Chapter 70 Coma: So Close Yet So Far Apart
And so, amidst Shen Mi's eager anticipation, they finally welcomed the Spring Bathing Festival.
As dawn broke, the courtyard, still damp from last night's heavy rain, carried a thin layer of mist. Stepping on the flagstones created gentle ripples. The sunlight hadn't fully penetrated, and the entire courtyard seemed shrouded in mist. The plants sprouted new green shoots through the mist, and the air was filled with the unique freshness of the morning and the fragrance of earth.
Shen Mi woke up earlier than usual, and after washing up, she nimbly went into the kitchen. She tied on her apron, rolled up her sleeves, scooped out the rice she had prepared in advance, steamed the side dishes she had chopped the night before, then spread them out on top of the rice, added vegetables and the prepared sauce, carefully layering them one by one, and finally shaping them into rice balls, then carefully wrapping them in a plastic bag. Honey-glazed chicken cutlet, salted egg yolk and pork floss, mashed potatoes and ham, preserved vegetable and pork tenderloin... several flavors were arranged neatly, each one plump and firm, a feast for the eyes and the palate.
She also used small stickers of different colors to mark them for easy identification. The few that belonged to Jingyuan naturally received extra treatment—she carefully placed them in a delicate little box, with "custom stickers" that she had ordered from the World Wide Web on the lid.
The little white cat on the sticker is sprawled out on the bed, fast asleep, so tired that it doesn't even care about its appearance anymore. The artist is quite "honest" in drawing it, even showing its two testicles clearly without any attempt to cover them up.
Shen Mi looked at it and suddenly laughed. He couldn't help but flick the kitten's bottom with his finger. Afterwards, he felt he had gone too far and covered his mouth to reprimand himself for his behavior: "That's too tacky."
To avoid being poisoned by such a thought-provoking gift, Shen Mi quickly and solemnly placed the box of "Jing Yuan's Exclusive Rice Balls" on the top layer of the food box. Once everything was ready, Shen Mi took off her apron, checked the time, and realized it was exactly forty minutes before their agreed departure time.
She stepped out of the kitchen, where sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows into the living room, casting soft shadows.
The house was quiet, the bedroom door was closed, just like always.
Shen Mi stood at the door, gently raised her hand and knocked twice, her voice restrained and soft, as if afraid of disturbing the sleep inside.
"Jingyuan...it's time to get up." She whispered to him, pressing her ear against the door.
There was a two-second silence in the room, followed by a faint rustling sound from the other end. Then, a slightly sleepy male voice drifted out, low and husky, as if carrying the lingering weariness of early morning sleep: "...Please come in."
Shen Mi hesitated for a moment, then reached out and pushed the door open.
Beside the bed, a screen had been placed there sometime earlier. Its sandalwood carvings gave it a warm luster, partially obscuring the bed. Sunlight streamed in from the window, outlining a hazy silhouette and casting soft shadows on the screen…
Shen Mi unconsciously swallowed, and mentally reminded him more carefully, "Jing Yuan, are you up? I'm coming in."
She stepped into the room, her gaze passing over the screen. She saw Jing Yuan leaning against the bed, one hand supporting his forehead, his silver-white hair cascading down, a few strands clinging to his face. He had just woken up; his robe was slightly open and disheveled, revealing a clear outline of his collarbone. His eyes still held a lingering drowsiness, his golden pupils seemingly shimmering with a soft light. The beauty mark at the corner of his eye resembled a tear glistening in his eye, a silent accusation of sleep deprivation.
Shen Mi was stunned for a moment, and his steps slowed down involuntarily.
"What?" Jing Yuan noticed her gaze, raised an eyebrow slightly, his eyes half-open and half-closed, his tone containing a hint of a smile, "Is there something in the corner of my eye?"
"No!" Shen Mi suddenly turned around, avoiding the deliberately depicted scene of spring's first light in the early morning.
She quickly added, "Jingyuan... hurry up and change your clothes, I've already made breakfast... I'll wait for you outside."
A low chuckle came from behind, carrying a hint of smug laziness and pleasure: "Alright, I'm coming."
Shen Mi didn't look back, her steps almost frantic as she hurried away. But the pounding in her heart still felt jolted off by that glance, like drumsticks hitting water, creating ripples that wouldn't subside. She plopped down on the sofa, her mind still adrift, feeling lightheaded, until a few seconds later, her soul slowly returned to its place.
A moment later, the bedroom door opened.
Jing Yuan stepped out, looking different from usual today—a lake-blue brocade robe with peach blossom patterns accentuated his tall and straight figure, his silver-white hair was lightly tied back with a pink hairpin, and a silver-white jade belt hung quietly at his waist. He looked like a nobleman in springtime who had stepped out of a painting, gentle yet sharp.
Shen Mi paused slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes, which she quickly suppressed. But Jing Yuan had already noticed that fleeting expression.
A slight smile played on his lips, his eyes sparkled with laughter, and his tone was casual yet tinged with pleasure: "Hmm? Isn't this a bit too much?"
Shen Mi quickly looked away, her ears turning slightly red, and feigned composure as she said, "It's...it's very good...it suits you perfectly."
Looking at her embarrassed yet forced composure, Jing Yuan's smile deepened. He said nothing more, but simply walked to her side, as light as the wind brushing against a branch, gentle yet undeniable.
After finishing breakfast, Shen Mi went back to the kitchen and tidied up, putting the rice balls one by one into a bag and folding them neatly. Turning her head, she saw that Jing Yuan had taken the initiative to wash the dishes. He rinsed the spatula in the sink with clean water and put the teacups and chopsticks away neatly. His movements were so skilled that Shen Mi couldn't help but glance at him a few times.
One cooks, the other washes the dishes; their teamwork is getting better and better.
"If we took a picture of the general washing dishes, I bet a lot of people would want it," she joked with a laugh.
Upon hearing this, Jing Yuan raised an eyebrow without looking up, his tone calm and matter-of-fact: "Then how many patrol coins am I worth in Miss Chen Mi's hands?"
Shen Mi chuckled twice and said cheerfully, "Priceless, exclusively for the photographer's collection."
Upon hearing this, Jing Yuan finally raised his head, his eyes slightly curved, as if pleased by her "exclusive collection," and a faint smile appeared on his lips.
"Oh?" he replied slowly, his voice deliberately low and heavy. "It sounds like I hold a lot of importance in your heart..."
Shen Mi didn't hear his last muttered sentence. He stuffed Jing Yuan's rice ball lunchbox into an insulated bag, stood up straight, clapped his hands, and said with feigned smugness, "Alright, we can set off now!"
Today, Shen Mi wore a light green Song Dynasty-style outer jacket over a pale yellow embroidered camisole, the colors fresh and flattering, yet soft and gentle. A delicate white beaded necklace adorned her neck, swaying gently with her steps and shimmering with a warm glow in the morning light. She had changed into matching skirt-trousers for easier walking, making her look both comfortable and neat, exuding a calm and composed springtime charm.
Shen Mi picked up the car keys, opened the door, and got out. The two of them got into the Starship one after the other. Shen Mi sat in the driver's seat, skillfully fastened her seatbelt, and placed her hands on the control lever. The navigation screen had already displayed the route, and she looked down to check the meeting point location that Bai Xuan had sent last night.
"Are you driving today?" Jing Yuan raised an eyebrow.
"What, are you worried?" Shen Mi glanced at him. "Even Master Bai Xuan said that I drive more steadily now than you did back then."
The starship slowly started, a halo of light rising above the courtyard ground before it gracefully took off. The early morning sunlight shone on their faces, making the cabin warm and inviting.
She took control of the direction, carrying him to the meeting point, towards that long-awaited spring trip.
They arrived at the meeting point smoothly—a suburban forest farm that Bai Xuan had chosen in advance. It was located in the outskirts of the city, and Shen Mi had checked it beforehand. It was one of the most popular places for spring outings during the Spring Bathing Festival.
The morning light was just right. Last night's heavy rain had washed away the dust. The distant mountains were lush and verdant, shrouded in mist. The thin fog had not yet completely dissipated, and the scent of damp earth mixed with grass was refreshing.
As soon as you step onto the star-studded raft, you're enveloped by the breathtaking springtime atmosphere. The terrain here is open and surrounded by trees, with a wide meadow in the center. Not far away, a shallow stream meanders through the area, its water crystal clear, occasionally punctuated by leaping wild fish that splash into sparkling spray. All around are groves of bamboo and wild cherry blossoms, their tender pink and fresh green mingling together like a painting slowly unfolding.
It was more beautiful than any scenery she had ever seen in the real world. Chen Mi took a deep breath, and the air filled her lungs as if it had been purified, making her feel comfortable and refreshed.
After everyone unloaded their gear, some flew kites, some spread out picnic blankets, some played in the water, and some even formed a makeshift band, jokingly saying they were going to have a concert on the lawn while adjusting the sound system.
Song Hou also came. This time, he not only came by himself, but also brought his sister Gan Tang. Shen Mi finally met the person he had mentioned who was particularly skilled in making incense.
After a brief greeting, Shen Mi went to say hello to Bai Xuan. She looked left and right, but never saw Bai Qi.
"Master, where is Senior Sister Bai Qi?"
Bai Xuan stroked his beard and said in a slightly serious tone, "She has something to do today and can't come. Tell us to have fun. Oh, and she asked me to apologize to you."
"Sorry?" Shen Mi was taken aback, somewhat puzzled.
"She apologized for having been hostile towards you before."
Oh... Shen Mi knew what it was about, and then smiled and said, "It's nothing serious, tell her not to worry about it."
Shen Mi carefully recalled everything that had happened. She seemed to have never suffered a loss at Bai Qi's hands. The word "sorry" was too heavy for her to accept.
After the little incident, someone suggested that everyone play a game. One lucky person would be chosen to hold an item, and the rest of the group would form a circle and sing together. Before the song ended, the lucky person would have to secretly place the item behind the person they chose. The chosen person would not only have to discover it in time but also catch the lucky person to win.
Upon hearing this, Shen Mi realized it was just like the game she played as a child, "Drop the Handkerchief," and excitedly signed up immediately. Since Shen Mi was participating, Jing Yuan naturally joined in as well.
They played like this all morning, their cheeks flushed from the spring breeze, even their smiles tinged with a warm sense of relaxation. She felt she hadn't felt this relaxed in a long time—no exams, no announcements, no danger warnings, and no mountains of tasks; everything was light and joyful.
At noon, everyone gathered to set up camp and prepare lunch. The tents were lined up at the edge of the grassland. Some people were boiling water, while others were preparing food using portable stoves. Chen Mi, carrying her picnic bag and a special little lunchbox, looked around, searching for the figure that should be in her sight.
But she looked left and right, and still couldn't find Jingyuan anywhere.
She frowned, walked over to Bai Xuan, and asked softly, "Have you seen Jing Yuan? I brought his rice balls, but I haven't seen him at all."
Bai Xuan was directing several trainees to set up tents when she heard this. She paused and gestured towards the woods with her chin: "A few tent poles are missing. He said he'd go to the nearby woods to find some sturdy branches to prop them up. They should be over there. I'll take you there."
"No need, Master, I can go by myself." Shen Mi glanced at the direction Bai Xuan pointed and estimated that it wasn't far.
Carrying her lunchbox, she walked in the direction Bai Xuan had pointed. Ahead lay lush greenery, shaded by trees, bathed in the gentle spring light. The wind carried the fragrance of flowers, and soft grass and damp earth lay at her feet. She looked down at the small lunchbox in her hand. The white cat on the sticker was sleeping soundly, sprawled out. Suddenly, she thought of Jing Yuan's expression when he received it, and a small smile involuntarily crept onto her lips.
"Jingyuan?" she called as she walked, her voice soft but carrying the lightness and vitality unique to spring. "Are you up ahead? I brought your rice balls..."
There was no one to answer; only the wind rustling through the forest, carrying the sound of bamboo leaves.
Footsteps rose behind him, and Chen Mi turned around excitedly...
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Author's Note: To find out what happens next, please read the next chapter—[Let me see][Let me see][Let me see]
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