When grapes are ripe
Autumn in southern France is a season kissed by the sun and the spirit of wine. The summer heat gradually fades, and the sky becomes a deep, clear blue, high and far away. The air is no longer filled with the lazy floral fragrance of summer, but with a richer, more intoxicating aroma—the sweet scent of ripe grapes, mixed with the scent of sun-warmed earth, wafting from the vineyards that stretch across the hills, enveloping the entire town.
The cottage Siqi and Shao Wei rented was situated on the edge of a vineyard. Pushing aside the wooden fence, a few steps away lay neat rows of vines, laden with grapes. Deep purple Cabernet Sauvignon and turquoise-gold Sauvignon Blanc shimmered alluringly in the autumn sun.
Shao Wei seemed to particularly enjoy this season. He spent noticeably more time outdoors. He'd often spend entire afternoons sitting under the old olive tree in the yard, a book in hand, or simply a glass of water. His gaze drifted from the pages of his book to the boundless, vibrant sea of grapes. His icy blue eyes, reflecting the autumn light, seemed especially tranquil and distant.
Si Qi discovered a new hobby - learning how to manage the vineyard from his neighbor, old Jeannot.
Old Jeannot was a ruddy-faced, booming old man who had spent his life working with grapes. He was initially curious about this aloof and austere Oriental man (a stranger in a small town was always news), especially when he saw his quieter, more beautiful companion beside him. But Siqi's dedication to learning, his willingness to put on airs and his willingness to work, even meticulously handling trivial tasks like pruning branches and checking soil moisture, quickly earned Old Jeannot's admiration.
"Si! Move your wrists like this! Yes! Be decisive! They are stronger than you think!" Old Jeannot spoke French with a heavy accent, gesturing to teach Si how to trim the extra branches.
Si Qi, dressed simply in an old T-shirt and overalls, beads of sweat beading his forehead, followed instructions, his movements gradually becoming smoother from initial awkwardness. The sun tanned his skin, but it also softened his business elite aura, adding a touch of rugged energy.
His gaze would occasionally drift to the quiet figure beneath the olive tree, confirming Shao Wei was still there before returning to his work with peace of mind. After the sensitive period, that clinging intensity seemed to settle, transforming into a more daily, ubiquitous attention.
Sometimes Shao Wei would look up at the tall, busy figure in the vineyard. Watching Siqi clumsily but earnestly studying with old Jeannot, watching him communicate in halting French with the young men from town who occasionally came to help, watching him sweat profusely in the sun, his icy blue eyes would flicker with subtle, elusive emotions.
One afternoon, old Jeannot enthusiastically brought a small oak barrel and a bunch of tools, wanting to teach Siqi how to identify the ripeness of grapes and the basic pressing techniques.
"Taste it! Use your tongue and nose! The best teacher is right here!" Old Jeannot generously picked a bunch of Cabernet Sauvignon, squeezed a few of them, and the dark purple juice splashed on his rough fingers.
Si Qi followed suit, picking a ripe grape and putting it in his mouth. The rich fruity aroma and the perfect sweet and sour taste exploded on his tongue. He subconsciously picked another one, but instead of eating it himself, he turned and walked towards the olive tree.
Shao Wei was reading a book when a shadow descended. He looked up and saw Si Qi standing before him, holding a plump, deep purple grape between his fingers and offering it to his lips. Si Qi's fingertips were still stained with a hint of dirt and the white frost from the grape skin, but his eyes sparkled with anticipation, filled with the desire to share.
Shao Wei was slightly startled for a moment, then he lowered his eyes, took Si Qi's hand, and opened his mouth to hold the grape. His lips inevitably touched Si Qi's fingertips, which were slightly cool and soft.
Si Qi's fingers trembled almost imperceptibly.
Shao Wei chewed it carefully, the sweet and sour juice filling his mouth. He nodded and gave his evaluation: "Sweet."
Just this one word made Si Qi's mouth curl up uncontrollably. He felt a greater sense of accomplishment than signing a multi-million dollar contract. He excitedly ran back to Old Jeanno to continue studying.
Old Jeanno watched this scene, stroked his graying beard, chuckled, muttered something in slang, and patted Siqi on the shoulder. Siqi didn't fully understand, but he probably knew it was a friendly teasing, and his ears felt slightly hot.
When the grape harvest season officially arrives, the whole town is immersed in a festive atmosphere. Every household is busy, and the air is filled with intoxicating fruit aroma and fermentation tipsy.
Si Qi also joined in to help. With his stamina and quick learning ability, he quickly became the primary worker carrying the grape baskets. Shao Wei didn't participate in the manual labor, but every evening he would prepare a simple dinner and iced lemonade, which he would place on the wooden table in the yard.
When Si Qi returned, exhausted but satisfied, and saw the warm lights in the courtyard, the simple food on the table, and Shao Wei sitting quietly waiting for him, the fatigue of the whole day seemed to dissipate instantly. He would first take a quick shower to wash off the grape juice and dust on his body, and then sit across from Shao Wei.
The two spoke little, simply eating in silence. Si Qi would recount a funny incident in the garden that day, a worker singing off-tune, or old Jeannot bragging about the remarkable wine he had made in his youth. Shao Wei listened quietly, occasionally letting out a faint laugh or asking a quick question or two.
This extremely ordinary daily life is filled with a sense of happiness that makes Siqi feel at ease.
On the last day of the harvest season, old Jeanno held a small celebration party and invited all the neighbors and friends who helped, including Siqi and Shao Wei.
The party took place in the spacious courtyard of the old Jeannot family. Long wooden tables were filled with food and homemade wine brought by each family. A bonfire was lit, and the air was filled with the mixed aroma of grilled meat, cheese, bread, and wine. Cheerful folk music filled the night.
Si Qi was worried that the crowds and noise would make Shao Wei uncomfortable, so he stayed close to him. Shao Wei was very calm. He changed into a clean white shirt and sat quietly in a chair in the corner, holding a glass of grape juice that Si Qi had poured for him, which had almost no alcohol content, and looked at the lively crowd around him.
The people in the town have long been accustomed to this quiet and good-looking oriental couple. They greet them warmly, bring them food, and do not disturb them too much.
After three rounds of drinks, the atmosphere grew even more lively. Someone started playing the accordion, and people began dancing around the bonfire. The steps were simple, but filled with infectious joy.
Si Qi was being coaxed into drinking several glasses of homemade wine by Old Jeanno. As the wine got to him, he looked at the happy faces of those around him and listened to the passionate music. An unprecedented sense of ease and joy filled his chest. He turned his head and looked at Shao Wei beside him.
The flickering light of the bonfire reflected in Shao Wei's icy blue eyes, like stars falling into them. A faint, almost invisible curve curved the corners of his mouth as he quietly observed the bustling crowd. The sense of alienation surrounding him seemed to be melted slightly by the warm atmosphere.
Si Qi's heart leaped, a surge of urges washing over him. He stood up, bowed slightly toward Shao Wei, and extended his hand. His movements were a little clumsy, even a bit drunken, but his eyes were surprisingly bright, filled with anticipation and a subtle hint of nervousness.
The noise around them seemed to be quieter, and many smiling eyes were cast towards them.
Shao Wei was clearly stunned. He looked at Si Qi's outstretched hand, then raised his gaze to Si Qi's face, which was illuminated by the alcohol and the firelight. A rare sense of helplessness flashed in his icy blue eyes. He subconsciously wanted to shake his head.
But Siqi's hand was stretched out stubbornly, and the expectation in his eyes was gradually tinged with a hint of pleading, like a large dog afraid of being rejected.
The music continues, cheerful and rhythmic.
Shao Wei's eyes swept back and forth between Si Qi's hands and his face several times. Finally, very slowly, he put down the cup in his hand and placed his slightly cold hand in Si Qi's warm and large palm.
There were a few good-natured whistles and chuckles around.
Si Qi smiled instantly, as if he had found the most precious treasure in the world. He carefully took Shao Wei's hand, pulled him up from the chair, and led him to the group dancing around the bonfire.
Shao Wei's body was a little stiff; he had clearly never done anything like this before. His steps were awkward, and Si Qi practically held him in his arms, moving awkwardly to the rhythm of the music. His ears were slightly red in the firelight.
Si Qi, however, didn't care. He smiled like a fool, holding Shao Wei's waist tightly, guiding him to prevent him from stepping on his feet or bumping into others. His dance steps were not very standard, but they were full of strength and joy.
"Just follow me." Si Qi lowered his head and whispered in Shao Wei's ear, his warm breath carrying the mellow aroma of wine.
Shao Wei didn't answer, merely tilting his head slightly. His stiff body gradually relaxed, and he leaned on Si Qi's guidance, trying to keep up with the rhythm. His gaze dropped to the two people's feet, which moved gently to the beat. His long eyelashes cast a trembling shadow under his eyes.
The bonfire crackled, the music was melodious and cheerful, and there were spinning smiling faces and vague blessings all around.
Si Qi's heart was filled with a sense of happiness that was almost overflowing. He no longer looked at the surroundings. His eyes were only focused on the person in his arms, his slightly red ears, his drooping eyelashes, and the pair of feet that followed his steps awkwardly but trustingly.
He tightened his arms around Shao Wei's waist and pulled him closer to himself.
Shao Wei's body paused slightly, but he did not resist. He just gently rested his forehead on Si Qi's shoulder, allowing him to take him to dance a simple but unique dance by the campfire in this foreign country.
At this moment, there is no haze of the past, no worries about the future, only the warmth of the campfire, the aroma of wine, the solidity of holding hands, and the person in the arms.
Si Qi thought that this was the best life he had always been pursuing.
The grapes ripened and became wine.
And their days, in this plain and warm atmosphere of fireworks, quietly ferment and become more mellow.
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