Chapter 34: For the stars, are you still doing it...
The audience erupted in deafening cheers and whistles. Wen Mu, sitting in the VIP viewing area, felt the blood rushing to his cheeks.
The big screen still captured her with her eyes slightly wide open, and her silver and black cheering uniform made her skin look as white as snow.
She subconsciously wanted to lower her head, but the team manager's wife beside her gently touched her arm: "Don't hide, my dear friend, you are very beautiful."
The blond French woman smiled and said, "Song never talks about private matters in public. You are the first one."
Wen Mu pursed his lips, his fingertips unconsciously stroking the word "SR" embroidered on the cuffs.
In the past, on the campus of Ningbo University, she had seen many scenes of public confessions, including people placing candles, playing guitars, and shouting from the bottom of the teaching building.
She always felt that such behavior was too ostentatious, immature, and even a little childish.
But when she heard Song Xingran say to the whole world, "My wife came to watch my game," she didn't feel disgusted at all.
She looked at him standing in the sun, his brows full of high spirits, but her heart beat faster and faster uncontrollably.
The roar of engines from the starting area brought Wen Mu back to reality. Twenty cars stood like beasts poised for action. Song Xingran's No. 5 car, silver and black, shone with a cool metallic sheen in the sunlight. Its lines were as smooth as a blade, and the sponsor's logo was clearly visible on the rear wing.
Five red lights lit up one after another and then went out at the same time.
Car No. 5 shot out like an arrow, leaping from fifth to third place the instant it took off. The audience erupted in cheers, and Wen Mu unconsciously gripped the railing.
"Song's starts are always so beautiful," Jean explained to her from the side, "but today she was particularly fierce. It seems like having my wife around makes all the difference."
Wen Mu didn't respond, his eyes fixed on the silver lightning streak on the track. Song Xingran's driving style was extremely aggressive, each corner precise as if measured with a ruler. At Turn 9, he almost brushed past the car in front, completing a thrilling overtake.
"come on."
Wen Mu whispered softly, so softly that only he could hear it.
Her eyes always followed the No. 5 car, watching him set new lap times again and again, watching him turn on the DRS system on the straight and pounce on the car in front like a beast.
By the 40th lap, Song Xingran had firmly established himself in first place. On the final lap, he crossed the finish line with a commanding lead. The checkered flag waved, and the audience rose to their feet and applauded.
The camera on the big screen closely followed the man. He took off his helmet, casually pulling back his sweat-soaked blond hair, revealing his handsome, angular face. He didn't immediately glance at the convoy, but instead raised his head, his gaze fixed in the direction of Wen Mu.
Wen Mu held his breath.
Even at such a distance and despite the noise of the crowd, she could still clearly read his lip movements.
"Wife."
At that moment, it was as if an electric current ran up his spine. Wen Mu felt his heart was about to jump out of his chest, and the only sound in his ears was the sound of rushing blood.
What does it feel like?
Why is it like this, making people lose control, fascinated, and want to experience it again?
*
The celebration banquet was held at the most prestigious Michelin three-star restaurant in Barcelona.
Wen Mu changed into a dark green velvet dress Song Xingran had prepared for her, with her hair loosely tied up, revealing her slender neck. Song Xingran wore a dark blue suit with two buttons of his shirt undone, revealing his well-defined collarbone.
"Nervous?" In the car on the way to the restaurant, Song Xingran pinched Wen Mu's fingers.
Wen Mu shook his head: "I'm just not good at social situations."
"If we don't like it, we won't go."
"I promised you I wouldn't force you."
The man looked serious.
Wen Mu patted his hands: "It's okay. It's just once in a while. Just think of it as——"
"A reward for the champion."
Song Xingran chuckled, threaded his fingers through hers, and interlocked theirs: "Then I have to win a few more championships."
"Don't be afraid, I'm here."
The restaurant was luxuriously decorated, with crystal chandeliers illuminating the entire space like daylight. The team members had already arrived, and upon seeing them enter, they immediately erupted in cheers.
Alex was the first to come forward and opened his arms to hug Wen Mu, but was blocked by Song Xingran who moved sideways.
"Just talk, don't touch me." Song Xingran said with a cold face.
Wen Mu looked at Alex and felt that he looked familiar, but he couldn't remember where he had seen him.
The other person seemed to notice her gaze and winked at her: "I finally met the legendary Professor Wen. Song was bragging in the motorcade every day, saying that his wife was a star researcher."
Wen Mu nodded slightly, maintaining a proper smile. "I'm still a doctoral student, not a professor. I study astronomy, specifically the atmospheres of exoplanets."
"Wow," Alex raised an eyebrow exaggeratedly, "Song's name has stars in it, and you study stars!"
Song Xingran kicked him and said, "You're the only one who talks too much."
After they were seated, the waiter began to serve the dishes. Song Xingran took the menu naturally and ordered a few seafood dishes that Wen Mu liked in fluent Spanish.
When the sommelier came over to recommend red wine, he simply waved his hand and said, "She doesn't drink it. Give her freshly squeezed orange juice."
Halfway through the celebration banquet, Alex came over, a little tipsy, patted Song Xingran on the shoulder and said, "You ran like crazy today, kid. Is it because your wife is beside you that you're extra motivated?"
Song Xingran curled his lips, resting his arms on the back of the warm wooden chair, his fingers occasionally curling the ends of her hair: "It's okay, performing normally."
Wen Mu turned to look at the man beside him. Under the light, Song Xingran's profile was clearly defined, with a jawline as sharp as a knife.
He seemed to notice her gaze, tilted his head, and raised an eyebrow: "What's wrong?"
Wen Mu shook his head and said softly, "Nothing."
But suddenly she realized that she had never really understood the man who had become her husband. His brilliance on the track, the dangers he had experienced, the dream for which he gave everything...
She knew very little of it all.
Song Xingran stared at her for a few seconds, then suddenly leaned closer and whispered in her ear, "Go home and take a look. We have plenty of time."
Warm breath brushed against her ear, and the tips of her ears slowly turned red. She subconsciously tried to dodge, but Song Xingran grabbed her wrist. The man chuckled, his thumb gently rubbing her pulse, feeling her accelerating heartbeat.
"Song," Alex suddenly came over with champagne in hand, "Come, let's toast to our champion couple!"
Song Xingran frowned: "I told her she wouldn't drink."
"I know," Alex said, smiling as he handed over a glass of orange juice. "This is for Professor Wen."
Wen Mu took the cup and thanked him politely.
Just as Alex turned around, she finally remembered why she felt he looked familiar - the Chinese lady she met at the Brussels airport had a photo of her and Alex as her phone screensaver.
She said nothing, just sipped the orange juice and let Song Xingran's fingers linger in her hair.
The noise of the celebration party gradually faded away. At this moment, in her world, it seemed that the only thing left was the high-spirited man beside her and the warmth from his fingertips.
*
When Wen Mu woke up in the middle of the night, the seat next to him was empty.
She reached out and touched the bed sheet. It was cold. It was obvious that Song Xingran had been gone for a while. She fumbled to put on her glasses, lifted the quilt and got out of bed.
There was no light on in the living room, only the night view of Barcelona from outside the floor-to-ceiling window, outlining the man's slender silhouette.
Song Xingran wore a dark bathrobe, loosely tied at the waist, revealing his muscular chest. He stood by the window, a glass of amber wine in his hand, his back erect and lonely.
Wen Mu stood at the entrance of the corridor, looking at him quietly.
The moonlight outlined his profile, his jawline distinct, his nose high, his eyelashes casting a small shadow under his eyes. He was no longer the high-spirited, arrogant young man on the track. Now, he had a more mature man's calm and reserved demeanor.
Wen Mu's heart suddenly skipped a beat.
She walked over, her footsteps were very light, but Song Xingran still noticed it. He turned around and saw that it was her. The gloom between his brows instantly melted away, and a smile appeared on the corner of his lips.
"Why did you come out?"
"You're not here."
Song Xingran put the wine glass on the coffee table and walked towards her.
He leaned closer to her, his breath carrying a faint aroma of whiskey, and asked with a wicked smile, "Why, Teacher Wen can't leave me now?"
Wen Mu pushed his glasses and said calmly, "No."
"I'm afraid you won't be able to come to terms with it and won't be able to explain."
Song Xingran chuckled and reached out to hold her in his arms: "Is that so."
"It's okay, I'm very happy that you care about me."
The man's palm was directly placed on the outside of her thigh, and his palm was warm.
Wen Mu was still wearing his T-shirt, the hem of which hung down to her thighs, and his fingers could almost touch her skin directly.
"Still doing it?" she asked.
Song Xingran raised his eyebrows, as if he didn't expect her to be so direct.
He stared at her for two seconds and shook his head: "No, just talk to me for a while, okay?"
Wen Mu thought for a moment and nodded.
The man picked her up and carried her sideways, walking back to the bedroom. He leaned against the headboard of the bed, pulled Wen Mu into his arms, and let her lean against his chest.
Wen Mu could hear his heartbeat, steady and powerful.
"Is there anything you want to talk to me about?" he asked.
Wen Mu was silent for a moment, then spoke softly, "What happened when you were injured at the Belgian Grand Prix?"
Song Xingran's body visibly stiffened.
"Nothing," he said casually, as if he was talking about the weather today, "just a normal car crash."
Wen Mu looked up at him: "Really?"
Song Xingran lowered his eyes, met her probing gaze, and suddenly sighed. He raised his hand and rubbed his brow, his voice lowering a few degrees: "Left leg fracture, rib fracture, mild concussion."
Wen Mu's heart suddenly tightened.
"The situation was very dangerous," he continued, his tone so calm that he didn't seem to be talking about himself. "The car in front of me lost control, and if I hit it directly, it might hurt him. So I turned the steering wheel and hit the guardrail myself."
The man said it lightly, but Wen Mu could feel his tense muscles.
"Are you scared?" she asked softly.
Song Xingran was silent for a long time.
It was so long that Wen Mu thought he would not answer this question anymore.
"Afraid."
"When I was lying in the hospital, I was thinking, if something really happened to me, what would happen to my mom, my dad, and my brother..."
And now, he would wonder what would happen to her if something happened to him.
The man paused, his Adam's apple rolled, and he stopped talking.
This was the first time Wen Mu saw him like this.
In her memory, Song Xingran had always been that uninhibited and unrestrained young man, fearless and unfazed, as if nothing in the world could bring him down. But now, he leaned against her, a rare fragility between his brows, like a lost child.
She realized how shallow her previous understanding of him was.
She always thought he was reckless, impulsive, and childish, a spoiled young master.
She was wrong.
He is responsible and will choose to protect others in life-or-death situations. Hidden beneath his proud appearance is a softness that he never shows to others.
Wen Mu suddenly wanted to kiss him.
She reached out and gently stroked his face: "You are very brave."
Song Xingran was stunned for a moment, then burst out laughing: "What's so brave about that? I almost broke myself."
"No." Wen Mu shook his head, "You saved others."
The man stared at her, emotions surging in his eyes.
"The brave knight will receive a kiss from the princess."
Wen Mu raised his head and kissed him on the lips.
Song Xingran's breathing suddenly became heavier. He grasped the back of her head and deepened the kiss, penetrating deeply and conquering her. Wen Mu was so weak from his kiss that her fingers unconsciously tugged at the collar of his bathrobe.
When they separated, both of them were breathing heavily.
He pressed his forehead against hers, his voice hoarse, "You're a terrible kisser, Princess."
*
Wen Mu returned home the next day as usual.
Although Song Xingran was extremely unwilling, there was no other way as there was too much work to do in the laboratory.
A few days later, the date for Song Xingran's return to China was set, November 23rd.
Unfortunately, he had finished his last game the day before, and adding the flight time, it was already early morning on the 23rd when he arrived in Ningchuan.
And the 22nd is Wen Mu’s birthday.
Wen Mu realized this the moment Song Xingran sent him the schedule.
But she didn't mention it and soon stopped caring about it.
She didn't have any special requirements for her birthday. Usually, she would just have a meal with her family. Qin Yi would just make her a bowl of longevity noodles with a soft-boiled egg.
When she was studying in Zurich, she hadn't been home for several years because she didn't want her parents to fly so far to celebrate her birthday.
Yu Mo was in London, and every year she came to accompany her. They would roll the dice on a map of Europe and spend the day there. Then they would buy a small cake with a candle, take a photo, and then eat it all up.
What's more, Song Xingran is not here this year.
After this year's birthday, she will be one year older.
In fact, Wen Mu has never had age anxiety before. She feels that more life experiences represent more experience and knowledge, which is her precious wealth.
But maybe it's because I've been with Song Xingran for too long.
Well, she admitted that it was probably because she had been in bed with Song Xingran for too long and she felt increasingly overwhelmed.
Often, after just one or two times, she would already have her voice hoarse countless times.
It is comfortable, but it is also really tiring.
So, Wen Mu came to a conclusion.
She blamed Song Xingran for her age anxiety, and she was very satisfied and agreed with this conclusion.
*
November 22, Ningchuan, cloudy.
Wen Mu had just finished taking a shower and was drying his hair when his cell phone suddenly vibrated.
Momo chirps: [Happy birthday, baby Amu! Let me have a bite! ]
Wen Mu looked at the time, it was exactly midnight.
Click on the voice message and reply: "mua."
After sending the message, she swiped to Song Xingran's chat box.
Empty.
Strange, isn’t it popular among young people to send blessings at midnight?
She stared at the screen for a few seconds, and finally just locked it gently and put the phone aside.
Wen Mu was woken up by a gentle pat.
Qin Yi sat on the edge of her bed, with an unconcealable smile in her voice: "Zhizhi baby, happy birthday! Remember to come back for dinner tonight, and mom will make you your favorite sweet and sour pork ribs."
Wen Zhiyuan shouted from outside the door: "There's also braised fish!"
Wen Mu agreed with a smile.
While having breakfast, Shen Sui called.
"Happy birthday to you, Amu!"
Song Mingshen's voice followed: "Happy birthday, Amu."
Wen Mu didn't expect that Shen Sui and Song Mingshen would remember his birthday. For a moment, his heart was warm: "Thank you, Mom, thank you, Dad."
"Your mother and I picked out this birthday present together. It would be great if you like it."
Wen Mu looked at his mother, and Qin Yi smiled and nodded: "We picked out a cheongsam and put it away for you. It will be useful for your winter wedding."
Winter, wedding.
Yes, Song Xingran said that they would hold the wedding when he comes back in winter.
He also said that he would make her the happiest bride in Ningchuan.
Wen Mu's mouth corners raised slightly.
"Well, wear it when the time comes."
After arriving at school, people from the laboratory took turns to send their blessings.
Xu Yuesheng gave her an out-of-print astronomy book, Wu Tong gave her a box of handmade chocolates, and Meng Meng mysteriously handed her a small box containing a pair of star-shaped earrings.
"Sister Amu, it will look great on you!" Meng Meng's eyes sparkled.
Wen Mu smiled and thanked him, then put the earrings away.
Her phone was silent all day.
When Wen Mu closed the computer, it was completely dark outside the window.
The lights in the laboratory were still on. Xu Yuesheng and Wu Tong were sorting out data, while Meng Meng was drowsy on the table.
She rubbed the back of her sore neck and stood up to pour a glass of water.
"Sister Amu, happy birthday!" Meng Meng suddenly raised his head and smiled at her sleepily, "Although I've already said it, it's never too much to say it again."
Wen Mu curled the corners of his lips. The young girl was really cute.
"Thank you, Mengmeng."
"Sister Amu, do you have any plans tonight?" Wu Tong pushed his glasses. "Would you like to go out for dinner together?"
Yu Mo interjected, "How could it be our turn to have dinner with Dr. Wen?"
Xu Yuesheng: "Oh~, I know, I must be going to spend some time alone with my brother-in-law."
Wen Mu shook his head: "I've been home."
Yu Mo was surprised: "Master Song is not coming back."
Wen Mu explained: "He has a game."
Yu Mo: "What's the matter? Come back after the competition."
Wen Mu lowered his head and tore off the barbs on his fingers: "There's no time."
She had already calculated that even if she rushed to the airport immediately after the game, her birthday would have already passed by the time she arrived in Ningchuan.
"Ah——" Yu Mo expressed regret.
Wen Mu shrugged nonchalantly, "It's okay. It's not a special day, and I'm not going to make a big deal about it. It doesn't matter whether you come back or not."
Yu Mo: "Okay. The weather is bad today, shall I take you home?"
Wen Mu nodded.
Evening, 11:45.
Wen Mu sat at her desk, the light from the computer screen shining on her face. She had already read most of the document, but she was a little absent-minded.
The phone was right next to me, the screen was dark, like a silent stone.
She finally couldn't help it and opened WeChat - Song Xingran's last message was three days ago, when he sent her the schedule.
Mars Brother: [[Picture]]
Mars Brother: [Come back on the 23rd]
Wen Mu is not a pretentious person. She understands that professional players have no control over their schedule and that this is their career.
But even though I understand it, the depressed feeling in my heart still lingers.
She turned off the computer, put on her coat and went out to the balcony.
The night breeze was cool, carrying the chill of early winter. The river in the distance was ablaze with lights, the neon lights of the tall buildings reflected on the river, shattering into a dazzling display of light and shadow.
His game is about to begin.
How's the weather over there?
How is he today?
The vibration of her cell phone interrupted her endless thoughts.
Wen Mu picked it up and saw the name he was looking forward to jumping on the screen.
She answered the phone: "Hello."
"Where are you?"
The man's voice came through the receiver. The background was noisy and the roar of the engine could be faintly heard.
"On the balcony, looking at the stars."
"Are you cold?"
"Put on some clothes."
There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone, and Song Xingran's voice lowered a few notes: "In one hour, I will compete."
"Yeah." Wen Mu responded softly.
In one hour, she will be 29 years old.
"Wen Mu." He suddenly called her.
"Um?"
"look up."
-----------------------
Author's words: Birthday surprise is coming! [Starry Eyes]
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