Chapter 12
As night deepened, string lights were lit in the courtyard of the guesthouse, their warm yellow glow weaving into a gentle net. Song Mingye brought over a few rattan chairs, and Chu Xiaoche took out the prepared beer and snacks. The eight of them sat together, the evening breeze carrying the fragrance of flowers, creating a particularly pleasant atmosphere.
"How about we play a game?" Qi Zihao asked, his eyes sparkling as he held his camera. "Let's play Truth or Dare. The loser either has to tell a secret or accept a punishment."
Everyone chimed in, and Jiang Ziyu lost the first round of the draw. "Truth or dare?" Qi Zihao asked with a smile. Jiang Ziyu pursed his lips, his voice low: "Truth."
"Was the lighting in your painting specially adjusted for someone?" Mu Nanjin suddenly asked, her gaze falling gently on Jiang Ziyu. Jiang Ziyu's ears instantly turned red. After a few seconds of silence, he nodded slightly, "Yes." The crowd chuckled ambiguously. Mu Nanjin's lips curved into a smile, her eyes full of laughter.
Qi Zihao lost the second round, and he chose truth without hesitation. "Who is the person you photographed the most in your camera?" Chu Xiaoche's voice carried a hint of barely perceptible expectation. Qi Zihao's cheeks flushed, and he looked down at the camera: "It's...it's you." Chu Xiaoche's eyes lit up, and he couldn't hide the smile on his lips.
In the third round, it was Song Mingye's turn, and he chose Truth or Dare. Qi Zihao immediately suggested, "Give Song Linchuan a princess carry and walk him around the yard!" Song Mingye smiled and stood up, picking Song Linchuan up without hesitation. Song Linchuan exclaimed in surprise, quickly wrapping his arms around his neck, pressing his cheek against his chest, feeling his strong heartbeat, and feeling a sweet warmth in his heart.
In the final round, Mu Nanjin lost; he chose truth. "What's your favorite line of poetry?" Jiang Ziyu's voice was slightly nervous. Mu Nanjin looked at him, his eyes earnest: "'I was originally a carefree man in the locust blossom courtyard, my clothes reeking of wine. I sat by the small pond watching the fish, my eyebrows raised as I lived my life amidst the smoke and fire.' Because I want to spend such a life with the person I love." Jiang Ziyu's heart pounded, and he dared not look him in the eye.
After the game, everyone sat in the courtyard chatting. Qi Zihao flipped through the photos on his camera, and Chu Xiaoche, sitting beside him, quietly leaned closer to look. Most of the photos showed him: him bending down to arrange the picnic blanket, him helping Qi Zihao pick wildflowers, and him carrying Qi Zihao down the mountain. "So you took so many pictures of me," Chu Xiaoche said with a smile. Qi Zihao was a little embarrassed: "I thought you were very handsome, so I couldn't help but take pictures."
On the other side, Jiang Ziyu took out the painting he had done that day and handed it to Mu Nanjin: "Here you go." The painting depicted the sunset over the mountaintop, with golden rays spilling onto the lawn. In the corner of the lawn, two figures sat side by side—it was him and Mu Nanjin. Mu Nanjin took the painting, his eyes gentle: "It's very well done. I like it very much."
Song Mingye and Song Linchuan sat to the side, watching the two couples interact sweetly, and smiled at each other. Song Mingye put his arm around Song Linchuan's shoulder and whispered in his ear, "That's wonderful, they've found their happiness too." Song Linchuan nodded, leaning against him, feeling exceptionally at peace.
Night had fallen, but the string lights still shone warmly. Qi Zihao had fallen asleep on Chu Xiaoche's shoulder, and Chu Xiaoche carefully picked him up and carried him back to his room. Jiang Ziyu and Mu Nanjin walked side by side in the courtyard, talking softly, the moonlight shining on them and outlining their gentle silhouettes.
Song Mingye and Song Linchuan stood by the window, watching all this, faint smiles playing on their lips. The evening breeze kissed the old windowsill, bringing with it the sweet whispers between lovers and the warmth of peaceful times. They knew that in the days to come, these four couples would, like them, walk hand in hand through storms, ushering in their own unique and fulfilling lives.
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