Chapter 74 Spend Time Together
The days still flow with the sound of turning pages in the library and the smell of paint in the studio.
The painting became an unspoken little secret between them.
Si Yankai changed his phone wallpaper to that photo. Every time he unlocked the screen, he could see himself focused and gently embraced by his lover's gaze.
One afternoon a few days later, Si Yankai was working on a report in the library.
Tang Ximian strolled in with his sketchbook on his back and found the corner by the window where he usually sat.
Si Yankai was typing on the computer screen with a frown on his face, and didn't notice him at all.
Tang Ximian tiptoed down to sit diagonally across from him and opened her sketchbook.
He looked at Si Yankai's focused profile in the light and shadow, thought of the colorful oil painting in the studio, and then looked at the real person in front of him.
The tip of the pen rustled on the paper. This time, he drew the moment when Si Yankai unconsciously pushed up his glasses because he had been staring at the screen for a long time. It was a small movement, a little tired, but extremely real.
Si Yankai seemed to sense something, raised his head, and met Tang Ximian's smiling eyes.
"What are you drawing?" he asked in a low voice.
"Drawing creditor," Tang Ximian also whispered, turning the sketchbook to him to show him, "I'm calculating interest."
On the drawing paper, the moment of pushing the glasses was captured vividly and cutely.
Si Yankai looked at her, then looked at his lover who was smiling cunningly across from him, and a gentle smile appeared in his eyes.
He reached out his hand across the table and gently pinched Tang Ximian's wrist which was placed on the table.
"Well," he withdrew his hand, his fingertips still seeming to feel the warmth of the other person's skin, and looked back at the screen, "Draw well, and I'll give you interest."
The warm sunlight from outside the window shines in, enveloping this quiet corner.
"Si Yankai!"
As soon as Tang Ximian returned to the dormitory, he jumped onto Si Yankai. Si Yankai was holding a blanket that had just been dried in the sun, so he could only hold Tang Ximian with one hand to prevent him from falling.
"You're so excited, what's wrong?"
"The Art Department is organizing a sketching trip for students, and now it's our class's turn. The destination is an ancient town nestled in the mountains and beside the water. With its bluestone pavements, whitewashed walls, and black tiles, it's a perfect spot for field trips. But the trip is a full month, and the notice also states, 'It may be extended depending on circumstances.'"
When he said the last sentence, Tang Ximian's voice became muffled.
Si Yankai nodded and reached out to pinch Tang Ximian's hand that was hanging by his side, with neither too much nor too little strength.
"Well, that's great. Haven't you always wanted to go here?"
The voice was as steady as usual, with a gentleness that was unique to Tang Ximian.
On the morning of our departure, a hint of rain drifted through the air. The bus stopped in front of the Fine Arts Building, its engine emitting a low roar.
The students were noisily carrying up their painting boxes and luggage, and the atmosphere was as lively as if they were going on a spring outing.
Tang Ximian dragged his large painting box and walked slowly at the end. Si Yankai helped him carry the suitcase, gave him instructions along the way, and walked him to the car door.
"Okay, here it is."
Tang Ximian stopped, turned around and faced Si Yankai.
The noise of people coming and going around him seemed to be separated by a layer. He looked up at Si Yankai, whose face was expressionless, his eyes fixed on him intently.
"Have you brought everything? Paints, drawing paper, chargers, common medicines..." Si Yankai checked off the items one by one, like an old nanny.
"I've brought it! Boyfriend, you've checked it eight hundred times." Tang Ximian interrupted him impatiently on purpose, but the corners of her mouth couldn't help but want to curl up, and her heart seemed to be pulled by something, sour and swollen.
Fifteen days... and he may not be back on time.
Si Yankai ignored his "impatience" and took out a neatly folded plastic bag from his pocket and stuffed it into Tang Ximian's coat pocket: "Motion sickness medicine, and... stomach medicine. You may not be used to the food there, so don't eat anything careless."
He paused, lowering his voice, "Every day... remember to report safety, and remember to think of me."
"I know, it's long-winded."
Tang Ximian said with disgust, but reached into her pocket and tightly grasped the small bag that still carried Si Yankai's body temperature.
He looked at Si Yankai's face so close to him and wanted to say something, but he felt that it was too noisy around him and anything he said would seem pretentious.
In the end, he just quickly raised his hand and punched Si Yankai's chest lightly, "Go away, I will miss you. You... also have to eat on time at school!"
Si Yankai leaned back slightly after being hit by him, and finally a faint smile appeared on the corner of his mouth. He was less reluctant and nodded with a smile.
"Got it. Be careful on the road. If anything happens, remember to text me or call me."
"I know!"
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