Chapter 37: Little Jujube Horse

Song Shiyue slept very well that night. When she woke up from her dream, the sky was already bright, and sunlight was rushing in eagerly through the curtains.

She had originally thought she would have trouble sleeping in an unfamiliar environment. Who would have expected that the moment her head touched the pillow last night, she fell asleep and had a good night’s rest.

Perhaps it was because she had climbed the mountain at night and seen fireflies. By the time they returned, it was already quite late. After washing up, sleepiness quickly came over her.

Birds chirped outside the window. Song Shiyue got out of bed and pulled open the curtains. The morning sun poured in uncontrollably. The grass below was lush green, and the distant mountains and forests were covered in a thin mist.

A wisp of white smoke slowly rose and drifted in the wind. Orange red light intertwined with green, making the colors of the early morning beautiful and pleasant.

Song Shiyue stood by the window, looking around. Her gaze suddenly stopped at one spot. In the distant riding ground, Zhu Xingyan was wearing a black riding outfit and straddling a reddish brown horse. Holding the reins in his hand, he was galloping freely under the sunrise.

The young man’s face resembled the blazing sun. His posture was tall and straight. The scene of him riding and running toward the morning light was free and passionate.

She seemed to be infected by it. She did not withdraw her gaze for a long time, staring at that spot and could not help but curve her eyes into a smile.

When Song Shiyue finished tidying up and went downstairs, Zhu Xingyan had already returned. He was wearing a thin white shirt and long pants, with some moisture on his forehead. He was taking a towel from the servant’s hand to wipe his sweat.

“You are awake?” Hearing the sound, he quickly raised his face. His bright eyes seemed to be filled with sunlight as well.

“I am awake.” Song Shiyue felt a little embarrassed. The white dress she was wearing had been prepared in the wardrobe. It fitted her perfectly, and the hem brushed against her calves, soft and delicate.

“Just in time to come down for breakfast,” he said.

Breakfast was simple yet refined. Song Shiyue cut a piece of fried egg on the plate and asked him, “Did you go horse riding this morning?”

“Ah, you saw it?” The boy opposite her showed a flash of shyness in his brows and eyes, then smiled at her.

“I am used to waking up early, so I went for a quick run and exercise.”

“I saw it.” Song Shiyue smiled along with him. “As soon as I got up and pulled open the curtains, I saw you.”

“Very handsome… Zhu Xingyan.” She thought for a moment and finally said his full name.

Little Star… she really could not bring herself to call him that.

Fortunately, Zhu Xingyan did not mind. He simply asked her with anticipation: “Do you want to learn? After breakfast, I can teach you.”

He had mentioned it yesterday. Song Shiyue found it hard to refuse again, so she only said tactfully: “I may not be a good student.”

“It is fine. I will definitely be a good teacher.” The boy smiled brilliantly. Song Shiyue could not help but be infected by his mood, and the corners of her lips curved upward. The two of them spent this breakfast in an inexplicable atmosphere of smiles, which seemed even brighter than the morning sun.

After the meal, the villa servant brought over the riding outfit. It was a ladies pure white style with gold thread embroidery on the edges.

Song Shiyue changed into the clothes and went down to the riding ground with him. The person in charge of taking care of the riding ground was a short middle aged man. Zhu Xingyan called him “Uncle Zhao”.

“Where is that little jujube red horse that Jia Jia gave birth to a few years ago?”

“It is in the stable. I will take you to see it.” His gaze swept over Song Shiyue beside them with a smile. His face was kind and honest. “This pony is the friendliest and has a gentle temperament. It is most suitable for beginners.”

“Alright, thank you.” Song Shiyue said gratefully.

“No need to thank me. All the horses here are raised by Little Flame. You should thank him.”

“?” Song Shiyue turned to look at him. The latter lowered his eyes, touched the tip of his nose, and called out helplessly, “Uncle Zhao —”

“Ah?” The other party looked confused.

“Never mind.” Zhu Xingyan sighed. Song Shiyue gently tugged at the corner of his clothes from behind and could not help but frown: “Did you not say… this is your friend’s place?”

“I was afraid you would feel uncomfortable.” His eyes were gentle, wrapped in fine and soft affection.

Song Shiyue pressed her lips together and remained silent.

“Are you unhappy?” He leaned closer, lowered his head and asked softly.

The two of them were very close. He was right above her cheek. From a distance, it looked as if they were whispering to each other.

“I did not mean to lie to you. Because I started working quite early, I have gotten used to my social role in many situations and rarely see myself as a student anymore.”

“But you are still — I was afraid you would feel that there is a big distance between us.”

There was indeed, and it was more than just a little.

From arriving here last night until breakfast today, Song Shiyue had felt a subtle discomfort. The source of this discomfort seemed to be exactly the difference in status he mentioned just now.

She always felt that she was still a student, and the people around her were too. Even Zhu Xingyan from a long time ago, in her eyes, was just a special classmate, nothing more.

However, only now did she gradually realize that he had probably completed the transition from student to adult very early and had already adapted to the rules of society in advance.

“Then what about that restaurant before?” After a long silence, she bit her lip and asked hesitantly. Zhu Xingyan instantly smiled widely. He almost raised his fingers to swear, “That restaurant really belongs to my friend. I swear.”

“You should know him too. His name is Chen Zhixun.”

Song Shiyue thought to herself, more than just knowing him. She still listened to your love stories every day in the dormitory.

She slowly relaxed. Her black eyes fixed on him as she spoke seriously and slowly: “Then from now on you are not allowed to lie to me again. No matter what the matter is and no matter the situation.”

“Good. I promise you.” Under the warm sunlight he gazed at her and made a sincere and serious promise.

Song Shiyue saw the little jujube red horse in the stable. Calling it a little horse felt a bit insulting. The young and strong horse in front of her, although not as tall as the majestic steed Zhu Xingyan had ridden that morning, was still full of spirit.

The two people beside her both said it had a gentle temperament. Under Uncle Zhao’s encouragement Song Shiyue tentatively reached out and touched the mane on its neck. The horse indeed leaned gently against her hand without any struggle.

Following Uncle Zhao’s suggestion Song Shiyue took a sugar cube and fed it to the horse. Sure enough the little horse immediately stretched out its tongue affectionately and licked her palm. The human and horse quickly built a bond.

When Zhu Xingyan helped her up onto the horse it showed not the slightest resistance. Only after she gripped the reins tightly and sat steadily did her suspended heart tremble slightly and settle down.

The little jujube horse was quite tall. Once seated the view suddenly opened up wide. Zhu Xingyan stood beside her and explained the key points of the movements: legs pressed against the horse’s belly, squeeze to move forward, reins to control direction, do not sit too rigidly… Song Shiyue followed his words bit by bit to learn and adjust. Once she had grasped it roughly the horse began to walk forward. Zhu Xingyan stood in front and led the horse for her.

It seemed no great skill was needed. The horse’s speed was very slow and with him leading in front the little horse carried her around the grassland at an unhurried pace for two full laps.

Song Shiyue wanted to experience the galloping effect she had seen him do that morning. After a few laps her heart was eager to try. She lowered her head and tentatively asked him if she could ride by herself.

“Not allowed. You have not fully mastered the technique yet. I am afraid you will fall.” Zhu Xingyan smiled and gently but firmly refused her. Song Shiyue showed disappointment. Before she could speak again he unhurriedly tossed out a suggestion.

“However I can ride with you just like what you saw this morning when I was galloping. Do you want to try?”

Like a fisherman slowly casting out bait Song Shiyue struggled for a few moments then bit and took the hook. She answered with a trace of hesitation: “Then… alright…”

Zhu Xingyan let go of the reins he had been leading with and stepped into the stirrup to mount directly. His movements were clean and sharp. In the blink of an eye Song Shiyue felt someone wrap around her from behind. A warm breath brushed over her. Zhu Xingyan’s face leaned close to her side and his voice suddenly came right beside her ear.

“Hold on tight. We are going to speed up.” Her wandering thoughts were instantly pulled back. Song Shiyue had no time to think about anything romantic. She straightened her shoulders and back and looked seriously ahead.

“I am holding on tight.”

The horse beneath them instantly swept away its previous gentleness and rushed forward like a strong wind. The blazing sun ahead was dazzling. Cool wind carrying the scent of green grass rushed fiercely toward them.

Song Shiyue’s hair was blown loose. The little jujube horse ran at high speed. She sat on top and felt a light bouncing motion as if she were shuttling through the wind.

The sense of loss of control brought by the speed followed closely. She felt slightly panicked and then saw the hand in front of her. It was fair and slender, firmly gripping the reins. The knuckles stood out as it controlled direction and speed with ease.

The horse galloped forward without hesitation and was skillfully guided into a turn just as it approached the fence.

Zhu Xingyan took her for several laps. By the time she dismounted her thighs felt soft and weak. The little jujube horse, as if it had rarely enjoyed such a carefree run, shook its head happily and snorted, seeming to bid her farewell again.

“Was it fun?” A breeze came and lifted a strand of hair across her eyes. Zhu Xingyan reached out very naturally to brush it aside for her. He lowered his head and asked with a smile.

“It was quite fun.” After the intense exercise her cheeks had a natural flush. Song Shiyue calmed her light panting and stared at him in complaint. “But you said you would teach me. Why did you control everything yourself?”

Not expecting her to say that, Zhu Xingyan was stunned for a moment, then laughed and apologized. “I was wrong. When the sun is about to set in the evening, I will teach you properly again. Is that okay?”

“We will see.” Song Shiyue tried to keep a straight face as she answered. “I still have a lot of homework unfinished. I need to go back and do my assignments later.”

After the morning exercise they washed up again and felt refreshed and clear headed.

Fortunately she had brought her laptop and notes with her. When Zhu Xingyan knocked on the door Song Shiyue was sitting with her damp hair loose. She lay on the carpet in front of the tea table and listened attentively to listening comprehension material through her earphones.

Several clear knocks broke her concentration. She turned her head and saw Zhu Xingyan already changed into fresh clothes. He leaned casually against the door frame and invited her in a coaxing tone.

“Do you want to come downstairs to do your homework? The living room is very spacious and more suitable for studying.”

Song Shiyue packed her things and moved downstairs. Only then did she discover that Zhu Xingyan had arranged everything in the living room: a soft blanket, freshly cut fruit on the tea table, and a specially cleared table and sofa.

The busy villa servants from earlier seemed to have finished their shift. The entire house was quiet and peaceful, with only the midday sunlight pouring in through the bright glass windows.

Song Shiyue lay on the table listening to her materials and taking notes. He wore earphones and curled up on the sofa watching a video, a niche and critically acclaimed foreign film. He analyzed it frame by frame, a form of input common among film professionals.

Occasionally when Song Shiyue took a break the two would chat. Sometimes she became too focused and held the same posture for a long time. Zhu Xingyan would then spear a piece of fruit with a fork and bring it to her lips. Lost in her listening comprehension she would not react at first. Her body moved first, parting her lips to eat from his hand. Only when the sweet and fresh taste spread across her tongue and teeth did she suddenly wake up and turn to meet his smiling eyes.

Unknowingly dusk began to fall.

The fiery red sunset occupied more than half the sky. The summer evening glow was captivating.

In the class group chat everyone was complaining about the upcoming final exams. The review tasks were heavy, and even Bai Jia and Xu Mi had finally started spending time in the library and classroom.

Song Shiyue had just finished a major assignment. She stretched with an aching back and waist, looked around, and only then realized that Zhu Xingyan had disappeared at some point.

Puzzled, she could not help but stand up. She rubbed her sore knees and followed a faint sound into the kitchen.

Song Shiyue walked over and saw him under the warm bright light. He was wearing a beige loungewear set and stood in front of the counter, calmly and unhurriedly preparing the meal.

The range hood made a soft sound. The aroma of food drifted over slowly. Zhu Xingyan kept his eyes lowered, staring seriously at the ingredients in the pot as if he were doing something of utmost importance in life.

He heard the sound at the doorway and turned his head. The moment he saw Song Shiyue his brows and eyes filled with a smile. He spoke in a gentle voice. “Go wash your hands quickly. Dinner will be ready in a moment.”