Chapter 39
That kiss deep in the night garden was both illusory and real, as if it had spanned a hundred years and frozen in eternity.
Back at the hotel, standing in front of the adjacent door, the air was filled with a subtle, sweet tension. Xia Wan's cheeks were still burning, and her lips seemed to still retain his scorching warmth and domineering aura. She lowered her head, her fingers unconsciously twisting the corner of her clothes, not daring to meet Jiang Yu's eyes.
Jiang Yu stood before her, his tall figure casting a shadow in the soft corridor light. In his deep eyes, the undercurrent of lust had not yet completely faded, but more so, an inextricable tenderness and a subtle hint of...satisfaction? He looked at Xia Wan's shy expression, and his heart softened.
"Go to bed early." His voice was low and hoarse, with a hint of sexiness after being aroused. He reached out and gently rubbed her still hot cheek with his fingertips in a very natural way. "I'll try to finish early tomorrow morning."
"Yeah." Xia Wan's voice was as thin as a mosquito, and her cheeks became even hotter under his fingertips.
"Good night." He leaned over and placed a gentle and cherishing kiss on her smooth forehead. Unlike the passionate kiss in the night garden, this kiss was as pure and soothing as morning dew.
"Good night." Xia Wan's heart was still beating fast, but she was strangely soothed by the kiss.
After watching Xia Wan close the door, Jiang Yu turned and walked into his room. He leaned against the door and took a deep breath. The air seemed to still carry her delicate fragrance. He raised his hand, his fingertips gently brushing his lips, where the soft, sweet touch of hers seemed to still linger. A clear smile spread across his lips, and his deep eyes were filled with unprecedented satisfaction and... a sense of cherishment that had been lost and then recovered.
In the next room, Xia Wan leaned against the door, her heart still pounding. She walked to the small patio by the window, where the moonlight was still cool and clear. Her fingertips touched her lips, and it felt like an electric current was still flowing there, a tingling sensation that spread all the way to the depths of her heart. That lingering kiss in the night garden, his hot breath, his strong arms, his low, sexy call... every scene played clearly in her mind, and her cheeks burned again.
She walked over to the bed and sat down, picking up her phone. She wanted to send Lin Wei something, but she didn't know how to describe the overwhelming emotions she was feeling. In the end, she just smiled silently at the moonlight over Sucheng outside the window. Her smile was shy, sweet, and filled with a sense of immense happiness that everything had settled.
For both of them, this night was destined to be short but sweet. Xia Wan fell into a deep sleep, tingled by the lingering throbbing between her lips and the soothing kiss on her forehead. Her dreams seemed filled with the flickering lights of the night garden and the crisp scent of fir trees. Meanwhile, Jiang Yu, overcome by a sense of immense satisfaction and anticipation for their reunion tomorrow, lay awake for a long time.
In the early morning, Suzhou was shrouded in a thin mist. The air was moist and fresh, carrying the fragrance of earth and vegetation. Xia Wan woke early, feeling refreshed. She opened the window and took a deep breath of the cool air, feeling as if her whole body had been cleansed.
After washing up, she changed into comfortable casual clothes and prepared to go to the restaurant for breakfast. As soon as she opened the door, she saw Jiang Yu coming out from the next door.
He wore a neatly ironed light grey shirt and trousers, casually layered with a dark cashmere cardigan, regaining his calm and capable demeanor from work. But when he saw Xia Wan, his deep eyes lit up instantly, the morning sternness replaced by a gentle smile, the corners of his lips naturally rising.
"Good morning." His voice was low and pleasant, with a slight hoarseness from waking up in the morning.
"Good morning." Xia Wan's cheeks were slightly hot, and the memory of last night came back to her instantly, making her a little afraid to look him in the eye.
Jiang Yu walked over to her naturally, looking down at her slightly flushed cheeks and evasive eyes, his smile deepening. He reached out his hand, but this time he didn't touch her cheek or hair. Instead, he held her hand naturally and with unquestionable familiarity.
"Going to have breakfast?" he asked, rubbing his fingertips gently on the back of her hand.
"Yeah." Xia Wan nodded and let him hold her hand. The warmth from his fingertips made her feel extremely at ease.
The hotel's breakfast was an exquisite Chinese buffet. The two chose a quiet spot by the window. Jiang Yu naturally pulled out a chair for Xia Wan and went to the counter to get her her favorite Suzhou-style steamed dumplings, shrimp dumplings, and a bowl of warm soy milk. He himself simply grabbed some porridge and side dishes.
"The morning consultation will be in the south of the city and will take about three hours." Jiang Yu said as he peeled a tea egg, "Xiao Chen, who is in charge of reception at Party A, will drive you to the library and then take you back afterward. Or, you can just call me when you're done and I'll pick you up." He made arrangements in perfect order.
"Okay." Xia Wan nibbled at the translucent soup dumplings, the broth delicious. "Don't worry about me, just focus on your work. I'm very comfortable in the library."
"Yeah." Jiang Yu agreed, but his eyes remained fixed on her face, filled with admiration and a subtle hint of... attachment? As if he wanted to etch the image of her quietly eating breakfast into his mind.
Breakfast ended in a warm and quiet atmosphere. Jiang Yu looked at his watch and it was almost time.
"I have to go." He stood up, his movements with a barely perceptible haste.
"Well, be careful on the road." Xia Wan also stood up.
The two walked to the hotel lobby door, where Li Mo's car was already waiting. The morning mist had not yet completely dissipated, and the air was slightly cool.
Jiang Yu turned and faced Xia Wan. His tall figure blocked the breeze from the doorway. He looked at her deeply, his eyes focused and gentle, filled with the reluctance to part and the lingering affection from last night.
"Wait until I come back." He whispered, his voice full of promise.
"Yeah." Xia Wan nodded, looking into his deep eyes, her heartbeat unconsciously quickened.
Jiang Yu's gaze lingered on her face, finally landing on her rosy lips. The etched, ecstatic touch of last night instantly came back to him. A surge of intense desire surged within him. Without hesitation, at the bustling hotel lobby entrance, amidst the morning light and mist, he leaned forward slightly, gently lifting her chin with one hand, then lowered his head to precisely capture her lips.
This kiss wasn't as passionate and deep as the one in the night garden, but it carried the freshness of early morning and an unmistakable intimacy. His warm lips rubbed against her soft lips, with gentle strength and clear possessiveness. His tongue brushed lightly across the seam of her lips, a test of both temptation and invitation.
Xia Wan froze for a moment, then, under his gentle yet firm guidance, she relaxed, closed her eyes, and awkwardly yet obediently responded to this minty morning kiss. Although brief, it was filled with a declaration of sovereignty and a reluctant parting.
After a few seconds, Jiang Yu reluctantly let her go. Looking at Xia Wan's lips, which were shimmering with water and her cheeks flushed again after being kissed by him, a satisfied smile flashed in his eyes. He gently rubbed the corner of her lips with his fingertips, and said in a low and sexy voice:
"Leave."
After saying this, he didn't stop, but turned around and strode towards the waiting car, opened the door and got in. His movements were crisp and clear, with his usual calm style.
The car started and quickly merged into the early morning traffic, disappearing at the end of the foggy street.
Xia Wan stood there, fingertips caressing her slightly numb lips, feeling the lingering scent of his breath and that domineering declaration. It felt like a honey-coated popping candy had been stuffed into her heart, sweet and tangy. She stared at the direction the car disappeared, but the corners of her mouth couldn't help but curl upwards.
Xiao Chen walked up to her quietly: "Miss Xia, are we going to the library now?"
Xia Wan came back to her senses. The blush on her face had not yet completely faded, but her eyes were much clearer. "Well, thank you for your help, Mr. Chen."
Sitting in the car, watching the morning scenery of Suzhou City speed by outside the window, Xia Wan's mood gradually calmed down. The touch of her lips lingered, reminding her that everything that happened last night and this morning was real. The sweetness and throbbing settled, transforming into a calm and warm strength in her heart.
She knew that for the next few hours, she would be alone, immersed in the scent of ink from ancient books. And he, somewhere else, would be striving for his career. This brief separation was for a reunion in the evening.
The ancient books section of the Suzhou Library, bright and clean, was filled with the unique aroma of paper and time. Xia Wan quickly found the rare books she was looking for on the architectural landscapes of Jiangnan gardens. She found a seat by the window, spread out the yellowed pages, and traced her fingertips over the ancient text and delicate line drawings.
Xia Wan was immersed in the scent of ink and the scroll, temporarily forgetting the time. Until her phone vibrated and the screen lit up. It was a message from Jiang Yu:
"Over. On the way back to the hotel. How's the library going? Do you want me to pick you up?"
Xia Wan raised her head from the pages of her book and glanced out the window, realizing it was already afternoon. The sun was setting, casting a warm golden hue over the quaint library. She stretched her slightly sore neck and replied:
"I've seen enough. I've gained a lot. You can just go back to the hotel and rest. I'll have Xiao Chen take me back."
The message was successfully sent. She packed up the books and albums she had borrowed and returned them to the administrator. As she walked out of the library, the warm spring afternoon sun bathed her body, bringing with it the uniquely moist feeling of Suzhou. Xiao Chen's car was waiting quietly by the roadside.
Back at the hotel, as soon as I opened the door to my room, I saw Jiang Yu sitting in her small living room, flipping through an architecture magazine she had casually placed on the coffee table. He had taken off his jacket, leaving only his shirt, two buttons undone at the collar, his sleeves casually rolled up to his elbows, revealing his muscular arms. Sunlight filtered through the shadows of the bamboo in the courtyard, casting a particularly soft shadow on his profile.
He raised his head when he heard the door open. Seeing Xia Wan, his deep eyes lit up instantly, and the corners of his lips naturally rose with undisguised warmth.
"Back?" He put down the magazine and stood up.
"Yeah." Xia Wan closed the door and put her bag aside. "Didn't I tell you to rest?"
"I can't stay in the room." Jiang Yu walked up to her and naturally took the file bag containing the information from her hand. His eyes fell on her face, "Are you tired?"
"Not tired, I'm really absorbed in it." Xia Wan shook her head, her cheeks slightly warmed by his focused gaze. Ever since Night Garden, the aura between them seemed to have subtly shifted; a glance, a simple approach, could easily stir her heartstrings.
Jiang Yu placed the file bag on the table, but didn't immediately step away. He looked down at her, his gaze lingering on her clear eyes and rosy lips. The air in the room seemed to grow thicker, carrying a silent tension.
"What do you want to eat tonight?" He asked in a low voice, his voice slightly hoarse. "This is Sucheng's last meal."
"I'll listen to you." Xia Wan said softly, her heart beating a little faster.
Jiang Yu's Adam's apple rolled. He reached out, but this time he didn't hold her hand. Instead, he gently rubbed the sun-kissed blush on her cheek with his fingertips. His gesture was filled with tenderness and care.
"Then... I'll take you to a very authentic Zangshu mutton restaurant. It's warm and nourishing." He withdrew his hand, and his voice returned to his usual calmness, but the heat in his eyes did not diminish.
"Okay." Xia Wan nodded. The places he touched seemed to still have a slight numbing electric current.
Dinner was at a modest old restaurant deep in the ancient city. The place wasn't big, but it felt like a bustling place. A steaming pot of mutton soup arrived, its milky white broth bubbling and fragrant. The tender mutton, the fresh lamb's blood, the broth-soaked cabbage and tofu, paired with a special dipping sauce, left me feeling warm all over.
Jiang Yu, still considerately, skimmed off the excess oil for her, picking up the meat and adding more vegetables. They chatted about their day's experiences, the lights of the Wangshiyuan Night Garden, and their discoveries in the library. The conversation was light and the atmosphere warm. There was none of the suffocating tension of last night and this morning, but instead a touch of the natural intimacy and tacit understanding between lovers.
Back at the hotel, it was already dark. They both began packing their belongings, having to return to Jinzhou early the next morning. Xia Wan sorted through her clothes and documents, while Jiang Yu carefully rolled up some scattered drawings and stored them in a drawing tube.
"Let me do it." Xia Wan walked over and wanted to take the drawings from his hand.
"It's okay." Jiang Yu didn't let go, but just turned his head to look at her. Under the warm yellow light, his eyes were deep and gentle. "What time is the bus tomorrow?"
"Half past nine." Xia Wan replied.
"Yeah." Jiang Yu agreed, put the rolled-up drawing into the drawing tube, and closed the lid. He stood up and faced Xia Wan.
The luggage was almost packed. My short trip to Suzhou was drawing to a close. A faint sense of parting, mixed with the sweet aftertaste of the past two days, filled the small room.
Jiang Yu looked at Xia Wan, standing under the lamp. She was wearing a soft, off-white home dress, her long hair loosely tied up, revealing her slender neck. The light cast a soft shadow on her face, and her eyes were clear, with a hint of melancholy at the impending departure. A strong reluctance to leave, and an urge to be closer, seized him once again.
He took a step forward, closing the distance between them. Xia Wan's heartbeat quickened uncontrollably, but she didn't retreat. She raised her head and met his burning gaze.
Jiang Yu reached out his hand, and this time, instead of touching her cheek, he naturally and with a familiarity that declared his sovereignty, gently grasped her waist and brought her towards him. His arms were strong and firm, with an irresistible tenderness.
"Are you reluctant to leave?" He lowered his head, his voice low and hoarse with a hint of smile, his breath brushing her hair.
Xia Wan's cheeks flushed instantly, her heart agitated by his blunt words. She pressed her slightly hot cheek against his warm chest, listening to his steady, strong heartbeat, and muttered a muffled "hmm."
This response, filled with dependence and attachment, was like the strongest catalyst. Jiang Yu tightened his arms, holding her tighter in his arms. His chin rested on the top of her head, gently stroking it.
"See you soon." His voice came from his chest, with soothing power.
"Yeah." Xia Wan nodded gently in his arms, wrapping her arms around his slender waist, absorbing the reassuring scent from him.
The two of them embraced quietly under the lamplight. There was no passionate kissing, only the blending of body temperatures and the resonance of heartbeats. Outside the window, the night of Sucheng was deep, and the only sound in the room was the subtle breathing of each other. The tenderness of this moment was more moving than any words.
After a long time, Jiang Yu loosened his embrace slightly, but his arms were still wrapped around her. He lowered his head, his deep eyes gazing at her slightly red cheeks and clear eyes.
"Xia Wan," he called her name, his voice low and solemn, "I'm very happy that you can come to Sucheng this time."
Xia Wan looked at the clear love and satisfaction in his eyes, and her heart was filled with warmth: "Me too."
Jiang Yu's lips curved into a warm arc. He leaned down again and covered her soft lips.
Unlike the intensity of the kiss in the night garden, or the early morning declaration, this kiss was gentle, lingering, and filled with deep attachment and reluctance. His lips and tongue gently traced the shape of hers, filled with endless cherishment, as if savoring a rare treasure. Xia Wan closed her eyes, responding awkwardly but wholeheartedly, feeling the tenderness between his lips and the weight of his love.
The kiss lasted for a long time, until both of them were a little breathless. Jiang Yu reluctantly let her go, his forehead against hers, his breath hot.
"When you get back..." his voice was hoarse, "eat on time and don't get too tired. If you need anything... feel free to contact me."
"Yeah." Xia Wan leaned in his arms, her voice soft and sweet with a hint of emotion.
"Good night." He finally placed a kiss as soft as a feather on her forehead.
"Good night." Xia Wan responded softly.
Jiang Yu let her go, looked at her deeply, and then turned and left the room. The door was gently closed.
Xia Wan stood still, her fingertips caressing her slightly numb lips, where his gentle, lingering scent seemed to still linger. Her heart was filled with a surge of sweetness and a touch of parting melancholy. She walked to the window and looked out at the slumbering night of Sucheng. This city, which had given her so many beautiful memories, was about to become the starting point of her journey home.
The next morning, just as the sky was getting light, the two of them had a simple breakfast in the hotel restaurant, and then Xiao Chen drove them to the train station.
On the return high-speed train, the business class carriage was spacious and quiet. Jiang Yu and Xia Wan sat side by side. He offered her his window seat. Outside, the scenery of the Jiangnan water town rapidly receded, its pink walls and black tiles gradually giving way to vast fields.
Xia Wan leaned back in her chair, watching the scenery unfold outside. The gardens of Suzhou, the lights of the Night Garden, the scent of ink in the library, the warmth of the mutton soup pot, and… that gentle, lingering farewell kiss under the lamplight… every scene played clearly in her mind. The slight tingling sensation of his touch still lingered on her lips, like an invisible stamp of sweetness.
She quietly turned her head and looked at Jiang Yu beside her. He was resting with his eyes closed, his profile appearing calm and handsome in the morning light. He seemed to sense her gaze, his eyelashes trembling, and he slowly opened his eyes.
Their eyes met.
Jiang Yu's deep eyes held no trace of sleepiness, only a lucid, gentle smile. He reached out and naturally grasped her hand, which rested on her knee, interlocking their fingers. The warmth of their palms dispelled the chill of the air conditioning in the car.
"Take a nap if you're tired," he whispered.
"Not tired." Xia Wan shook her head and held his hand tighter with her backhand, feeling the hardness of his knuckles and the warmth of his palm. A great sense of peace and belonging arose spontaneously.
She didn't look at the scenery outside the window again, but simply leaned quietly on his shoulder and closed her eyes. Not to sleep, but simply to enjoy the tranquility and sweetness of being together on the journey home. Jiang Yu adjusted his position to make her lean more comfortably. His fingertips unconsciously and gently stroked the back of her hand with a soothing touch.
The high-speed train moved smoothly, weaving through the fields of early spring. Sunlight streamed through the train window, radiating warmth onto their clasped hands. Xia Wan's lips curved unconsciously into a satisfied, tranquil smile.
The trip to Sioux City is over.
What we take away are not only the ancient books in the library, but also the memories of the beautiful gardens.
What is more important is the kiss of love deep in the night garden, the lingering farewell under the lamp, the invisible sweet mark on the lips, and the warmth and certainty of palms touching and hearts connected on the way home.
Jinzhou is no longer the end point, but a new starting point for them to write their future together.
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