December 26th
Seemingly playing a prank, Mother Nature held off the snow on Christmas the 25th, and only started showering snowflakes on the afternoon of the 26th. The snowflakes were fluffy and fell slowly, graciously giving the vehicles on the roads of Jiangqi City time to get home.
At her apartment, Yu Ting stood before the panoramic window wearing thick clothing, engrossed in the snow-covered landscape outside. She was donned in a cream-colored, heavy quilted jacket, and sipped from a cup of ginger soup, as the indoor heater ran warmly.
The quilted jacket was custom-made. Now six months into her pregnancy, Yu Ting’s belly had grown larger than a basketball, making it inconvenient and uncomfortable to bend over or stand for long periods due to varied back and leg aches.
Lu Nanchen, finishing a book while sitting next to her on the sofa, closed it and placed it aside. Seeing Yu Ting lost in the snow falling outside the window, he rose gently and walked towards her. He placed a hand on her waist, giving it gentle rubs now and then.
"It’s snowing."
"Yes, the first snowfall is earlier this year."
"Yes, this year is colder than last. Make sure you keep warm." While saying this, Lu Nanchen adjusted Yu Ting’s clothes, clearly wanting to add another layer.
"And remember to rest."
Yu Ting said nothing and continued watching the snowflakes lightly falling to the ground.
"I’m going out to get some groceries. Is there anything you want? I can pick it up at the supermarket."
"I don’t fancy anything in particular."
"I want to go out and see the snow."
Yu Ting candidly expressed her heart’s desire. She always found snowfalls to be beautiful.
Moreover, for reasons unknown, her emotions had been fluctuating wildly during her pregnancy. She often acted on her whims.
Like right now, for instance. She wanted to go out and see the snow.
Lu Nanchen was silent, turning his body to look at the woman, utterly captivated by the snowfall.
One minute passed.
Two minutes passed.
Three minutes passed.
...
Lu Nanchen held Yu Ting’s hand and began walking towards the door, his actions preceding any words.
"Let’s go and see the snow."
"It’s just as well; I need to buy groceries."
Lu Nanchen held onto Yu Ting until they almost reached the door. He then went to the bedroom to fetch a scarf and gloves for her. After doing that, he zipped up her down jacket.
"Once you’re done bundling up, we can go."
"Okay," came Yu Ting’s voice from behind her thick scarf.
Seeing Yu Ting like this, Lu Nanchen sighed softly, and took her hand once again as they headed out of the apartment.
"If the snowfall gets too heavy, go home first. Don’t catch a cold."
"Alright."
The two of them stepped outside. Lu Nanchen carefully supported Yu Ting with one hand, and with his other, he held an umbrella over their heads, leaving footprints in the snow beneath their feet.
To love and worry about her does not mean to restrain her, but rather, to protect her better.
While the snow fell, the wind also blew, sometimes gusting snowflakes onto Yu Ting’s face, which then melted into a tiny droplets of water, ice-cold.
During this time, Yu Ting outstretched her arm and caught a few snowflakes.
The whole city turned peaceful as the snow fell. The traffic and pedestrians diminished, and the chatters faded, leaving only Yu Ting’s footprints and breaths echoing by his side.
Lu Nanchen walked a step faster than Yu Ting, often adjusting his steps or pausing to wait for her. He then turned his head to glance down at an exquisite woman by his side.
Her rosy lips against the pale surroundings were strangely enticing.
Love it.
Life maybe short, but love is enduring.
"In my next life, I still wish to marry you."
The man’s softly spoken words were the most beautiful sounding ones, expressing his deepest, heartfelt desire.
Yu Ting was taken aback on hearing this but then smiled and said, causing a cloud of mist to form from her breath.
"Already thinking about the next life?"
"Oh yes."
In the blistering wind above, Lu Nanchen’s nose was somewhat red from the cold.
"For now and beyond, you are already mine."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com