Chapter 61

I must say, rowing a boat is a skill, and it’s really challenging for those who don’t know how to do it.

Both Fan Xing and He Qingmo were inexperienced. After paddling in the water for a while, the boat simply wouldn’t move forward, but kept spinning in circles.

This was different from what He Qingmo had in mind.

When he saw others rowing, he thought it seemed simple. Besides, he didn’t want outsiders around, disturbing their private world. So, he thought of doing it himself.

However…

“Or…” He Qingmo felt a bit awkward for the first time in his life. “Should we find someone else to row? Or, we can just walk around the lake.”

“Huh? Why?” Fan Xing, still trying to figure out a solution, completely unaware of the man’s awkwardness, looked up at him puzzled. “I find it fun, and I think I’m getting the hang of it. Brother, you should row too! Come on, quickly!”

Saying that, he eagerly grabbed He Qingmo’s hand, urging him to paddle together.

He Qingmo looked at him in surprise. The sunlight scattered on Fan Xing’s fair and tender face. His bright and radiant smile had a rare childishness.

Fan Xing always loved to smile, and when he did, his shallow dimples looked exceptionally attractive. However, it was the first time He Qingmo saw such a genuinely carefree smile on his face, a smile that revealed the playfulness and sincerity typical of someone his age.

A trace of contentment gradually spread in the man’s eyes.

He thought this date, which he had planned and considered a failure, turned out to be unexpectedly delightful.

He didn’t think of finding someone else to help. Instead, he started exploring the technique of rowing with Fan Xing.

Fortunately, both of them were intelligent, and they finally found the knack, swaying the boat steadily away.

Fan Xing was excited, and his voice couldn’t hide the joy. “Brother, we’re so awesome! Can’t you see? Our boat is moving forward, and the mountain behind us seems to be getting farther away?”

Really? How big is this lake? Even if they stand on the opposite bank, it’s only a hundred meters from that mountain.

But Fan Xing’s mood was different, so the scene looked different to him.

The man didn’t speak; he just looked at Fan Xing. At this moment, Fan Xing, covered in a faint glow, looked like a happy elf, radiating happiness and beauty.

Suddenly, the man thought of something. He put down the oar, took out his phone, switched to selfie mode, hugged Fan Xing’s shoulder with one hand, and leaned in close to his face. With a click, he took a selfie.

Fan Xing was stunned for a moment, then realized what the man had done. However, his enthusiasm was all in rowing at the moment. He didn’t have the energy to care. Besides, he noticed that the boat started spinning in circles again after He Qingmo stopped rowing. So, he quickly grabbed the man’s arm and reminded him, “Brother, brother, you need to row too…”

“No rush.” The man took the oar from him, handed over the photo he just took, and smiled. “Come on, take a look at how handsome your husband is.”

Fan Xing was teased by his shameless words, but he took the phone and glanced at it. Originally thinking it was just a selfie, there was nothing special. However, his gaze was unexpectedly drawn to the photo.

This was the first time he saw himself and He Qingmo in the same frame, except for the nervous almost forced smile on their marriage certificate photo.

The man was hugging his shoulder, tilting his head close to him. Although he was clearly unaware of the camera, his face was filled with a happy and sweet smile.

Anyone who saw this photo would not doubt that the two people in it were happy, content, and sweet at that moment.

Fan Xing’s lips couldn’t help but curl up, and he murmured softly, “Well, handsome.”

The man was somewhat surprised. What was originally just a casual joking remark turned out to be a genuine response from Fan Xing, and he actually thought he was handsome from the bottom of his heart.

In a great mood, the man took the phone and said, “Since the husband finds me handsome, let’s make it my profile picture.”

While speaking, he used his slender fingertips to tap a few times, and a message appeared on Fan Xing’s phone.

Without waiting for Fan Xing to speak, the man casually took Fan Xing’s phone, really setting the couple’s photo as his WeChat profile picture.

Fan Xing grabbed the man’s arm, looked at him earnestly, and said, “Brother, don’t do this. Isn’t this equivalent to making it public?”

He Qingmo raised an eyebrow, glanced at him, didn’t say anything, but his actions didn’t stop.

Fan Xing reached out to grab, but the man turned to block him. If he really rushed over to grab, the boat might overturn. So, he could only lie on the man’s shoulder, speaking softly and coquettishly, “Brother, can we change it? My coursework is already heavy. If it’s made public, I’ll have to deal with a lot of unnecessary trouble. Doesn’t my brother care about me?”

The man turned his head and pinched his face, smiling, “You, only know how to be cute when pleading for yourself.” He then picked up his phone and waved it in front of Fan Xing, saying, “Take a look yourself.”

Fan Xing automatically ignored the man’s previous sentence and focused on the phone. He noticed that the man didn’t use a photo of both of them as his profile picture. Instead, he cropped out his own face.

Although the hand on his shoulder and the man’s face were included in the photo, making it clear that it was a joint picture, Fan Xing and the person next to him had an extraordinary relationship. However, it didn’t matter.

Fan Xing just didn’t want people to know that he was with He Qingmo. It wasn’t about hiding the fact that he had a boyfriend or husband.

In any case, no one could deduce that the person next to him was He Qingmo just from that hand. So, he didn’t mind using this profile picture.

Fan Xing was obedient, hugging the man’s neck, leaning in, and coquettishly kissing the man’s face. “Brother is so good!”

The man obviously enjoyed it and handed the phone back to him.

After all these antics, it was already past three o’clock. The two of them managed to paddle the boat to the other side. Upon landing, Fan Xing noticed that beyond the red-leafed trees on the shore, there was a lush green lawn on the other side, neatly trimmed.

Some people on the lawn were laying picnic blankets, and children were playing games and kicking balls. It looked relaxing and pleasant.

Fan Xing, not knowing what came over him, turned to look at He Qingmo. The man had found a spot, opened a backpack he had been carrying, took out a tablecloth, spread it on the ground, and then pulled out various snacks and drinks. It was clear that they were here for a picnic.

When they got off the car, Fan Xing saw He Qingmo carrying a backpack, which surprised him because he had never seen He Qingmo bring anything when going out. But considering they were in the countryside, it made sense to carry a backpack with a few bottles of water. It couldn’t be held in hand all the time, so carrying a bag was normal.

But Fan Xing didn’t expect it to be prepared for a picnic.

Fan Xing’s heart trembled slightly. Looking at the man’s profile, he thought, is it a coincidence?

Then he shook his head, dismissing the strange thought, and went over to help.

He Qingmo chose a good spot, on the edge of the lawn, far from others, and with a sturdy tree blocking the view. Unless someone deliberately approached, it was impossible to see them clearly. This way, they didn’t have to worry about anyone recognizing He Qingmo.

The crucial point was that the location had a good view, with a lake and mountains in front and a lively scene behind.

It was already past ten in the morning when they had their breakfast and left. Their stomachs were growling, and He Qingmo’s backpack of food was quickly consumed.

By now, it was getting late, and the temperature was dropping. Other visitors were starting to pack up and prepare to go home, but the two of them were full, lazy, and didn’t want to move. They sat there, enjoying the breeze and the scenery as if time had stopped.

But time didn’t stop. As the sun set, the night enveloped the land, and the mountains and waters on the other side began to blur.

The man pulled Fan Xing up. “Let’s go.”

Fan Xing was pulled away, and he couldn’t help but look back.

Was this considered an outing? Was this his first outing in his life?

In his childhood, he didn’t have the conditions for a family outing on weekends, and he would voluntarily withdraw from similar school-organized activities to avoid bullying.

He always told himself, what’s the point of an outing? It’s just eating in a different place, and many are just simple snacks. It’s not as good as what his family makes.

It wasn’t until he grew up and discovered the folk song that described a family going out for an outing that he realized he liked it, yearned for it, just never had the chance.

So, today, was it intentional on He Qingmo’s part?

Did he know that Fan Xing had always felt a lack in his childhood, so he arranged this unconventional date?

Fan Xing wanted to ask He Qingmo several times but ultimately didn’t say anything.

It didn’t matter. Whether intentional or unintentional, Fan Xing liked it.

Besides, he felt that at times like this, it was better not to mention his past experiences. It might affect He Qingmo’s mood.

Dates should be happy and carefree.

But the man’s actions that followed made the emotions that Fan Xing had just managed to suppress surge back.

He Qingmo actually brought him to an amusement park.

At this time, the amusement park was already closed. However, the park staff were still on duty, and when they saw them approaching, they opened the door and let them in. Almost all the entertainment facilities that had stopped running started operating almost simultaneously.

“Booking the venue during the day would attract too much attention, and you wouldn’t like that. So, we had to come at night. So, little Fan Xing, what do you want to play? Husband will accompany you throughout.” The man turned to ask him.

But Fan Xing’s expression was somewhat strange. His bright eyes swept over each entertainment item, revealing a faint sense of confusion.

The man’s heart sank, and he approached, supporting Fan Xing’s shoulder. He lowered his head, looking into his eyes, and asked softly, “What’s wrong?”

Fan Xing blinked, the confusion dispersed. He looked up at the man’s eyes, his voice almost inaudible, but unable to hide his gratitude. “Brother, thank you, thank you.”

He understood. Was He Qingmo planning a date? It wasn’t about the amusement park; it was about making up for his childhood regrets.

It wasn’t a coincidence at all; it was this man’s careful planning.

He Qingmo finally breathed a sigh of relief. Seeing Fan Xing’s earlier expression, he thought Fan Xing might have some bad memories related to the amusement park. It turned out the child was just moved.

He lightly pinched the child’s hand, smiled gently, and said, “Thanks should be more than just words. Let’s go; since you can’t decide what to play, let’s start by playing the bungee jump. Husband will accompany you.” He said, pulling the child straight to the bungee jump.

Fan Xing’s feeling of gratitude disappeared instantly, scared by the bungee jump in front of him. No matter how the man pulled him, he stubbornly clung to the nearby pillar, pitifully pleading with the man, “Brother, I dare not. Let’s go play bumper cars.”

“Bumper cars are for kids. How old are you?” the man teased him.

“I’m also a kid, and I want to play bumper cars!” Fan Xing, rarely acting like a rascal, refused to play the bungee jump, no matter what.

He Qingmo was just teasing him to play, but seeing that he was genuinely scared, he didn’t insist and took him to play something else.

Fan Xing wasn’t interested in rides that would make him scream like roller coasters. He chose activities that He Qingmo mentioned kids liked. The only thrilling one was the pirate ship, and he was tricked into going on it.

After coming down, he felt dizzy for a while. Frustrated, he lightly bit He Qingmo’s hand, thinking angrily, “Liar, saying it’s like swinging, where’s the similarity?”

Seeing his pale face, the man didn’t dare to joke anymore. He handed Fan Xing some water to drink and gently hugged him, patting his back to comfort him.

Fan Xing leaned on his shoulder, and after a while, his heart, which had been beating rapidly, gradually calmed down. The churning feeling in his stomach also subsided. He then pointed to the Ferris wheel in the distance and softly spoke, “Brother, can we ride that?”

He Qingmo looked at him with some concern. “Are you okay?”

Fan Xing wrinkled his nose at him, making a funny face. “I’m not afraid of heights. Let’s go!” With that, he stood up, pulling He Qingmo towards the Ferris wheel.

This amusement park’s Ferris wheel was said to be the largest in the country, and the view from the top was extremely beautiful.

Fan Xing lay on the window, watching the outside. He felt himself gradually rising, and the scenery expanding little by little. However, his mind wasn’t focused on the view; instead, he silently calculated the time. When they reached the highest point, he turned back to look into He Qingmo’s eyes, smiling with curved eyebrows. His tone was gentle but solemn, “Brother, thank you. I really enjoyed everything today.”

As he finished speaking, he threw himself at He Qingmo, hugging his neck and taking the initiative to kiss him.

The man was clearly caught off guard, momentarily stunned. His smile then bloomed from the corners of his eyes and lips. He reached out, encircling Fan Xing’s waist, lifting him up and letting him sit on his lap, seizing back the initiative and deepening the kiss.

 

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