Chapter 24 Just the Four Seasons (The End)
As night deepened, the lights of Victoria Harbour gradually thinned, eventually merging into the tranquil blue sky before dawn. Inside the suite, the air was filled with the warmth that followed the fading of passion, and an unprecedented intimacy and peace.
Ji Rendong's smiling "You're so cute" made Shi Banxia's cheeks, which had just begun to calm, burn again. She shyly snuggled closer to Ji Rendong, burying her burning face even deeper in the crook of his neck, and protested softly.
"...Don't laugh."
But there was no hint of annoyance in her tone; instead, it carried a soft, lingering quality, more like a coquettish plea.
Ji Rendong tightened his arms around her and chuckled softly, "Okay, I won't laugh."
Her kiss landed on Shi Banxia's hair, her voice gentle, "I just feel like it's a dream to be able to hold you like this."
These words gently touched Shi Banxia's heart, instantly turning her slight shyness into a warm current.
She listened to the gradually quieting sounds of Victoria Harbour outside the window, and the clear, strong heartbeat in her ears. At that moment, the feeling of drifting strangely disappeared, as if she had finally found a harbor to return to.
Shi Banxia's muffled voice came from the crook of Ji Rendong's neck, growing softer and softer, "You're so strange, who uses 'cute' to describe...something like that just now..."
Ji Rendong's heart stirred slightly. She stepped back a little, gently cupped Shi Banxia's cheeks in her hands, and made her look into her eyes.
Under the warm yellow light, Shi Banxia's eyes were moist and bright, with lingering confusion and obvious shyness, and her cheeks were flushed.
Ji Rendong's gaze was gentle and focused as she said earnestly, "I'm not teasing you. I just find you genuine and honest, and every reaction you make makes me... so moved that I don't know what to do."
She paused, seemingly organizing her thoughts. This usually rational scientist was searching for the most evocative words. "It's like seeing the aurora borealis in the Arctic. The awe and beauty are so overwhelming that words fail you, leaving only the most instinctive admiration. Banxia, you are just like that to me."
This clumsy yet sincere metaphor is more powerful than any flowery love confession.
Shi Banxia's heart felt as if it were being soaked in warm honey water, so sweet it was almost overwhelming.
She blinked and playfully scolded, "Great Scientist Ji, your sweet talk skills have improved a lot since you were so stingy with words back in the Arctic. Looks like you've been secretly practicing a lot these past year apart?"
Ji Rendong's ears turned slightly red, but she readily admitted, "Yes, I've thought about it for a long time. I rehearsed it repeatedly in front of the icy plains and the starry sky. I was afraid that when I saw you again, I wouldn't be able to say anything nice and would make you angry and run away."
She gently stroked Shi Banxia's lips with her fingertips and whispered, "It won't happen again. From now on, I'll tell you everything as soon as possible."
"For example?" Shi Banxia pressed, a sly glint in her eyes, enjoying the feeling of being carefully coaxed by Ji Rendong with her words.
“For example…” Ji Rendong leaned closer and kissed her lips, his voice gentle, “I love you. It’s not a momentary impulse, it’s the answer after careful consideration, it’s wanting to be a part of your future every day.”
Shi Banxia's heart trembled violently; all her feigned composure was shattered by this direct confession.
She took the initiative to kiss him again, a kiss that was lingering and affectionate, filled with endless longing.
"I love you too..." Shi Banxia pressed her forehead against hers, tears welling in her eyes, and whispered in response, "It started a long time ago..."
These two long-overdue confessions echoed gently in the soft night of Victoria Harbour, completely melting away the last trace of estrangement.
Shi Banxia didn't say anything more, but just snuggled closer into Ji Rendong's arms.
That night, they slept in each other's arms, their sleep exceptionally deep. The wandering, longing, and unease of the past year found solace in each other's warmth and breath.
Morning light filtered through the clouds above Victoria Harbour and through the suite's floor-to-ceiling windows, gently filling the room.
Shi Banxia woke up with an unprecedented sense of security. The first thing she felt was the warm and strong arms wrapped around her waist.
The sound of Ji Rendong's even breathing came from behind her, brushing against the back of her neck, making her feel a little itchy. Shi Banxia didn't move, afraid of disturbing this hard-won tranquility.
She quietly turned her head and gazed at Ji Rendong's sleeping face in the morning light. The lines on that face, which usually carried a certain aloofness and focus, were now completely softened, and there was even a faint smile at the corner of her mouth.
Shi Banxia's heart was filled to the brim.
She recalled Ji Rendong's clumsy yet sincere words of love from the previous night, and her cheeks flushed again. She subconsciously snuggled closer to Ji Rendong.
This small movement startled Ji Rendong awake. Her eyelashes trembled slightly, and she slowly opened her eyes. The first thing she saw was Shi Banxia's eyes, so close to hers, filled with a hint of shyness and endless longing.
Ji Rendong was stunned for a moment, then his senses returned, and he subconsciously tightened his arms around Shi Banxia, pulling her into a deeper embrace.
"Good morning." Ji Rendong's voice was hoarse from just waking up, so sexy that it made Shi Banxia's heart flutter.
"Good morning," Shi Banxia replied softly, burying her face in her chest and quietly listening to the strong heartbeat.
The two embraced quietly for a while, neither of them speaking, enjoying the tranquility of the morning and each other's presence.
"What's the plan for today?" Ji Rendong asked softly, her fingers casually combing through Shi Banxia's slightly messy long hair.
"I have to submit the last batch of photos this afternoon, and then... nothing else." Shi Banxia looked up at her, her eyes sparkling. "What about you? Have you finished handing over your research work?"
“Yes, the main work is done. Next…” Ji Rendong looked at her, his gaze gentle and focused, “My time is all yours.”
These words made Shi Banxia feel a sweet warmth in her heart.
She recalled the past year or so, during which she had been traveling all over the world, while Ji Rendong was far away in the Arctic, separated by time differences and distance. Now, this person had also come to the city she loved, saying that all her time was hers.
"Well..." Shi Banxia smiled, a hint of slyness in her eyes, "Great Scientist Ji, would you be interested in being a freelance photographer's assistant for a day?"
Ji Rendong chuckled and nodded: "It's an honor. However... I need to collect some payment first."
"What kind of compensation?"
As soon as Shi Banxia finished speaking, Ji Rendong's kiss landed on her lips—a gentle and lingering good morning kiss.
When the kiss ended, Shi Banxia was panting, her cheeks flushed, and she glared at her reproachfully: "You weren't like this before!"
“That was then,” Ji Rendong said matter-of-factly, his eyes full of amusement. “Now that we’re in a different position, I can exercise my girlfriend’s privileges.”
"Girlfriend's...privileges?" Shi Banxia raised an eyebrow, deliberately putting on a stern face. "Who granted you this privilege?"
“You approved it.” Ji Rendong’s fingertips gently traced the faint red marks on her collarbone, his gaze tender. “Last night, when I heard you say ‘the bed in the master bedroom is very big.’”
Shi Banxia's face instantly flushed red, and she grabbed a pillow and gently threw it at her: "Ji Rendong! You've gone astray!"
Ji Rendong smiled and caught the pillow, then hugged herself and the pillow together in her arms.
Ji Rendong looked at the "little animal" in front of him, which had become lively and cunning again, and couldn't help but feel excited.
She knew that Shi Banxia, who had been awkward because of her grievances and retreated because of her unease, had finally been soothed by the honesty and tenderness of last night and had returned to her original self.
She liked seeing her like this, full of life, with a touch of "pushing her luck".
"Okay, I've gone astray."
Ji Rendong admitted the "crime," but her fingertips lingered on Shi Banxia's hair, her voice filled with indulgent laughter, "But I'm only mean to you."
This cheeky sweet talk instantly extinguished Shi Banxia's "anger." She snorted, her voice laced with amusement, "That's more like it."
The two lingered in bed for a while longer, until the sunlight illuminated the entire room and the ship horns of Victoria Harbour could be clearly heard, before finally getting up.
Washing up and changing clothes were filled with sweet little moments.
When Shi Banxia was struggling with what to wear in front of the mirror, Ji Rendong would wrap his arms around her from behind, rest his chin on her shoulder, and give her simple but always aesthetically pleasing advice: "That light blue one suits you."
When Ji Rendong was meticulously buttoning her shirt, Shi Banxia would walk over and deliberately help her unbutton one, then, under Ji Rendong's helpless yet indulgent gaze, she would cheerfully help her button it back up.
In the morning, they went to the tea restaurant that Shi Banxia had been longing to visit.
Ji Rendong watched as Shi Banxia skillfully ordered pineapple buns and Hong Kong-style milk tea, blending seamlessly into the bustling atmosphere of the city. This image strangely overlapped with the profile of Shi Banxia, who was focused on taking photos in the Arctic snowstorm in her memory.
Ji Rendong picked up her phone and quietly took a picture of Shi Banxia biting a straw with her eyes crinkling.
"Why are you taking pictures of me without my permission?" Shi Banxia noticed and gently nudged her across the table with her toe.
“Gathering materials.” Ji Rendong put away his phone, his expression serious. “To prove that Ji Rendong’s holiday in Hong Kong was not just about data and reports, but also about a very photogenic girlfriend.”
In the afternoon, Ji Rendong truly fulfilled his duties as a "photographer's assistant," accompanying Shi Banxia to the magazine office to deliver the photos.
She waited quietly in the reception area, watching Shi Banxia communicate professionally with the editor and explain her shooting ideas with great enthusiasm.
At that moment, Ji Rendong clearly felt that they were independent individuals, shining in their respective fields, and then attracted and drew closer to each other because of love. This kind of relationship was more solid and moving than simple dependence.
After work, the two walked side by side down the streets of the port city in springtime. A gentle breeze caressed their faces, carrying the moisture of the ocean and the faint fragrance of bauhinia blossoms. Their hands naturally clasped together, their fingers intertwined.
"Where to next?"
Shi Banxia shook their clasped hands, her mood as bright as the sunshine today.
Ji Rendong stopped and turned to face her, his gaze gentle yet solemn: "Banxia, there's something I'd like to discuss with you."
"Hmm?" Shi Banxia saw that she suddenly became serious, so she also put away her joking expression.
"After I return to China, I will join the National Marine Environmental Research Institute, which is headquartered in S City," Ji Rendong said slowly.
“I know your job requires you to travel all over the world, and I won’t ask you to change that. But… I hope that no matter where you fly, you can always find a fixed point to return to.”
She took out a bunch of keys from her bag, with the Springer Spaniel police dog hanging on the key ring—a gift from Shi Banxia on the morning they parted in the Arctic.
"I've found an apartment I like in City S. It's not far from the research institute and the transportation is convenient. It has a large balcony; you mentioned on your WeChat Moments before that you like houses with lots of sunlight..."
Ji Rendong gently placed the key and the police dog in Shi Banxia's palm. "This key is for you. That will always be your home. You can come back anytime, with your stories and photos, or just when you're tired and need to rest."
Shi Banxia stared blankly at the key in her palm. The soft fur of the Springer Spaniel brushed against her hand, making her heart skip a beat.
She recalled the emptiness of the past year or so, dragging her suitcase alone through hotels around the world, and the unprecedented sense of peace she felt when she woke up in Ji Rendong's arms last night.
Her eyes started to burn again, and she tried to open them wide to keep the tears from falling.
"You...you're going to take care of me, Sister Rendong?" She tried to cover up her surging emotions with a joke, but her voice was choked with sobs.
Ji Rendong saw through her bravado, stepped forward, gently embraced her, and whispered in her ear, his voice tender yet firm, "It's not about being kept. It's an invitation, a promise. I want to give you an anchor."
"Banxia, no matter how far your ship sails, you will always know that there is a port with its lights always on for you, and someone waiting for you to come home."
This promise, more moving than any love confession, completely shattered Shi Banxia's defenses.
Tears finally streamed down her face. She hugged Ji Rendong tightly, burying her face in her shoulder, and nodded vigorously, "...Okay. I accept it. But..."
She raised her tear-filled face, her voice nasal as she warned, "I have a lot of stuff, cameras, lenses, all sorts of random collectibles..."
“Then let’s turn the second bedroom into your study and storage room,” Ji Rendong said with a smile, wiping away her tears with her fingertips. “You can do whatever you want with it.”
"Well... I might edit photos late at night, which might disturb you."
“I sleep very well. And…” Ji Rendong paused, her eyes gleaming with anticipation, “Perhaps I could apply to be the first viewer of your work?”
"Also... I'm a terrible cook."
“I will learn. Or, we can explore Shanghai’s food delivery map together,” Ji Rendong replied calmly, as if she had already considered all the details.
Shi Banxia looked at the scientist in front of her, who was always rational and calm, and was using her most rigorous method to plan a future full of everyday life and trivialities for her.
Those everyday things that she once thought had nothing to do with Ji Rendong were now being solemnly incorporated into her blueprint.
“Ji Rendong,” Shi Banxia called to her, her voice soft and full of dependence, “say something nice again.”
Ji Rendong was slightly taken aback, then understood.
She cupped Shi Banxia's face in her hands, looked into her moist eyes, and said with utmost seriousness, "Banxia, I dare not say that our future will be smooth sailing. There may be times of arguments and separation. But I can promise that from now on, you will be the center of my world."
"Every flight you take carries my care; every return you make is accompanied by my embrace."
"I will try my best to become someone who makes you feel that 'coming home' is the happiest thing in the world."
The afterglow of the setting sun stretched their shadows long, intertwining them.
Shi Banxia burst into laughter through her tears, and stood on tiptoe to kiss Ji Rendong's lips: "That's enough. These beautiful songs are enough for me to use for a lifetime."
She gripped the key in her palm and also held Ji Rendong's hand tightly.
“Let’s go,” Shi Banxia said with a bright smile, her eyes filled with boundless anticipation for the future. “Let’s go home.”
One autumn day a year later, in a high-rise apartment building in City S.
Sunlight streamed into the living room through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows. Thick wool carpets covered the floor, and scattered among them were Shi Banxia's photography albums and Ji Rendong's scientific journals.
The green plants on the balcony are thriving, and a small dog is lazily sunbathing.
Shi Banxia had just finished a month-long overseas filming project and pushed open the door to her home, looking travel-worn. In the living room, Ji Rendong was sitting in front of the computer processing data. Hearing the sound, she looked up.
There were no exaggerated hugs or passionate kisses; Ji Rendong simply responded to Shi Banxia with a warm, sunny smile and a, "You're back? The soup's simmering in the pot."
"Yes, darling, I'm back." Shi Banxia put down her luggage, walked over, and naturally hugged Ji Rendong from behind, burying her head in the other's neck and taking a deep breath of her reassuring scent.
This is their home. Their shared "base".
Shi Banxia still flies all over the world, but every time she returns, the lights are always on.
Ji Rendong will also participate in polar projects, but her schedule is always synchronized with Shi Banxia's in advance, and she always carries a photo of Shi Banxia in her suitcase.
They make up for the regret of not being able to be together every day by making frequent video calls, sending messages across time zones, and carefully planning every reunion.
Distance did not diminish the love; on the contrary, it made every reunion all the more precious.
Sometimes, when Shi Banxia looks at Ji Rendong busy in the kitchen, or at their profiles as they snuggle on the sofa watching a movie, or at the cat charm and Springer Spaniel tucked together on her bag, she thinks of that spring night in the port city.
That night, they put aside their awkwardness and concerns and bravely walked towards each other.
Love makes wanderers willing to settle down, and it also makes those who are used to loneliness yearn for companionship.
For Shi Banxia and Ji Rendong, love is an attraction that transcends extreme cold and scorching heat; it is their hearts always pointing to the same coordinate, no matter where they are.
—That place where we are.
(End of article)
A note from the author:
"No Heartbeats in the Arctic Circle" has officially ended!
Thank you for your continued support, dear readers!
The story of Dongdong and Xiaxia will continue; their meeting brought them the best four seasons!
The next steps are: first, to supplement Xiaxia and Dongdong's character settings and minor details not clearly explained in the main text; then, the side stories (about 3 chapters); and finally, to revise the first six chapters.
Thank you all for your support! Now that it's finished, I hope you'll leave comments and share your thoughts!
The new civilization year begins in January!
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