Chapter 71: Land of Warmth And Tenderness
This translation is originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com please read it there. and check out other stories too.
With Wen Ruoxian's promise, Song Qingluo felt at ease for the moment, not worrying about what the future might bring, but instead enjoying the present and cherishing each day with her beloved.
For several days, she looked through the sketchbook Wen Ruoxian gave her over and over again, growing more fond of the golden retriever and little fox illustrations each time.
It was not just a simple sketchbook; it was a tacit understanding of two hearts gradually drawing closer. It also served as Song Qingluo's reassurance, dispelling all doubts about being a “bootlicker,” and making her realize that during those passionate times, someone else burned with the same intensity, and it was never her one-man show.
It was the first time she truly delved into Wen Ruoxian's inner world.
“Why are you a golden retriever?”
“Because someone calls me ‘old-fashioned.’”
“Haha, it’s very fitting. Ruoxian is the warm and loyal golden retriever, and I’m the sly and greedy little fox. Although the little fox always tricks the golden retriever, it eventually ends up in the golden retriever’s land of warmth and tenderness*…”
*温柔乡 (wēnróuxiāng) (most likely pun intended on Wen Ruoxian's name)
Lying in Wen Ruoxian’s arms, Song Qingluo extended her index finger and drew an ambiguous circle over her heart.
That is the land of warmth and tenderness.
After four months, their cohabitation started again. Song Qingluo took Wen Ruoxian out to shop, eat, and play.
First, they tried all the delicious restaurants near South Kensington. Then, they visited major museums, parks, and markets, occasionally attending events. Whether in international circles or among fellow countrymen, she had friends she knew.
Knowing that Wen Ruoxian did not like noisy places, she declined various invitations to gatherings and parties and did not go to bars, only accompanying Wen Ruoxian to visit cultural landmarks. Sometimes, when they encountered unfamiliar places, she had to do research the night before going out.
In less than half a month, they had over three thousand photos saved on the camera.
Every day, her Moments updates started with two posts, with no upper limit, prompting Shi Chuning to comment, “Already surrendering so quickly? Baby, if you’ve been kidnapped, just make a noise, okay?”
“Hahaha, what are you saying? I wasn't kidnapped; I’m doing great.” Song Qingluo leaned against a tree trunk, holding her phone to record a voice message.
The sunset fell on her profile, the light and shadow outlining her deep features. Her jet-black, thick hair cascaded like a waterfall, and the fiery red plush dress looked like a blooming rose, adding a touch of vibrant life to the desolate season.
It brought a bit of vitality to this bleak and barren season.
Today, she and Arthur were invited to perform at UCL, and she brought Wen Ruoxian along—introducing her partner to friends and fulfilling her promise to stick close to Wen Ruoxian.
After the event ended, she saw off Arthur and the other friends, waiting for Wen Ruoxian to finish using the restroom.
Everyone passing by couldn't help but glance over.
“Do you know you’re like a different person from August? Back then, you were so resolute and determined. I thought you’d finally realized you couldn’t hang yourself on just one tree after all these years. I didn’t expect… Did Wen Ruoxian drug you? Does she have something on you? Do you owe her your life?”
“None of that. I was just impulsive and heated back then, and many things were unclear. Now I’ve come to understand and reassess things. Besides… it’s impossible to always stay absolutely rational!”
“Don’t worry, I’m not a fool.”
Song Qingluo earnestly explained to Shi Chuning.
After all, she was a close friend, one of the important people in her life.
“Are you happy?” Shi Chuning asked calmly.
“I’m happy. Every day with her is so much fun, and I feel incredibly blessed! I don’t even want to be apart from her for a moment. For example, right now, I’m waiting for her to come out of the restroom at your alma mater. It feels like I’ve been waiting at least half an hour, but it’s only been five minutes according to my watch… Ah, five minutes is still a long time. Does it really take this long to use the restroom? She hasn’t fallen in, has she?” Song Qingluo murmured to herself, glancing back.
She saw Wen Ruoxian coming down the stairs.
“She’s coming, she’s coming. I’ll talk to you later.” Sending off a long voice message, she eagerly ran toward Wen Ruoxian.
“Ruoxian!”
“Have your friends left?” Wen Ruoxian stretched out her hand from a distance.
“Mm-hmm,” Song Qingluo took that hand, holding it in her palm, and walked side by side with her. “Do you remember this building? You were here for a debate competition, and Chuchu and I sneaked in to watch. I noticed you at first glance…”
She pointed to the building on the right.
This was the place where she first saw Wen Ruoxian.
Revisiting old places.
“I remember,” Wen Ruoxian looked in the direction she pointed, a smile curving her lips.
“Because I was the only Asian face on the team, and you, being fellow countrymen, were especially familiar. It’s hard not to notice me, right?”
“Maybe at first glance, but if there was nothing special about you, how would I have remembered you? I was watching you the whole time, utterly captivated!”
“Oh, what was so special about me?”
Years later, Song Qingluo recalled the scene clearly, saying, “Others spoke very quickly, they seemed rushed, but you were calm, unhurried, very composed and steady. That presence… like a majestic emperor or a strategist in command. It felt like you had already seen through the opponent and securing the ranking was just a matter of time. Ah, you were really so handsome…”
She looked at Wen Ruoxian with admiration.
Wen Ruoxian smiled shyly, “I almost forgot, but you remember so many details.”
For her, that debate competition was just one of her interests. She participated with the mindset of having fun and wanting more experiences and insights. She was immersed in the competition, her mind full of both sides’ arguments, and was even thinking about what to eat with friends after it ended.
It was an ordinary day in her life, a routine event for her, yet in Song Qingluo’s eyes, it was so special and significant that it was remembered deeply for years.
This feeling was quite subtle.
It was like when Qingluo took candid photos of her eating and drinking, and then casually told her, “You’re really beautiful.”
To those who love her, everything she does is beautiful, sparkling, and full of charm.
She was being loved so steadily.
“Because it's love at first sight.” Song Qingluo leaned in and gave her a quick peck on the lips.
This translation is originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com please read it there. and check out other stories too.
Occasionally, students passed by, and Wen Ruoxian looked around anxiously, whispering, “We’re outside…”
After saying that, she quickened her pace.
Song Qingluo pressed her lips together, smiling as she followed, grabbing Wen Ruoxian’s hand and intertwining their fingers.
The driver was waiting outside the school gate. One after the other, they got into the car. As soon as the door closed, Song Qingluo couldn’t wait to hug Wen Ruoxian, kissing her on the face and lips repeatedly.
“Hey, Qingluo…” Wen Ruoxian felt helpless, yet she couldn’t bear to push her away.
Did this girl think the driver was just air?
“There’s something I want to ask you.”
“What is it?” Song Qingluo immediately sat up straight, looking at her seriously.
Wen Ruoxian took a deep breath and asked, "Are you close with that friend named Galina?"
Hearing that name, Song Qingluo felt a slight tightness in her chest and answered truthfully, "Not really. I met her when I first came here at an alumni dinner. She's from the same school but in a different year. Why do you ask?"
"This afternoon, she kept staring at me, and the look in her eyes seemed like..." Wen Ruoxian frowned.
She originally thought she was being overly sensitive, but every time she accidentally looked up or turned her head, she met Galina's gaze directly. It was hard not to notice. The woman was tall and thin, her eyes deep and sharp, like a knife that could cut her open from head to toe.
"I always felt like she was probing, or perhaps evaluating something?"
"Oh..."
Song Qingluo vaguely understood, feeling somewhat guilty as she said, "She likes me. She confessed to me before, but I turned her down."
After saying this, she bit her lip, looking like she was obediently coming clean.
Wen Ruoxian was shocked. "When did this happen?"
"Around the end of September."
End of September...
It's now mid-November.
This meant that just a month before she came to England, someone had already confessed to Qingluo. That girl, whether in appearance or speech, was in no way inferior to her. Moreover, she was a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music, undoubtedly talented, and shared more common topics with Qingluo.
After a long silence, Wen Ruoxian muttered to herself, "So, someone pursued you and confessed to you so soon. If I hadn't come, would it have..."
"But I rejected her!" Song Qingluo anxiously gripped her hand.
"Not liking someone means not liking them. I'm not someone just anyone can have."
"Does she still have feelings for you?"
"No. Even if she did, it has nothing to do with me."
Wen Ruoxian thought for a moment and realized she might be being a little petty. She immediately composed herself, "Mm, I was just asking casually. I just wanted to clear things up, so I wouldn’t mistakenly think she had any intentions—"
Song Qingluo kissed her on the lips.
She felt Wen Ruoxian first tense up, then relax, letting out an embarrassed muffled sound.
After a few seconds, she released her and smoothed her hair, which had gotten messed up. "Ruoxian, you’re my girlfriend. You can ask me anything, openly and freely. With you, I only have favoritism and honesty."
Wen Ruoxian’s face flushed red, unsure if it was from embarrassment or because Qingluo saw right through her. She whispered softly, "I know, you little kissing maniac."
"Should I reinforce my title again?"
"No, no."
“Hmph."
The car moved slowly; they were still two or three kilometers from home. Song Qingluo took a call from a record company, speaking on her end while Wen Ruoxian listened quietly. After she hung up—
"Are you really not considering signing with them?"
“Ai, having a simultaneous interpreter girlfriend means there’s no hiding secrets. Speaking in English won't keep it from getting translated." Song Qingluo pretended to sigh and shook her head, glancing at her sideways.
Wen Ruoxian chuckled softly.
Recently, a record company extended an olive branch to Song Qingluo, offering an eight-figure signing fee in U.S. dollars, hoping she would consider joining. The company was ranked in the top three worldwide in the industry, with its headquarters in the United States, having specialized in classical music for many years. The musicians under its banner were all quite prestigious within the circle.
But Song Qingluo hadn’t considered it.
Signing with a company would ultimately limit her freedom. Since she was a child, the idea of working for someone else had never crossed her mind; she had always done things her own way.
Joining the company might allow her to meet more equally talented people, gain access to more resources and opportunities, and engage in mutual appreciation and exchange. It might not necessarily be a bad thing. However, the inconveniences were obvious—she would have to live abroad for a long time.
Being separated from Wen Ruoxian was something she could not bear.
"Signing means losing my freedom," she said dismissively, not wanting any emotion to be noticed.
Wen Ruoxian seemed to sense something, and the smile faded from her face. She tightened her grip on Song Qingluo’s hand. "Qingluo, think more about yourself."
"I am thinking about myself."
"Is it because of me?"
"…"
Song Qingluo was annoyed that she couldn't hide anything from her. After some thought, she decided to be honest, "I don’t want to stay abroad for a long time, and I can’t accept us being apart more than we’re together. If I can't be by your side often, then no matter how many resources, opportunities, or how much money I have, what meaning would it have? The most important thing in life is happiness. If I can't see you, I won't be happy."
She was a white rose.
A white rose that grew in a greenhouse, sheltered too well.
The resources, opportunities, and money she considered meaningless were the very things that ordinary people dreamed of, things they would forsake "happiness" for.
These things often could not coexist with love.
Love always suffered defeat.
Wen Ruoxian's eyes turned a little red, "Qingluo, you can’t let love be your whole world..."
How could this girl's heart and mind be so full of her? If she were born into an ordinary family, she'd be so easy to deceive, completely unaware of the dangers lurking in people's hearts.
"I'm not entirely caught up in love. I just know very clearly what I want and what I can handle. For most people, resources and money are important, but for me, these things will always come after my lover, family, and friends." Song Qingluo cupped Wen Ruoxian's face and gently kissed her eyelids.
Then, holding her close, she continued, "In the future, if I want to perform, I can go out, and if I want to be with you, I can stay in the country, free from restrictions. Isn't that wonderful?"
The soft and gentle words whispered in her ear made Wen Ruoxian's heart flutter. She felt like a child being pampered, feeling both secure and content.
She breathed in the scent of Song Qingluo, identical to her own, lifted her head, and leaned in to steal a kiss. Her movements were clumsy and shy, and after the kiss, she quickly glanced at the driver, who was focused on driving, pretending as if nothing had happened.
"Alright."
"Whatever decision you make, I will support you."
Author's Note:
There is too much content to finish. The next chapter will be updated the day after tomorrow!
