Chapter 21 For the stars You hold...

The man lay on his back on the bed, his arms behind his head, staring at her eyes that shone brightly in the darkness.

Wen Mu didn't move, his fingertips curling the lace at the waist of his nightgown.

The "secret weapon" Yu Mo gave her was still too much. The hem of the skirt only reached the middle of the thigh, and the back was almost empty. Only two thin cross straps maintained the final decency.

God knows how much courage she must have taken to put it on.

But she herself thought it looked very nice.

only……

Who can tell her why this man has no reaction at all?

"You really won't hug me?"

Song Xingran's Adam's apple rolled, but he didn't move.

"What's the meaning?"

What else could it mean?

Just do it quickly!

Wen Mu silently pinched the bed sheet tightly.

Honestly, she had no doubt that Song Xingran could commit to nine times a week. If he said so, he would definitely do it.

But the laboratory still has important data to process tomorrow. If we delay any further, it may become nine times a night.

Then she doesn't have to go to school and can just lie on the bed.

"I'm not busy tomorrow."

Wen Mu moved his legs and accidentally rubbed his arm.

Song Xingran finally sat up, dangerous sparks dancing in his dark eyes.

"so?"

The silk sheets made a slight friction sound during the movement.

"So, it's your turn to fulfill your husbandly duties."

The man reached out and grabbed her wrist, not with much force but enough to make her stop.

His thumb rubbed the protruding bone in her wrist, his voice low.

"Where did the skirt come from?"

"Yu Mo gave it to me."

Wen Mu leaned over, and the ends of her hair fell on his collarbone.

Song Xingran rolled over and pressed her down, his nose close to her neck. Wen Mu could smell the faint scent of aftershave on him, mixed with a unique, fiery scent.

"Don't wear it next time."

I really don't know how to appreciate it.

"You don't like it?"

The two fragile shoulder straps were ruthlessly torn apart, and the crystal beads scatter all over the floor with a crackling sound.

"like."

He bit her earlobe, his voice vague and fierce.

"I like it so much that I want to hit someone."

Violent maniac.

Wen Mu silently complained in her heart. She felt it was necessary to give this poor student some academic training so that he could evolve from a primitive animal into a civilized human.

"Teacher Wen."

"Do you know what I thought when I saw you dressed like this?"

Wen Mu touched his soft black hair and asked softly, "What are you thinking about?"

"I'm thinking."

"I'm going to lock you in the bedroom, so no one can see you. Only I can see you, and only I can..."

He didn't finish his words because Wen Mu covered his mouth as if he had expected it.

Of course, Song Xingran leaned close to her ear again and said those two words to her.

rogue.

The man waved his hand.

"Song Xingran!" Wen Mu rarely raised his voice.

“It’s made of silk!”

Song Xingran turned a deaf ear to him, and the scorching kiss had already begun. Wen Mu wanted to push him away, but the chest she pressed her palm against felt like a red-hot iron plate, burning her fingertips to the point of numbness.

She vaguely realized that she was holding a toy water gun in an attempt to control the flames, but she had no idea that Song Xingran was an active volcano.

"No chewing allowed."

This was Wen Mu's last order.

The moonlight crept up to the end of the bed. In the dim light, someone gently lifted the back of her neck and warm water slid down her throat.

Wen Mu forced herself to open her eyes. Song Xingran was wiping her sweaty neck with a wet towel, his brows slightly furrowed.

"Go to sleep."

He whispered, using his fingertips to push away the hair that was clinging to her cheek.

She was too tired to resist the sleepiness that came over her like a tide.

In her last consciousness, she felt the man putting clothes on her, long sleeves and long pants, wrapping her tightly.

Song Xingran tiptoed back onto the bed and fished out his phone. The cold light from the screen revealed the scratches on his neck and the curve at the corner of his mouth that hadn't yet faded.

He opened Jin Zhaonan's chat box and directly transferred 20,000 yuan.

Jin: [?]

Lgnis: [Please buy your cousin a drink]

Lgnis: [By the way, where did you buy that piece of clothing? ]

Jin: [Don't force me to beat you up.]

Lgnis: [Go]

Lgnis: [She understands what I mean]

Jin: [Sick. 】

"Your transfer has been received."

Song Xingran threw his phone aside and turned to look at his side. Wen Mu was sleeping soundly with his back to him, breathing evenly and slowly.

He habitually wanted to hug her, but saw a pillow between them.

It was so soft, but you still didn’t forget to put a pillow.

“Tsk.”

Song Xingran directly pulled her into his arms through the pillow and rested his chin on the top of her head.

On the bay window, a half-human-height dog doll stared with its glass bead eyes, sparkling in the moonlight.

Song Xingran glared back fiercely.

What are you looking at?

If you look at me again, I will throw you away.

Of course the doll didn't respond, it just grinned with its furry mouth.

Song Xingran suddenly felt very childish, but he couldn't help but fight back. He reached out and grabbed the water cup on the bedside, pretending to smash it, but in the end he just put it down gently and hugged Wen Mu even tighter.

The woman's back was pressed against his chest, and they could feel each other's warmth through the thin fabric. The pillow blocked some of the body heat, but it couldn't block the faint rose scent on Wen Mu's body.

Song Xingran buried his nose in her hair and closed his eyes.

The summer night wind shakes the treetops, and a leaf gently taps the glass.

It's the stars knocking on the door.

*

Maybe it was because he had a great time that night, or maybe it was because he saw that she had been walking unnaturally for several days, Song Xingran has been particularly well-behaved these days.

Wen Mu sat in the laboratory adjusting the spectrometer parameters and rubbed his lower back out of habit.

It was already 9:57 PM. These past few days had been incredibly busy, with the entire lab working overtime, so she couldn't afford to go home early.

However, according to the pattern of the past few days, Song Xingran should be dozing off against the head of the bed.

He always insisted on waiting for her to come home and sleep together, but he didn't want her to know, so he pretended to be "I just happened to be awake."

Do you really think she can't see anything?

When you open the door, the sensor light in the entrance hall will light up automatically.

In the living room, Gasoline was lying in the doghouse chewing on a chew stick. When he saw her come back, he immediately pricked up his ears, and his round blue eyes shone in the dark.

Oh yes, the dog’s name is “Gasoline”, and it was Song Xing who started it.

A girl named "Gasoline".

Wen Mu discovered it when he went out yesterday morning.

She woke up to the sound of spatulas clattering downstairs. She washed up slowly and went downstairs. Song Xingran was plastering fried eggs. His black vest, soaked with sweat, clung to his back, outlining the distinct lines of his shoulder blades.

The dog circled around her, wagging its tail, the brand new red collar around its neck particularly eye-catching.

"77?"

Wen Mu picked up the puppy tag hanging on the collar and looked towards the kitchen with raised eyebrows.

Song Xingran put the bacon on the toast: "I took it."

"It's called Gasoline."

Wen Mu added water to the food bowl, and the puppy immediately came over and licked her fingers.

She tried to discuss the dog's name with him rationally: "Don't you think this name is not very suitable?"

She didn't even use "ugly."

Song Xingran came over with breakfast, bent down and scratched Jiayou's chin: "What's wrong? A racing car can't do without gasoline."

"Aren't you right, gasoline?"

"Woof!" the puppy responded loudly, its tail wagging like a propeller.

The man raised his eyebrows proudly and pushed the milk in front of Wen Mu. Even the curl of his hair showed his childish show-off.

Wen Mu lowered his head to cut the fried eggs, hiding the smile on his lips.

He was interested in bringing the dog, so why should she spoil his fun?

Like now, she's back home and the gas is fine.

Wen Mu squatted down and rubbed its furry head. The little guy immediately turned over on his belly and slapped his tail on the floor.

"Shhh."

She raised her index finger and glanced at the half-open bedroom door on the second floor.

"Don't make any noise, just go to sleep."

I tiptoed upstairs and opened the door to see Song Xingran leaning against the head of the bed, his long legs casually crossed, holding a book "Introduction to Astrophysics" in his hand.

I don't know where he found it in the bookcase.

The books were all upside down.

The warm yellow bedside lamp softens the man's sharp outline, and his eyelashes cast fine shadows under his eyes.

Hearing the noise, he immediately opened his eyes, his eyes were so clear that there was no trace of sleepiness at all.

"Are you back?"

Song Xingran closed the book, his voice filled with deliberately suppressed joy.

Wen Mu nodded, took off his glasses and rubbed his nose.

I've been very tired these days.

Fortunately, he didn't make trouble for her.

As soon as she reached the bedside, the man's long arms swept her into his arms. Song Xingran skillfully adjusted her position, so that her back was pressed against his chest and his chin rested on the top of her head. The whole set of movements was smooth and flowing.

"Has Gasoline been good today?"

Wen Mu was too lazy to bother and let him hold her, playing with the buttons on the cuffs of his pajamas with his fingertips.

Song Xingran snorted softly: "You bit two pairs of my socks."

"I don't know why it likes my socks so much."

He tightened his grip, his warm breath puffing behind her ear. "But it's better than some people. At least it stays at home obediently."

Wen Mu pretended not to understand his hint, turned around and took out a husky doll from the bedside table, trying to squeeze it between the two of them.

Song Xingran intercepted it with quick eyes and hands, and the doll drew a parabola in the air and landed accurately on the bay window.

"You'll be more comfortable if I hold you."

He said confidently, his fingers already running through her hair, massaging her scalp intermittently.

When did this guy become so good at pleasing others?

The massage was so comfortable that Wen Mu simply gave up struggling and closed his eyes. Song Xingran's body temperature was always high, like a human heater, and it was especially comfortable in the air-conditioned room.

She felt the man's lips gently touch the swirl of her hair, and then there was the sound of the bedside lamp going out.

This is what she got in exchange for one night/six times.

It should be.

*

On Sunday, Wen Mu was still working overtime in the laboratory.

All five of them were listless, and even after drinking cup after cup of black coffee, they still couldn't get any correct data.

The phone vibrates.

Wen Mu was stunned for a long time before he swiped the screen.

Lgnis: [I brought gasoline to the training ground]

She frowned.

Jupiter: [No, I'll get sick.]

Lgnis: [Then I should send it to my parents?]

Wen Mu hesitated for a moment.

Jupiter: [Yes.]

Putting her phone down, she realized she hadn't been home for almost a month. Although she video-called her parents every week, the school was only a dozen minutes' drive from home, so not going home was unacceptable.

Blame it on marriage.

It’s all Song Xingran’s fault.

Wen Mu knew that he was passing the buck.

But if the man had such a good time at night, what's the big deal if he had to take the blame during the day?

She quickly convinced herself and even thought of an excuse for when she got home: because Song Xingran was too clingy.

This reason is simply impeccable.

In the evening, Wen Mu walked out of the laboratory and the sunset glow in the sky was burning brilliantly.

She was walking towards the administration building, carrying a stack of observational materials, when she suddenly caught sight of two familiar figures at the entrance to the astronomy building. The principal, beaming, was accompanying a man in a dark gray suit on a tour.

Song Mingshen.

Even from more than ten meters away, Wen Mu could recognize that tall figure. Nearing sixty, he remained well-maintained, his silver-gray sideburns adding a touch of dignity. He wore a dark-patterned suit, a platinum watch chain peeking from his cuffs, and he was gazing up at the dome of the Astronomy Building.

His profile is 70% similar to Song Xingran's.

"Teacher Wen!" The principal spotted her with his sharp eyes and immediately waved, "Just right, come and meet Mr. Song."

Wen Mu adjusted his expression and walked over.

Song Mingshen turned around, his gaze lingering on her face for two seconds, then politely extended his hand: "Teacher Wen."

"Hello, Mr. Song." Wen Mu shook hands with him, tacitly playing the role of stranger.

The principal rubbed his hands excitedly. "Boss Song donated two laboratory buildings to us this time and even came to visit the observatory. If you ask me, this is all thanks to Teacher Wen!"

Wen Mu kept smiling, and saw Song Mingshen frowning almost imperceptibly out of the corner of his eye.

"Principal Zhang, you're too kind." Song Mingshen's voice was gentle but unquestionable. "Your university's astrophysics research is already leading in China, and investing in scientific research is a consistent tenet of the Song family."

He turned to Wen Mu, his eyes meaningful, "I'm very interested in Professor Wen's research direction. I hope to ask him in detail when there's a chance."

The principal immediately understood: "Of course, of course! Teacher Wen is our most outstanding young scholar. If President Song has any questions, please feel free to ask her!"

He lowered his voice again and said, "Don't worry, we will definitely protect our talents."

Song Mingshen nodded slightly, and finally said to Wen Mu: "Come home for dinner when you have time."

The tone was as casual as if they were discussing the weather.

Only after the principal respectfully sent the man away did Wen Mu breathe a sigh of relief. He gazed at the black Maybach slowly driving away, his thoughts drifting away.

It's been almost a month since we got married, and there's not a single rumor in the media.

Logically speaking, the marriage of the third son of the Song family should have made headlines in the financial and entertainment sections, not to mention that the marriage partner is someone from the academic circle - this cross-border combination is enough to keep the tabloids hyped for three months.

As soon as the news of the marriage between the two companies came out, it was inevitable that the stock price would rise.

The Song family was fully capable of suppressing all reports, but why did they do so?

unless……

She paused.

Unless Song Xingran asks for it.

She shook her head at first, but couldn't think of any other reason.

Apart from Song Xingran, who else could make Song Mingshen go to such great lengths to protect her privacy?

Wen Mu sat on the bus, staring out the window at the twilight that dyed the sky.

Maybe I should buy him a gift.

What does Song Xingran like? Racing car models? Limited edition helmets?

Wen Mu thought of the collector's edition of "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" on his bookshelf, the spine of which was so frayed.

If you have time, go see it for yourself.

*

Wen Mu pushed open the gate, and the iron door made a familiar creaking sound.

The small courtyard in the twilight was dyed a beautiful orange-red by the setting sun. Qin Yi was bending over to water a bunch of hydrangeas, and there were a few stains of mud on the hem of his light purple home clothes.

She tiptoed two steps forward.

"Woof!"

A furry black and white shadow rushed out from under the flower stand like a cannonball and bit her trouser leg accurately.

Wen Mu lowered her head to meet Jiayou's round blue eyes. The puppy was dragging her into the yard with all its might, its tail wagging like a propeller.

So she was sent to her parents' house, her parents' house?

Wen Mu squatted down and scratched the puppy's chin, and Jiayou immediately turned over its pink belly.

Qin Yi turned around when he heard the sound, and the kettle fell to the cobblestone path with a clang.

"Zhizhi!" She rushed over in two steps, her muddy hands cupping her daughter's face. "You heartless little girl! It's only been so long since school got home, and you haven't even come back for half a month!"

Wen Mu was surrounded by the familiar scent of gardenia, and the fine lines at the corners of his mother's eyes were particularly obvious at close range.

"I've been busy collecting observation data lately." She let her mother rub her, and suddenly an idea came to her, "Besides, Song Xingran is too clingy."

He passed the buck smoothly.

Qin Yi immediately increased the pressure on her ear and said, "How dare you criticize me? Ah Ran comes to see us every now and then. The Junshan silver needles he brought the day before yesterday are still in the study, and the day before yesterday he also sent a set of the 'Astronomical Records' from the Jiajing period."

There was a sly look in the smile lines at the corners of her mother's eyes. "What about you? Huh?"

Wen Mu stood there in a daze.

Does he visit his parents often?

"Come and take a look." Qin Yi pulled her towards the west wall, squatted down and parted the layers of leaves. "The blue snowflake seeds that Ah Ran brought last week are said to be a new Australian variety."

The emerald green seedlings swayed gently in the evening breeze, and rice-sized buds had just emerged on the thin stems.

Wen Mu's fingertips brushed across the velvety leaves.

"It looks good." she whispered.

"You haven't eaten yet, have you? Come in, I'll make you a bowl of noodles."

Qin Yi patted her apron and stood up. Gasoline immediately followed with its tail wagging, squatting at the kitchen door as if it knew the place well.

The living room was filled with the scent of sandalwood and ink. Wen Mu picked up the puppy and sank into the sofa. She noticed a Ru kiln teacup on the coffee table. She had never seen Wen Zhiyuan use it before.

No, it must be another gift from him.

"Where's Dad?" she asked.

"I went to discuss the rare earth project with your Uncle Song." The sound of a kitchen knife hitting a chopping board came from the kitchen. "These two have been very busy lately."

"Aran, on the other hand, always brings gifts when he comes back."

Wen Mu lowered his head and opened his phone.

The chat history stopped at the laboratory photo she sent three hours ago, and Song Xingran replied with a dog's tilted head emoticon.

She hasn't reported this to Song Xingran yet.

Do you want to say it?

If I don't tell him, I'm afraid he'll be angry; if I tell him, I'll feel like he's controlling me.

After some ideological struggle, Wen Mu turned on the camera and aimed it at the gasoline in his arms.

"Smile."

The puppy cooperated by grinning, its pink tongue hanging from its fangs.

Jupiter: [Image]

As soon as the send button was pressed, the kitchen door curtain was lifted up.

Qin Yi came out holding a blue and white bowl. The noodle soup was piled with green pepper shreds, and a poached egg was placed between the caramelized shredded meat, with a crispy edge.

It is the taste she misses most in Zurich.

"Zhizhi? What are you daydreaming about? It won't taste good if it clumps together."

Her mother sat at the table, looking at her with great energy.

Wen Mu buried his face in the steaming hot air.

In fact, she is really not picky about food. There are only a few dishes that she likes. Green pepper and shredded pork noodles is one of them, and it is also one of the few dishes she can cook.

When I was studying in Zurich, my food was simpler.

If I’m not busy that day, I’ll go to the supermarket to buy some green peppers and meat, then make myself a bowl of noodles, curl up on the lazy sofa, and eat while watching a movie.

When I'm busy, I usually just eat rice balls or instant noodles at a convenience store.

"Eat slowly." Qin Yi reached out and wiped the grease from the corners of her mouth. "A Ran said you have a bad stomach and asked me to make sure you eat on time."

The noodles on the tip of the chopsticks suddenly felt a thousand pounds heavy.

Wen Mu sipped the noodle soup and watched the gasoline swirling around his mother's feet.

It's really strange that someone who used to avoid even her friend's poodle now lets the puppy nibble on the tassels on her embroidered slippers.

I don't know what method that man used.

After eating the noodles, Wen Mu went to wash the dishes.

The evening news had just begun when Gasoline suddenly pricked up his ears and rushed to the entrance, barking "Woof woof".

When Wen Mu dried his hands and walked out, the puppy was already scratching the door anxiously.

I opened the door and the night breeze, scented with patchouli, blew in my face.

Song Xingran leaned against the door frame, his black motorcycle jacket with the collar open, revealing the star tattoo on his neck.

It was the first time Wen Mu saw him wearing a motorcycle suit.

Suddenly, I felt a little strange.

His eyes swept over the strands of hair sticking up on top of her head, and finally fell on the gasoline at her feet.

"Why are you here?"

Wen Mu subconsciously held down the hem of her skirt that was blown by the wind.

The man bent down and picked up the puppy that was wagging its tail wildly, and his fingertips "accidentally" brushed against the back of her hand.

"Take my wife home."

Wen Mu was about to speak when Qin Yi looked over her shoulder and saw the person coming: "A Ran is here! Come in quickly, come in quickly."

Song Xingran grinned and called out affectionately, "Mom."

"You call it very smoothly." Wen Mu lowered his voice.

"I learned it from Teacher Wen." Song Xingran squeezed past her carrying gasoline, his elbow rubbing against her chest.

The puppy twisted excitedly in his arms, leaving a few gray marks on the hem of her skirt with its claws.

In the living room, Qin Yi was taking a blue and white porcelain bowl out of the refrigerator. Chilled mung bean soup was served in a white porcelain bowl, garnished with a few bright red wolfberries.

Song Xingran took the bowl and took a big sip. When his Adam's apple rolled, the star-shaped necklace on his collarbone trembled slightly.

"It's delicious. Mom, you're amazing!"

"Zhizhi craves this every summer." Qin Yi smiled until fine lines appeared at the corners of his eyes. "She can drink two large bowls of it chilled, but she has a bad stomach, so I always stop her. She used to be angry with me about this."

"Zhizhi?"

Song Xingran raised his eyebrows, his eyes flashing with cunning behind the rim of the bowl.

Qin Yi was about to explain when Wen Mu interrupted her in time: "Mom."

"Okay, okay, don't tell me." Qin Yi made a gesture to close his mouth and turned to ask about the latest situation of Song Xingran's team.

The two were chatting animatedly. Wen Mu sat on the single sofa with mung bean soup in her hand, watching Gasoline grinding his teeth on Song Xingran's slippers - this guy had changed to guest slippers at some point, and they were the cartoon style she bought when she was in high school.

"Aran, don't leave tonight," Qin Yi suddenly suggested. "Although the bed in Zhizhi's room is a little small, it's slept well. I'll make you some glutinous rice cakes tomorrow morning."

Song Xingran hesitated: "This one."

But his gaze drifted towards the woman sitting opposite him, with a hint of mockery in his eyes.

Wen Mu sent a warning look, but the other party suddenly nodded as if he suddenly understood: "Okay, Mom, Teacher Wen agrees."

???

Wen Mu almost crushed the porcelain bowl. She clearly asked him to refuse!

"I'm going upstairs." She put down the bowl and walked towards the stairs. Song Xingran's triumphant chuckle came from behind her.

*

As the hot water washed away the foam in his hair, Wen Mu was still regretting the failed eye contact.

On the misty mirror, she could vaguely see the lingering kiss mark on her collarbone. In bed, this man had maliciously asked her to call him "husband," and in front of his mother-in-law, he acted pretentiously to please her.

A man's heart is as unfathomable as the sea.

Pushing open the bedroom door, the scent of mint shower gel hit her face. Song Xingran had changed into gray home pants and a black vest and was sitting beside the bed she had slept in during her childhood.

Hearing the noise, he slowly looked up, and something in his hand was glowing coldly under the light.

"Have you taken a shower?" Wen Mu twisted the ends of his hair with a towel.

Song Xingran didn't answer, instead stroking the silver object with his fingertips. The air pressure was so low that it reminded Wen Mu of the observatory before a storm.

He is in a bad mood.

This is the only thing Wen Mu can be sure of.

"What are you looking at?" She took two steps closer and suddenly froze.

A silver chain lay quietly in the man's hand, and hanging on the chain was her wedding ring.

Finished.

She had been hanging it on the bedside lamp, but she was in such a hurry to move that she forgot to take it with her. Who knew she would forget it for a month?

Wen Mu reached out to take it, but the man suddenly retreated. She leaned forward and fell into his arms.

Song Xingran grabbed her waist, and the hot air after the bath rose from her collar and mingled with her breath.

"Teacher Wen." His voice brushed past her ear.

"Don't you think you should explain this ring to me?"

-----------------------

The author has something to say: Back to my mother’s home.

But sad.

Woohoo, my wife forgot the ring [burst into tears]