I pedaled the bicycle, the clinking sound of the old bike echoing rhythmically like a familiar tune. The gentle breeze brushed past us, playfully ruffling our hair, making it dance lightly in the air. I glanced back at Mai. She was sitting slightly to the left, legs crossed, her gaze lost in the rows of trees along the road. The soft evening glow bathed her face, making her look even more serene and radiant, like a living masterpiece.
Following Mai's gaze, I noticed a hill with terraced fields stretching endlessly. The terraces curved gracefully, the green of young grass blending with the brown of the soil, and in the distance, a few figures busily preparing for the new planting season. Quickly, I turned my eyes back to the road, trying to focus on steering.
The scenery was so stunning that I didn't dare utter a word. I feared that even a misplaced syllable might shatter this perfect picture of nature. The sunset gradually painted the landscape with an extraordinary beauty. Golden sunlight draped over everything, exuding a gentle, passionate, and romantic aura.
At that moment, I truly felt how beautiful youth was. Mai was close to me, her scent faintly lingering—a mixture of perfume and fabric softener, subtle yet alluring. I took a deep breath, savoring the fragrance. It reminded me of white mustard flowers—pure and refreshing.
The road ahead transitioned from asphalt to gravel, and the crunching sound of the stones under the wheels broke the silence. The bike slowed down as I felt the change beneath the tires. Mai seemed to notice it too and spoke softly, her voice as light as a breeze:
"Are you tired?"
I turned back with a smile and replied firmly:
"No, I'm not tired. But be careful; this road has sand and dirt. If it splashes, your dress might get dirty."
Mai smiled gently, her smile like sunlight melting away all my worries.
"It's okay," she said.
I heard a soft laugh from her, a sound like a gentle melody that gave me more energy. I mustered all my strength, pedaling harder, as if trying to whisk Mai through this rough path. In my heart, I thought, if people say dying for a girl is the best way to go, I'd gladly die for Mai!
Ahead was a stream, a place full of childhood memories for me. The water was crystal clear, reflecting shimmering light. I saw small fish swimming playfully as if they were dancing in nature's embrace. A lush green moss carpet stretched along the stream, providing a perfect playground for the fish.
My eyes stopped at a familiar spot. The wild apple tree I had planted years ago had now grown to knee height, its fresh green leaves swaying gently in the wind. A mix of pride and emotion swelled in my chest.
But then, that joy quickly turned into dread as I realized something… was off. This path… why did it feel so familiar? I slowed the bike down, my mind sifting through old memories.
Mai's soft fingers lightly tapped my back, breaking my train of thought. She spoke gently, "My house is over there, on the left."
I looked in the direction she pointed, and sweat began to pour down like a waterfall. Yes, there was no mistake. The house with the wild apple tree and those other familiar plants… it was Mr. Eight house!
I turned pale, my hands and feet trembling. Memories of the last time came rushing back like a storm. Back then, my friends and I had been chased away by Mr. Tam for stealing wild apples. I silently prayed that Mr. Eight wouldn't be home. If he was… there was no way I'd escape unscathed this time!