Chapter 78
The air on the terrace seemed to still hold the warmth of last night's starlight and vows. The simple yet dazzling ring sat securely on Su Rui's finger, a perfect fit. The cool platinum had long since been warmed by her body heat, becoming a warm and reassuring presence.
After Ling Yao's confession and the question "Do you?", there was a long, almost suffocating embrace. Su Rui's tears silently soaked Ling Yao's shoulders. It wasn't sadness, but an immense, almost overwhelming happiness and a sense of belonging that had finally settled. His voice, "I do," was choked with sobs, but crystal clear, and every word struck Ling Yao's heart.
Later that night, they embraced each other and talked for a long time under the starry sky, returning to the house only when the night dew began to thicken. Even lying in bed, their fingers were still intertwined, the presence of the ring a stark reminder that this was not a dream.
The next morning, the abundant sunlight from southern France crept lazily into the bedroom through the cracks in the wooden blinds, creating several bright beams of light in the air, and tiny dust particles danced in it.
The sun gently caressed the faces of the two sleeping in each other's embrace. Ling Yao woke first, subconsciously tightening his arms and holding the person in his arms even tighter. Looking down, he saw Su Rui's peaceful sleeping face, her long eyelashes casting a light shadow under her eyes, and a faint, reassuring smile seemed to curl at the corners of her lips. The sun cast a soft golden edge on his fair skin, making him look warm and beautiful.
Ling Yao's gaze slowly dropped, settling on Su Rui's hand resting on his chest—and the ring on her middle finger that shone with a subtle glow.
A surge of satisfaction and happiness instantly seized him. He lowered his head and kissed Su Rui's forehead and the tip of her nose very lightly and cherishingly, and finally, he gently covered her slightly open, soft lips.
Su Rui slowly awoke to this gentle touch. Opening her eyes, she fell into Ling Yao's deep, loving gaze. Everything from last night flooded back into her mind, and her cheeks instantly flushed. But she stopped trying to avoid him, instead meeting his gaze with a shy yet incredibly sweet smile.
"Good morning." Ling Yao's voice was hoarse from waking up in the morning and had an indelible tenderness.
"Good morning." Su Rui responded softly and moved his fingers subconsciously. The cool touch of the ring reminded him of the reality of all this.
Ling Yao took his ring-wearing hand and brought it to his lips, placing a solemn and warm kiss on the ring. Their eyes met, and no more words were needed. The air was filled with silent joy and peace.
They stayed in bed for a while longer, enjoying the quietness of not having to rush and not being disturbed. The sun was getting warmer, and outside the window came the chirping of birds and the faint sounds of a distant market.
The days that followed were like being soaked in honey. They still rode their bicycles along the country roads, explored the more distant river valleys, shared a large plate of seafood in a strange little restaurant where only locals were present, or shared a novel under the grape trellis in the afternoon. Su Rui rested her head on Ling Yao's legs and fell asleep unknowingly.
Ling Yao's control seemed to have quietly faded under the sunlight. He became exceptionally patient and indulgent, his gaze constantly following Su Rui, filled with undisguised love and possessiveness. It was no longer a suffocating pressure, but a cherishing that bordered on reverence. He would secretly use his phone to snap countless photos of Su Rui—her profile as she bent over fruit, her face beaming with laughter, her hair dyed red by the setting sun, even her peaceful sleep. These photos replaced the screenshots of conversations he'd deliberately tried to avoid in public, becoming the most precious treasures in his private album.
Su Rui also immersed himself in an unprecedented sense of security. The ring was like a silent amulet. He became more relaxed, smiled more often, and occasionally even asked for a hug or a kiss.
Like all ordinary lovers, they greedily absorbed the sweetness of every minute and every second, and deeply engraved the sunshine, breeze, fragrance of olive trees and love for each other in the deepest part of their memories.
This holiday felt like an infinitely stretched, flawless dream. They both tacitly agreed not to think about the world beyond, but to grasp the present moment, reveling in this sun-kissed happiness that seemed to belong only to the two of them.
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