"Let's go."
"But...I'm not ready. Should I just–"
"It's fine, just let stay still."
"All right."
If anyone had heard them talking right now, they would've hurriedly covered their children's ears and bring them in another room. Anyone would've thought they were doing something inappropriate until they look through the cracks of the door.
There, Ning Qianyu was standing behind Mu Shengchen with a pair of scissors in her hands. Her hands were narrowed as she neared his back. Without another word, she finally snipped a strand of his hair.
"Done." She handed the scissors to him and sat in the front. There, he did the same thing with her locks.
When they finally have the two strands together, she carefully wrapped them around the colorful satin and began the weaving process yet again. This time, her movements were faster and more precise, given that she had already done it an hour ago.
An accomplished smile spread across her lips as she finished the knot.
Even Mu Shengchen finally smiled as he finished the job.
After a long amount of time, Ning Qianyu suddenly raised her head. "We're almost done. I'll do the finishing touches" she said. "You can leave if you have some more important things you need to do."
"Hm." He didn't say another word, and he also didn't say where he was going. Instead, he simply stared at her as if she were the only thing he could ever see. He looked like a man who had suddenly discovered a lake in a desert, and he was drinking her in.
She didn't mind though. Instead, she continued weaving through the threads of their hairs, adding the little details that she needed to add. Once she was already finished, she had fallen asleep in his arms.
Mu Shengchen lowered his head and stared at her sleeping figure. The small heart knot is still in her hands. A small smile spread across his lips as he swept the strands of hair from her forehead. Slowly, he pulled the knot from her hand and put it away.
The next morning, she had woken up on his bed.
When she glanced up, she saw that Mu Shengchen was already putting on his suit. She pursed her lips and rubbed her eyes, just to check if she was seeing straight. "Where are you going?" That's when the thought hit her. "Right, today's President Yan's company anniversary dinner."
He smiled dotingly in response.
After they have already eaten breakfast, they made their way into the car.
The driver stepped on the gas, and they made their way out of the villa. The farther they've gone, the fewer buildings she sees. Soon enough, all she could see were rows of trees and white-picket fences. "I thought we're going to the party."
"Not yet." He smirked.
She nodded casually. "Hm."
"Aren't you afraid I'll take you somewhere dangerous?" He glanced at her in amusement. Back then, she'd be so nervous around him, but now, she's as calm as a lamb.
"I trust you."
She smiled up at him. After everything they've been through, she knew for a fact that she could trust him, and vice versa. The couple really had grown over the years.
Mu Shengchen didn't say another word. Instead, he simply held her in his arms.
She didn't get to sleep last night, so as soon as she leaned against his shoulders, she found herself falling asleep. Her eyes fluttered shut, and her breathing turned steady.
The car drove into a small, rural village. As they drew closer and closer, the town became even more bustling as the people around them grew even livelier. "Anyone wants barbecue?" A faint voice sounded behind them.
Crowds of people fluttered around the block. Many of them were young couples as they shared ice creams and chocolate flowers together. They were quite happy, which brightened the overall atmosphere around them.
At the end of the crowd, there was a tall ancient tree. Its branches were dark and weathered, but Mu Shengchen could see the colorful satins hanging across its branches.
"Mr. Mu, we can't go any nearer," the driver said, waking Ning Qianyu up.
She opened her hazy eyes and gazed outside the window. However, as soon as she saw the ancient tree from the distance, she almost jumped out of her seat. "The heart tree!" Forgetting Mu Shengchen, she pushed the door open and sprinted outside.
"Mr. Mu." The driver tilted his head.
"Take out the wheelchair." Upon seeing Ning Qianyu's bright eyes and smile, even he couldn't help but match her expression.
"Yes, Sir." He immediately followed his orders.
Mu Shengchen controlled the wheelchair and approached her from behind.
Suddenly remembering him, she ran back sheepishly. "You didn't tell me you know about the Heart Tree," she said in amazement, clapping her hands together.
"Of course I know about it," he said casually. "I lived in B City for a long time."
She gazed at the heart tree. However, just as she was about to step forward, a thought crossed her mind. Her face fell. "You should've told me. I remembered leaving my knot on our bed and–" She stopped when she saw him hold the knot up in the air.
"I...How did you know?"
"Secret." He smiled.
In all honesty, Mu Shengchen had seen her reading articles about the Heart Tree. He had initially planned to take her there on their last day here.
However, after what had happened, he decided to do it today. After all, they weren't doing anything, and as for the party–it wasn't like they'd stay here for too long.
"Let's go hang the heart knots together, okay?" Ning Qianyu ducked her head in embarrassment as they made their way down the beautiful gardens. There were more and more people crowding over the large tree looming above them.
"Of course."
Like the others, they approached the large tree.
As soon as everyone saw them, they immediately opened up a path. The women swooned, and even the men couldn't help but smile at the sight. The couple was truly well-matched.
As soon as they approached the fence, she bent down. "Shall I do it?"
"I'll do it." He smiled. "Where do you want me to throw it."
Ning Qianyu wanted to throw the heart knot higher, but a part of her was afraid that he wouldn't be able to do it. In the end, she pointed at one of the lower branches. "That will do," she said softly. "But if it's too high, we can aim for a lower position."
Lower Position? "Don't doubt me, love," he whispered in her ear.
Her ears turned bright red from his words.
"All right," she stuttered. Ning Qianyu immediately lowered her head and clasped her hands together, hoping that the heart tree would respond to all her prayers. "Please let him throw it up there."
Even then, her face still had a bright smile. 'I want to be with him forever. Please bless us.'
As soon as she opened her eyes, Mu Shengchen threw the knot up in the air.
Just like they had wished, it landed on the treetops.
Ning Qianyu gaped, and her eyes widened in surprise. As soon as the knot swung around the branches at the top most part of the tree, she immediately jumped around like a kid on Christmas Day.
"If you want to throw it there, then all you have to do was ask," he said as if he had done the easiest thing in the world.
Not being able to help herself, she kissed him on the cheek. "You're the best!"
Mu Shengchen was stunned for a moment, but as soon as he recovered, he hooked his arms around her neck. Before she could say anything, he pulled her into a kiss.
His kiss was fierce and wanting. She groaned as she wrapped her arms around his neck, and he immediately pushed her back.
The beautiful heart tree rustled happily at the sight of their unrestrained kiss. The beautiful colors swung over the pair's heads as they grabbed onto each other's waist. For them, it seemed as if the sky was the limit.
There were passers-by who would glance at them from time to time. However, they continued to deepen the kiss as if they were the only people in the field. "Hm," she responded readily with her eyes closed, unaware that they were already forming an audience.
As the crowd continued to bubble in excitement, Ning Qianyu finally pulled away in embarrassment. She glanced around the crowd, flushed from their sudden presence. "Woo!" someone hollered, bursting into claps, and the others soon followed.
Ducking her head in embarrassment, she pushed him away. Mu Shengchen chuckled, wheeling after her. They finally returned to the gates when the driver came up to greet them. He didn't look aware of the attention they've gotten from the kiss.
"Mr. Mu, President Yan called to ask what time you'll arrive at the company."