Chapter 23
On the first sunny day after autumn, sunlight shone through the clouds and dappled the maple leaves in varying shades of red. Song Mingye drove, with Song Linchuan in the passenger seat, holding a sketchbook and occasionally showing it to the person next to him; in the back seat, Chu Xiaoche was helping Qi Zihao adjust the camera, patiently adjusting the parameters with his fingertips, while Jiang Ziyu leaned on Mu Nanjin's shoulder, flipping through the current photography guide, a faint smile on his lips.
"We're almost at Red Leaf Valley. They say the maple leaves here are the most beautiful in the whole city." Song Mingye turned the steering wheel, his gaze sweeping over the group in the rearview mirror. "Today we'll split into three groups, each exploring on our own. We'll meet up at the guesthouse at the valley entrance this evening. How about that?"
“Okay!” Qi Zihao responded immediately, raising his camera and waving it around. “I want to take pictures of the red leaves covering the mountains and the boardwalk under the sunset!” Chu Xiaoche smiled and ruffled his hair: “I’ll go with you, be careful not to fall.”
Jiang Ziyu looked at Mu Nanjin with a questioning gaze. Mu Nanjin gently patted the back of his hand: "Wherever you want to go, I'll go with you." Jiang Ziyu pursed his lips and whispered, "I want to find a quiet stream and paint the way maple leaves fall on the water."
Song Linchuan leaned on Song Mingye's shoulder: "Brother, let's go to the top of the mountain. They say you can see the whole Red Leaf Valley from there." Song Mingye nodded, his eyes full of doting: "Okay, whatever you say."
The car stopped at the entrance of the valley, and the six people each shouldered their bags and set off in different directions.
Qi Zihao pulled Chu Xiaoche along the boardwalk upwards. Red maple leaves carpeted the path, rustling underfoot. Qi Zihao excitedly raised his camera, snapping photos of the red leaves, the boardwalk, and the distant mountains. Chu Xiaoche followed behind, holding a jacket, occasionally reminding him, "Slow down, there are steps ahead."
Reaching a viewing platform, Qi Zihao stopped and snapped a photo of the distant sunset. Chu Xiaoche walked over and draped her coat over his shoulders: "It's windy, don't catch a cold." Qi Zihao turned and smiled at her, handing her the camera: "Take a few pictures too." Chu Xiaoche took the camera, but instead of pointing it at the scenery, she aimed the lens at Qi Zihao. The afterglow of the sunset bathed him, giving him a golden edge, and his smile was exceptionally radiant. Qi Zihao paused, his cheeks flushing slightly, and instinctively raised his hand to pull his coat tighter.
On the other side, Jiang Ziyu and Mu Nanjin found a secluded stream. The water was crystal clear, and red leaves lay scattered on its surface, drifting with the current. Jiang Ziyu took out his easel, sat on a rock by the stream, and began to paint. Mu Nanjin sat beside him, took out a book of poems, and softly recited: "I stop my carriage to admire the maple forest at dusk; the frosted leaves are redder than the flowers of February..."
Jiang Ziyu paused, looking up at Mu Nanjin with tenderness in his eyes. Mu Nanjin put down his poetry collection, walked to his side, and looked at the stream and red leaves on the paper, saying softly, "It's so well painted, it looks so real." Jiang Ziyu's cheeks flushed, and he whispered, "There are still many parts that I haven't painted well." Mu Nanjin bent down and placed a light kiss on his forehead: "In my eyes, every painting you make is the best."
Song Mingye and Song Linchuan continued their ascent along the mountain path towards the summit. The path was somewhat steep, and Song Mingye held Song Linchuan's hand tightly, carefully supporting him. Song Linchuan, panting heavily, stopped to rest, saying, "Brother, I can't walk anymore." Song Mingye smiled and crouched down, "Come on, I'll carry you." Song Linchuan hesitated for a moment, then climbed onto his back. Song Mingye stood up and steadily carried him, step by step, towards the summit.
"Brother, are you tired?" Song Linchuan asked softly, leaning against his back. Song Mingye shook his head, his voice gentle: "Not tired. I'm happy to carry you." Reaching the mountaintop, Song Linchuan climbed off his back, gazing at the panoramic view before him, and couldn't help but exclaim: "So beautiful!" The mountainsides were ablaze with red leaves, like a crimson ocean, shimmering in the setting sun. Song Mingye hugged him from behind: "In the future, I'll take you to see even more beautiful scenery."
As evening fell, the six of them met at the guesthouse. Qi Zihao excitedly showed off the photos he had taken, while Chu Xiaoche gently helped him organize them. Jiang Ziyu handed his finished painting to everyone, with Mu Nanjin standing beside him, his eyes full of pride. Song Linchuan leaned on Song Mingye's shoulder, looking through panoramic photos on his phone, his face full of happiness.
The guesthouse owner prepared a sumptuous dinner for them, featuring fresh wild vegetables, wild mushrooms, and local rice wine. Everyone sat together, raising their glasses in celebration. "To ourselves, to this beautiful autumn day, and to our future!" Song Mingye raised his glass, his smile radiant. "Cheers!" everyone responded in unison, their glasses clinking together with a crisp sound.
After dinner, the six of them sat in the courtyard of the guesthouse, looking at the stars and chatting. Qi Zihao leaned on Chu Xiaoche's shoulder, listening to him tell stories from the past; Jiang Ziyu and Mu Nanjin sat side by side, holding hands and talking softly; Song Mingye put his arm around Song Linchuan's shoulder and whispered sweet nothings in his ear.
A gentle evening breeze carried the sweet scent of maple leaves and the intimate atmosphere of lovers. Three couples nestled together, feeling each other's warmth, their hearts filled with happiness. They knew that in the days to come, no matter what difficulties they encountered, as long as they stood shoulder to shoulder, they would overcome all obstacles and usher in their own bright future.
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