Back at the bookstore, it was already late. Lou Yunchun had been running around all day and looked a little tired. Xu Jiang asked him to go home and rest, but he refused.
He said, "I didn't stay up with you last night, so I'll make it up to you tonight."
The capital city had a tradition of staying up all night during the winter solstice, but Xu Jiang's hometown didn't have that custom, so she went to bed early last night. She hadn't cared much about it at first, but now, after hearing what Lou Yunchun said, she felt a pity. Seeing that he insisted on staying, she agreed.
The donkey was very unhappy. Seeing Lou Yunchun leading the horse over, it started slapping the donkey, pretending to bite the horse. But the horse knew it was a coward, so it pushed the donkey to the back and lay down with a clear conscience.
The donkey was so angry that he kept braying. This stupid horse had taken over his nest again!
A stove was lit in the library. Xu Jiang brought a mattress and spread it beside the stove, adding two cushions. It looked quite warm. Just as she was about to sit down to try it out, Yue Nu got there first, jumped on it, and rolled over twice.
She rubbed Yue Nu's belly and said, "If you feel comfortable, then there's no need to try."
After laying out the mat, she got up and went to the kitchen to prepare a few plates of cakes, dried fruits, jerky and other snacks to go with the tea later.
By the time Lou Yunchun had settled the donkey and horse and came in, Xu Jiang had already set out the food and was about to make fruit tea.
Lou Yunchun followed her around, watching her cut oranges and crack rock honey, until Xu Jiang finally put the pot on the stove, then he took her into his arms and held her tightly.
Xu Jiang asked, "Are you tired?"
He hummed and buried his head in Xu Jiang's shoulder.
Xu Jiang patted his back, feeling a little distressed. This man was not made of iron either.
The water on the stove boiled and the two separated.
Xu Jiang pulled Yue Nu off the mat, pulled Lou Yunchun to sit down, and poured tea for them.
"It's sweet, try it." She pushed the teacup in front of Lou Yunchun.
Lou Yunchun took a small sip before slowly finishing the cup of fruit tea. Xu Jiang couldn't help but smile, remembering how he had behaved the same way when he first came to the shop to enjoy her tea and wine.
Did I ever imagine that I would be with him today?
The word "fate" is indeed mysterious.
Seeing her staring at him, Lou Yunchun reached out to her.
Xu Jiang smiled and held it. "This is my first winter solstice in the capital, and also my first time staying up all night to celebrate the New Year. What's the custom of staying up all night in the capital?"
Lou Yunchun put down his teacup and leaned against her. "It's pretty much the same as staying up all night during the New Year. We worship our ancestors, light lanterns to illuminate the new year, and celebrate with our family."
Light lanterns to illuminate the new year and celebrate with family.
The lamp on the table was bright, illuminating the room with a dim light. Lou Yunchun and Xu Jiang spoke at the same time.
"Happy Winter Solstice."
Then they both laughed out loud at the same time.
Yue Nu crawled in front of Xu Jiang and called out to her. Xu Jiang picked her up and asked, "Is Yue Nu here to congratulate you too?"
Yue Nu kept yelling at her, asking why she wasn’t feeding him because she was hungry.
Xu Jiang thought it was responding to her, and was a little surprised, so she kissed its round forehead and said lovingly, "Yue Nu is well too."
Lou Yunchun grabbed Yue Nu and held her in his arms, rubbing her randomly until she got angry and ran away. Then he put his face in front of her and glanced at her out of the corner of his eye.
Xu Jiang laughed heartily, and just when she was about to annoy the man, she kissed his hot cheek.
"Moon Slave, Happy Winter Solstice."
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