Chapter 26
The first snow of winter came unexpectedly. Large, fluffy snowflakes fell in a flurry, quickly turning the entire city white. Song Mingye opened his office window, gazing at the snow-covered world outside, a smile unconsciously spreading across his face—today was the day he and Song Linchuan had agreed to go to the ski resort.
He picked up his phone and dialed Song Linchuan's number, his voice gentle: "Achuan, it's snowing heavily, are you ready? I'll come pick you up." Song Linchuan's cheerful voice came from the other end of the phone: "I'm all ready! I even brought hand warmers, I'll put them on you later."
Meanwhile, Chu Xiaoche was helping Qi Zihao set up his ski gear. Qi Zihao, bundled up in his thick ski suit, looked like a chubby little dumpling, struggling to tie his shoelaces. "Slow down, don't rush," Chu Xiaoche said, crouching down to patiently tie them for him, gently squeezing his ankles with his fingertips. "Is it tight enough?" Qi Zihao nodded, smiling, and said, "It's perfect! I want to race you later and see who's faster!"
Jiang Ziyu leaned back on the sofa, watching Mu Nanjin pack his luggage. "Do you want to bring a pair of gloves?" Mu Nanjin picked up a pair of fluffy gloves and waved them in front of him. Jiang Ziyu shook his head, his voice soft: "No need, I can put my hands in your pockets." Mu Nanjin smiled, put the gloves back in his bag, and reached out to ruffle his hair: "Okay, whatever you say."
The snow had lessened a bit by the time the three cars met at the entrance of the ski resort. Song Linchuan, dressed in a red ski suit like a leaping flame, waved immediately upon seeing Qi Zihao and Jiang Ziyu: "You're here! Come on in, it's so warm inside!"
After changing into their gear, the six of them entered the ski resort. The indoor ski resort was very cold, but everyone felt warm inside. Qi Zihao excitedly pulled Chu Xiaoche along and ran towards the ski slope: "I want to go to the intermediate slope!" Chu Xiaoche followed with a smile, not forgetting to remind him: "Be careful, don't fall."
Song Mingye led Song Linchuan slowly to the beginner's slope. "I'll teach you how to skate." Song Mingye stood behind him, his hands supporting his waist. "Lean forward, spread your feet, like this..." Song Linchuan tried to learn earnestly, but at first he wasn't very good and kept falling, but Song Mingye always managed to catch him in time. "Brother, I'm so clumsy," Song Linchuan said, somewhat dejected. Song Mingye smiled and ruffled his hair: "You're not clumsy, you'll get better with practice."
Jiang Ziyu and Mu Nanjin found a quiet spot. Mu Nanjin stood in front of Jiang Ziyu and patiently taught him skiing techniques. "Don't be afraid, I'm here with you," Mu Nanjin said gently, giving Jiang Ziyu a strong sense of security. Jiang Ziyu nodded and carefully skied, occasionally falling, but each time Mu Nanjin would immediately help him up and gently brush the snow off him.
After skating for a while, Qi Zihao was panting heavily and pulled Chu Xiaoche to sit on a chair in the rest area. "I'm exhausted," Qi Zihao said, leaning on Chu Xiaoche's shoulder. "I knew I shouldn't have competed with you." Chu Xiaoche smiled and handed her a cup of hot cocoa: "Drink something hot to warm yourself up." He reached out to wipe the sweat from Qi Zihao's forehead, his eyes full of affection.
Song Linchuan was also tired from skating, so he sat in Song Mingye's lap and drank some hot milk. "Brother, you skate so well." Song Linchuan looked at him with admiration. Song Mingye smiled and kissed him on the cheek: "I'll bring you skating here often in the future, and teach you to skate as well as I do."
Jiang Ziyu leaned on Mu Nanjin's shoulder, watching the lively scene before him, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Are you tired?" Mu Nanjin asked softly. Jiang Ziyu nodded, closing his eyes. "A little." Mu Nanjin gently patted his back, as if comforting a child.
As evening fell, the six left the ski resort. The car drove along the snow-covered streets, the streetlights casting a soft glow on the snow. "Let's go eat hot pot!" Qi Zihao suggested, "to warm ourselves up." Everyone readily agreed.
The hot pot restaurant was bustling with business; the steaming hot pot dispelled the chill. Song Mingye placed a piece of tripe on Song Linchuan's plate, saying, "Be careful, it's hot." Song Linchuan took it, his face beaming with happiness. Chu Xiaoche patiently peeled shrimp for Qi Zihao, placing the peeled shrimp into his bowl. Mu Nanjin ladled a bowl of soup for Jiang Ziyu, saying, "Drink some soup to warm your stomach."
At the dinner table, everyone chatted and shared their fun experiences skiing that day. Qi Zihao excitedly recounted how he skied down the intermediate slope, saying that although he fell several times, he was still very happy. Song Linchuan, on the other hand, complained that he was too clumsy and could never learn. Jiang Ziyu listened quietly, occasionally smiling.
After finishing their hotpot, the snow started falling again. Song Mingye escorted Song Linchuan home, while Chu Xiaoche and Qi Zihao also went home. Jiang Ziyu walked with Mu Nanjin in the snow. Snowflakes fell on their hair and shoulders, like a romantic snow bath. "Nanjin," Jiang Ziyu stopped and looked up at him, "How about we come skiing again next winter?" Mu Nanjin smiled and nodded, pulling him into his arms: "Okay, I'll come with you every winter from now on."
As the evening breeze kissed the old windowsill, Song Linchuan had already fallen asleep in Song Mingye's arms. Song Mingye gently patted his back, his eyes tender. Qi Zihao also drifted off to sleep in Chu Xiaoche's arms, a sweet smile on his lips. Jiang Ziyu leaned on Mu Nanjin's shoulder, listening to his gentle heartbeat, and gradually drifted off to sleep.
This winter, their companionship made it exceptionally warm. They know that every spring, summer, autumn, and winter to come will be like this, hand in hand, accompanying each other through every beautiful moment of life. And those memories of snow will be like a warm seed, taking root and sprouting in their hearts, forever warming their lives.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
