“I figured you’d come, so I saved a spot for you,” Xu Ning said in a low voice, nodding towards the long bench beside her.
“Let me introduce you, this is my husband, Gu Xingdong,” Chen Lishu introduced Gu Xingdong to Xu Ning, then turned to introduce Xu Ning to Gu Xingdong: “This is my good friend, Xu Ning.”
Gu Xingdong nodded at her in a friendly manner.
Xu Ning had only heard that her boyfriend was back, but she hadn’t expected them to come together. She immediately felt a little embarrassed and discussed with the educated youth next to her. The two of them squeezed over, making room.
“Thank you,” Chen Lishu said softly in Xu Ning’s ear as she pulled Gu Xingdong to sit down.
“No need to be so polite,” Xu Ning said before turning her attention seriously to the movie.
Chen Lishu also stopped talking, her gaze fixed on the white screen in front of them.
As time went on, Chen Lishu began to feel uncomfortable sitting. Although she was closer to the screen and had a good view, there were people in front and behind her. Especially since the spot was given up by Xu Ning and someone else, it was essentially only one and a half seats. She couldn’t move freely front or back. Xu Ning was on her right, and she was afraid of crowding her, so she had to lean most of her body into Gu Xingdong’s embrace.
Perhaps it was the youthful vigor, but while others were wearing outerwear, he was only wearing a military green shirt. Through the thin fabric, Chen Lishu felt his body was like a scorching hot stone.
Even in the noisy environment, she seemed to hear his steady, powerful heartbeat, each beat striking her heart. Her attention couldn’t help but wander.
Gu Xingdong felt the soft body beside him press closer into his embrace. The prominent Adam’s apple in his throat bobbed. He tried his best to control his will, restraining the urge to reach out and pull her into his arms.
In those times, even couples weren't allowed to hold hands in public, let alone hug. Moreover, he was a soldier and should always be mindful of his image.
Finally, the uncomfortably long movie ended. Gu Xingdong watched as people got up and left one by one. Only then did his tense body relax slightly.
Chen Lishu was already saying goodbye to Xu Ning.
“My family mailed me a collection of essays. I’ll let you borrow it in a couple of days after I finish reading it,” Xu Ning whispered into Chen Lishu’s ear.
They shared a knowing smile as if they had shared a secret.
After Xu Ning left, most of the people on the threshing ground had already dispersed. Gu Xingye, Gu Xingping, and a few younger children finally spotted Chen Lishu and Gu Xingdong.
“Third Uncle, I’ve been looking for you for a long time. My spot was wasted.”
Gu Zhao came over with a small stool. He had secured a great spot, but unfortunately, his third uncle and aunt hadn’t been able to sit with him. He felt a bit disappointed.
“Thank you, kid. I appreciate it, Third Uncle,” Gu Xingdong said, rubbing Gu Zhao’s round head with his palm.
“I don’t need your appreciation. Just make more delicious food, Third Aunt,” Gu Zhao said softly, glancing at their expressions.
Thinking of her promise to go fishing by the river with Gu Xingdong tomorrow, Chen Lishu smiled at him, pursing her lips. “Okay, I’ll make you fish tomorrow, alright?”
“Oh yeah!” Hearing that there would be fish, Gu Zhao immediately jumped three feet into the air.
“We’re having fish!” Seeing their older brother Gu Zhao shout, the younger children followed him like a string of little tails, running ahead.
The moonlight was bright. The adults, looking at the children running wildly ahead through the dim moonlight, couldn’t help but smile.
They returned home. Since it was already very late and they had to get up early for work the next day, everyone went to their respective rooms to sleep.
After washing up, Chen Lishu climbed onto the kangs and lay down on the inner side. Just as she closed her eyes to sleep, she suddenly felt a weight beside her, then her quilt was lifted, and a warm body pressed against her.
Chen Lishu was caught off guard, her mind going blank.
“Is that okay?”
Gu Xingdong’s deep, husky voice sounded from above her. His gaze was palpable, like a leopard surveying its territory. He gently scanned Chen Lishu’s eyebrows, eyes, nose, and mouth, keenly sensing her breath hitch.
Seeing that she didn't object, Gu Xingdong made a quick judgment. This was a good opportunity to take ‘action.’
The slightly rough fingertips with calluses gently caressed her tender cheek. Chen Lishu’s long eyelashes fluttered, and she suddenly opened her eyes.
Their eyes met. Chen Lishu clearly saw her reflection in his dark pupils.
It was as if a ‘hot rod’ had been suddenly inserted into the small room. The air around them rapidly heated up, and Gu Xingdong’s presence enveloped her.
Gu Xingdong leaned down and kissed her delicate, petal-like lips, quickly prying open Chen Lishu’s not-so-firm lips.
Chen Lishu was still in a daze. Led by his gentleness, her fair arms slowly wrapped around his lean waist.
Gu Xingdong seemed to gain immense encouragement. He advanced like conquering territory, following her small chin, and burying his head in the crook of her fair, tender neck.
“Mmm~”
As his tongue traced, Chen Lishu moaned unconsciously. Feeling the large hands roaming all over her body, Chen Lishu felt as if the skin wherever they touched was ignited. Then, a stream of heat flowed from her lower abdomen.
Realizing what it was, all of Chen Lishu’s rationality snapped back into place, and she instantly sobered up. She flusteredly pushed away the person who was being mischievous all over her, but her push didn’t move him.
“Xingdong.”
“Hmm,” Gu Xingdong replied muffledly, his head buried in the high peak.
“Can you get up for a moment, I…” Chen Lishu was speaking when she suddenly felt something brush past her chest, wet and slippery. She felt her entire heart tremble. Her voice also became a little unsteady.
At that moment, the stream of heat seemed to become even more surging. Chen Lishu bit her tongue hard, trying to control her thoughts, and finally managed to finish her sentence.
“Xingdong, I think my period has started.”
Gu Xingdong raised his eyes, burning with desire. After a moment, he understood what she meant. The veins on his forehead bulged. Using all the willpower he had to resist the interrogation chair and chili water, he suddenly rolled off her.
He took several deep breaths, quickly tidied his clothes, then turned back to help her pull down the lifted hem of her shirt: “Is there anything I can do?”
Chen Lishu extended her arm and pointed at the chest of drawers, her voice as soft as a fly’s buzz: “There’s a sanitary napkin in the innermost drawer. Can you get it for me?”
Gu Xingdong’s eyes were drawn to her fair, jade-like arm. His breathing hitched. He turned and took two quick steps, opened the drawer of the chest, found what she wanted, and handed it to her.
“I’m going out for a bit.” He hastily dropped the words and his tall figure strode out of the room.
It wasn’t until Chen Lishu had tidied herself up that she saw him come back in, his hair dripping with water droplets, his shirt collar slightly damp. His expression had already calmed down considerably.