Chapter 25: Because It’s You
This translation is originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com please read it there. and check out other stories too.
Lingyi Motorcycle Club
During the weekend, many people chatted and laughed near the first-floor bar. Several young men and women gathered in the exhibition hall, taking photos, while the car wash and maintenance area were bustling with activity.
The entertainment area on the second floor was even livelier.
Biker friends gathered in the chess room playing board games, and next door, people were passionately competing on the dance machine.
At the end of the corridor was the boss' private rest area. Song Qingluo and Shi Chuning had just finished riding their beloved motorcycles. Each had a royal chair, lazily lying down, with the table full of snacks and drinks they couldn't finish.
"Since you started pursuing someone, it's become much harder to invite you out. I didn't realize you were more into love than friendship before."
"I was busy with work."
"Today is a day off, and you're still holding onto your phone." Shi Chuning said with a hint of annoyance, grabbing an unopened candy and throwing it towards Song Qingluo.
Song Qingluo's head rested on the edge of a soft cushion, her silver-gray long hair cascading down like a waterfall. One foot was raised high on the chair back, while the other pressed against the armrest, appearing quite disheveled.
She stared intently at the phone screen, not reacting even when hit on the forehead.
After posting on Moments for over ten minutes, she received more than a hundred likes, but among these people, there wasn't the familiar face she most wanted to see.
Maybe the old-fashioned missed it?
Deciding to wait a bit longer, Song Qingluo was about to exit WeChat when she noticed a message from Wen Ruoxian: [Where are you?]
"Ah!" She let out a scream.
Shi Chuning was startled and sat up, "Song Qingluo, have you gone crazy?"
While typing a reply, Song Qingluo put down both feet, rolled gracefully, and stood up, "She actually initiated a conversation with me. Can you believe it? She even wants to know which club I'm at."
Shi Chuning, amused by the message on the screen, applauded, "Congratulations, congratulations."
[Are you coming?]
Sending out this message, her heart also hung high.
Although Song Qingluo knew that with the old-fashioned's personality, she probably wouldn't come, she couldn't help but anticipate.
Two minutes passed without a reply.
It felt like two hours had passed.
Song Qingluo put down her phone, gazing at the ceiling, murmuring to herself, "I bet she won't come, even though I really hope she does... Actually, if she initiates a conversation with me, it means she still cares about me, right?"
“Mm, whether she comes or not, at least she's interested in your life," Shi Chuning said, giving her a confident nod.
Song Qingluo was greatly encouraged, "You're right."
"I never thought you'd have a day of being conquered."
"How could I be conquered? I willingly submitted."
Shi Chuning raised an eyebrow.
"But..." Song Qingluo sighed, leaning against the back of the sofa, "Pretending to be a good girl is really exhausting. I don't know where my limit is. What if one day I accidentally expose my true self and scare her away?"
"This doesn't sound like a concern you'd have, honey," Shi Chuning said, hooking her shoulder.
"Listen to me, love is about being your most authentic self, relaxing completely. Someone will be attracted to you. If you just try to please and conform, you'll be taken for granted, whether it's a guy or a girl. So, don't worry."
Song Qingluo concluded, "Human nature is inherently cheap."
"Exactly," Shi Chuning peeled a piece of beef and fed it to her, "This year, I plan to take 'Pepper' on vacation, and let it go with us on a seaside trip. She will eat endless fresh food, and she will have no regrets.”
This translation is originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com please read it there. and check out other stories too.
Pepper was Shi Chuning's platinum gradual layer cat.
In a few days, it will be spring break. Since about fifteen years ago, Mom Song and Mom Shi had a tradition of taking the kids on a trip every Lunar New Year, and this year was no exception. The private plane route had just been approved, and they were busy preparing.
Song Qingluo almost forgot about it but suddenly remembered—
Where will Wen Ruoxian go?
She's not a local, she should be heading back to her hometown, right? When that time comes, with her abroad and Wen Ruoxian in the country, they wouldn't see each other for several days, dealing with time zone differences.
She picked up her phone and checked WeChat.
Prude: [Okay, wait for me in 20 minutes.]
“?!”
Song Qingluo excitedly patted Shi Chuning, "She said she's coming over now and asked me to wait for her."
"..."
The beef cubes that Shi Chuning had peeled in her hand were knocked off by the pat. She paused for a moment, then reacted with joy, "Perfect, let me see her. It's been six years, and I have no idea what she looks like now."
Song Qingluo couldn't help but feel nervous, leaning towards Shi Chuning, "Is my makeup okay?"
"Touch up your lipstick."
"Oh, okay."
Time seemed to slow down with a simple arrangement.
20 minutes, neither too long nor too short.
Song Qingluo carefully touched up her makeup and tied her hair into a high ponytail, and the silver-gray strands, now colored, appeared even more icy and transparent. Wearing a thick black sheepskin riding outfit, she stood on the second-floor terrace, gazing at the entrance from afar.
Shi Chuning held freshly squeezed strawberry juice to accompany her.
People were coming in and out downstairs, and suddenly, there was a dispute at the front desk. A man's rough voice echoed in the lobby. Song Qingluo and Shi Chuning looked in that direction simultaneously, both furrowing their brows.
"What's going on?"
"I'll go down and check."
The two went downstairs one after the other.
As they approached the front hall, the commotion grew louder. They saw a bald man in black holding a phone, yelling at the front desk, "The customer is God, don't you understand?"
Customers at the bar and in the exhibition hall gathered to watch.
Song Qingluo walked ahead, "What's going on? Why the shouting?"
All eyes turned to her.
The front desk girl, who was yelled at, quickly hid behind Shi Chuning when she saw them, "Boss Shi, he..."
"Boss?" The man scrutinized them, and rubbed his chin, "The boss is here to settle things. I said I wanted to put a deposit on a car, and I asked this little girl to be in touch anytime. Instead, she acted like she was someone special. Is this how your shop does business?"
The front desk girl argued, "Who said we have to add customers on WeChat? I'm at the front desk, not in sales..."
Most of the salespeople in the shop were guys.
Anyone with a discerning eye could see what the bald guy was up to.
Shi Chuning patted the girl's arm for reassurance, then cast a sharp gaze at the bald man, "Sorry, sir, buying a car in our shop follows a standard process. Adding the front desk on WeChat is not within that process. If you are sincere..."
"Whatever your process is, the customer is God, your food and clothing!" The bald man was confrontational.
Song Qingluo suddenly got angry, "I think you're here to cause trouble, right?"
"Are you the boss too?"
"I'm your 18th-generation aunt!"
The bald man got angry, "Your attitude..."
Song Qingluo grabbed a long-handled umbrella from the table corner, ready to smack it on his head, "God, right? I'll send you to meet God right now!"
The bald man was scared and turned to run.
"Don't run! You're planning to take advantage of our sister in the store? I think you're asking for trouble!" Song Qingluo chased after him, cursing, reaching the entrance, but the bald man had already vanished.
When she lifted her eyes, she saw the person she had been thinking about.
Wen Ruoxian stood on the edge of the corridor, her long hair tied low, revealing white pearls dangling from her earlobes. She had no makeup on, looking plain and gentle.
Her eyes showed a surprise different from others.
"Wen..."
Song Qingluo's lips moved, but her voice got stuck in her throat.
Oops.
The good baby image was gone.
Song Qingluo tossed the umbrella aside and walked over with a smile, "Ruoxian, when did you arrive? I've been waiting for you."
Wen Ruoxian was still in a daze, listening to her sweet and gentle words, watching her smiling charmingly. It took a while for her to come back to her senses.
Looking around, she asked, "Is this the place?"
"Exactly," Song Qingluo affectionately hooked her arm, "My best friend's motorcycle club. Isn't it unique? Let me show you around."
"Sure..."
Wen Ruoxian walked along in a daze, following her. Somewhere along the way, she had grown accustomed to the Young Miss coming close, linking arms with her. The physical contact became a memory, and she no longer reflexively struggled. Her brain gradually got used to it, no longer instinctively wanting to push away.
Habits bring comfort.
Entering the hall, the onlookers were still there. Seeing Song Qingluo bringing someone in, curiosity sparked, and they couldn't help but glance a few more times.
Shi Chuning was comforting the front desk sister.
"On the left is the bar with various coffee and drinks. On the right is the exhibition hall with a wide range of brands and models..." Song Qingluo introduced while subtly signaling to Shi Chuning with a glance.
Indicating for her to go upstairs.
Shi Chuning: Understood!
After a quick glance at Wen Ruoxian, she turned and left.
After touring all the areas on the first floor, Song Qingluo took Wen Ruoxian to the second floor. Exiting the elevator, she continued her introduction, "Upstairs is the leisure and entertainment area, usually reserved for members. You can play cards, board games, karaoke, watch movies, and more."
Wen Ruoxian wandered around in a cursory manner, her thoughts were not fully engaged. Her gaze frequently landed on Song Qingluo, noticing her attire for the day—
A high ponytail, enchanting and vivid makeup. The leather jacket, work pants, and Martin boots exuded a cool and fierce aura, resembling a majestic beautiful leopard.
A little wildcat, and a beautiful leopard.
Both are members of the cat family.
Thinking about it, Wen Ruoxian couldn't help but take a few more glances.
"This is my best friend's private office area. Come in." Song Qingluo pushed open the glass door, her fingertips sliding from Wen Ruoxian's arm to her wrist, inadvertently touching her palm.
Wen Ruoxian slightly curled her fingers, then relaxed, following her inside as if nothing happened.
A stranger with blonde hair was sitting on the royal chair.
"This is my best friend and the owner of the club, Shi Chuning," Song Qingluo casually introduced, glancing at Shi Chuning and giving a subtle wink.
"Hey, Chuchu, this is the beautiful, gentle friend I always mention, the one who spoils me, Wen Ruoxian." She blew out the rainbow farts she prepared.
Spoils...
The word landed softly on Wen Ruoxian's heart, creating gentle ripples. It felt strange, and the fact that the Young Miss praised her like this was both unexpected and slightly embarrassing.
"Hello," Shi Chuning received the signal, smiling warmly as she stood up, her appraising gaze sticking closely to Wen Ruoxian's face.
Tsk tsk.
Wen Ruoxian quickly collected her thoughts, smiling warmly, "Hello, Ms. Shi."
"Take a seat," Shi Chuning gestured to the large sofa, "Would you like something to drink? We have coffee, juice, and milk tea..."
"She only drinks water," Song Qingluo playfully interrupted.
Shi Chuning nodded, went to the water dispenser, poured a cup of warm water, and placed it in front of Wen Ruoxian. She then winked at Song Qingluo, "You two chat; I'll go check on the staff downstairs."
"Uh-huh."
Song Qingluo acknowledged the instruction.
The vast room was suddenly left with only two people.
Staring at the tightly closed door, Wen Ruoxian felt a strange sensation in her heart. Unsure if it was just her imagination, she couldn't shake the feeling that Shi Chuning's gaze had been somewhat peculiar, as if...
As if enjoying the show?
Or perhaps instigating something?
She was puzzled.
"Ruoxian?"
“Mm."
Seeing her deep in thought, Song Qingluo was afraid she might recall her earlier irritable demeanor. Softly leaning in, she asked, "Do I look good today? It's a new riding outfit I bought."
"Looks good," Wen Ruoxian praised honestly.
Leaning against her, Song Qingluo coquettishly asked, "Why only two words? It feels perfunctory."
Wen Ruoxian thought of a few versatile adjectives, "Breathtakingly beautiful, causing fish to sink, the wild goose to fall, the moon to be shy and flowers to feel ashamed."
"Haha..." Song Qingluo burst into laughter, "What are you doing, Wen Ruoxian? Why are you so adorable?"
Wen Ruoxian also smiled, "It's genuinely beautiful. It's different from your usual style, but you handle it with ease, very tasteful."
“Mm, now I believe it."
"Do you usually gather here with friends?"
"Not entirely. I occasionally come to see Chuchu, ride motorcycles together, attend motorcycle club events, and sometimes go to the bar..." Song Qingluo paused, suddenly realizing she had slipped up.
What bar?
A good baby like her wouldn't go to such places.
Wen Ruoxian pinpointed the key information, "A bar?"
Song Qingluo inwardly cursed, realizing it was too late to deny it now. However, she could still salvage the situation. Leaning against Wen Ruoxian, she looked up with innocent eyes, "It's just occasionally meeting friends. I go there to hang out, chat, and play games. I'm well-behaved, and I rarely drink. After all, you can't drink and ride a motorcycle."
Wen Ruoxian raised an eyebrow in suspicion, "Well-behaved?"
Old-fashioned.
Can you stop being so good at grabbing keywords?
Song Qingluo silently complained and appeared even more innocent, "Am I not well-behaved?"
Recalling the earlier scene, Wen Ruoxian couldn't help but stifle a laugh. However, to save the Young Miss’ face, she didn't expose the truth and cooperated, "Very well-behaved, I know."
Song Qingluo quickly changed the topic, "Why did you suddenly come to find me today?"
"I just left Ms. Cheng's house," Wen Ruoxian took a sip of warm water and continued, "Had nothing to do this afternoon, happened to see your update in Moments, got curious, wanted to see what you were up to."
She openly confessed all her thoughts without any pretense.
A glint flashed in Song Qingluo's eyes, and she unconsciously murmured, "Ruoxian..."
“Mm?"
"I'm so happy."
"Today is the first time since we met that you've actively sought me out."
Wen Ruoxian turned her head to look at her, momentarily taken aback. That sparkling gaze and the warm, admiring smile created a fleeting sense of ambiguity.
She should have long gotten used to the Young Miss’ enthusiasm.
Her natural inclination always made her overthink.
Wen Ruoxian became sensitive again.
"Just for that?" Wen Ruoxian pursed her lips and smiled.
"Of course," Song Qingluo's eyes sparkled, "Because it's you."
Suddenly, Wen Ruoxian felt a heart-fluttering sensation, an itching feeling cascading from a high place, making her uncomfortable all over.
She regretted coming to find Song Qingluo today, forgetting how clingy this girl could be with all her tricks and antics. While it could make her laugh, it also stirred up her sensitivity, extremely dangerous.
Someone like her should stay far away from Song Qingluo.
What was she thinking... repeatedly making the same mistake? Why couldn't she learn her lesson?
Now it was too late for regrets. She had to change the subject, "Your motorcycle looks great."
"Do you want to ride it?" Song Qingluo tactfully continued, "I can take you for a ride."
Wen Ruoxian looked at her skeptically, "You can take passengers?"
"Don't underestimate me. I'm quite skilled."
"Well, skilled. If it's like the last time..."
"Don't say it, don't say it!" Song Qingluo hurriedly covered her mouth.
“...”
Their distance suddenly closed, and Wen Ruoxian’s lips touched the slightly warm palm. Her breath halted as she stared blankly at the enlarged face in front of her. Song Qingluo was also stunned, locking eyes with her.
Each reflected the other's face in their pupils.
Wen Ruoxian was pinned against the sofa, and Song Qingluo knelt beside her with one leg, the other hand supporting the sofa back, seemingly trapping her in the corner with no way to retreat.
"I'm sorry, I... I'll go get your helmet and protective gear." Song Qingluo hastily released her hand and slipped away as if escaping.
Wen Ruoxian's face turned red, struggling to regain her breath.
….
The fiery red motorcycle was parked in the open courtyard. Wen Ruoxian wore a helmet and a complete set of protective gear, fully equipped with a sense of safety. Song Qingluo, similarly covered from head to toe, was as securely wrapped as her. Before enjoying the ride, they had to attend a class.
"After I get on the bike, don't step on the footrest directly, or I won't be able to support the weight and might fall. Just stand on your tiptoes, and use the other foot to step up..." Miss Song explained, gesturing as she spoke.
Wen Ruoxian listened attentively.
After explaining the precautions, Song Qingluo smoothly got on the bike, and pushed the red button, awakening the entirely red "Blood Wolf" from its slumber, emitting a low growl.
This attracted the attention of the staff and customers in the shop, who peeked and looked over.
"Come on up."
"..."
Facing the massive machine, with the engine roaring like a racing car, Wen Ruoxian couldn't help but feel a bit nervous.
"Ruoxian-jiejie, you're not afraid, are you?" Song Qingluo noticed her hesitation and teased her with a playful smile.
Wen Ruoxian frowned, "How could that be?"
After all, being a bit older, admitting fear in front of a younger sister, who was five years her junior, would be quite embarrassing. It was just riding a motorcycle, no different from riding a bicycle or an electric scooter.
How scary could it be?
Wen Ruoxian thought so and, with one hand supporting Song Qingluo's shoulder, slightly raised her left foot, leaped, lifted her right foot, and smoothly straddled the bike.
Her hands naturally rested on Song Qingluo's shoulders.
"You shouldn't put your hands on my shoulders," Song Qingluo reminded, turning her head.
"Why?"
"This way, your entire weight presses on my hands, which can easily get tired and sore. In case I can't control the handlebars, it could lead to an accident." Miss Song had a rare serious moment.
Wen Ruoxian immediately released her hands, her gaze moving downward, "Then..."
Where should she hold on?
Under the helmet, Song Qingluo's mouth curved into a sly smile, "You can hold onto my waist."
Wen Ruoxian hesitated.
"Miss Wen, if you don't know where to hold, you can hold onto the fuel tank. Leaning forward with the body, using gravity is no problem. This is the standard posture for riding a motorcycle." Somehow, from somewhere, came the light reminder from Shi Chuning.
"!!"
Song Qingluo shot her a look that could devour someone even through the helmet.
Bad friend!
Fake bestie!
Wen Ruoxian felt as if she had received an amnesty: "Okay, thank you."
The back seat was much higher than the front seat. She leaned over slightly, put her hands under Song Qingluo's armpits, and held the fuel tank in front. Her entire upper body was tightly pressed against Song Qingluo's back.
Although Song Qingluo was unwilling to do so, she had nothing to say and had to patch things up: "You can indeed hold on to the fuel tank, but when the ride gets a bit longer, the tank becomes hot, especially on my Ducati. Wearing gloves won't endure. If it gets too hot later, don't tough it out; make sure to hold onto me."
Wen Ruoxian responded in a low voice: “Mm."
"Then let's set off."
Song Qingluo kicked off the stand, her left foot shifting gears, and her right hand gently rotating the throttle. Under the deep hum of the engine, the fiery red motorcycle gracefully exited the courtyard.
The club's vicinity still belonged to the urban area, and she managed to turn the racing-level motorcycle into a "leisurely ride for an old man." Maneuvering effortlessly through the streets and alleys.
Perhaps because Song Qingluo rode with such gentleness, Wen Ruoxian didn't feel any discomfort. Her mood gradually relaxed as she started a conversation, "Have you taken someone with you before?"
"I've taken others on different bikes, all girls I know from the club."
"What about this bike?"
"You're the first," Song Qingluo declared loudly, "and the only one."
Wen Ruoxian chuckled inside her helmet, "I'm honored."
"Then, would you like to be my forever 'mudguard'?"
"What does that mean?"
"It means being the passenger on my motorcycle," Song Qingluo's cheerful laughter was carried away by the wind.
Wen Ruoxian didn't quite understand the significance but felt a pleasant mood, "Sure."
The city streets gradually faded into the distance, with fewer vehicles and pedestrians. As they passed the last intersection, they entered the favorite suburban freedom zone for motorcycle enthusiasts.
Song Qingluo shifted from second gear to third, then from third to fourth and fifth, gradually increasing the speed.
"The 'Blood Wolf' roared, racing along rural roads. The wind howled in their ears, resembling ghostly cries, and the powerful air resistance felt like it could flip them over. Wen Ruoxian felt as if she were about to fly off. Before the gas tank could get too hot, a deep sense of unease settled in, and her hands struggled to hold on firmly.
Her heartbeat intensified as if it might burst out of her throat.
"Qingluo..." She couldn't care much, desperately clinging to Song Qingluo's waist, as if holding onto a lifeline.
"Slow down a bit, okay?"
The wind was too loud; Song Qingluo seemed not to hear, thoroughly enjoying the exhilaration of the speedy ride.
Until the hands wrapped around her waist tightened more and more...
Suddenly realizing something was wrong, Song Qingluo asked loudly, "Ruoxian? Are you okay? You're almost strangling me."
No response came from behind.
Song Qingluo panicked, quickly slowing down the motorcycle and stopping on the side of the road. She propped up the side ladder and grabbed the hands intertwined in front of her.
Those hands slowly loosened.
She dismounted, one hand embracing Wen Ruoxian, and pushed up their helmets' windscreen. "Ruoxian? Are you okay?"
Wen Ruoxian was trembling, limp in her arms, with slight traces of tears in the corners of her eyes.
Author's Note:
Xiao Qingluo: "About My Wife Being Scared To Tears While Riding In My Bike” (nerve-wracking