by Spring Trees
Just that the expression of someone with facial paralysis will usually look cold, but Mo Shu’s facial paralysis make him appear heavenly and out of this world, huh?
Look at his eager expression… It is no different than a puppy asking for a bone.
Noticing that Nan Ge Er looked at him without a reply, Mo Shu persisted on, “You don’t want to fall ill, do you? Being sick feels horrible, right? You don’t want to be late again in the preparation for this New Year, do you?”
True, celebrating a cheerless New Year due to late New Year preparations was insufferable for Nan Ge Er.
Mo Shu continued hastily after noticing Nan Ge Er’s softened expression, “I have inner energy.” What he meant was: I have inner energy, so I can provide warmth no matter how cold it gets. In the meanwhile, I can help rub your stomach and warm your bed. I’m also a large-sized heater with a consistent temperature; I’m an essential household travel item for murdering and arson.
Nan Ge Er couldn’t help but laugh, “Alright, for the sake of your sincerity.”
Having his wish granted, Mo Shu became elated as well. He reached his hand out to stroke Nan Ge Er’s head, “I’ll cook your favorite spicy shrimp today.”
Nan Ge Er didn’t answer him, only smiling for a bit to acknowledge it.
Mo Shu didn’t care if there was any reply on Nan Ge Er’s part as well, he only went off joyfully, minding with his own matters.
So I said… No matter what I do, he will still act this way, huh? Regardless of my answer, Mo Shu still will not change any bit. Should I say that he is too single-minded, or should I lament about him being too self-absorbed? This person – is really – too doting! If he got serious, no one could do anything about him, let alone me.
As expected, experts are just different!
Nan Ge Er sighed in his heart, before continuing his work.
As he stayed longer in Guang Tian, he began having a clearer understanding that the present Guang Tian required a ginormous amount of effort to be able to get to the current state. It couldn’t be achieved single-handedly or within a generation.
The efforts of countless Guang Tian people were definitely the reason why the world’s most beautiful and last pure land could be preserved. And amid everyone, Mo Shu’s contributions, or perhaps, the contributions of every leader of Guang Tian, were monumental.
When strolling along Guang Tian’s streets, any random passerby, grocer, or even thief met were rare talents that kings from the outside desperately sought after.
Instead, all of them lived peacefully here. Enjoying riches wasn’t difficult at all, being content with peaceful poorness was much more praiseworthy. Not to mention, they had precise knowledge of their own capabilities, and knew how much riches they could get with their talents.
This- was Guang Tian.
They hid themselves, not because they were weak, but due to their strength.
Nan Ge Er began feeling some pride of the place he stayed in too. He somewhat understood the reason why everyone couldn’t hide their pride, and never intended to do so anyway, when they mentioned they belonged to Guang Tian. It is because we are the best in the world. Thus, we are all together, and build the finest utopia.
When Nan Ge Er turned in for the night, Mo Shu had already packed himself up neatly and was on the bed. Mo Shu patted the area beside him, “Xiao Nan.”
Nan Ge Er was adjusting the wick of the candle then. He turned his head to look at Mo Shu, twitching his lips as he did so, “I don’t recall mentioning about sleeping on the same side as you.”
“Aren’t you intending to sleep on the same side?” Mo Shu widened his eyes slightly, as if Nan Ge Er had just said something inconceivable.
“Obviously.” Nan Ge Er black-lined, “Why do I want to sleep on the same side as you?”
“But, it is seldom for us to be able to sleep together.” Mo Shu was rather discontented.
“It’s still winter.” Nan Ge Er was used to being stunned and appalled; he became more and more composed as time went by.
“But you might just turn feisty all of a sudden.” Mo Shu murmured softly.
Nan Ge Er didn’t answer; he only lifted the lamp up.
“I’m wrong.” Mo Shu uttered rapidly.
“Shut up.” After a hard day’s work, Nan Ge Er was tired and had no energy to bicker with him. He blew the fire off straightaway, before touching around blindly as he walked towards the bed.
In the end… His hands came in contact with a rather delicate and springy object.
Yet again, Nan Ge Er spoke calmly, “Move that big head of yours away, or else I will greet you with my lamp.”
“Don’t be so stingy.” Mo Shu chuckled. With a swoop, he picked Nan Ge Er up, and tucked him into the blanket, “Don’t you find it cold standing by the bed?”
“Not at all.” Nan Ge Er hmphed, “Don’t you know that people heat up when they get angry?”
“It’s no good getting angry.” Mo Shu hugged Nan Ge Er, preventing the wind from getting to his body through the blanket’s gaps, “You have a weak body condition; if you keep getting angry, your lifespan will shorten.”
“It’s all your fault if I have a shortened lifespan.” Nan Ge Er replied curtly.
Humans’ body temperature is the best, and the warmest. Fire’s temperature is too boiling hot; water’s temperature is too chilling cold; humans’ temperature is the best.
Is it because the blood coursing through the body is warm? Or is it the hug that makes me not feel chilly?
As Nan Ge Er was in a warm environment, he got used to the situation immediately. In a moment’s time, his consciousness turned cloudy.
“Let me tell you a secret.” Mo Shu hugged Nan Ge Er tightly as he whispered.
As Mo Shu spoke in a gentle tone, and naturally had a soothing voice, so it became some sort of lullaby in Nan Ge Er’s ears.
Nan Ge Er listened sleepily; his eyelids fluttered down right away.
“I’ll say this to you only.” Mo Shu chuckled lightly. It is as if a breeze, candid yet soft.
Nan Ge Er thought in his heart drowsily.
“So, you must listen carefully.”
How warm, how sleepy…
“But, it’s best for you to not listen to it.”
…Unn, goodnight…
Mo Shu felt the person within his embrace had fallen asleep. In the darkness, he lifted his lips up, feeling a little resigned, yet somewhat relieved.
After that, he lowered his head, and kissed Nan Ge Er’s forehead.
Chapter 34
* * *
Sometimes, there weren’t any intentions of wanting to do something purposefully, just having days passing by unknowingly. Then, on a certain day, there’s a sudden realisation; everything experienced, be it intentional or unintentional, all of them happened just for this moment.
* * *
During one morning in the chilly winter, Nan Ge Er woke with a start by Mo Shu’s elated voice outside. A little weary, he opened his eyes.
“Xiao Nan, the plum blossoms have bloomed.”
Huh?
Nan Ge Er was still befuddled. He just turned his head instinctively, looking out the window towards the directions of the plum trees planted.
His eyes widened in an instant.
Within a night, each and every plum blossom, as if planned, bloomed together. From his view, it looked as though layers of pure white snow had fallen. The thick, inextricable layers of petals blanketed the entire grove. With a slight blow of wind, they fluttered down one after another, truly as if snow. The wind rolled the snow-white petals along, as though a romantic dreamy scene.
“Let’s view the blossoms.” Mo Shu was exuberant.
“Alright.” Nan Ge Er was surprisingly cooperative this time. After all, quite some years were used to obtain those fruits of labor; plus, the bountiful blossoming arrived rather suddenly. Thus, even Nan Ge Er, who always remained calm, would be stirred up and jubilant by that involuntarily.
The wind
today just so happened to be small. Nan Ge Er was wrapped up with a long, snow-white fur coat. He stood under the plum trees and dazed above.
Mo Shu took a stool out while bringing along a small wine bottle and a plate of snacks. He called out to Nan Ge Er, “Come over here, I can help you block the wind. You might catch a cold standing under the trees.”
Nan Ge Er thought, on this rare occasion of blossom viewing, if I get sick, it will turn such a good event into a bad one.
Nan Ge Er sat obediently beside the downwind blocking Mo Shu.
Mo Shu poured a cup of wine. Noticing Nan Ge Er looking at him, he tilted his head, “Do you want some?”
Nan Ge Er shook his head. The severe consequences of drinking that year made him fearful of touching such stimulating items casually.
“Eat some bean cakes then.” Mo Shu pushed the snacks on the table.
Nan Ge Er nodded, before taking a piece out. He pondered a bit; unlike Mo Shu, he didn’t love sweet snacks. Thus, he halved the piece and placed one half back. After thinking again, he halved his remaining piece once more and placed the other half back to the plate.
Mo Shu took a gulp of wine. Looking at Nan Ge Er’s actions, he couldn’t help curling his lips up.
Nan Ge Er was too focused on breaking the cake apart, as he didn’t want much powder to fall. Hence he didn’t notice Mo Shu’s smile.
In the end, he placed the piece of cake, one-eighth of bean cake, into his mouth.
The wind was blocked out by Mo Shu, and the clothes Nan Ge Er wore was exceedingly warm. Thus, even though he took quite some time breaking the cake in the midst of the wind, his hands and feet still weren’t cold.
“Do you want the heater?” Mo Shu asked again.
Nan Ge Er considered for a while. With the bean cake in his mouth, he shook his head. He only replied after swallowing the snack, “Fire mustn’t be near the plum trees. Plus, blossoms should be viewed in slightly colder temperature, so to be able to smell the blossoms’ fragrance.”
Situated in the small forest of plum trees, with the air filled with the chilly fragrance of the serene plum blossoms, Nan Ge Er felt himself turning elegant.
He was different from Mo Shu. Regardless of the various aristocratic etiquette he learnt from young, the memories of his previous life still lingered in him. He wasn’t someone elegant at all. Thus, during the few years he spent in Guang Tian, he found it easy to turn himself quickly from a prince to a commoner.
On the contrary, Mo Shu, who held on his wine as he sat in the midst of the plum forest, looked as though a painting. His white clothes surpassing snow; his jet hair as though ink. His sleeves fluttered around, setting off the white blossoms that occasionally fell behind him.
Noticing Nan Ge Er, unknowingly, started being preoccupied again, Mo Shu tilted his head as he looked at him, “What’s wrong?”
Only at this moment would Mo Shu’s eyes appear to be shining bright and exceptionally perceptive, as if an unsheathed sharp dagger. It felt as though an invincible sword was placed against one’s neck when under such a gaze. Although frightening, it was hard to look away.
“Mo Shu…resembles the white blossoms a little.” Nan Ge Er blurted out his inner thoughts involuntarily.
Mo Shu was stunned a bit, before smiling, “Is that so.”
Indeed, to Nan Ge Er, Mo Shu felt just like the white blossoms that only bloomed in the harsh chilly winter. Even though they were of different species, Nan Ge Er felt just as so.
Probably, it is because both of them look transcendently and outstanding? Or perhaps due to their elegance? Or maybe, Mo Shu is extremely compatible with the white blossom in himself? Even Nan Ge Er had no idea why such words jumped out of his mouth.
“Beautiful?” After sipping wine, Mo Shu asked.
“Mn.” Nan Ge Er didn’t know if Mo Shu was referring to the flowers or himself.
However, at the moment, both were a sight to behold in Nan Ge Er’s eyes. Nan Ge Er’s honest reply made Mo Shu satisfied. Mo Shu’s lips curled into a smile.
A gentle wind brushed along. The branches of the plum trees quavered lightly, the pure white petals scattered across the floor one after another. Mo Shu’s snow white clothes, together with his jet black hair, fluttered around as well.
He truly looked as though from an ink painting, handsome and dashing.
“Your hands are a little chilly.” Unknowingly, Mo Shu reached his hands over. He rubbed Nan Ge Er’s hands as he frowned slightly, “Are you cold?”
Nan Ge Er shook his head. The reason why his hands and feet got cold easily was simply due to his weak body condition, but in actuality, his body still was warm.
“Who knows how many years are needed to recuperate.” Mo Shu sighed slightly. He reached his hand out to rub on his head, “Fancy you never once complained about it”
Nan Ge Er laughed, “What do I have to complain about.” My present life is great, I will be too greedy if I still complain.
“Xiao Nan really is an obedient child.” Mo Shu smiled as he stroked his hair, before helping to tighten his coat a bit.
“I’m not a child, alright?” Nan Ge Er was speechless as he looked at Mo Shu’s babysitting-like actions.
“Yes, yes, yes.” Obviously, Mo Shu paid not a single mind towards Nan Ge Er’s protest.
It couldn’t be helped. Normally, Nan Ge Er could use words to trample on the idiotic Mo Shu without any hesitation. However, Nan Ge Er became utterly hopeless when Mo Shu spoke with such a coddling expression.
He seriously wasn’t able to resist with strict measures when his opponent adopted a gentle approach.
Unluckily for him, the instances when Mo Shu looked as such had started increasing more and more…
While pondering, Nan Ge Er had a hidden premonition in his heart that his days in the future would probably be hard. He sighed, “We have plum blossoms here too. So next time, you don’t have to gaze at the bald plum tree of our neighbors.” I grew them for quite a number of years, you know?
Mo Shu didn’t react much as soon as the words came out, but contrarily, Nan Ge Er froze instantly.
Huh?
So actually, these plum trees are gathered and grown year after year by me for Mo Shu.
When did I start doing this? When did I start taking that sentence Mo Shu said to heart? Maybe I always remembered it in heart, and then became determined to do something for him?
So, the plum trees I planted every spring are just for this person. But, I don’t even notice it myself.
Nan Ge Er was flabbergasted, yet feeling a slight joy from it. He tilted his head towards Mo Shu.
Oi, did you notice it? The things I did.
Mo Shu simply smiled, without any words uttered.
Nan Ge Er stared blankly at Mo Shu for some time. He felt himself being a little perplexed, yet seemingly understanding it a bit.
“What are you dazing around for?” Mo Shu chuckled, as he reached his hand out to remove a fallen petal on Nan Ge Er’s head.
Perhaps Nan Ge Er believed he was probably quite graceful at present. However, in Mo Shu’s perspective, he could only see a round white ball sitting beside him. The white velvet fur all around the ball even danced along with the wind. His appearance was exceptionally hilarious and…
Adorable.
Nan Ge Er frowned, with no words out. Feeling a little confused, he decided to calm himself down by consuming food. He lowered his head and pinched a small piece of the remaining bean cake he left on the plate previously.
A few petals had fallen onto the plate too; they emitted a delicate fragrance.
He stared at the white flowers in a daze, suddenly placing the bean cake down after a while.
After that, he picked a petal up, placing it near his lips and had them come into contact gently. Next, he bent his body down, lying on the table. Then, he raised the petal and placed it on Mo Shu’s lips.
Mo Shu was stunned at first when his lips lightly touched the soft, delicately tender sensation of the
petal. He was unable to respond to what Nan Ge Er meant at the moment.
Nan Ge Er looked at him. He pulled open Mo Shu’s hand, placing the white blossom petal on his palm. With his face blushing red, he smiled towards him, slightly embarrassed.
Nan Ge Er’s smile broke the curse of Mo Shu’s pause. As he looked at Nan Ge Er’s bashful smile, his eyes gradually brightened, yet turning as soft as water. At that moment, in Mo Shu’s eyes, the scene of white blossoms dancing around the skies was incomparable to the slight flush of redness in front of him.
Or perhaps, the only thing in the entire world that could catch his eyes was that red flush.
Mo Shu carefully clutched the hand that hadn’t left his palm, pulling Nan Ge Er towards him deftly.
The light wind blew, not ceasing a bit. The petals from trees, as if a white rain, sprinkled down one by one after being swept along by the wind.
A slender male, as heavenly and refined as the white blossoms, was beside the white stone stool. His white clothes swayed in the wind, as he leaned over slightly. His beautiful red lips, moistened with wine, lightly touched on the pale white, water-coloured lips of the person next to him.
In truth, I’m still not quite sure. But now, it is good enough…good enough.
Chapter 35
* * *
Recently, Mo Shu’s mood was exceptionally brilliant, his tone of voice exceptionally amiable, his popularity ever growing in strength. Although nothing much was discernible from his calming face, his involuntary absent-mindedness and revelation of a gentle smile during a conversation could fool no one.
Recently, Nan Ge Er’s mood was exceptionally frustrated, his tone of voice exceptionally low-spirited, his aura increasingly…
Lovable?
Mo Shu’s rippling emotions were completely understandable; since he treated Nan Ge Er as his personal belongings – such as a waist pendant, a bendable sword on his waist, a sachet filled with plum blossoms.
Carried along twenty-four hours all day; never once left behind.