Chapter 78 They kissed! They really kissed! And it was tongue kissing…
Lin Yan's carriage creaked and groaned as it rolled along the official road, kicking up fine dust.
After traveling for five days straight, he felt like his bones were about to fall apart, every muscle was screaming in agony, and his soul seemed to have already floated out of his body, hovering on the roof of the carriage, lamenting that even this corporate slave couldn't escape the fate of business trips after transmigrating.
"My lord, we've reached the outskirts of the capital. Shall we rest and have some lunch?" On the carriage shaft, Jin Jiu, acting as the temporary driver, spoke with his usual flat tone, but his attentiveness was comparable to that of a top-notch assistant.
Lin Yan gave a weak "hmm," his voice so thin it sounded like it was being squeezed out of his throat: "I...I have to rest. If I don't stop, these old bones of mine won't make it."
Kim Gu: "".
The carriage slowly came to a stop at the entrance of the post station.
Lin Yan practically scrambled off the carriage, his steps unsteady, his vision blurred, and he nearly fell headfirst into the arms of the old stone lion at the entrance of the post station.
The aroma of food wafting from the inn made his meager stomach rumble loudly.
I casually ordered two light side dishes and a bowl of rice, then sat on a bench in the corner, eating as if chewing wax—mainly because I was tired and my sense of taste was temporarily offline.
After finishing his meal and downing a whole pot of warm, coarse tea, Lin Yan felt his soul slowly drift back and successfully reconnect with his body.
We'll arrive in Beijing this afternoon!
This thought acted like a shot of adrenaline, allowing him to muster his strength and climb back into the carriage.
Fortunately, he doesn't get carsick, otherwise he really would have had to log off.
The wheels began to turn again, steadily moving towards the capital.
The closer one gets to the capital, the smoother the official road becomes, and the scenery along the road gradually changes from desolate to more human-filled.
The early spring breeze still carries a chill, but you can already smell the earthy scent and the fresh fragrance of new buds.
Lin Yan leaned against the carriage wall, feeling drowsy. He was already thinking about whether to go home and collapse after returning to the capital, or to force himself to go to the palace to report to Xiao Che.
Sigh, I miss Xiao Che, but he's so tired, so very tired.
Just as Lin Yan was getting sleepy from the jolting of the carriage, the carriage slowly came to a stop once again.
"Are we there?" Lin Yan asked groggily, instinctively lifting a corner of the carriage curtain to look outside.
Wait a minute, we haven't even reached the city gate yet, it looks like we're near the Ten Mile Pavilion outside the capital.
Then, he saw Kim Gu's expressionless face turn around, his voice seemingly carrying a hidden meaning.
"Sir, please come out for a moment."
Lin Yan: "???"
What's going on? There's no village or shop in sight, why would they make him get off the bus? Are they giving him free water? But he doesn't need to at the moment.
Despite being full of doubts, Lin Yan, trusting Jin Jiu's professional competence, rubbed his sleepy eyes and bent down to climb out of the carriage.
The warm afternoon sun of early spring shone down, carrying just the right temperature, causing him to unconsciously squint.
After his eyes adjusted to the light, he casually looked up—
In that one glance, it felt as if someone had gently pinched the softest spot in his heart, sending a tingling sensation coursing through his entire body.
Not far away, clear river water flows slowly, its surface shimmering, reflecting the azure sky and drifting clouds.
On the bank, a graceful weeping willow has just sprouted new buds. Its tender green leaves look as if they were carefully carved from the finest jade. They sway gently in the breeze, scattering a scattering of tiny, dancing spots of light on the ground.
Under the willow tree, a man stood with his hands behind his back.
The man was dressed in a dark-colored casual outfit, the fabric of which flowed with subtle yet luxurious dark patterns in the sunlight. His dark hair was tied up with a simple jade hairpin, and a few strands of hair were blown by the spring breeze, brushing past his well-defined jawline.
His posture was as upright as a pine tree, yet he did not exude the imposing aura of someone from the imperial court. Instead, he blended into the early spring scenery, appearing calm and gentle.
Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the willow branches, casting dappled shadows on his handsome profile. His long, thick eyelashes drooped, obscuring the emotions deep within his eyes. Only his slightly pursed lips betrayed a hint of barely perceptible anticipation.
Spring waters are just beginning to rise, and spring forests are just beginning to flourish.
A spring breeze of ten miles is not as good as... him.
Lin Yan's heart felt as if it had been suddenly clenched and then released, and began to beat wildly.
My mind went completely blank; all the fatigue, complaints, and even the ability to think evaporated in that moment.
In my eyes, there was only the person standing under the willow tree, as if he had been waiting for a long time.
Xiao Che.
What is he doing here? When did he arrive? Was he waiting for me?
A tremendous surprise overwhelmed Lin Yan like a surging tide.
He even forgot to bow, forgot about hierarchy, and forgot that there were imperial guards around him who had just returned to their posts and were pretending not to exist.
The body reacts faster than the brain.
Under the watchful eyes of everyone, their usually respectful and courteous Lord Lin, as if drawn by an invisible thread, or like a weary bird finally returning to its nest, stared unblinkingly at the emperor under the willow tree, and then—
She took a step, walking faster and faster, until finally, almost like a swallow returning to its nest, she rushed straight into that dark embrace without a care in the world.
Xiao Che seemed to have anticipated this, and the moment he pounced, he opened his arms and caught him steadily, even taking a half step back due to the force of the impact, giving him a firm embrace.
The warmth of his body seeped through his clothes, and the familiar and comforting scent of agarwood instantly enveloped Lin Yan.
Lin Yan buried her face in Xiao Che's neck, greedily inhaling the scent of sunshine and faint sandalwood fragrance. Her arms were tightly wrapped around Xiao Che's waist, as if she wanted to make up for all the time they had been apart.
Xiao Che's arms were also very tight, one arm around his back, the other hand gently pressing on the back of his head, the palm warm.
The two embraced tightly on the riverbank in early spring, beneath the tender buds of the willow trees.
The surroundings were completely silent, with only the rustling of willow leaves in the wind and the murmuring of the river.
After a long while, Lin Yan's muffled voice came from Xiao Che's shoulder: "Why has Your Majesty come?"
Xiao Che lowered his head, gently rubbing his chin against the top of his head. His voice was deep and gentle, a tone he only used when facing him: "I've been calculating the time, you should have arrived by now, so I came to wait for you."
Wait and see? The distance from the palace to the outskirts of the city is ten miles, which is not a distance that can be "wait and see".
Lin Yan felt a mix of emotions, both bittersweet and tender, and hugged him even tighter: "Have you been waiting long?"
"Not long," Xiao Che said with a smile, "It won't be long since I saw you."
The cheesy pickup lines came out of nowhere, making Lin Yan's ears burn, but his heart was as sweet as if a whole jar of honey had been spilled.
Lin Yan looked up at Xiao Che with bright eyes. Her cheeks were flushed from her previous burying her head, and her hair was a little messy. "Xiao Che, I missed you."
They addressed each other by name, a bold yet intimate gesture.
Xiao Che's eyes darkened, but instead of being displeased, the smile in his eyes deepened, as if filled with stars: "Yes, I know."
I miss you too. Every day, every moment.
The two hugged for a while longer, as if they had endless thoughts to share with each other through their close embrace.
As a slightly chilly spring breeze blew by, Lin Yan subconsciously shivered.
Xiao Che immediately noticed and released his embrace, but took the opportunity to grasp the man's slightly cool hand, frowning slightly: "Your hands are so cold, is there a hand warmer in the carriage?"
"My hands get cold quickly..." Lin Yan muttered softly, letting him hold them, the warmth from his fingertips so comforting that he didn't want to move.
"Let's go back to the carriage." Xiao Che took his hand and walked towards the imperial carriage that was obviously many times more luxurious and comfortable than Lin Yan's carriage.
The imperial envoy's guards had already been positioned to protect the two men, their backs to them, forming a perfect barrier.
Kim Gu has long since disappeared into obscurity, his achievements and fame hidden away.
Xiao Che first helped Lin Yan into the carriage, and then followed him in.
The carriage was spacious inside, covered with thick, soft blankets. A small stove was fixed in the corner, radiating warmth. A pot of hot tea was warming on a small table, and the air was filled with the elegant aroma of tea and the unique scent of agarwood that Xiao Che wore.
Compared to Lin Yan's bumpy, drafty official vehicle, this place was simply paradise.
People really do prefer a good life.
Xiao Che helped Lin Yan sit on the cushion and poured him a cup of hot tea to warm his hands.
The carriage started moving slowly, so smoothly that you could hardly feel any bumps.
Xiao Che seemed to suddenly remember something, lifted the carriage curtain, and whispered an instruction to the guard driving the carriage.
The carriage soon stopped again.
Xiao Che got out of the carriage himself, walked to the willow tree, and broke off a willow branch that had just sprouted soft, green buds before returning to the carriage.
Lin Yan held her teacup and looked at him curiously: "Why are you breaking off willow branches?"
"Here, take it." Xiao Che answered naturally, holding the willow branch, his well-defined fingers deftly turning it.
The tender green willow branches twined and bent around his fingertips, quickly forming a delicate and round willow wreath, adorned with fuzzy new buds, full of vitality.
Xiao Che carefully adjusted the shape, then leaned over and gently placed the willow wreath, still carrying the scent of spring, on Lin Yan's head.
His movements were gentle, his gaze focused, as if he were accomplishing something extremely important.
Lin Yan froze, subconsciously raising her hand to touch the soft willow wreath on her head, her heart skipping a beat.
Willow... means to stay.
Lin Yan looked up and met Xiao Che's deep eyes, where his image and undisguised emotions were clearly reflected.
Without any hesitation, he suddenly reached out and hugged Xiao Che again, burying his face in his chest. His voice was muffled, but full of joy and determination: "Xiao Che, I will always be by your side."
Xiao Che was slightly taken aback by his sudden second embrace, then a gentle smile spread across his eyes. He pulled his arms around him and hugged him back, patting his back softly: "Okay."
Overjoyed at receiving the promise, Lin Yan felt that simply holding it wasn't enough to express her feelings at that moment.
He lifted his head from Xiao Che's embrace, his eyes shining brightly, his cheeks flushed, as if he had mustered up a great deal of courage. Looking at Xiao Che's beautifully shaped thin lips so close to his own, he blurted out in a moment of impulse, "Xiao Che, can you kiss me?"
Lin Yan regretted her words as soon as she finished speaking; her cheeks flushed red, and her eyes began to dart away.
Ahhh!
What insane and lewd words are you spouting!
Why can't I control my mouth!
Although... I really want to kiss him...
Xiao Che was clearly taken aback by Lin Yan's request. He froze, staring at Lin Yan's embarrassed yet expectant expression, his eyes suddenly darkening like unyielding ink.
The shock lasted only a moment, followed by a surge of excitement.
How could he let such an opportunity slip by?
"As you wish." He lowered his head and slowly approached.
Lin Yan's eyelashes trembled with nervousness, and she instinctively closed her eyes. Her heart pounded wildly, as if it were about to burst out of her chest.
The initial touch on the lips was as gentle as a flower petal, carrying a sense of tentative exploration and immense cherishing, gently grinding and sucking, warm and soft.
Lin Yan felt a surge of electricity coursing through her body from their pressed lips, her limbs went weak, and she unconsciously gripped Xiao Che's clothes tightly.
However, this brief kiss was clearly insufficient to satisfy the long-suppressed longing and desire.
Xiao Che's breathing gradually became heavier, and the arms around Lin Yan's waist tightened, pressing him even deeper into himself.
The initially gentle kiss gradually deepened, with an irresistible force, prying open Lin Yan's slightly pursed lips and teeth due to nervousness, and penetrating deeply, conquering and plundering.
The unfamiliar scent completely overwhelmed Lin Yan's senses, carrying the aroma of tea and Xiao Che's unique, cold fragrance—domineering yet intoxicating.
Lin Yan's mind went blank, and he could only awkwardly and passively endure the increasingly intense kiss.
It seemed as if all the oxygen had been taken away from him, and he couldn't help but let out a soft whimper, his body trembling slightly.
Lin Yan felt like she was about to suffocate and couldn't help but gently push Xiao Che's chest before Xiao Che slowly backed away, still wanting more.
Their foreheads touched, their breaths mingling, both somewhat rapid.
Lin Yan's cheeks were flushed, her eyelashes were wet, and her lips were swollen and moist from being kissed. She was slightly open and panting, looking like she had been bullied badly.
Xiao Che looked at him with deep eyes, his Adam's apple bobbing as he tried his best to suppress the urge to kiss him again.
Lin Yan caught her breath and buried her burning face in Xiao Che's arms.
[Holy shit! Holy shit! Holy shit!]
They kissed! They really kissed! And it was a French kiss!
So this is what kissing feels like! It's numbing, my soul is flying away...
[I never expected Xiao Che to be so good at kissing! Did he secretly practice so he could kiss me better?]
As Xiao Che listened to the incoherent, rambling thoughts in his ear, a hidden smile and satisfaction flashed in his eyes, but he held the person even tighter.
I'm sorry, I'm self-taught and exceptionally gifted.
Lin Yan nestled in Xiao Che's arms, savoring the deep, soul-stirring kiss from just moments before, the corners of her mouth involuntarily curving upwards.
Hehe, Xiao Che is so good at kissing.
The carriage traveled smoothly towards the capital.
Xiao Che longed to take her back to the palace and have a good talk with her to ease his longing.
But seeing the lingering weariness between Lin Yan's brows, he ultimately restrained his selfish desires.
"I'll take you home first, so you can rest and spend time with your family." Xiao Che straightened his slightly disheveled clothes and hair, his voice regaining its usual gentleness. "It's not too late to go to the palace tomorrow."
Lin Yan felt a warmth in her heart and nodded: "Okay."
The carriage stopped at the gate of the Lin residence.
Lin Yan lingered, reluctant to get out of the car, clutching Xiao Che's sleeve, her eyes filled with reluctance.
Seeing his clingy appearance, Xiao Che's heart melted completely, and he couldn't help but lower his head and place a gentle kiss on his forehead: "Go."
Lin Yan then got out of the car, looking back every few steps.
Standing under the carriage, he watched as the carriage curtain was about to be lowered, and Xiao Che's handsome face was about to be revealed. In a moment of anxiety, he suddenly grabbed the carriage frame, leaned inside, and quickly pecked Xiao Che's lips again.
"I'm leaving! See you tomorrow!" Having successfully ambushed his prey, Lin Yan left those words behind, turned around, and ran away like a thief who had taken advantage of the situation and was afraid of being caught. His heart was pounding, his cheeks were flushed, and he slipped into the mansion gate in an instant and disappeared.
Xiao Che stood frozen in the car, his fingertips unconsciously tracing the lips that had just been attacked, where the soft, warm touch seemed to still linger.
Watching that fleeing figure, he finally couldn't help but chuckle softly, his chest heaving, his joy overflowing.
Only after the side gate of the Lin residence was completely closed did Xiao Che slowly suppress his smile and order, "Return to the palace."
The carriage started moving again, and the cheerful and sweet atmosphere seemed to still linger inside.
Xiao Che leaned against the carriage wall, closed his eyes, and unconsciously rubbed his fingertips together.
It's going to be so long before we can see each other again tomorrow.
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Author's Note: Xinmei finally met his wife! [doge emoji]
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