Chapter 33: For the stars, working hard...
Song Xingran lowered his head and kissed him.
He pinched her chin with one hand, the force was very light but irresistible, and the other hand was still around her waist.
The kiss was very shallow, just the touch of lips, but it was more heart-pounding than any deep kiss.
Wen Mu could smell the faint scent of aftershave on him, mixed with the warm fragrance of cotton cloth soaked in the sun.
The man didn't let go of her until he heard friendly whistles and applause. He lowered his eyes to look at the person in his arms, and his fingertips caressed the corners of her red lips.
"Message me when you get off the plane."
"I'll send it when I get home. Don't go to school today, take a day off."
Wen Mu's lips were still slightly numb. She rubbed them and said, "I understand."
After a pause, he added softly, "What a worrywart."
The sunlight danced on her lenses, and Song Xingran couldn't see her eyes clearly.
He had a lot to say, he wanted her not to leave, he wanted to ask her when she would come again, but in the end he just tightened his grip on her wrist.
"Then I'm leaving."
"Yeah." Song Xingran nodded, his Adam's apple rolling, "Wait for me to get back."
Wen Mu nodded slightly, turned and walked towards the security checkpoint.
Song Xingran stood still, his gaze following the thin figure. His T-shirt draped over her, swaying with each step, and the tail of her hair swept against her neck, where he still left traces of her hair from last night.
Only when her figure completely disappeared at the end of the security check passage did Song Xingran slowly turn around.
He touched the corner of his lips, where the warmth of her lips still seemed to remain, and he couldn't help but chuckle.
"Don't even look back at me."
The sound was very soft and quickly dissipated in the noisy voices of the airport.
He took a few steps forward, then stopped for some unknown reason and looked back.
At the elevator entrance, a shadowy figure stood there, looking in his direction. Seeing him turn around, Wen Mu raised his hand and waved. The movement was small, but it made his heart waver.
Song Xingran subconsciously raised his hand, but the woman had already turned and stepped onto the escalator. Her back resembled a birch tree, thin and upright, as she was gradually carried higher by the elevator and finally disappeared from sight.
It seemed as if all the sounds faded away at this moment.
He could only hear his own violent heartbeat.
Boom. Boom. Boom.
It’s like the first time I stood on the F1 starting grid as a teenager, waiting for the moment when the five red lights went out.
He knew what it felt like.
*
At the end of October, all the leaves of the sycamore trees in Ningchuan had fallen, leaving only bare branches trembling in the cold wind.
The early morning mist shrouded the Ningbo University campus, and the dome of the Astronomy Building was looming in the mist, like a lonely planet.
Wen Mu wrapped her camel coat tightly around her and hurried to the lab. Over the past three months, she and Yu Mo had made breakthrough progress in their research on the atmospheric composition of hot Jupiters.
They successfully established a new spectral analysis model that can more accurately determine the methane content in the atmospheres of exoplanets. The paper has been submitted to Nature Astronomy and is awaiting review.
"Good morning, Sister Amu!" Meng Meng handed over a cup of hot Orange C American coffee. "Last night's data has been processed."
Wen Mu took the coffee and nodded in the steam.
She originally only drank iced American coffee. American coffee was too bitter and only temperature could reduce the bitterness.
But Song Xingran didn't let her drink it because he knew that she drank iced American coffee during her period last month and was in so much pain that she had to lie in bed at home for several days.
She still remembered that day when she was lying on the bed covered in sweat and Qin Yi brought her some hot fermented rice wine.
That's when the call came.
Qin Yi didn't know that she had lied to Song Xingran that she just had a common cold. When she answered the phone, the man's tone was already unhappy.
"Wen Mu, what the hell are you doing? You're drinking ice cold drinks during your period. Don't you want to get better?"
Wen Mu was stunned, and Qin Yi was also stunned.
We have been married for almost half a year, but this is the first time I see Song Xingran so angry.
The voice was cold and hard, and suppressed anger could be heard.
Qin Yi explained in a gentle voice: "Aran, don't worry, Zhizhi has been too busy recently and has been staying up late. She can't stand it without coffee. I've already told her that she won't do it again."
There was silence on the other end of the phone for a while, and Song Xingran's voice softened: "My tone was not good just now, Teacher Wen, please don't be angry."
Wen Mu was speechless and could only shake his head.
Qin Yi understood what she meant: "Ah Ran, Zhizhi is fine. She has taken painkillers and will be well soon. She is still feeling a little uncomfortable and can't speak. When she is better, ask her to call you back."
The man grumbled, "Mom, you've worked hard. You and Dad should take care of yourselves. I'll be back soon, in December, no later than the end of the month. I'll take care of her then."
Who wants him to take care of it?
Wen Mu buried his head in the pillow and clutched the corner of his clothes at his lower abdomen.
There was a tearing pain there, which made her uncomfortable and scared.
Will giving birth hurt like this?
It should be many times more painful than this.
She couldn't help but wonder: What exactly makes a woman willing to have a child? How much courage and responsibility do those women who become mothers have?
This is a difficult question, and one that she has never figured out.
The pain was drowned out by sleepiness, and she still couldn't figure out the answer to the question.
Wen Mu's life during this period was as regular as an atomic clock. He arrived at the lab at 7 a.m., had a light lunch in the office, and often worked until the observatory closed. The only variable was the video call that would punctually start at 9:30 p.m. every night.
"Ding." The phone screen lit up, and a message came from a contact named "Mars Brother":
[Training will end late tonight, I'll call you at 10 o'clock]
She changed the note she had given him after returning from Brussels.
She forgot the day, but she was texting Song Xingran. Yu Mo came over to take a look and saw the untouched "Lgnis" on the note. She couldn't help but wonder, "Is that the note you sent to your husband?"
"Isn't it possible?" Wen Mu asked in confusion.
Yu Mo curled her lips: "This is too boring, my baby."
Wen Mu: "It seems that he and I don't need this kind of thing."
Except for changing clothes at certain times.
Yu Mo: "You don't understand this, right? Men, especially young men, are incredibly possessive. As soon as they see your note isn't something like 'husband' or 'baby', they'll immediately turn on you, saying you don't care about him, you don't like him, you've fallen in love with someone else. That's the kind that triggers a combo."
Wen Mu frowned.
So, it’s just because of age, nothing else.
"You seem very experienced."
Yu Mo was embarrassed: "Well, I just had a fight with my boyfriend two days ago, just because of this."
Wen Mu: "What did you note to Xiao Ning?"
Yu Mo: "Student Ning."
Wen Mu commented: "That's true, just like colleagues."
Yu Mo glared: "You're still talking about me? Aren't you just like a stranger?"
Wen Mu looked at her: "So what did you change it to?"
Yu Mo pursed her lips for a moment before saying, "My young wife."
"puff--"
The two of them turned around at the same time and saw Xu Yuesheng, who had sprayed coffee all over the floor.
"Cough, cough, cough," he choked and coughed, "Sisters, I don't mean anything else. I just think you guys really know how to have fun."
Wen Mu held his chin and asked, "What do you think I should change?"
Yu Mo: "Your own husband, don't you want him?"
The final result was that Wen Musi thought about it and with a flick of his hand, changed the note to "Brother Mars".
Of course, the bigger reason is that she likes Brother Mars.
Wen Mu was a little embarrassed at first. After all, it felt weird to call a man who was four years younger than him "brother".
But later she didn't care anymore, since Song Xingran didn't know anyway.
Mars Brother: [What did you drink today? ]
Jupiter: [Image]
Jupiter: [Orange C Americano, hot.]
Mars Brother: [Very well behaved]
When his eyes touched these two words, Wen Mu's cheeks felt slightly hot.
What the hell? Now it’s his turn to say that she is “good”.
She was keenly aware that her older brother's status was being shaken, so she decided to teach him a lesson.
Before I could finish my words, another message came in.
Mars Brother: [I'm going out, wait for me at night]
Wen Mu sighed.
Jupiter: [Roger that.]
In the past two months, Song Xingran's competition schedule has been as dense as a beehive: from the Belgian station to the Italian station, and then to the Japanese station, he travels between different time zones almost every week.
But they tacitly found a way to get along with each other: when she woke up in the early morning, she would receive the training video he sent before going to bed; before she left the laboratory late at night, she would always receive his video call.
The topics of their calls varied widely: sometimes he showed off his newly modified racing engine, sometimes she explained the characteristics of the newly discovered hot Jupiters.
Most of the time, they just kept their video chats going, each busy with their own things: he sweating profusely in the gym, she analyzing data on her computer, occasionally looking up and smiling at each other, as if the other was right beside them.
Song Xingran's season has been a rollercoaster: he retired from the Japan Grand Prix due to engine failure, but secured victory in the Singapore Grand Prix.
Wen Mu still remembers that late night, when he was wearing a champagne-stained racing suit and video-called her in the lounge behind the podium. His eyes were so bright that they seemed to contain the entire galaxy: "Teacher Wen, I won!"
"I see." She was at the observatory at the time, her eyes curved into crescents behind her lenses. "During the interview, you said you wanted to dedicate this victory to someone important?"
The man chuckled: "What do you think?"
Wen Mu raised an eyebrow: "Then I will accept it reluctantly."
*
At half past five, Wen Mu pushed open the door of the Song family villa, and a gust of warm air hit her face. As she bent down to change her shoes, a furry shadow pounced on her, its paws resting on her knees, its tail wagging like a propeller.
"Gasoline!" Wen Mu squatted down and rubbed the Husky's head.
Five-month-old Jiayou had grown a lot taller, with fluffy fur and sparkling blue eyes. He excitedly nudged himself into her arms. Wen Mu smiled and scratched his chin. The dog immediately squinted his eyes in comfort and made a gurgling sound in his throat.
"Amu is back?" Shen Sui came out of the kitchen, holding a plate of freshly cut fruit, looking at her with a smile, "Just right, the meal is just ready, come and eat."
Wen Mu nodded and followed Shen Sui into the dining room. Several home-cooked dishes were already laid out on the table, and the aroma filled the air.
Shen Sui poured her a bowl of soup and asked casually, "Is the lab busy lately?"
"Fortunately, the project is progressing smoothly." Wen Mu took the bowl, lowered his head and took a sip. It was fresh and fragrant.
Shen Sui sighed, his tone filled with helplessness: "A Ran's next game is in Barcelona. I had discussed with your father about going to see him. But your father told me yesterday that he had to go on a business trip and couldn't go."
Wen Mu paused and said comfortingly, "He said he will be back in a month. It will be soon."
Chen Sui shook his head, frowning slightly: "I didn't agree to him playing with cars at the beginning because he was away from home. Your father and I are worried every day. You said that if he was in China, at least he could get there quickly if something happened. But he has to be in Europe, alas."
She paused, her voice lowered a few degrees, "You don't know, when I got a call from his boss saying he was injured and now lying in the hospital, my heart was in my throat."
Wen Mu's hand holding the chopsticks paused slightly.
She never asked Song Xingran about that game.
She didn't even know how badly he was injured, or if anyone was with him when he was lying alone in the hospital.
Suddenly, there was a sour feeling in my chest, as if something was gently gripping it.
She lowered her eyes, her fingertips unconsciously stroking the edge of the bowl. After a while, she spoke softly, "Mom, I'll go see him."
Shen Sui was stunned for a moment, then his eyes lit up: "Really?"
Wen Mu nodded: "Well, it just so happens that the lab hasn't been so busy recently."
Shen Sui suddenly smiled and immediately picked up the phone: "Then I'll book a plane ticket for you!"
Wen Mu held her hand helplessly: "Mom, I can do it myself."
*
November 1, Barcelona, sunny.
Wen Mu was standing in the hotel lobby, dragging his suitcase.
She didn't tell Song Xingran that she was coming. She wanted to give him a surprise like last time.
According to his habit, he would stay in the hotel closest to the track before the race, and this five-star hotel was right next to the track, only a ten-minute walk away.
She walked to the front desk and handed over her passport: "Hello, check in."
The receptionist took the passport, glanced at it, and suddenly revealed a mysterious smile: "Miss Wen?"
Wen Mu was stunned.
The receptionist smiled but said nothing. She just handed her a room card and said, "Here's your room card. It's on the top floor, with the best view."
Wen Mu took the room card hesitantly, feeling vaguely that something was wrong, but he couldn't put his finger on it.
She took the elevator upstairs, swiped her card and pushed open the door.
The room was pitch black, the heavy curtains drawn tightly, not allowing even a ray of light to penetrate.
She frowned and reached for the switch on the wall.
Just as her fingertips touched the cold wall, suddenly, a warm palm covered her and directly grabbed her wrist.
Wen Mu's breathing hitched, and before she could react, she was pinned against the wall. A tall figure pressed down, his hot breath wafting into her ear, carrying the familiar scent of mint.
Her tense nerves relaxed the moment she smelled that scent. She hugged the man's neck and tilted her head back to meet his kiss.
It was as if I wanted to pour all the longing I had felt for the past three months into it.
After a long time, he finally let go of her, rested his forehead against hers, and smiled softly: "Do you like the surprise I gave you?"
Wen Mu panted, and it took him a while to find his voice again: "Little liar."
Song Xingran chuckled, picked her up and strode towards the floor-to-ceiling window.
"What are you doing?"
"Let me show you the scenery." He smiled evilly, put her on the soft couch by the window, then turned over and pressed on her, gently stroking her cheek with his fingers.
"The scenery here is the best, it makes you look even more beautiful."
Outside the window, you can see the night view of Barcelona.
The Sagrada Familia in the distance stood majestically in the night, the city lights twinkled like stars, and the overlapping figures of the two were reflected on the glass windows.
Wen Mu'er's ears felt hot, and her fingertips pressed against his chest: "Don't do it here."
Song Xingran raised an eyebrow, his fingers already reaching into her skirt: "Why? Are you afraid of being seen?"
Wen Mu bit his lip: "This is my first time at home. Can you see through that window from outside?"
She had been holding it in for so long and finally found a chance to ask him.
The man chuckled, "Yeah, I can see it."
"What should I do, Teacher Wen?"
"We were all seen."
Before Wen Mu could reach out to hit him, his lips were blocked.
It took a long time before he was released.
"I can't bear to let others see you."
"I wish I could lock you up at home, day and night, so I'm the only one who can see you."
…
I don’t know how many hours later.
Wen Mu collapsed on the bed, staring at the ceiling and emptying his mind.
A short separation is better than a new marriage, the ancients were right.
The man was even more aggressive than the first night. He stopped talking dirty and didn't kiss her much. He just focused on working hard.
In front of me was the cold floor-to-ceiling window, and behind me was his hot body.
Wen Mu felt that he was almost going to die here.
Song Xingran came out of the bathroom, wearing only a bath towel, with water dripping down her abdominal muscles. He walked to the bed and leaned over to lift her clothes.
Wen Mu closed his eyes and pushed him weakly: "Song Xingran, stop."
He chuckled: "No more, just go to sleep."
Wen Mu didn't care whether he was lying or not and fell asleep directly.
In a daze, she felt her clothes being lifted up, and something slightly cool was applied to her collarbone and waist.
The man seemed to be talking to himself: "I can't bite this next time."
*
Barcelona, November 2, sunny.
Wen Mu looked down at his clothes and frowned slightly.
This is a silver and black racing suit jacket with Song Xingran's team logo and name printed on the back, and a small "SR" embroidered on the cuffs - it is obviously a customized cheering suit.
She had never worn such flamboyant clothes in her life.
"How is it? Doesn't it look good?" Song Xingran stood in front of her, his eyes shining like stars. His fingers gently fiddled with the zipper of her collar. "I told you that this looks really good on you."
"I asked them to prepare it a long time ago, and the size is just right."
Wen Mu forced a smile: "Yeah."
"nice."
Song Xingran raised an eyebrow, obviously seeing through her reluctance, but he was in a very good mood and directly took her hand: "Come on, I'll take you to a good spot."
The trackside was already bustling with people, the auditorium was packed, and flags of various colors fluttered in the wind.
Song Xingran took her through the VIP channel and directly to the viewing platform above the team's P room - the position with the best view, where the entire track could be seen.
When the team staff saw Song Xingran, they all greeted him with a smile, but they couldn't help but glance at Wen Mu with curious eyes.
Song Xingran raised his hand directly, blocking Wen Mu, and said in a bad tone: "Get lost."
Everyone immediately dispersed tactfully.
Wen Mu was helpless: "What are you doing?"
Song Xingran chuckled and leaned over to whisper in her ear: "They are not worthy to look at you."
Wen Mu'er's roots felt hot, and before she could say anything, the man had already straightened up and gently tapped the tip of her nose with his finger: "Watch carefully, how your husband brings the championship to you today."
His voice was low and firm, with an unquestionable arrogance, yet it made people inexplicably convinced.
Wen Mu looked at that uninhibited face and his heart suddenly skipped a beat.
On the big screen, Song Xingran's face was magnified several times, so clear that even the curvature of his eyelashes could be seen clearly.
He was wearing a team baseball cap, and his peach blossom eyes were slightly tilted up under the brim of the cap. The blue earring on his left ear sparkled in the sun, making him look bold and dazzling.
The reporter handed the microphone to him and asked in English: "Song, you look good today?"
Song Xingran curled his lips lazily: "Not bad."
"Is there any special reason?" the reporter asked with a smile, "It seems that you are in a particularly good mood today."
On the big screen, Song Xingran suddenly turned his head and looked straight in a certain direction.
A smile slowly formed at the corners of his lips, and the sharpness in his eyes faded, leaving only undisguised tenderness and complacency.
"because--"
"My wife came to watch me play."
-----------------------
The author has something to say: I think Brother Mars is really suitable for Master Song. Hahahaha
When I was writing it, it was a flash of inspiration.
Just got a big one [laughing and crying]
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