Chapter 519: 181. Nighttime_2
The melodious sound of the pipa echoes.
The laurel flowers blooming by the terrace, clustered like yellow paper umbrellas.
Yukino Ritsuko plays the pipa amidst the petals.
With nimble fingertips holding the plectrum, a "clang" reverberates, the pipa emits an enchanting sound through its tremble.
Moonlight and music blend together.
Whenever the strings vibrate, a laurel blossom falls from the branches. In the moonlight, the petals quietly scatter, as if unable to bear the weight of the moonlight, dancing gracefully in the air.
Kawashima Miki props her elbow on the tablecloth, lightly touching her cheek with her fingernails-painted fingers. Watching Yukino Ritsuko’s performance, she feels vivid and refreshing. Among the dancing laurel flowers, is it the petals that harmonize with the pipa or the pipa sound that complements the petals?
"In autumn, colorful clouds hover, the hills are full of red leaves."
"Once they fall and scatter, why fret over the change of colors?"
Singing softly along with the tune, Yukino Ritsuko’s lips display a faint smile.
It’s a smile that seems uncertain, like the subtle pale yellow of laurel petals, elegant and serene.
"Ah, the pipa performance is truly beautiful..."
A voice comes from somewhere, and a smile spreads across Kawashima Miki’s face, a genuinely private smile.
Fujiwara Reya, donned in a white hunting robe, walks over from the end of the corridor, as if striding briskly through the wind. His clear gaze looks tenderly and lovingly at the two ladies.
Kawashima Miki elegantly lifts a cup to her red lips, glancing sidelong at the triumphant Fujiwara Reya: "So you’re back?"
Yukino Ritsuko smiles at him, her white oval face paired with a sky-blue yukata, exuding grace and tranquility.
"Did you miss me?" Fujiwara Reya steps onto the terrace, snaps his laptop shut, and reaches out to wrap an arm around Mrs. Miki’s shoulder.
"Pop!"
Kawashima Miki slaps his hand away.
Her smile vanishes immediately, turning her back to him with a cold expression: "Go hug your policewoman, why would a man like the Mountain God care about a woman like me running a business in the red-light district?"
Yukino Ritsuko blinks, an expression of smug delight on her face.
"I just like the Empress who runs a red-light district." Fujiwara Reya says aloud.
"Oh, I see, you can leave now." Kawashima Miki laughs with her back to him.
The flickering candlelight illuminates her profile, dressed in a red and white shrine maiden costume, giving her a classic elegance that transcends reality.
Fujiwara Reya becomes somewhat entranced as he watches.
"Thirsty? Want a glass of water?" Yukino Ritsuko pours some lemon water.
"Thank you, Mrs. Riho." Fujiwara Reya drinks it all in one go.
Yukino Ritsuko wears a loose blue and white yukata, her slightly exposed calf appearing delicate as if sculpted from ice and snow.
"You’re in a good mood, did something good happen?" She sits at the low table, propping her chin with her right hand, flipping through a notebook with her left.
"I found out Fukaeri likes me." Fujiwara Reya says happily.
"Oh?"
Kawashima Miki sneers.
"Like..." Yukino Ritsuko gently mulls over the word.
Fujiwara Reya pulls her into an embrace: "Just like you like me."
Her snow-white neck and slender waist embraced into his arms; the world seems to quiet down, with only warmth lingering in the air.
"Is that so, my affection..." Yukino Ritsuko’s gaze, misty with emotion, stays on his face, her tone gentle and devoid of fluctuation, truly akin to the sound of snow falling from pine branches.
Kawashima Miki turns around, a teasing curve at her lips: "Come over here, Riho, don’t let him deceive you."
"Don’t go." Fujiwara Reya holds Yukino Ritsuko tightly, "If she wants to be upset, let her do it alone; let’s just have our conversation."
"Hmm, whose suggestion should I listen to..." Yukino Ritsuko bites her lip to hold back laughter, widening her eyes playfully at Kawashima Miki, then looking at Fujiwara Reya with a troubled face.
This endearing expression ignites warmth in Fujiwara Reya’s heart.
Kawashima Miki sips her iced lemon water, trying to calm down, eyes on the pair embracing: "Think clearly, Riho, his nature is to flit around like a butterfly, getting entangled with anyone, never at home; I’m the one who spends the most time with you."
"Miki makes a point..." Yukino Ritsuko smiles gently.
"Then come over here to Sister." Kawashima Miki beckons with a finger, her gaze carrying the haughty air of a paper tiger.
"Mr. Fujiwara?" Yukino Ritsuko looks up at the husband holding her, "Shouldn’t you let me go? Otherwise, Sister Miki will be upset. You don’t know, she never stops cursing you when you’re not home..."
"Hmph!"
Kawashima Miki snorts dismissively at the little husband.
Holding Yukino Ritsuko’s soft body, looking into her clear eyes, Fujiwara Reya smiles. In his arms, his wife slightly narrows her eyes, her neck gently raised, naturally charming lips, irresistibly beautiful.
The cute and coquettish demeanor leads Fujiwara Reya to lower his head and kiss her snow-white cheek.
His lips brush against her cheek, then steadily find her cool, sweet lips.
"Like..."
Yukino Ritsuko murmurs sweetly, her arms softly wrapping around his neck, her half-closed eyes like melting ice, clear and moist.
Kissing her, Fujiwara Reya’s heart begins to race.
Kawashima Miki frowns slightly, a bit dissatisfied, she extends her foot to kick Fujiwara Reya under the table.
"Mwah~"
Fujiwara Reya releases Yukino Ritsuko’s lips.
"Hmph, those who are upset can only watch..." Yukino Ritsuko stays resting in his embrace, her cheeks shiny with a sheen of perspiration, strands of black hair sticking to them, like pine branches in the snow, appearing very charming.