Chapter 28: This Time, No Deserting Allowed

"To the Dihao!" Dihao was the five-star hotel in Yunzhou.
Su Wanqing shook her head.
Liang Jiyong thought for a moment, "Then let's go home!"
Su Wanqing smiled faintly.
While waiting for a taxi by the roadside, Liang Jiyong whispered to Su Wanqing, "I'm going to buy a box of little raincoats."
"What?" Su Wanqing didn't understand.
"It's just..." Liang Jiyong leaned over and whispered into her ear.
Su Wanqing's face flushed red, and she said nothing. In this era, condoms could only be bought at pharmacies. Su Wanqing stood by the road while Liang Jiyong went inside; there was nothing to be embarrassed about.
When he came out with the item, Su Wanqing turned her head away, refusing to look at him.
Sitting in the car, Su Wanqing simply leaned against Liang Jiyong's shoulder, silent. Yet, in their hearts, they were both full of anticipation. Tonight was truly beautiful.
A melodious piano melody drifted from the music room. After returning home, Su Wanqing took a bath first. The beauty emerging from the water left Liang Jiyong utterly intoxicated.
While Liang Jiyong was in the bathroom, Su Wanqing began to play the piano.
Seeing Su Wanqing, dressed in a silk robe with her long hair draped over her shoulders, looking ethereal and refined as she played with grace, Liang Jiyong stood silently by the doorway. He watched her ten fingers dancing lightly across the keys, as joyful as a sprite in a dream.
Liang Jiyong often listened to her play, so he could discern her mood. Beneath the joy, there was a hint of nervousness.
After playing a piece of Moonlight Sonata and a serenade, Su Wanqing let her gaze rest on Liang Jiyong.
"If I asked you to sleep in the guest room now, would you be angry?"
Liang Jiyong smiled helplessly. "Angry? No. Just a little disappointed. But it took me nineteen years to walk into your heart; I have enough patience to wait for you to fully accept me. Though sex is an important part of love, I can accept a Platonic relationship too."
"Insincere!" Su Wanqing smiled. If a man tells you he wants to have a Platonic romance, he must be a liar.
"Let's go." Su Wanqing stood up, took Liang Jiyong's hand, and led him out of the music room.
Liang Jiyong thought she was taking him to the dance hall at the Red Flag Factory, but instead, they arrived at her bedroom. She turned on the tape recorder and let the music play.
The familiar, melodious piano notes filled the air—*Für Elise*. A classic piano piece; one could feel the pulsing love in every note.
"Do you know the origin of this piece?" Su Wanqing asked.
"It's something Beethoven wrote for a girl named Elise, right?"
"Wrong!" Su Wanqing said while she moved.
"Huh? It's not?"
"It's not Elise, it's Therese. Therese was Beethoven's student. He fell in love with her and played this piece for her one day. But Beethoven didn't leave behind a manuscript. Years later, someone found the score in Therese's belongings, and while copying it, they misread 'Therese' as 'Elise'. So, what was originally 'For Therese' became 'For Elise'."
"Oh, I see. Still, I think 'Elise' sounds a bit more pleasing to the ear."
"That's just because you're used to hearing it that way."
"Perhaps. Whatever you say is right."
"Smooth talker!"
"Is it that smooth? Let me taste..."
Liang Jiyong kissed her, his hands roaming over her back. The silky pajamas fell away the moment he loosened the belt, revealing her flawless body.
"Indeed, it is very smooth," Liang Jiyong's hands wandered over her.
"I am always hesitant, worried about gains and losses, but I truly love you so much. After today, even if the world falls apart—"
"If you do not leave me, I will be with you in life and death. Although promises are illusory, my father taught me since I was a child: once words are spoken, actions must follow."
"I love you."
"My Heart Will Go On..."
"Me too!"
They embraced and kissed, falling onto the bed. This time, there would be no accidents.
"Wait for me, I'll go get the raincoat," Liang Jiyong said, his breathing ragged, but he hadn't lost his reason.
"No. Not for the first time. I only want you. I've calculated—it's very safe today!"
Su Wanqing's voice was barely a whisper, and Liang Jiyong let out a breath. In his previous life, he had seen many images of love, but at this moment, they all blurred. In his mind, only the memory of opening the door that day remained, filled with the sounds of gasping and clear singing.
This thought was truly speechless. Liang Jiyong couldn't help but wonder if Zhou Jianguo and Lin Xiaoyu were doing something again right now... This wicked thought was unstoppable. Although he had never harbored evil intentions toward Lin Xiaoyu, they had left such a deep impression on him.
He exhaled, cast aside the distractions, and looked at Su Wanqing. She had her eyes closed, her red lips slightly parted, her hands clutching the sheets tightly.
"Love me. This time, you are not allowed to be a deserter!" Su Wanqing opened her eyes, brimming with passion.
"Understood!" Liang Jiyong smiled. A deserter? That didn't exist.
"Be gentle. If you hurt me, I'll bite you!"
As she spoke, she reached out and pulled a clean white towel from her side, placing it underneath her. Liang Jiyong knew she wanted to preserve the evidence of her maidenhood.
...
Suppressed gasps were mixed with a song that was both painful and impossible to stop.
"Does it still hurt?" Liang Jiyong held her, pausing his movements.
"Yes, it hurts so much. You bad man, you're so bad!"
"Then should I pull out?"
"No! You are not allowed to be a deserter. Actually, it's a little bit pleasant. I like it. Go slower..."
The night rain pattered against the banana leaves, knocking down a few red plum blossoms. Looking at the spots of red on the white towel, Liang Jiyong’s heart was filled with the pride of victory. Although he was a mature man psychologically, today was the day his body finally completed the transformation from boy to man.
At six o'clock, Su Wanqing was still fast asleep. The pain of her first time had exhausted her both physically and mentally. For the first time, Liang Jiyong lingered in bed because Su Wanqing was resting her head on his arm, and her sweet smile made him unable to bear waking her.
Though he was physically aroused in the morning, Liang Jiyong didn't intend to launch another campaign. By 6:30, Su Wanqing opened her eyes. Seeing Liang Jiyong looking at her from the side, she couldn't help but blush again.
Liang Jiyong kissed the corner of her mouth. "I'll go make something to eat. You sleep a bit longer."
"What time is it?" she asked.
"Six-thirty."
"Ah, I'm definitely going to be late!" she worried.
"Silly, you have the morning off. I'll go ask for leave for you."
"No!" Su Wanqing shook her head. "I'll sleep for another half hour. I want steamed eggs and milk."
"Alright." Liang Jiyong got up, but couldn't bear to leave, so he crawled back down and kissed her again. This time, it was like a spark hitting dry tinder, and it became uncontrollable. With last night's experience, everything flowed naturally.
Su Wanqing's nap ended in song. Half an hour later, drenched in sweat, she felt no pain this time and finally experienced the beauty of making love.
However, it was getting late. Su Wanqing covered herself and went to the bathroom, while Liang Jiyong got up to make breakfast. The steamed eggs and milk were ready in less than ten minutes, along with sandwiches filled with ham and lettuce.
After breakfast, they left in a hurry. Since Su Kui had retired due to illness, the Audi could no longer be used, but there was a motorcycle at home that no one used. Liang Jiyong rode the motorcycle, taking Su Wanqing to school.
...
"No one can know about us, especially Yutong."
"Mm."
"And no more wild thoughts in the future!"
"That's a bit difficult. You know, once you've tasted the marrow, you crave it..."
"Bad man! In any case, you can't mess around, or neither of us will be able to focus on studying!"
"Alright, then... at least we should have a monthly exam!"
"What monthly exam? Oh, you... you're so bad!"
"It's settled then. There must be a monthly exam. Of course, if Teacher Su wants to add an unscheduled one, that's fine too!"
"I suddenly regret giving myself to you so easily!"
"It was my first time too, we're even!"
"Bad man, you're a guy!"
"Wanqing!"
"Yes?"
"My Heart Will Go On!"
"Me too!"
...
Days passed, and both Liang Jiyong and Su Wanqing maintained a facade of restraint. Though occasionally in the dead of night they would recall that sensation, they did not cross the line again.
When Saturday arrived, they returned home. The two didn't find a chance to be alone; Di Yutong was always by their side.
That night, an accident occurred. Di Yutong found a gift box, and Su Wanqing remembered that the birthday gift her mother had sent earlier hadn't been opened. Upon opening it, she found it was the latest mobile phone—a "Big Brother" brick phone. Nowadays, this was worth 15,000 yuan, not to mention the monthly service fees that most people couldn't afford.
Su Wanqing felt that her mother’s financial situation couldn't support such an expense. Unless Zhou Jianguo had paid for it, or had obtained money through his position at work. Su Wanqing called her, and Lin Xiaoyu told her that the phone had been provided by the bank. Since his previous phone from the construction bank was still working, he gave this one to Su Wanqing as a gift, and the bank would cover the bill. Although it was suspicious, it wasn't a major issue, so Su Wanqing kept it.
Busy with studies lately, Liang Jiyong had almost forgotten Wanqing's birthday. It was truly inexcusable.
The next day, Sunday, was the Mid-Autumn Festival. In previous years, Su Wanqing would at least be with her father, but this year, she was the only one left at home. Liang Jiyong asked her to come home with him. She hesitated slightly, but he took her hand and led her home.
Because it was the Mid-Autumn Festival, his father, the logistics director, was very busy, so dinner was early. After eating at six, he went back out. The whole family was very warm toward Su Wanqing's arrival.
After dinner, Wang Cuiying took Su Wanqing to talk, while Liang Jiyong and his older brother chatted in the room. Having seen Liang Shaoping in Shanghai, he already knew about his younger brother's transformation. But after a deep conversation, he realized that his brother, whom he hadn't seen in nearly two years, was truly someone to be looked at in a new light.
"Brother, when do you plan to leave?"
"Next March. I've been locked in an ivory tower for too long and forgot that what I learned could also make money. I've always done research-oriented work, but in the future, I'll focus more on practice."
"After you return to the country, do you still plan to work for a state-owned enterprise?"
"If it's a research position, a state institute is fine, but for practical work, it's not suitable. It's too early to talk about this. I plan to go out and take a look first. My first stop is the United States, and I plan to stay there for a year. Then I'll go to Germany. I've always believed that when it comes to mechanical manufacturing, German technology is top-notch."
"The Germans are more rigorous and pragmatic, but I think you should take a look at other places too."
"Oh, I thought you would still be as angry as before."
"Haha, it's hard not to be, but one needs to be close to reality. The US leads in technology, Germany in attitude, and China's advantage is careful calculation. So, although it seems to have few advantages, it maintains a leading position in manufacturing. There must be a lot to learn. Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated! If two years isn't enough, take three or five. As for money, my second sister and I have the ability to solve it. However, what we make is fast money. I hope one day, big brother, you can build a real industry that makes us proud. That's the real deal!"
Liang Shao'an laughed out loud and patted Liang Jiyong's shoulder.
"Little Three, you've really grown up. You’re even planning my life for me. Fine, I accept your suggestion!"
"By the way, do you have a girlfriend? Mom is very anxious and is waiting to hold her grandson!"
Liang Shao'an smiled, looking a bit lonely. Nearing thirty, how could he have never met a woman who moved him? It was just that, in the end, for various reasons, they couldn't end up together. Besides his preoccupation with studies, there were naturally economic factors. The women he admired were all very outstanding, and they, too, had more choices. There was one person who moved him so much that he didn't dare to desecrate the feeling, feeling unworthy.
"Not yet."
"Looking at your expression, you're quite conflicted. There must be a woman who moves you. Do you lack the courage to pursue her?"
"You brat, are you planning to instruct your big brother on how to chase girls?"
"Why not? I think you should humbly learn in this area! Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival. I think you should call and send your greetings!"
Liang Shao'an gave a bitter smile and shook his head slightly.
"Don't be shy. Let me tell you, a woman's heart is like a needle at the bottom of the sea. Don't use your own thoughts to guess theirs. Maybe she's interested in you too, but just like you, do you expect a girl to come chasing you?"
"You say that, but the possibility isn't high. Making a rash call would be very awkward."
"How is it awkward? It's the Mid-Autumn Festival. Is a polite greeting too much?"
Perhaps because mobile phones weren't widespread, means of contact during festivals were scarce, so people wouldn't call to send greetings unless they were particularly close. Liang Shao'an only shook his head.
"Mom, my big brother has a girlfriend!" Liang Jiyong shouted directly.
Liang Shao'an's eyes widened. Wang Cuiying, hearing this, ran in immediately.
"Oldest, you really have a girlfriend? What does she do? How old is she? Who is in her family..."
A series of questions left Liang Shao'an bewildered.
"No, no, don't listen to Little Three's nonsense."
"Mom, my big brother likes a girl but doesn't dare to pursue her. I told him to call and send greetings now, but he refuses. It's up to you now. Whether you can hold a grandson soon depends on your ability. Big brother, I can only help you this much..."
Liang Jiyong finished speaking, laughed, and ran off with Su Wanqing!
Then, Liang Shao'an received a barrage of questioning from his mother. In the end, he surrendered and called the home of the girl he admired.
Years later, at his brother's wedding, Liang Jiyong told this story, and his brother and sister-in-law toasted him seriously. If it hadn't been for Liang Jiyong's prodding, perhaps they would have missed each other. Because Liang Jiyong remembered that in his previous life, his brother and his sister-in-law got along well, but it seemed a bit dull, just like two people living together out of convenience.
"You're really bad!" Su Wanqing laughed and cursed as they left the house.
"How is that bad? That's helping others find happiness!"
"Let go!" Su Wanqing said.
"Don't!"
"I don't want Yutong to see us now!"
Liang Jiyong sighed. "Wanqing, I think we should face reality. You and Yutong are best friends, and she is also my best friend. None of us want to hurt her. However, feelings can't go on like this in a haze. Pretending in front of her is not only tiring but also unfair to her. Maybe, if we speak up, Yutong might be sad for a while, but she can also prepare to start a new relationship!"
"What do you know? You don't know how much Yutong likes you! Because you like swimming, skating, and playing ball, she likes them too. Every time you get hurt in a fight, she cries. When you miss meal times because of ball games, she prepares food for you and keeps it warm with hot water..."
Liang Jiyong fell silent. Just as Su Wanqing had previously ignored his love for her, he had also ignored how good Di Yutong was to him.
"Wanqing, Yutong will be my best friend, a little sister, but since I chose to be with you, I will never have any inappropriate thoughts about her again!"
Su Wanqing sat on a bench by the road, pained. "I know. I also can't bear to let you go to anyone else, but I really feel particularly sorry for Yutong. Before, I always told her I didn't like you, and kept saying that one day, you would understand how good she is and you would definitely be together! But now, I've snatched you away. How do you expect me to face Yutong? She'll be so, so hurt if she finds out. I don't want to lose Yutong as a friend. She's like my own sister. I'm really afraid that if Yutong finds out, she'll leave me too!"
Liang Jiyong leaned back on the bench, unable to think of a good solution for the moment.
"Jiyong, let's not tell Yutong for now, okay? I think perhaps Yutong will meet someone she likes in the future!"
"That 'perhaps' of yours is completely uncertain. If she doesn't give up on me, she won't open her heart to anyone else!"
"It's all your fault. Why did you suddenly have to turn into the person I like!" Su Wanqing complained.
Liang Jiyong laughed and cried. "This isn't my fault either. Who told me to like you so much!"
"If we could go back a hundred years, I would marry you together with Yutong!"
That was a scene one only dared to imagine.