For The Rest Of Our Life – Chapter 47

This place is perfect for kissing

On Christmas Eve, which fell on a Friday that year, Lin Xian only had one or two classes in the afternoon. After finishing her classes, she went to the practice room of the choir, as usual, to participate in the club activities. Shi Man, knowing that Xia Zhijin had a brief student council department meeting and wanting to witness Lin Xian’s extraordinary talent that Chen Zhi and Tang Mo had praised, decided to accompany her to the practice room.

It was Shi Man’s first time seeing Lin Xian in such an affectionate and gentle manner. Lin Xian sat behind the table in front of the stage, her hands supporting her cheeks, completely focused on watching Lin Xian’s slender fingers gracefully fluttering across the keys and buttons of the accordion on the stage. She observed the beautiful and rhythmic movements of Lin Xian’s slim left arm as it pulled and pushed the bellows, and she watched the expression on her face transform with the enchanting and melodious accordion melody, her eyes gradually becoming tender and distant…

At the birthday party where she first met Xiao Wanqing, she played the accordion in front of everyone, following her parents’ arrangement. She couldn’t remember the specific piece she played, but she remembered that on that day, a very beautiful and gentle aunt praised her.

Taking advantage of her mother’s absence, she shyly whispered in Xiao Wanqing’s ear, making a promise to her, “When I marry you in the future, I’ll play the accordion for you every day.”

She was certain that she had forgotten about it now…

As Shi Man gradually immersed herself in Lin Xian’s music, she gently closed her eyes, captivated by the enchanting sound.

It was only when the piece ended and the music stopped that Shi Man opened her eyes, clapped her hands, and smiled teasingly at Lin Xian, saying, “Lin Xian, well done! I had no idea you had this talent.”

With the practice session coming to an end, Lin Xian felt a sense of great satisfaction and confidence in tonight’s performance. She tidied up her instrument, placed it back in its original position, and then walked over to the table where Shi Man was seated. She picked up a glass of water, took a sip, and gave a proud look as she asked, “Wasn’t it captivating?”

Defeated by her audacity, Shi Man couldn’t help but chuckle and playfully retorted, “Oh, who are you trying to charm?”

Lin Xian gently swayed her glass of water, cunningly winked, and remained silent.

Shi Man paused for a moment, pondered, and suddenly realized what Lin Xian was implying. She exclaimed, “Aunt Xiao? Lin Xian, are you planning to use a cunning strategy on Aunt Xiao?” Something seemed to flash through her mind, and she sat up straight, suddenly enlightened. “Oh, I see. Although it’s slightly different, the piece you just played, was it the theme song from ‘The Garden of Words¹‘?” She leaned closer to Lin Xian, propping her chin with one hand, tilting her head, and mischievously said, “Lin Xian, there’s a message hidden in the music, are you planning to confess your feelings?”

Lin Xian shook her head calmly and replied, “It’s not the right time yet, but it’s true that I want to convey my emotions through music.” She and Xiao Wanqing had already grown close, and Xiao Wanqing had gradually let her guard down. However, it seemed that this wasn’t enough.

Xiao Wanqing had never realized, never even considered, that even though Lin Xian was much younger and there were significant obstacles in terms of their identities and positions, she, Lin Xian, could also become the object of her affection.

In a way, their situation was quite similar to that of Xiao Xiong and Xue Ye²…

Shi Man furrowed her brow and reminded Lin Xian, “But Lin Xian, are you sure Aunt Xiao can understand the meaning of this piece?”

Lin Xian smiled knowingly and said, “I’ve seen it. We have many Blu-ray discs of animated movies at home, including the special edition of ‘Garden of Words.’ Aunt Xiao should have watched it.”

Shi Man nodded, about to say something when they heard two soft knocks on the door of the practice room. Xia Zhijin stood at the entrance, her expression calm and composed as she looked at them.

Lin Xian turned her head and greeted Xia Zhijin warmly, “Zhijin, are you done with your work?”

A radiant smile instantly bloomed on Shi Man’s face. She pushed her chair aside and joyfully lunged at Xia Zhijin, planting a kiss on her cool and composed face, playfully saying, “I’ve been waiting for you.”

Xia Zhijin’s expression subtly changed. It wasn’t full of delight, but it wasn’t displeased either.

Lin Xian widened her eyes, stunned by what she was witnessing. What was happening? She blinked, unable to speak.

Shi Man wrapped her arms around Xia Zhijin’s arm, turned around, and faced Lin Xian. Her eyes filled with tenderness, she introduced her confidently, “Lin Xian, let me introduce you. This is my girlfriend, Xia Zhijin.”

“Ah?” Lin Xian involuntarily voiced her confusion. She instinctively looked to Xia Zhijin, seeking confirmation.

Xia Zhijin met Lin Xian’s gaze with a calm expression that made it difficult for Lin Xian to discern her emotions. After a moment, a faint smile appeared at the corner of Xia Zhijin’s lips, and she gently nodded towards Lin Xian.

On the way back home, Lin Xian rode her electric scooter, her mind inexplicably replaying the gaze exchanged between her and Xia Zhijin earlier. She couldn’t shake the feeling that something was amiss.

Compared to Shi Man’s beaming and radiant expression, Xia Zhijin seemed a bit too composed. Lin Xian felt a sudden pang in her heart, an unexpected realization.

Back at home, Lin Xian rushed into the bathroom, quickly freshened up, blow-dried her hair, and then dressed up meticulously. Just in time for Xiao Wanqing’s return from work, she had everything perfectly prepared.

Xiao Wanqing changed out of her professional attire into a casual long dress coat. With light makeup on her face, she exuded a graceful and ethereal charm, appearing several years younger. Lin Xian shed her collegiate-style shirt and denim jacket, donning a high-necked sweater coat and a smart woolen coat. No longer looking plain, she adorned herself with a touch of makeup, instantly appearing several years more mature.

Before leaving the house, the two met in the living room, locked eyes, and glimpsed astonishment in each other’s gaze. Then, after a silent pause, they simultaneously burst into laughter with a “puchi” sound.

Lin Xian curved her lips into a smile, reached out her hand, interlocking fingers with Xiao Wanqing, and looked up at her. With a sweet and playful tone, she said, “Let’s go, Aunt Xiao, it’s time for our date.”

Xiao Wanqing held onto her hand, smiled gently, and softly replied, “Sure, let’s go.”

At Apollo Square, despite being quite far away due to the event, Lin Xian could see the square adorned with festive decorations, bustling with people and vibrant energy. Xiao Wanqing parked the car in the underground parking lot of the square and then they took the elevator together, ascending to a point near the center of the square.

Their timing seemed impeccable. Just as they entered the square, they heard a burst of cheers from the crowd, faintly discerning that the center of the square was about to experience artificial snowfall. The people around them began to hurry forward.

With a flicker of excitement in her heart, Lin Xian tightened her grip on Xiao Wanqing’s hand and swiftly moved towards the crowd in the center, urging Xiao Wanqing with joyful enthusiasm, “Aunt Xiao, let’s go to the front quickly.”

Caught up in the fiery atmosphere around her and listening to Lin Xian’s delighted voice, Xiao Wanqing couldn’t help but feel a lightness and anticipation in her heart. She followed Lin Xian’s pace, jogging along and responding, “Okay.”

Before they could run to the towering Christmas tree standing in the center of the square, artificial snowflakes began to flutter down from the sky.

Lin Xian abruptly stopped in her tracks. Her eyes shimmered brightly as she held onto Xiao Wanqing’s hand, sharing a smile with her.

“Aunt Xiao, it’s snowing.”

“Yes, it’s snowing.”

In Xiao Wanqing’s gentle and clear gaze, Lin Xian saw the joy and indulgence that warmed her heart. Her heart turned soft, so very soft. Aunt Xiao was happy and carefree because of her, wasn’t she?

She felt the warmth emanating from Xiao Wanqing’s hand, and raising the hand they held together, she lifted it towards the sky, eagerly anticipating the descent of the snowflakes. In that moment, she felt as though the people around them had become supporting characters in this world, and only she and Xiao Wanqing were at the center of the world’s camera. She could almost envision, many years later, sitting by the fireplace with Xiao Wanqing, reminiscing about the first snow they shared that year, recalling the enchanting scene—a towering Christmas tree adorned with blinking lights, snowflakes gently falling and covering them, their fingers intertwined…

However, Lin Xian hadn’t quite figured out what would come next in her imagination when Xiao Wanqing interrupted her.

Looking up with her beautiful hair cascading behind her, Xiao Wanqing furrowed her brow and expressed her disbelief, “What is this?”

Lin Xian was momentarily taken aback, and she also looked up, gazing at the white snowflakes they had caught in their hands. After a couple of seconds, her expression turned a bit dark, and she struggled to answer, “It seems like… foam?”

“…”

At this moment, Lin Xian cast aside her beautiful fantasies and observed intently, only to realize that this artificial snowfall was utterly fake! How dare they make it so unreal!

Ah, she was so angry!

She furrowed her brow, ready to complain, but Xiao Wanqing suddenly grabbed her hand and briskly jogged away. However, this time, they were running with their backs turned to the area in the center of the square where the snowflakes were falling.

Their high heels lightly tapped against the ground, and the cheerful “click-clack” sounds echoed in harmony. Lin Xian looked at Xiao Wanqing beside her, running with a lively and comical gait, and couldn’t help but burst into laughter, feeling a sense of delight.

Finally, they ran out of the snowy area, panting and gasping for breath, and stood by the fountain in the square.

The people around them were looking at Lin Xian and Xiao Wanqing with bewildered expressions, but they paid no attention to them.

Lin Xian had long forgotten her dissatisfaction with the artificial snowfall deception. Catching her breath, she looked at Xiao Wanqing, who was running with a flushed face as if she had meticulously applied a layer of rosy blush. Her eyes sparkled with warmth and gentleness as she asked, “Aunt Xiao, why are we running?”

Xiao Wanqing blinked her eyes, rare mischief appearing in her usually graceful and composed demeanor. “Exactly, I suddenly thought you would be happy if we ran.” As soon as she finished speaking, she bit her lip, as if realizing her lack of composure. She coughed lightly, feigning composure, and gently patted Lin Xian’s woolen coat, shaking off the remaining foam from her. She somewhat sheepishly explained, “I feel like it would be difficult to wash if it gets on your clothes.”

Despite being a thirty-year-old woman with such a gentle and beautiful countenance, exuding an air of mature elegance, Lin Xian could see, in her forced calm gaze, a captivating innocence and purity that didn’t match her age.

She must be a fairy.

Unable to resist, Lin Xian took two steps forward, her gaze fixed on Xiao Wanqing as she approached her.

In the next instant, the colored lights beside them suddenly lit up, music abruptly filled the air, and water sprays burst forth from the fountain, enveloping them in a refreshing mist.

Caught off guard, Xiao Wanqing was startled by the unexpected music fountain. Instinctively, she unconsciously stepped back from the fountain and took a step towards Lin Xian.

Cheerful Christmas songs echoed throughout the square as the majestic and rhythmically flowing fountain captivated the attention of passersby, who stopped in their tracks to admire the spectacle.

After recovering from her initial shock, Xiao Wanqing calmed down and, like everyone else, smiled as she enjoyed this rare sight. However, inadvertently, she caught sight of a couple directly in front of them who suddenly and unabashedly embraced each other, passionately exchanging kisses as if no one else was around. She averted her gaze and, to her surprise, saw another couple even closer to them, locked in an intimate and indecisive embrace.

Xiao Wanqing awkwardly averted her gaze, losing interest in watching. She turned her head to speak to Lin Xian, but as she glanced back, she suddenly realized that she and Lin Xian had unknowingly become so close.

Lin Xian was looking at her with gentle and affectionate eyes, sparkling with a radiant smile. Illuminated by the ever-changing colored lights, the young girl’s face was both youthful and charming, exuding an astonishing beauty and irresistible allure.

Xiao Wanqing briefly lost focus for a moment, staring as the girl took another step towards her, squinting slightly and smiling with a hint of mischief. Her red lips moved enticingly as she spoke in a soft and captivating voice, “Aunt Xiao, this place is perfect for kissing.”

She approached even closer, her exquisite features gradually magnifying before Xiao Wanqing’s eyes.

In an instant, Xiao Wanqing’s body stiffened, her mind blank and unsure of what to do.

LP: I pray for those students who have classes even on Christmas Eve…

1. The Garden of Words (Japanese: 言の葉の庭, Hepburn: Kotonoha no Niwa) is a 2013 Japanese anime drama film written, directed and edited by Makoto Shinkai, animated by CoMix Wave Films and distributed by Toho. I recommend everyone to watch this!
2. Characters from the Garden of Words. Xiao Xiong is the student while Xue Ye is the teacher.