Chapter 38
Wangshiyuan Garden is already exquisite and elegant during the day, but when night falls and the lights come on, this ancient garden completely sheds the hustle and bustle of the day, revealing another kind of dreamlike, deep and quiet beauty.
The night is as dark as ink, dotted with sparse stars. Instead of glaring incandescent lighting, the garden is meticulously arranged with countless warm-yellow antique palace lanterns, floor lamps, and hidden underwater spotlights. Soft light outlines the pavilions, towers, rockery, and corridors, casting clear reflections on the calm, mirror-like surface of the water, creating a breathtakingly symmetrical and interplaying visual and physical beauty. The air is filled with the rich fragrance of tuberose and the freshness of moist vegetation, blending with the subtle sounds of stringed instruments, creating a classical atmosphere that feels like a journey through time and space.
Jiang Yu and Xia Wan walked side by side through the garden gate, feeling as if they were stepping into a flowing Song Dynasty painting. The few visitors made the place seem even more tranquil. He still held her hand, the warmth of his palm conveying a reassuring strength in the quiet night.
"So beautiful..." Xia Wan couldn't help but whisper in admiration, her eyes sparkling as if starry. She greedily took in everything before her: the "Moon to Wind Pavilion," dyed a warm golden by the lights, reflected in the shimmering water like a palace of jade; the winding bridge, its graceful lines outlined by the lights; a few late-blooming plum blossoms, their petals like translucent silk in the shadows, exuding a cool, subtle fragrance.
"Yeah." Jiang Yu responded, his voice softer than usual, his eyes fixed on her profile, which was particularly soft under the light. "Night Garden is all about this interweaving of light and shadow, and the interplay of reality and illusion."
He led her slowly along the path by the water. The sound of her footsteps was particularly clear in the silence. He no longer explained as he did during the day, but occasionally, when she paused to notice a scene, he would whisper a few words to highlight the scene: "Look at the reflection in the water," "Listen to the sound of the flowing water," "The window lattices here are the most beautiful way to create a beautiful view."
There were no words to distract her, only a fully immersive experience of sight, sound, and smell. Xia Wan's heart was completely still, her senses magnified. She felt the steady presence of the man beside her, the warmth of his hand, and the intoxicating romance of the nightscape, unique to Jiangnan gardens. A profound sense of well-being enveloped her, like the waters of a hot spring.
We arrived at a secluded courtyard called Dianchun Pavilion. Here, even fewer people flocked. A few low stone lanterns cast a dim glow, illuminating a few clumps of bamboo and a delicate rockery. Beneath the rockery lay a small pond, where a few lily pads floated, reflecting the stars and the warm glow of the lanterns. The tranquility was like a paradise.
"Here..." Xia Wan, captivated by the deep, tranquil beauty before her, paused, released Jiang Yu's hand, and took a few steps forward, approaching the pool. She leaned forward slightly, gazing at the swaying reflections of the starlight in the water. Her long eyelashes cast a faint shadow on her eyelids, and the corners of her lips unconsciously curved into an intoxicated arc.
Jiang Yu stood a few steps behind her, not immediately following. He quietly watched her back. The moonlight and the lamplight intertwined, outlining her slender and beautiful figure. She stared intently at her reflection in the water, her expression serene and content, as if she had blended into the tranquil painting, becoming the most moving stroke of the painting.
An indescribable throbbing and immense tenderness, like a surging tide, instantly submerged Jiang Yu.
He no longer restrained himself.
He took a step forward and walked silently behind her.
Xia Wan was lost in the starlight reflected in the water when she suddenly felt a familiar, warm presence approach. Just as she was about to turn around, a pair of strong arms gently but irresistibly wrapped around her from behind.
Xia Wan's body froze instantly, and her heartbeat suddenly stopped! She could clearly feel his broad, warm chest pressed against her back, his steady, strong heartbeat transmitted through the thin fabric, and the immense sense of security and... a hint of dangerous aggression brought by his arm around her waist.
"Jiang..." She subconsciously wanted to call his name, but her voice was stuck in her throat, with a barely perceptible tremor.
Jiang Yu didn't speak. He simply lowered his head slightly, his warm breath, carrying the crisp scent of fir, brushing against her sensitive ears and neck, bringing a shuddering tingling sensation. His chin rested lightly on the top of her head, and his deep, hoarse voice, like the mellowest wine, carried a bewitching power, ringing clearly in her ears:
"Xia Wan, look at me."
The voice seemed to have magic power, and Xia Wan turned around involuntarily and extremely slowly.
As soon as she turned around, she was completely drawn into the vortex of his deep eyes. In the dim light, those eyes were astonishingly bright, and they were filled with an intense and inextricable emotion she had never seen before - there was undisguised desire, deep tenderness, and an almost pious focus, as if she was the only one left in the world.
Their bodies were still pressed tightly together, their breaths close. Xia Wan could clearly see her own reflection in his eyes, small, filled with panic and a huge throbbing sensation. She could smell the faint scent of alcohol on his breath, mixed with his unique, refreshing scent, forming a dizzying, masculine scent.
Time seemed to freeze at this moment. All surrounding sounds vanished, leaving only the distinct hum of each other's heartbeats and breathing. The lights, the reflections of the water, the fragrance of the flowers in the night garden became a blurry backdrop.
Jiang Yu's gaze traced her features like a physical object, and finally, he locked onto her slightly parted lips, soft as petals. The heat in his eyes almost burned her.
Xia Wan's heartbeat was so rapid it threatened to burst through her chest, and the blood seemed to rush to her cheeks. She forgot to breathe, forgot to think, and simply stared at him with wide eyes, observing the undisguised, overflowing love in his eyes. An instinctive throbbing and overwhelming anticipation made her close her eyes slightly, her long eyelashes trembling gently like butterfly wings.
This silent invitation is like the last spark that ignites the prairie fire!
Jiang Yu no longer hesitated.
One arm remained firmly around her waist, while the other lifted, gently cupping her hot cheek with a reverent, almost worshipful touch. His fingertips, lightly calloused, felt slightly rough, yet incredibly gentle. Then, lowering his head, with a long-suppressed desire finally unleashed, and a deep love, he pressed his lips against her parted lips with precision and tenderness.
“Hmm…”
Xia Wan's soft hum was completely swallowed between her lips and teeth.
The kiss began as a tentative, gentle touch, like the brush of a feather. But soon, sensing her awkward yet incredibly submissive response, it transformed into a deeper, more lingering exploration. His lips and tongue, with irresistible tenderness and dominance, meticulously traced the shape of her lips, absorbing her sweetness and guiding her awkward response. His breath was hot, a blend of the faint aroma of wine and the fragrance of fir, completely enveloping her.
Xia Wan's mind went blank. All her senses were focused on the thrilling touch between her lips and teeth, and the reassuring scent emanating from him. She responded clumsily, her hands unconsciously climbing up his neck, her fingertips digging into the hair at the nape of his neck, like a drowning person grasping at driftwood. The longing that had been pent up for a decade, the suppressed throbbing, now surged out like a flood, drowning her, unable to extricate herself.
His kisses were sometimes gentle and lingering, sometimes filled with unquestionable possessiveness. Every time he explored deeply, her body weakened, and she could only cling to him more tightly. The arm around her waist tightened, as if he wanted to rub her into his bones and blood.
The lights of the night garden cast a warm glow over their embrace. The shadows of the bamboo swayed gently in the breeze, and the water reflected their intertwined figures and the twinkling stars. The air was thick with the fragrance of tuberose, as if adding fragrance to this belated kiss.
It was unknown how long it took before Jiang Yu reluctantly and extremely slowly ended this long, deep kiss. His forehead rested against hers, his breathing still heavy and scorching, his deep eyes swollen with unresolved turmoil and immense satisfaction. He pulled away slightly, looking at Xia Wan, whose cheeks were flushed, eyes hazy, lips slightly swollen, and who looked as delicate and alluring as a rose stained with dew. His Adam's apple rolled violently.
"Xia Wan..." His voice was hoarse, with a hint of sexiness after being aroused, "My Xia Wan..." He murmured, as if confirming some treasure.
Xia Wan leaned against him, her whole body limp, barely able to stand. She breathed in deep, fresh air, her chest heaving violently, her cheeks burning hot enough to fry an egg. His domineering yet gentle scent lingered between her lips and teeth, the fire ignited deep within her body still lingering. She listened to his low, sensual calls, felt the vibrations of his chest and the powerful beat of his heart, and an unprecedented sense of belonging and sweetness overwhelmed her.
She didn't say anything, but buried her hot cheeks deeper into his warm neck, wrapped her arms tightly around his slender waist, and responded to his call with her actions.
Jiang Yu felt her dependence and response, and his heart softened. He tightened his arms around her, gently rubbing his chin against the top of her head, and let out a long, satisfied sigh.
The moonlight is like water and the lights are swaying.
Deep in the night garden, a kiss sealed the love.
After ten years of waiting and a long journey, at this moment, I finally found the sweetest home.
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