Chapter 37

The cicadas' chirping gradually subsided, a refreshing breeze picked up, and the green leaves on the branches quietly turned pale yellow, as autumn began to unfold. Song Linchuan scrolled through orchard guides on his phone, his fingertips tapping incessantly on the screen: "Brother, look at this apple orchard! The reviews say the apples are big and sweet, let's go pick some!"

Song Mingye had just finished a task, put down his computer, walked over, and wrapped his arms around Song Mingye's waist from behind. His gaze fell on the screen: "Great, it's a good opportunity to taste the first sweetness of autumn." His voice was filled with laughter, and he was no longer as weak as he had been when he was sick. His posture was also much more upright.

The message reached the group chat, and Qi Zihao replied instantly: "I have to go! I want to fill a camera with red apples!" Chu Xiaoche followed up with a reply: "I'll drive, and I'll bring a picnic mat. We can have lunch in the garden after we pick them." Jiang Ziyu sent a sketch of red apples: "I want to draw a tree full of fruit." Mu Nanjin added: "I'll help you carry your art supplies."

On the day of departure, the sky was clear and the clouds drifted like cotton wool across the blue sky. As the car drove away from the city, the rice paddies along the roadside rippled with golden waves, and occasionally, farmers could be seen bending over to harvest. Song Linchuan leaned against the car window, pointing to the fruit trees in the distance: "Brother, look, aren't we almost there?" Song Mingye smiled and nodded: "Almost there, smell it, the wind already smells of apples."

The orchard owner was already waiting at the entrance. Seeing them, he enthusiastically handed them a bamboo basket and scissors: "Pick whatever you like inside, the ripest ones are the sweetest!" Qi Zihao took the basket, pulled Chu Xiaoche along, and ran deeper into the orchard, his camera hanging around his neck, swinging back and forth. "Slow down, don't fall!" Chu Xiaoche followed helplessly, his eyes full of doting affection.

Song Mingye, holding Song Linchuan's hand, slowly walked into the orchard. Bright red apples hung heavily on the branches, like little lanterns, glistening enticingly in the sunlight. Song Linchuan tiptoed, reached for a large, red apple, gently cut it off with scissors, and held it to Song Mingye's lips: "Brother, try a bite first." Song Mingye took a big bite; the juice was abundant, sweet with a hint of tartness, and his mouth was filled with the fresh fragrance of autumn: "So sweet."

Jiang Ziyu found the apple tree with the densest fruit, set up his easel, and began sketching. Mu Nanjin stood beside him, shielding him from the glaring sunlight and occasionally handing him a paintbrush. "Nanjin, look at the color of this apple. How can I make it more vibrant?" Jiang Ziyu asked, looking up. Mu Nanjin leaned down to look at the paper and said softly, "Add a touch of vermilion, and try mixing in a bit of orange." Jiang Ziyu nodded, and with a light twirl of his brush, the apple's color instantly came to life.

Qi Zihao excitedly wandered through the orchard, snapping photos of branches laden with fruit and Song Linchuan picking apples. Chu Xiaoche followed behind him, carrying the basket full of apples. "Xiaoche, look at this apple, doesn't it look like a little sun?" Qi Zihao held up a round, red apple to the camera. Chu Xiaoche smiled and adjusted the angle for him: "Yes, it does. Get a little closer when you take the picture."

Around noon, everyone arrived at the lawn deep in the orchard, carrying loads of apples. Chu Xiaoche spread out a picnic blanket and took out the food he had prepared in advance: sandwiches, sushi, fruit salad, and freshly picked apples. Song Linchuan cut the apples into small pieces, put them on a plate, and distributed them to everyone: "Try them, freshly picked ones are definitely different."

While eating his sandwich, Qi Zihao flipped through the photos on his camera: "Mingye, Achuan, look at this one, it's so well taken!" Song Mingye leaned over to look at it, smiling and nodding: "It's really good, send me one later." Jiang Ziyu then took out his finished sketch and handed it to everyone: "I'm done." In the picture, bright red apples hung all over the branches, and several small figures were drawn under the tree, which were the six of them. "It's so beautiful!" Song Linchuan couldn't help but exclaim.

After lunch, everyone lay down on the picnic mat to rest. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground. Song Linchuan leaned on Song Mingye's shoulder, listening to the rustling of the leaves in the wind, feeling particularly content. "Brother, shall we come back to pick apples again next year?" Song Linchuan whispered. Song Mingye nodded and gently patted his back: "Okay, we'll come every autumn from now on."

Qi Zihao leaned against Chu Xiaoche's chest, playing with an apple and humming a song. Chu Xiaoche lowered his head and planted a kiss on his forehead: "Do you like it here?" Qi Zihao nodded vigorously: "I love it! There's food, there's fun, and you're with me."

Jiang Ziyu closed his eyes, leaning against Mu Nanjin, feeling the tranquility of autumn. Mu Nanjin gently held his hand, feeling the warmth of his touch. "Are you tired?" Mu Nanjin asked softly. Jiang Ziyu shook his head: "Not tired, just feeling very comfortable."

As the sun set, everyone packed up their things, ready to leave the orchard. The owner packed two large boxes full of apples for them, smiling and saying, "Take these home for your families to try, and come back next year!" "Definitely!" everyone replied in unison.

As the car drove away from the orchard, the roadside scenery was gradually enveloped in twilight. Song Linchuan leaned on Song Mingye's shoulder, holding an apple in his hand, taking a bite every now and then. Song Mingye looked at his contented expression, his face full of smiles. He knew that this kind of simple and happy life was what he wanted most.

As the evening breeze kissed the old window sill, the car had already entered the city. The car was filled with the sweet scent of apples and laughter. Song Mingye looked at his loved ones and friends beside him, his heart filled with warmth. He knew that in every spring, summer, autumn, and winter to come, they would be together like this, picking the sweet fruits of autumn together, experiencing the beauty of life together, and turning every ordinary day into a poem.