Deeply in love, because I want to take you back to my hometown.

The stitches atop Lin Xinyu’s head had become an unwanted yet inescapable presence. They turned a good night’s sleep into a luxury, and even the simplest act of walking was accompanied by a dull ache with every slight jolt, a constant reminder that life sometimes demands one hit the pause button.

--- Half a month later ---

"Did you miss me?" Lin Xinyu found herself missing Wang Zeyu.

"Where are you? I’ll come find you," Wang Zeyu replied, impatient.

"I’m out right now. I’ll come over in a bit."

Soon after, Lin Xinyu arrived at Wang Zeyu’s home.

"Let me see, how is your head? Does it still hurt?" Wang Zeyu asked, stroking the area with concern.

"Will you come back to my hometown with me the day after tomorrow? It’s my grandfather’s birthday."

"Why do you want me to go with you?" Lin Xinyu asked, feeling a bit lazy.

"Because I want to take you home with me," Wang Zeyu said, looking at her with a steady gaze.

The next morning, Lin Xinyu and Wang Zeyu took a car to the countryside.

As they drove, Lin Xinyu looked out at the narrow country lanes. The rice paddies were bathed in a golden hue, the stalks swaying gently in the breeze. In the distance, the green hills stood like dark silhouettes against the sky, while a few white clouds drifted lazily overhead. Under the old locust tree at the village entrance, a group of elders fanned themselves and chatted, creating a scene of peaceful serenity.

After getting out of the car, Wang Zeyu held Lin Xinyu’s hand as they walked along the country path. Lin Xinyu looked around, her eyes filled with curiosity.

"It’s so beautiful here!" Her eyes lit up.

As soon as they arrived at the door, Wang’s mother informed them that she had already prepared their room. Because Lin Xinyu hadn't slept well the night before, she collapsed onto the bed the moment she saw it and fell fast asleep. She slept until dinnertime, waking up before anyone else.

"Oi! Oi! Oi! Get up!" Lin Xinyu patted Wang Zeyu, who was beside her, and then lit a cigarette, smoking it to herself.

--- Downstairs ---

Wang’s mother invited them to sit and eat. No sooner had they sat down than Wang Zeyu’s aunts and cousins gathered around.

"Is the food to your liking?"
"Pick whatever you want, don't be shy."
"What’s your girlfriend’s name?"
"Where do you go to school?"
"What year are you in? When does your semester start?"

Lin Xinyu answered them one by one. After dinner, the two headed to Wang Zeyu’s home in the county town.

--- Near the County People’s Government Office ---

"I can’t walk anymore, let’s rest," Lin Xinyu panted.

Wang Zeyu bent over. "I’ll carry you. Get on."

Finally, they reached the house.

"Where is your room? I’m exhausted," Lin Xinyu said, eager to lie down.

--- A while later ---

"How am I supposed to shower? I didn't bring any clothes to change into," Lin Xinyu complained.

"Wear mine. I’ll go look for something." Wang Zeyu searched through three rooms but couldn't find a single outfit that met Lin Xinyu’s approval.

After her shower, Lin Xinyu emerged wrapped in Wang Zeyu’s bath towel.

"Sss—I’m freezing!" Shivering from the cold, she climbed into bed and pulled the quilt over herself.

"If you don't give me the towel, what am I supposed to dry off with?" Wang Zeyu reached out to pull away the only thing covering her.

"Get lost! Dry off with whatever you want, the towel is mine now, hmph!" Lin Xinyu tugged back.

Eventually, she agreed to let him have the towel.

At night:

"Turn off the light," Lin Xinyu said, ready to sleep.

Wang Zeyu leaned over her. "What are you doing?"

"You told me to turn off the light, and the switch is on your side."

*Click.* As the light went out, the atmosphere between them turned subtle.

"Mmm—" Wang Zeyu panted as he kissed her.

The next afternoon:

"You’re killing me!" Lin Xinyu glared at Wang Zeyu. "How many times has this been today? Are you sick? Do you have endless energy?"

Wang Zeyu said nothing, silently massaging her thighs.

Her stomach let out a loud growl.

"What do you want to eat? Should we check a delivery app, or go out?" Wang Zeyu handed her his phone.

"Let’s go out." Even though they were in the same city, this was Lin Xinyu’s first time in this area, and she was full of curiosity.