Yan Xuan let Mo Hua get down from his back and held her hand the next moment.
"Don't be reckless… Walk carefully. The path is mushy so you might slip and fall." Yan Xuan said when he saw her rushing towards the stairs of the guard tower.
After crossing the mushy land, they saw a beautiful wooden watchtower standing in all glory as if protecting the area with his all might. It had a dim light highlighting the top area with a hut-like structure at the top. The hut-like structure had open space from all four sides which can be considered as a balcony.
It seems to be built by local artisans and the pillars supporting the tower were matching rectilinear forms that resembled tree trunks but were adapted to suit the specific location.
It was elevated on top of the rocks and made from evenly placed slats of wood, designed to provide panoramic views of the landscape without the occupants being exposed to harsh climate.
It was the best place for stargazing and birdwatching – just like a small observatory.
There was a spiral staircase with almost 60steps taking the visitor directly to the top of the tower.
Mo Hua was bewitched by the view and said, "Let's go up without wasting time anymore." With that, she started climbing the stairs.
The stairs were looking normal but when observed closely, they were more in height than the normal stairs and one had to put on entire energy to climb up the next step.
"Xuan, once we go up, let's forget about the rest of the world and spend some amazing time today. Just you and me. Okay?" Mo Hua said excitedly while climbing the stairs unknown to the fact that someone was getting nervous due to wrong ideas.
'Umm. Just us... what amazing time is she referring to?' Yan Xuan was again zoned out and when Mo Hus didn't get any response. She turned only to find his confused and nervous face.
"What's wrong Xuan? Are you not well? Should we go back?" Mo Hua asked out with concern before starting to climb again
Yan Xuan stopped abruptly, "Nothing babe. Just wondering what you mean by spending quality time together.." Yan Xuan said with a hesitated tone.
Mo Hua who was focused on climbing up previously, suddenly halted and turned her gaze on him"What wondering, take the literal meaning. Is it hard to get Xuan? Tell me what is wrong with you…? I have been observing your nervousness and uneasiness throughout the way here."
Yan Xuan wasn't surprised and was anticipating this question from her as he noticed changes in his behavior as well. So he decided to talk to her openly when they reach up.
"Let's climb the remaining steps and then we will talk. Hmm?"
"Sure. Let's hurry now."
They resumed their climbing and in the next few moments, they were upon the resting area of the watchtower.
The watchtower was a bit rusty yet still clean. It seems like proper care was taken of this place despite it being located in a risky location and far from the tents.
When Mo Hua entered the bay area of the tower, She was completely shocked. It was nothing like Watchtower but was a small observatory in actual. The roof of the viewing area was made from glass and space was occupied with telescopes and auxiliary instruments with which one can observe the celestial objects.
Outside the bar area was a viewing platform with different range binoculars installed to watch birds and wildlife deep in the forest and mountains far away.
"This… It's beautiful." Mo Hua who was shocked just now couldn't contain her excitement and started running across the entire room.
Yan Xuan was observing her every expression and his heartfelt warmth surfaced on his face. He was satisfied looking at her happy face.
'Is this what we call feeling on contentment?' He though while his tender gaze stuck on her.
.
There was soft bedding set up at the corner of the room. It was placed in such a position that from there you can get the best view of the open sky through the glass roof above.
There were some photo frames above the bedding.
It piques her interest and she started walking towards the corner.
Her eyes widen in shock. Her jaw made an 'O' shape in shock as she saw the familiar figure in most of the pictures.
"Xuan! Why are you in these pictures? Many of them are yours. Is it because of your dad?" She asked out of curiosity, but little did she know that the answer she will get will blow up her mind.
"It's me in all pictures. This baby in the rest of the pictures is me as well." Yan Xuan replied to her casually, "Mr. Pan He, my maternal grandfather was a famous astronomist and this private property is owned by him. As Mom was fond of stargazing and wildlife, he built it for her back when she was studying and later gifted her as a dowry."
He then held Mo Hua in his arms and wrapped his arms around Mo Hua's waist as he continued, " It was just a simple watchtower which my dad later transformed into the small observatory. He wanted to build a whole observatory but due to his illness, it was left incomplete. Mom and I still visit this place sometimes and for the rest of the time, it is lent to people who come here to study astronomy and nature."
"Xuan, it's really beautiful. Incredible. Thank you for bringing me here today." Mo Hua said while hugging him tightly.
"Thank me later when we are done watching the meteor shower. For now, let's get settled." MoHua blushed hard after hearing Yan Xuan.
Yan Xuan removed the thermos from the backpack and poured a cup of hot chocolate. He then sat down on the bedding and pulled Mo Hua as well to rest comfortably in his arms as they both are wrapped themselves in the blanket giving the cup of hot chocolate to her.
"For you miss…." He said teasingly while MoHua took the cup from his hand. They were staring in the eyes of each other passionately when a streak of light flashed in the night sky above them.
"Hey, look up there in the sky…." Yan Xuan who was tightly embracing her suddenly lifted her head gently towards the roof.
"Woow…Finally….. It's beautiful..." Mo Hua was awestruck and was muttering words to herself.
Their faces were now facing the roof as they got ready to watch the exquisite phenomenon of meteor shower live.
It was close to midnight and suddenly one after another, glowing streaks started to appear in the sky.
"Xuan why are there so many colorful streaks? It's unusual right?" Mo Hua asked curiously.
The shower was rising to a peak by now.
"The Perseids are known for being colorful. This is earth grazer – a long, slow, colorful meteor traveling horizontally across the evening sky. They are rare but memorable and appear before midnight when the radiant point of the shower is close to the horizon." He had learned a lot about stargazing from his parents.
He looked towards her with a smiling face and pecked her forehead, "Seems like we got lucky this time. Hmm."
His gaze was then stuck on her beautiful face.
It was the first time for Mo Hua and so she was completely engrossed in the beautiful scene unfolding in front of her eyes ignoring certain someone's presence, "Ohh" Mo Hua replied.
Yan Xuan's eyes were shifting between the roof and her face. Her face was even more alluring due to night sky full of light from the meteors reflecting it on her face
His face was close to her ears and cheek and he was gently placing kisses on her face and ear now and then.
He placed his hand on her chin and tilted her face gently.
Mo Hua who was ignorant till now realized the difference in the air. It was chilly yet warm and as she saw Yan Xuan's face, there was immeasurable love and passion in his gaze.
He bowed down and kissed her pink luscious lips. The moment his cold lips toucher her warm ones, she felt an electrifying surge of energy in her body. She closed her eyes and their kiss deepened with their tongues tasting each other in turns.
It was just like a fight for domination....