Chapter 14

On their last evening at the guesthouse, the setting sun painted the sky a gentle orange-pink, and the roses in the courtyard bloomed even more beautifully in the afterglow. Song Mingye suggested throwing a farewell party, and everyone immediately agreed, getting to work on the decorations.

Qi Zihao, camera in hand, wandered through the courtyard, capturing the busy figures of everyone. Chu Xiaoche, on the other hand, was helping in the kitchen. Wearing an apron, he skillfully chopped fruit, sunlight streaming through the kitchen window and illuminating his gentle silhouette. Qi Zihao quietly raised his camera, pressed the shutter, and captured the moment. Chu Xiaoche noticed his gaze, turned around, and smiled at him, his eyes overflowing with tenderness.

Jiang Ziyu sat in the corner of the courtyard, intently sketching the scene before him on his easel. Mu Nanjin sat beside him, holding a book of poetry, but not flipping through it, simply watching Jiang Ziyu's profile as he painted. "What are you painting?" Mu Nanjin asked softly. Jiang Ziyu looked up, a smile in his eyes: "I'm painting us, painting this evening full of life." Mu Nanjin's lips curved into a smile, and he gently brushed the paint off the tip of Jiang Ziyu's nose: "It's very well painted. We can hang it in our house someday." Jiang Ziyu's cheeks flushed slightly, and he nodded gently.

Song Linchuan and Song Mingye hung string lights together, the warm yellow light gradually brightening the courtyard and making it exceptionally cozy. Song Linchuan stood on tiptoe, trying to hang the lights higher, but accidentally lost his balance. Song Mingye quickly caught him and held him firmly in his arms: "Be careful, don't fall." Song Linchuan leaned against his chest, listening to his strong heartbeat, feeling particularly at ease: "I know, brother."

At six o'clock in the evening, the farewell party officially began. The courtyard was filled with food, including fruit salad made by Chu Xiaoche, barbecue grilled by the guesthouse owner, and desserts prepared by Song Linchuan. Everyone sat together, raising their glasses in celebration.

"To our wonderful encounter!" Song Mingye raised his glass, his smile radiant. "Cheers!" everyone responded in unison, their glasses clinking together with a crisp sound.

Qi Zihao excitedly shared photos he'd taken over the past few days. The photos included a sunrise from the mountaintop, fireflies by the stream, and smiles on everyone's faces. "Look at this one! Chu Xiaoche looked so serious carrying me down the mountain!" Qi Zihao pointed at the photo, his eyes crinkling with laughter. Chu Xiaoche reached out and ruffled his hair, his eyes full of affection: "You're too heavy, you almost exhausted me." Qi Zihao pouted, unconvinced: "I'm not heavy at all!" Everyone laughed at this.

Jiang Ziyu took out his painting and showed it to everyone. The painting depicted the courtyard of a guesthouse, with the sun setting and string lights illuminating the scene. Six people sat together, their smiles radiant. "It's so beautifully painted!" Qi Zihao couldn't help but exclaim. Mu Nanjin looked at the painting, his eyes gentle: "This is the best gift I've ever received." Jiang Ziyu's cheeks flushed, and he lowered his head shyly.

The aroma of barbecue filled the courtyard. Song Mingye picked up a skewer of grilled chicken wings, carefully removed the bones, and handed it to Song Linchuan, saying, "Be careful, it's hot." Song Linchuan took it, his face beaming with happiness. Chu Xiaoche also grilled Qi Zihao's favorite meat skewers, watching him eat with relish, filling him with satisfaction. Mu Nanjin patiently peeled shrimp for Jiang Ziyu, placing the peeled shrimp into his bowl.

Halfway through the party, Qi Zihao suggested everyone sing. He took out his phone and played a familiar melody. Chu Xiaoche was the first to stand up, pick up the microphone, and sing with deep emotion: "You are a ray of light that fell into my world, rushing towards me, and all things grow..." His gaze remained fixed on Qi Zihao, his voice full of tenderness. Qi Zihao listened quietly, his eyes gradually welling up with tears.

Then, Jiang Ziyu stood up as well. He didn't sing, but instead recited a poem, Mu Nanjin's favorite. "I was originally a carefree man in the locust blossom courtyard, my clothes reeking of wine. I sat by the small pond watching the fish, my eyebrows raised as I lived my life amidst the smoke and fire..." His voice was deep and affectionate, his gaze fixed intently on Mu Nanjin. Mu Nanjin looked at him, her eyes filled with emotion, and gently clapped her hands.

Song Mingye and Song Linchuan sang a song they both loved. Their voices blended perfectly, and the song was filled with happiness. Everyone listened quietly, gentle smiles on their faces.

As night deepened, the party drew to a close. Everyone sat in the courtyard, chatting and sharing their innermost thoughts. Qi Zihao leaned on Chu Xiaoche's shoulder and whispered, "I really don't want to leave." Chu Xiaoche held his hand tightly: "It's okay, we can come often in the future." Jiang Ziyu looked at Mu Nanjin beside him and said earnestly, "Let's go see an art exhibition together when we get back." Mu Nanjin nodded: "Okay, whatever you say."

Looking at the people around him, Song Mingye felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He knew that although this homestay trip had ended, their friendship would not fade. In the days to come, they would accompany and support each other like family, walking together through every spring, summer, autumn, and winter of their lives.

The next morning, everyone packed their luggage and prepared to leave the guesthouse. The guesthouse owner saw them to the door, smiling and saying, "Come visit again anytime!" "Definitely!" everyone replied in unison.

The car slowly drove away from the guesthouse. Qi Zihao leaned against the window, watching the guesthouse disappear into the distance, his heart filled with reluctance. Chu Xiaoche held his hand and gently comforted him, "Don't be sad, we'll come back." Qi Zihao nodded, turned his head, and smiled at him.

Jiang Ziyu leaned on Mu Nanjin's shoulder, gazing at the scenery outside the window, his heart filled with anticipation. He knew that his life with Mu Nanjin was just beginning after returning to the city.

Song Mingye and Song Linchuan sat in the front row. Song Linchuan was nestled in Song Mingye's arms, sleeping soundly. Song Mingye looked at his sleeping face, a faint smile playing on his lips. He gently held his hand, silently vowing to take good care of him and give him a happy future.

The car drove along the highway, sunlight streaming in through the windows, warm and bright. Memories of the old windowsill kissed by the evening breeze, like this warm sunlight, remain forever in their hearts. Their story continues, carrying the warmth of the guesthouse, the sweetness between lovers, flowing slowly and gently through the long river of time.