He starts the car without saying where we’re going.
We sit side by side, and this moment together is more important than going anywhere.
The white SUV moves smoothly down the street, passing familiar areas. I say nothing, and neither does he.
Soon, the car leaves the city, entering a deserted suburban area and driving into a grove of trees. He stops the car when there’s no road ahead.
The autumn wind blows, branches are bare, and fallen leaves evoke a sense of desolation.
He gets out of the car silently, looking up at the clear sky, with dappled tree shadows on his melancholic face. I walk forward, stepping on the leaves he has crushed.
It feels like the world contains only us and a ground of dry, yellowing leaves glistening with dew.
If only I could embrace him from behind. But I can’t.
Wanting to break the suffocating silence, I blurt out, “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have asked for your help.”
He hesitates, turns back, and laughs while ruffling my hair. “I’m happy to help.”
If not for this gesture, I might have forgotten: I’ve always paid for his help. I know exactly what Ye Zhengchen wants. Paid help is paid help; these days, there’s no such thing as unpaid labor.
I console myself: This affair is probably similar to being a mistress – the first time is unbearable, the second time you get used to it. Maybe you’ll even get addicted.
“What are you thinking?” His face is inches away, his breath hot on my lips.
I turn away, watching autumn leaves blown by the wind. “How I should repay you.”
Ye Zhengchen’s breath catches, and he moves closer with a mischievous smile. “I love your attitude of repaying kindness.”
The cool breeze rustles through the deserted forest.
He inches closer, and I step back until my back meets the tree trunk, its cracked bark catching my soft clothing. He places his hands on either side of me, imprisoning me.
“You?”
He whispers in my ear: “I remember you said… one day when I wear my military uniform, you’d unbutton me, button by button, stripping away its sacred solemnity…”
My breathing becomes chaotic, my chest heaving. His sudden gentleness makes me feel uncomfortable. I twist my body, unsure whether to push him away or get closer.
