw Xia Xuan standing by the iron gate outside the company from afar, watching the flow of cars and people. His eyes were deep and calm, and there was still a faint melancholy in his face. Only the smile at the corner of his mouth would sneak up unintentionally. He casually put his hands in the pockets of his light yellow trench coat, and a light blue plaid scarf was casually wrapped around his neck. He wore a pair of light blue-rimmed glasses on his nose, which made him look more elegant and mature.
Xiao Qiqi's steps grew smaller and smaller. Forcing a smile felt stiff, and a bitter expression couldn't express her current feelings. Just as she was feeling frustrated, Xia Xuan turned around. Their eyes met, and Xiao Qiqi watched as Xia Xuan's smile slowly widened and then penetrated her eyes. Xia Xuan walked over and extended her hand.
Xiao Qiqi stared blankly at the smiling, elegant man. His outstretched fingers were long and slightly pale, yet they exuded warmth. Xiao Qiqi reached out her own hand, and their fingers intertwined, their warmth meeting.
Xiao Qiqi looked at Xia Xuan's face, seemingly not satisfied, and asked, "Why are you here?"
Xia Xuan pulled Xiao Qiqi's hand closer, winking mischievously, "If I said I came here specifically to see you, would you believe me?"
Xiao Qiqi's heart skipped a beat again. She groaned, "Could you please not talk like that?" "You're joking, right? Hehe." Xiao Qiqi's eyes darted away. "Where do you live?"
Xia Xuan chuckled, "I said I came specifically to find you, so of course... well, of course I'll stay at your place."
Xiao Qiqi looked up into Xia Xuan's eyes, which were dark and absolutely resolute. "You, you really came all this way to see me?"
"Yes, I was worried about you, so I came to check on you." Xia Xuan said casually, "Why aren't you welcoming me?"
Xiao Qiqi quickly shook her head, "No, I just can't believe it." Xiao Qiqi scratched her head, it was really too unexpected.
Xia Xuan put Xiao Qiqi's hand in his pocket; it felt warm. "Where to now?"
Xiao Qiqi's eyes lit up, and she smiled, "I know there's an amusement park nearby, shall we go?"
"Okay, I'll do whatever you say today." Xia Xuan stopped. "Today is a holiday."
Seeing Xia Xuan's meaningful smile, Xiao Qiqi lowered her head in embarrassment, "Um, a holiday." An ambiguous holiday.
"Then let's go to the amusement park. How do we get there?" Xia Xuan asked Xiao Qiqi tenderly, her warm eyes seemingly melting Xiao Qiqi's heart.
Xiao Qiqi's heart skipped a beat, but she suddenly asked, "Why did you come to see me today?"
Xia Xuan lowered her eyes and smiled shyly, taking out a red rose with a few petals already fallen from another pocket. "If I said I wanted to give you this, would you laugh at me?"
For the first time, Xiao Qiqi looked directly into Xia Xuan's affectionate eyes. After a long while, she pouted and said, "I don't want to."
Xia Xuan's face fell, and Xiao Qiqi quickly added, "Thanks for this, but I want something fresher and prettier, with water droplets on it."
Xia Xuan's expression turned strange, from joy to gloom and then back to joy. He squeezed Xiao Qiqi's hand tightly in his pocket, saying, "You naughty girl." Then he pulled his hand out and hugged Xiao Qiqi. Xiao Qiqi smelled his unique, fresh scent and slowly closed her eyes.
Perhaps the seeds were sown long ago, but we forgot to water them. One day, when we look back, we find that the fruit is already swaying on the branches.
Xiao Qiqi took Xia Xuan on a crowded bus. All sorts of people were jostling together. Xia Xuan held onto the handrail high with one hand and wrapped her other arm around Xiao Qiqi's side. Xiao Qiqi held Xia Xuan's clothes with both hands, feeling his heart overflowing with love.
At the entrance of the amusement park, couples were everywhere, embracing as they entered and exited, their faces radiating joy and happiness. Someone had even set up a flower trellis, displaying a profusion of red roses, still glistening with dew, wrapped in colorful plastic film; white baby's breath and purple forget-me-nots added to the beauty and vibrancy, overflowing with passion.
"Qiqi, wait for me." Xia Xuan patted Xiao Qiqi's hand and walked towards the flower shed.
Xiao Qiqi watched Xia Xuan's retreating figure. He was tall and slender, yet his strides were large, as if he were somewhat anxious. Xiao Qiqi suddenly recalled that misty morning, the chilly train station, the faint morning light casting his long shadow, as gentle and captivating as it was now.
When Xia Xuan returned, she was holding a large bouquet of red roses, still glistening with dewdrops. "They say nine roses mean forever."
Xiao Qiqi forced a smile, accepted the rose, and said, "Thank you."
Xia Xuan noticed her averted gaze and asked, puzzled, "What's wrong? You seemed quite happy just now?"
Xiao Qiqi laughed exaggeratedly, "Laughing at your stupidity? How am I supposed to play racing games while holding this?"
Seeing Xiao Qiqi smile, Xia Xuan breathed a sigh of relief, grinning to reveal her pearly white teeth, "Wouldn't it be nice to ride the Ferris wheel while holding roses and stand high up looking at the sky?"
18. Love
Standing embraced inside the Ferris wheel, Xiao Qiqi's hand was tightly held by Xia Xuan's large one. They smiled at each other, looking at the sky. It wasn't particularly blue; the sun, carrying the chill of winter, hung in the sky, gentle as the day itself. The city's buildings, scattered in a staggered pattern, each with its own unique character, the roads weaving through the city like ribbons, and the cars crawling like boxes, filled the city with dynamism, passion, and life. A surging soul was filled with the passion for the future; the cool-toned city repeated its vitality day after day, perhaps because spring was approaching.
It began so cautiously, without any grand declarations of love, only the tight clasping of fingers, casting aside any lingering doubts, letting emotions soar and roam freely. Searching in our unknown world, the rock-solid transformed into tender affection. Perhaps this spontaneity is happiness, or perhaps it's the beginning of misunderstandings.
Many years later, when Xiao Qiqi recalled these events, she couldn't help but wonder if, from the very beginning, she had been like many girls, asking questions to get to the bottom of everything, to find out the beginning, the reasons, and the process, would her story with him have been rewritten?
The answer will exist, but it won't be the one you originally wanted. Even if the mystery is solved, the journey is over, and you've gone further and further away, with no turning back. What remains is only the sweet love of yesteryear, the lingering wound in your heart, which has eventually transformed into today's happiness, allowing you to continue forward with a smile. Our lives are long, and so is our happiness.
After getting off the Ferris wheel, Xiao Qiqi was still holding a large bunch of roses. Listening to the crazy screams from the roller coaster in the distance, she pulled Xia Xuan's arm and said, "I want to ride too."
Xia Xuan forced a smile, her face somewhat pale, "...Then go play, I'll watch over you from downstairs, okay?"
Xiao Qiqi finally noticed Xia Xuan's expression. "What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?" After a moment's thought, she realized and felt a little guilty. She stuck out her tongue. "So you're afraid of heights. Why didn't you say so earlier? We wouldn't have come here." She felt a pang of heartache. A man with a fear of heights would ride a Ferris wheel for you, accompanying you to see the world's insignificance and the city's scenery. He was truly blessed.
Xia Xuan suppressed her pounding heart, sat down on the stone steps beside her, and wiped the cold sweat from her forehead. "Oh dear, I didn't feel anything until you said that, but now my legs feel weak." She looked up at Xiao Qiqi and forced a smile: "I promised to listen to you today, and I'll go with you wherever you want to go."
Xiao Qiqi sat down next to Xia Xuan, switching the rose to her other hand. As she did so, a thorn that hadn't been completely removed pierced through the plastic wrap and went straight into her fingertip. "Ouch!"
"What's wrong?" Xia Xuan quickly grabbed Xiao Qiqi's finger. "You pricked it." He naturally put her finger in his mouth and gently sucked on it. Xiao Qiqi felt an unbearable tingling sensation in her fingertip, a strange heat flowing through her body, and her face turned unusually hot.
Xia Xuan finally released her fingers. "My mother said this can stop the bleeding."
Xiao Qiqi blushed and hid her fingers behind her back, pouting, "No, that's not true, it's too dirty."
"It's not dirty, and it smells wonderful." Xia Xuan picked up the rose from her arms. "Hmm, I'll keep it."
"You're so glib." Xiao Qiqi said angrily.
Looking at her slightly upturned red lips, bright eyes, and blushing, flower-like face, Xia Xuan felt his heart pounding. "Qi Qi!"
Xiao Qiqi turned her head to look at him strangely, "What... um..." Her voice was suddenly stopped as warm, moist lips, carrying the man's unique scent, entered Xiao Qiqi's mouth, gently pecking, carefully searching, tenderly plundering. Xiao Qiqi couldn't help but close her eyes, slowly opening her lips and teeth, letting passion, love, and excitement entwine in the entanglement of their lips and tongues.
It seemed like a long time had passed. The sound of her breathing reminded Xiao Qiqi that this was not a dream. Xiao Qiqi didn't dare to open her eyes and buried her head in Xia Xuan's collar. Xia Xuan looked down at Xiao Qiqi's neck, which was pink with a slightly translucent, creamy texture, yet possessed a unique charm of a young girl. He couldn't help but lean down and gently kiss her fair, pale pink skin.
Xiao Qiqi felt Xia Xuan's warm breath lingering on her neck, but heard the loud thumping of his chest, and couldn't help but chuckle.
Xia Xuan wrapped one arm around Xiao Qiqi's waist, making her more comfortable nestled in his arms. "What are you laughing at?"
"You get nervous too," Xiao Qiqi replied with a smile, her voice muffled by her clothes, carrying a hint of ambiguity.
Xia Xuan clenched her fingers and said in a muffled voice, "Oh, actually I... am really nervous."
Xiao Qiqi looked up at his slightly flushed face. "Are you really nervous?"
"Yes, I'm nervous." Xia Xuan pondered, "I'm afraid you'll reject me, afraid you'll ignore me, afraid you'll slip away again like before."
"Aren't you afraid now?"
Xia Xuan pinched her nose. "Don't be afraid. If you try to escape again this time, I'll bring a rope. If you run away, I'll tie you up and lead you away."
"Hmph, I'm not a puppy, I don't need you to hold me on a leash."
"Hehe, it's not a puppy, it's my baby."
This was the first time Xia Xuan had said something so sweet, and he felt a little embarrassed afterward. Xiao Qiqi found it even more amusing than ever before, and seeing him just grinning foolishly, Xia Xuan couldn't help but pinch her grinning face hard. "I just love this weird grin."
Xiao Qiqi stuck out her tongue again and slapped Xia Xuan's hand, but Xia Xuan grabbed her fingertips in return, "So cold, are you cold?"
Xiao Qiqi shook her head. "I'm not cold, but I'm hungry." She frowned and pouted. "So hungry!"
"Okay, let's go have a romantic lunch."
"Are we really going there?" Xiao Qiqi asked, pulling Xia Xuan's hand. "It looks very expensive."
Xia Xuan's expression softened slightly, but quickly returned to normal. She squeezed Xiao Qiqi's hand and said, "People say that Valentine's Day should be spent in a romantic Western restaurant, with candles, roses, and red wine. That's the most romantic and blissful thing. This is our first holiday, so we have to be careful."
“But…” Xiao Qiqi still hesitated, feeling a pang of heartache at the thought of her empty wallet.
“Don’t worry about money, I… that person is very rich.” Xia Xuan hesitated for a moment, but ultimately didn’t say “Dad”.
Looking into his increasingly dark eyes, Xiao Qiqi grasped Xia Xuan's hand in return, "From now on, I'll be with you. Hehe, I'll be with you until that guy spends all his money and breaks his heart!"
Xia Xuan's eyes brightened a bit, and she simply said, "Silly girl," before pulling Xiao Qiqi into the restaurant.
Xiao Qiqi looked at the slightly brownish-red wine, its alluring color captivating, and couldn't resist picking it up and taking a sip. She swallowed it whole, the rich aroma lingering only for a fleeting moment before disappearing completely. Xia Xuan, however, held the wine glass and slowly swirled it like grinding ink, smiling gently, "Don't be impatient."
Xiao Qiqi blushed and tried to swirl her wine glass slowly like Xia Xuan, but she swirled it too vigorously, and the wine spilled out. Her face turned as red as the wine, and she put it down dejectedly. "It's no fun at all. Drinking wine is so tiring." Xia Xuan's smile deepened. "Yes, take your time. Red wine is like a person; it needs to mature slowly and wait a long time to bring out its best flavor." As she spoke, she looked at Xiao Qiqi meaningfully.