Chapter 571: Chapter 571: I’m Loved by Everyone

After dinner, the sky was almost dark, and street lights illuminated the desolate road outside the film set.

Yu Xia and Xie Qingci took a couple of laps outside.

Strolling along the street is a common dating activity for couples. Hand in hand, they walked slowly along the long road, occasionally chatting aimlessly about everyday topics.

Behind them, a bunch of people squeezed at the set’s entrance watching them. If only their backs were seen, they really resembled young college students in love, even the hand-holding had a hint of naivety.

No one interrupted them; everyone consciously kept a distance, leaving the long street to the couple in love.

On the open and quiet street, there was only the gentle rustling sound brought by the wind. Yu Xia said nothing, enjoying the warmth of the moment.

The December air was very cold; as the wind blew, the mist from their breaths dispersed. But her hand was always held by Xie Qingci. He was like a natural furnace, with heat ever-present, warmth continuously transmitted through their clasped hands, making her feel less cold.

Passing a street lamp, she turned her head to look at him.

His profile was smooth and commendable, with a high nose, dense lashes casting a small shadow under his eyes, a tightened jaw, and a slightly protruding Adam’s apple, creating a distinct outline that made the shadow cast on the ground appear elegant.

Xie Qingci perceived her gaze and turned his head to look at her, lazily asking: "Hmm?"

Yu Xia seized the chance to ask: "There’s only a month left, do your parents like anything specific? Visiting always requires bringing gifts."

He thought carefully: "I don’t think there’s anything they particularly like. How about a health gift package for middle-aged and elderly?"

"...That idea sounds unreliable," she said, "Wouldn’t that be asking for trouble? Your parents aren’t exactly middle-aged."

Having a son like him would surely be exasperating enough.

Xie Qingci innocently replied: "Then I don’t know. What they might actually like would probably be lab equipment or data?"

She rolled her eyes: "Forget it, I’ll decide myself."

Maybe tea or liquor for uncle? For aunt, a scarf or pure gold jewelry?

When it comes to scarf and jewelry, one must see the person first to know whether the colors fit.

Yu Xia swung their clasped hands, asking him: "Do you have photos of your uncle and aunt? Let me see. Mainly your aunt."

"No."

She frowned, a bit incredulous: "None? Even family photos are fine. Haven’t you taken any family pictures?"

Xie Qingci shook his head: "Childhood photos are all in the album at home, there’s nothing on my phone."

"No other photos either?" she asked again.

Xie Qingci still shook his head: "None."

Afraid she wouldn’t believe him, he even flipped through his phone’s gallery for her to see.

In the album, apart from a few self-portraits, most were various pictures of Yu Xia, along with some group photos with classmates, like Wei Yaoyao and others.

Indeed, there were no pictures of his parents or any relatives.

Almost like he sprang from a rock, without a family presence.

Yu Xia didn’t know whether to sigh or what—how could his living parents make it seem like her deceased ones? 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

"I’ll just pick something myself. If they don’t like it, it’ll be your fault."

He didn’t seem upset at all, had the mind to tease even.

"Sure, it’s all my fault. Blame it on me, it’s fine. After all, I’m just a scapegoat tool person."

She found it amusing, tightening her grip to give him a playful scratch.

Xie Qingci then suppressed his laughter, seriously telling her: "Since the last time you went home, you should be familiar with how it is now. They’re fairly easy-going, so don’t overthink, it’s just like having a couple of meals. If you’re not comfortable, we can always come back here."

Yu Xia lowered her head and kicked a small stone by the roadside, softly saying: "I didn’t overthink."

"Really? I thought everyone feels nervous before meeting the other’s parents."

"Why be nervous," she feigned calmness, "I’m not worried they won’t like me. I look so good, my brother says anyone would like me. If they truly don’t, would you break up with me right there?"

Xie Qingci: "Impossible."

"Then that settles it."

Saying lightly, she leisurely walked to the next street lamp, stopping.

"Alright, I admit, there is a bit of nervousness."

Stifling a laugh, Xie Qingci asked: "Nervous about what? No one could dislike you."

She frowningly said: "Not that; it’s like meeting a new teacher at school or distant relatives on New Year; in front of strangers needing respect, one always feels a bit uneasy. Plus, they’re your parents."

"Oh—So the key is in the last part, right? My parents will someday become your parents too, so you’re worried about leaving them with a bad impression?"

His words brushed against her ear, teasing and yet somewhat serious.

Yu Xia glanced at him: "Talking about things nowhere near completion, you sure think a lot."

"Can’t help it, it’s not long until the legal age is up. Thinking early benefits all."

She pouted: "Everyone reaching legal age is still growing; I wouldn’t dare to hinder the rise of a giant."

She couldn’t help laughing after speaking.

Xie Qingci also laughed with her, putting their warm-clasped hands into his jacket pocket.

They walked a bit more along the street, and suddenly snow started falling.

In the darkness, it wasn’t clear until felt on their bodies—a chill, and Xie Qingci raised his hand to show partially melted snow to her.

"It’s snowing."

Surprised, she poked the quickly melting snow in his palm and looked up at the street lights ahead.

The dim lights revealed the snowflakes descending, akin to rain but their leisurely fall lacked rain’s urgency.

"It’s really snowing."

She reached out to catch some, then opened her hand to watch the snow melt.

"Your hair is all covered with white." Xie Qingci shook her hair, bringing out the jacket’s hood with furry trim to cover her head.

The hood was large, and the white fur trim framed her face, making it appear even smaller. Xie Qingci smoothed the hair on her forehead, his movements slowing.

Then he gently cupped her face through the hood and kissed her.

Softly crushing, tenderly licking.

Yu Xia withdrew her snowy hand, slipped both hands through his open jacket, encircling his waist, raising her head to accept the snow-kissed moment.

The more gentle the more entrancing, Xie Qingci wrapped her in his coat, his warm body driving away the chill of wind and snow, the two beating hearts drawing infinitely close.

In the nine o’clock darkness, beside dim street lights, with snow swaying and falling onto shoulders, the two lovers embraced intimately, their hearts opening, exchanging mutual tenderness.

From a distance, it indeed looked like a scene from a drama, a novel’s plot unfolding.

Mei held her hand warmer, crouching by the set entrance, capturing their moment, filled with excitement and joy, wanting to shout "kiss more intensely" if it weren’t inappropriate.