Chapter 75 The Seventy-fifth Day of Restraint Because She Will Be By My Side From Now On...
When Lan Cen answered Dan Yin's call, Meng Chuan was still pestering her.
Hearing that it was Shan Yin on the other end, Lan Cen sat up straight, and Meng Chuan also stopped acting naughty and stared nervously at the phone in Lan Cen's hand.
Upon learning that Shan Yin had asked Lan Cen out for dinner, Meng Chuan repeatedly warned him not to reveal Pei Yunhe's secrets, otherwise Pei Yunhe would definitely not give him a good look.
Lan Cen glanced at Meng Chuan and said, "I've always said there's no need to hide those things from the past. I really don't understand the way you men think."
Meng Chuan felt wronged for being implicated for no reason. "It's not like I do good deeds without leaving my name. I really hope that you know all the good things I have done."
"Come on, you were always harassing me in high school. Have you ever done anything good?"
Finally, Lan Cen gave Meng Chuan a look that said, "Follow yourselves," and packed up to go to the appointment.
Shan Yin chose a quiet and low-key private restaurant. When Lan Cen went over, he saw her sitting far away in a guest seat in the corner. She was not wearing a cheongsam like the day they first met, but a simple moon-white dress, which made her look elegant and approachable.
Lan Cen thought of a line of poetry: The pear blossoms in the courtyard are bathed in the bright moonlight, and the catkins in the pond are gently blown by the wind.
When Shan Yin first transferred to the class, this sentence came to Lan Cen's mind.
She liked this gentle and tough Yunsu girl very much, as a classmate and as a class monitor. Even though Shan Yin always had a vague sense of alienation towards others, she was willing to get closer to her and help her in any way she could.
She didn't expect that after so many years, the person she thought she would never have any contact with again was in front of her again, and she was willing to ask her for help.
Lan Cen curled the corners of her mouth, put down her handbag and sat down.
"Squad leader." Shan Yin also smiled and called out the old name he was used to.
Lan Cen didn't care and nodded at her.
Shan Yin pushed the menu over and said, "I haven't been in Nanqiao long, but this restaurant was recommended by Pei Yunhe before. I thought since you guys hang out together, your tastes would probably be similar. Feel free to order whatever you want. If you don't like anything, we can go somewhere else."
Lan Cen didn't bother to be polite with her, but when he heard her mention Pei Yunhe, the smile on his lips became even more pronounced.
"I didn't expect it. I thought you wouldn't come to Nanqiao again. But after all this time, you ended up marrying Pei Yunhe."
"I didn't expect that either." Shan Yin's eyes curved, "I didn't expect that you and Meng Chuan... I thought you had been at odds since you were little..."
Lan Cen raised his eyelids from the menu and looked at her. They looked at each other, and the originally polite atmosphere suddenly changed, and they both laughed.
After a few pleasantries and the order for the dishes, Shan Yin and Lan Cen sat face to face, no longer beating around the bush.
Lan Cen knew what Shan Yin wanted to ask, and Shan Yin also knew that Lan Cen must know something.
She said, "I used to only care about my own things in class, and I didn't interact much with my classmates. Now that I think about it, my impression of Pei Yunhe... I only vaguely remember that he seemed to have been solemnly confessed to at the beginning of the school year? At that time, I thought he was a bad boy."
Lan Cen laughed when he heard this. "That's not the case. If you want to say who is bad or muddy, Meng Chuan is somewhat bad, but Pei Yunhe is not."
That’s not the point.
Shan Yin picked up the cup and took a sip of water. "I forgot about him, and I always feel guilty about it. But he doesn't want to talk about the past. Every time I ask him, he says he doesn't remember, but he clearly remembers that we were classmates. So I wanted to ask you and Meng Chuan."
"You were here on the wedding day, right? I know he was close to you. Is there something else that I'm forgetting that he's embarrassed to tell me?"
This question hit the nail on the head. Lan Cen lowered her eyes and glanced at her phone screen. Just a second ago, Meng Chuan sent her a message asking her not to let the cat out of the bag.
But probably the person with the leaky mouth had already revealed the fact that she and Shan Yin were having dinner alone to Pei Yunhe, and Pei Yunhe also sent a message.
Lan Cen glanced at him, then looked up at Shan Yin.
"Maybe there are some things that are hard to say directly, but don't worry, as far as I know, they are not bad things."
While the waiter was setting the dishes, she leaned over and asked, "You really want to know? It's really no big deal."
Dan Yin didn't want to eat, but she solemnly put down her chopsticks, staring at Lan Cen and saying seriously, "In the past, I was immersed in my own family affairs and didn't pay attention to my interactions with others. It was impolite. But now, Pei Yunhe is my husband. He treats me well, and there is no reason for me to ignore his kindness and forget it. So I want to know more."
Lan Cen bit his chopsticks and said, "You are quite honest."
Shan Yin smiled: "It's not about being honest or not, this way it will be fairer to him."
"Maybe he just doesn't want you to worry too much?"
Shan Yin thought for a moment and answered firmly: "But we are already husband and wife. There is no reason for him to bear all the burdens."
Having said that, Lan Cen looked at Shan Yin and sighed: "I wish Meng Chuan was half as mature as you two."
At the end of the meal, Lan Cen still refused to tell Shan Yin the things that Pei Yunhe had hidden.
Shan Yin did not force him and chatted with Lan Cen about their recent situation. When they were about to pay the bill and leave, Lan Cen replied to a few messages on his phone before looking up and making a proposal to Shan Yin.
"I heard Pei Yunhe is also on vacation recently? He's such a workaholic, it's really rare."
Shan Yin was stunned for a moment, then he smiled again, "Yes, something happened in Yunsu before, and I have been recuperating since then."
"How about this? I see the weather's nice these days, and it's been hot and stuffy, so why don't we call a few of our friends and go rafting in the mountains together?"
Lan Cen seemed to have an idea and showed Shan Yin the photos in her phone.
"It's Baiyun Mountain near Nanqiao. It's cool there and not too high. Don't worry, we've been there many times. We can just play at the foot of the mountain or on the mountainside. Pei Yunhe doesn't need to walk around much."
The mountain scenery in the photo is indeed beautiful, with gurgling water and lush greenery, and it looks a little familiar.
Seeing that Shan Yin was a little moved, Lan Cen took the opportunity to say, "Let's go out and play with some old classmates. Maybe you and he will tell each other about the past. Then Pei Yunhe won't be able to blame others for letting the secret slip."
This makes sense, and she doesn't need to ask it in a roundabout way. Maybe Pei Yunhe will tell it himself.
Shan Yin nodded, and Lan Cen was relieved. The two agreed on a time and went back to call their respective companions, and the matter was settled.
When they drove back to the old house, Pei Yunhe was standing in the front yard watching the flowers and playing with the birds. Shan Yin was stunned when she saw him, thinking that he was waiting here to pick her up.
Pei Yunhe rolled his eyes, pretending to be relaxed and natural, took her handbag and brought her in front of him.
"Going to eat? With friends?"
Shan Yin glanced at him and said without hiding anything from him: "I have an appointment with the squad leader, Lan Cen."
Pei Yunhe said "oh" and ruffled her hair absentmindedly, "Why did you ask her out? Since you're inviting her to dinner, why don't you invite me and Meng Chuan?"
Shan Yin felt an itch on her neck, so she turned her head away and said seriously, "It's not necessary to bring family members with you for everything. She and I can talk alone."
"Okay, okay, I won't restrict you." Pei Yunhe had no intention of restricting her, he was just thinking about something else.
Shan Yin also thought that Pei Yunhe might be afraid that Lan Cen would reveal what he was holding back. She turned around, put her arm around Pei Yunhe's waist and comforted him: "The squad leader didn't say anything to me. Don't worry, she is a person who knows how to be modest and respectful."
Pei Yunhe raised his eyes to the sky and said, "I don't care what you say."
Say one thing and mean another.
Shan Yin's chest trembled and he smiled.
She didn't expose Pei Yunhe's mistake, but only told him about their agreement after dinner: "The squad leader knows that you are on vacation recently, and asked us to go hiking and tracing the river in Baiyun Mountain. Do you want to go?"
"Do you want to go?" Pei Yunhe asked Shan Yin.
Rather than his still-recovering legs and feet, he was more worried that Shan Yin was not good at or liked outdoor sports. If she didn't like it, then give up.
Unexpectedly, Shan Yin nodded: "I want to go."
Putting aside the exploration of the past, she really wanted to know more about Pei Yunhe.
She wanted to know about his life and his circle of friends. The past could not be made up for, so she wanted to be involved in the future.
Pei Yunhe looked at Shan Yin quietly for a few seconds, as if he had made some decision, and the corners of his mouth suddenly curled up.
"Okay, let's go then."
/
Baiyun Mountain is located in the suburbs of Nanqiao, but it is not too remote. On the appointed day, several people drove two cars, Pei Yunhe and Shan Yin in one car and Meng Chuan and Lan Cen in another. They chatted all the way and soon arrived at the foot of the mountain.
Of course, it was basically Meng Chuan who was chattering all the way. Pei Yunhe and Lan Cen were annoyed by his chatter. Only Shan Yin had a good temper and occasionally replied to him.
After getting off the car, they hiked a short distance on the mountain road. Pei Yunhe pulled Shan Yin and prevented Meng Chuan from getting close.
Meng Chuan laughed at him for watching his wife too closely and not trusting her at all.
"Even though I, Master Meng, am a dashing, handsome man with an irresistible charm, I wouldn't want to seduce your wife. Besides, is your wife that kind of person?"
Pei Yunhe glanced at him, and Lan Cen sneered at Meng Chuan, "I don't trust you. Don't lead Shan Yin astray."
After saying that, Lan Cen twisted Meng Chuan's arm and led the others forward, "We'll go up and set up camp first, you two can take your time."
Pei Yunhe's legs and feet are still in the recovery period, and Dan Yin is frail. It is obvious that he is not someone who does outdoor sports all year round, so everyone takes good care of them.
Moreover, this was the first time that Pei Yunhe brought Shan Yin in front of everyone. Even though his friends were curious and gossipy, they didn't dare to dance in front of the real person.
These guys have been friends since childhood, and everyone knows that Pei Yunhe is protective and vindictive.
He was wearing a thin stone green windbreaker today, the style of which was somewhat similar to the one in the photo Lan Cen posted on his WeChat Moments. He held a trekking pole in his left hand and supported Shan Yin with his right hand.
The surroundings are densely green, and the water sometimes converges into a stream, and sometimes disperses into a long and thin stream that flows down from the feet. The sunlight is just right but not scorching, and it shines on the water, making the ripples sparkle like shining jewels.
Shan Yin supported Pei Yunhe and tried hard to keep up with the pace of the people in front. She was a little out of breath, but even though the people in front were laughing and joking, Pei Yunhe could still hear it.
He deliberately slowed down his pace, pretending to be weak and leaning against Shan Yin, "Slow down, I didn't realize you have such good legs. My legs are not fully recovered yet."
Shan Yin looked back at him. The man raised his eyebrows, with a gentle smile between his brows. Although he was leaning lazily on half of her body, he did not look tired at all.
It was obvious at first glance that he was pretending to be nice to her.
Shan Yin curled his lips, unscrewed the kettle, took a sip, and then handed the kettle to Pei Yunhe's lips.
"We all came here together. It's not good for us to lag behind. We can't ask them to do everything."
Pei Yunhe frowned, without even extending his hand, and took a sip from Shan Yin's hand. His thin lips were rosy and shiny, and the first thing he said was, "Thank you, my wife. My wife is so considerate."
Shan Yin's vision and hearing were shocked, and she suddenly felt a little hot under the sun. Her outdoor clothes today were all picked by Pei Yunhe. He must be afraid that she would catch a cold, so he made her wear so many clothes. She was so hot that her face turned red.
Shan Yin ignored his nonsense and continued to chase the person in front.
"Alas, my wife is grown up and can't be controlled by others. Why did you abandon me after just chatting with them for a few words?"
Pei Yunhe followed behind, wailing continuously, while Shan Yin continued walking with his head down, smiling.
This mountain road was both familiar and unfamiliar. She remembered the photo in Lan Cen’s circle of friends. She wondered if they were also climbing Baiyun Mountain at that time?
Pei Yunhe looked very handsome in the photo at that time, but there was always a bit of seriousness and alienation in the gentleness of his eyes.
They often say that he is a workaholic. Maybe this is one of the reasons?
Shan Yin suddenly slowed down, stepped on a big rock and looked back at Pei Yunhe.
Under the bright sunlight, the surroundings were full of vitality, and Pei Yunhe seemed to be full of vitality as well. In a trance, one could even see some of his youthful appearance.
It overlapped with the figure frozen in the photo, the only difference was that Pei Yunhe's eyes and eyebrows were smiling today. Even if he fell behind or was angered by her, he was not anxious or upset. Instead, he always looked calm and lazy.
A sense of relaxation emanated from his entire body, and his gentle and elegant demeanor became more realistic, no longer mixed with a hint of resentment as before.
She rarely stared at him so intently. Pei Yunhe noticed her gaze, but when he raised his eyes, he heard a click.
Shan Yin took out his cell phone and recorded Pei Yunhe like this.
Pei Yunhe laughed: "Why are you taking pictures of me?"
Shan Yin curved the corners of his lips and answered openly, "You look good."
Instead, Pei Yunhe felt a little embarrassed. "Why are you praising me in broad daylight?"
Shan Yin was sincere, "Pei Yunhe, you look really good now, and you look good when you smile. I hope everything goes well for you in the future, and you always smile."
This inexplicable blessing touched Pei Yunhe's heart.
He didn't know whether Dan Yin knew the reason for his change, but he understood what Dan Yin meant.
So he also curled the corners of his lips, smiled knowingly, and raised his voice to solemnly reply to Shan Yin.
"I will."
He would, because she would be by his side in the future.
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The author has something to say: "The pear blossoms in the courtyard are bathed in the moonlight, the catkins in the pond are gently blown by the wind." From "Untitled: The Oil-Painted Fragrant Carriage Will Never Meet Again."
The next chapter contains some high school memories, still about someone doing good deeds without leaving a name, and explains some of the foreshadowing before, explaining why someone's confession was unsuccessful [oh oh oh]
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