Chapter 45: The Taste of Longing

After learning that her future son in law had been promoted, Xiao Qingru’s mother wanted to invite him over for a meal, but Xu Muzhou’s busy schedule made it hard for him to find the time.

One day, the Xiao family received a package from the capital city, full of treats: pastries, pickles, sugared crisps…

“These pickles were clearly made by Aunt Xu herself. I had them when I was in the capital and have missed the taste ever since,” Qingru’s mother commented. “It shows Xu’s family is very sincere, which means Qingru won’t suffer in the future.”

Qingru’s brother, Xiao Huaishu, patted his chest confidently, “I stayed with the Xu family, so I know them well. If they weren’t good people, I wouldn’t let Qingru jump into a fire pit, she’s my own sister after all.” He turned to Qingru with a grin, “Looks like your future in laws are quite pleased with you.”

Qingru stuffed a pastry in his mouth. “Stop babbling and give it a rest!”

“Mom, did you see that? She’s bullying me!” Huaishu protested.

Their mother just chuckled and said, “Alright, tidy up the gifts. When Xiao Xu has time, he should come for dinner. And I’ll gather some local specialties to send to his family in return.”

Building good relationships takes both giving and receiving. Since Xu’s family went to the trouble of sending gifts, it was only proper to respond with something thoughtful. Plus, by getting along with his family now, it would make things easier for Qingru in the future.

Qingru added, “Mom, you don’t need to worry about it. I’ll get some dried persimmons and sweet potatoes from the local villagers when I visit Song Yuan at the Forward Production Team on my next leave.”

“Xu’s family sent you sweets and snacks, and you’re sending them sweet potatoes? Could you be any stingier, Qingru?” Huaishu teased.

Their mother tapped his head, “What do you know? We’ll make vermicelli with the sweet potatoes.”

“That’s so much work! Ten pounds of sweet potatoes might yield two pounds of vermicelli, if we’re lucky.”

“It’s about the thought. I’ll work on it slowly I’ve got plenty of time at home,” their mother replied.

“I’ll help you with it when I’m off duty, Mom. You can show me how it’s done,” Qingru said.

“Alright.”

But when Xu Muzhou got busy, Qingru wouldn’t see him for days. She began to understand what her father once said: if they were married, Xu Muzhou would come home every night unless something unusual happened. But since they were only dating, it wasn’t appropriate to meet after dark. Though they weren’t far apart, circumstances made them feel worlds away.

After dinner, she pulled out the letters Xu had sent her from the capital and read through them repeatedly. Only then did she realize just how much he meant to her. The time apart made her experience longing in its purest form, filling her heart completely.

Suddenly, a tapping sound came from her window.

Interrupted from her thoughts, she looked out to see Xu Muzhou standing below, waving to her with a smile. Qingru, who hadn’t seen him for half a month, was both surprised and overjoyed. Leaning out of the window, her hair cascading down, she smiled, her dimples faintly visible.

“What’s this? Coming by but not coming in?”

Caught off guard by her remark, Xu Muzhou laughed softly, “If your father finds me here this late, he’ll break my legs.”

The sun had already set, and it would be dark soon. The Xiao family’s yard was partially hidden by two large trees, concealing him well.

“Shall I come down?” she offered.

“No need. I just wanted to see you.”

His gaze made Qingru’s heart race. Clearing her throat, she muttered, “Well, you’ve seen me, so you’d better be on your way.”

“It doesn’t feel like enough,” he replied, his voice soft but filled with longing. Without warning, he moved like a panther, leaping over the wall and slipping into her room. In an instant, she was in his arms, surrounded by his warm, familiar scent.

Wrapping her arms around him, she teased, “If my father finds out, he really will break your legs this time.”

“Well, if it’s inevitable, I might as well make the most of it,” he said, lifting her chin and kissing her deeply.

Before dating Xu Muzhou, Qingru never imagined herself being this bold. In her mind, holding hands secretly was a daring act. Yet here she was, seated on his lap, her arms around his neck, embracing him fully.

She felt a mix of fear and excitement. Perhaps, deep down, she was a bit of a rebel, she thought, smiling inwardly.

Xu couldn’t get enough of her, savoring her closeness. When he sensed her running out of breath, he let go, lightly touching her head, “Still haven’t learned to breathe?”

Qingru glared at him. “I’m not you naturally talented at everything.”

He chuckled, planting a quick kiss on the corner of her lips, “I dream of you every night. It’s my practice.”

Helpless against his charm, Qingru felt her cheeks flush. “You’re shameless!”

He held her a little tighter. “If I wasn’t, I wouldn’t survive without you.”

Qingru’s voice softened, “Actually, I missed you a bit, too.”

Her confession thrilled Xu Muzhou, who immediately leaned in for another kiss.

“Then give me a kiss.”

His expression, eager yet demanding, was like a loyal, lovestruck pup.

“No.”

“Then let me kiss you,” he countered with a mischievous grin.

Qingru stifled her laughter, not wanting to make a sound. Perched on his strong lap, she offered him a soft kiss.

This time, the kiss was gentle, filled with the warmth and tenderness they felt for each other.

“Qingru, come downstairs, I need your help with something.”

“Coming!”

Startled, Qingru pushed Xu away. “You need to go. Now.”

Without hesitation, she slipped out the door.

Left with only her lingering scent, Xu sighed, glancing around. Spotting the letters on her desk, he noticed one marked only with his name but not yet sent. Excitement surged within him. Did this mean she missed him enough to write back?

Smiling to himself, he took his own letter, left a note for Qingru, and slipped out of her room.

Meanwhile, Qingru’s father stood in the courtyard, glancing toward the wall with a knowing smile. “Young people sure have energy. Trained all day, and he’s still not worn out! Might have to mention this to his superiors give him a bit more work so we can shape him into an even better officer.”