The Moon Upon My Heart - Chapter 30

Chapter 30: Overcast Clouds

Plans don’t always go smoothly.

Unfortunately, although Ji Fengyue had checked the weather in advance, weather forecasts in this era were not nearly as accurate as they would be a decade or so later.

By the time Lin Xuxi drove to the outskirts near the mountain, heavy layers of clouds could be seen pressing down on the edge of the clear sky from a distance. Looking at the horizon toward their destination, Ji Fengyue’s expression soured visibly.

Shen Wangshu squeezed her hand, comforting her: “It’s likely just an overcast day; it probably won’t rain.”

“I know. It’s just a pity. We might not be able to see the sunrise tomorrow morning.”

“Camping and having a barbecue on the mountain is also very interesting. It’s my first time experiencing it; I’m looking forward to your cooking.”

Ji Fengyue’s expression softened considerably. “Mm. I definitely won’t let you down.”

“Once we arrive, we’ll find a good campsite, pitch the tent in a sheltered spot, and set up the grill. I bought camping charcoal and an igniter, but we should still gather some dry grass and kindling.”

“Okay, I’ll follow your lead.”

Shen Wangshu nodded with a smile, quietly leaning her weight deeper into the seat.

She looked out the window at the mountain terrain. Since they were ascending, it didn’t feel hot in the car even with the windows open. Entering the forest, shades of green—some deep, some pale filled her vision, and the air became exceptionally fresh. Her long-suppressed mood was affected by the scenery, lifting unconsciously.

“Actually, overcast days are nice too. You don’t have to worry about getting a tan, and it’s not hot. This kind of weather is perfect for camping on a mountain.”

“Mm, Xiaoyue, you’re right!”

Although Lin Xuxi couldn’t see their expressions, just hearing Ji Fengyue’s voice sent a shiver down her spine. She admired Shen Wangshu’s denseness even more.

Ji Fengyue’s plan to bring her here for the sunrise was likely a lingering wish from her past life. To finally come here only to face a cloudy sky she must be so disappointed, yet Shen Wangshu didn’t seem to notice at all.

And Ji Fengyue, too, the moment the other girl said a cloudy day was more comfortable, she immediately changed her tune. Tsk tsk, this “Love Brain” is truly beyond saving.

The vehicle wound its way up the mountain road. Shen Wangshu stared at the scenery, feeling quite dizzy and a bit tight in her chest, but she simply stared out the window in a daze.

Thick clouds blown by the summit winds masked the sun and its dazzling light. But this was fine; if the sunlight were too bright, she might actually feel more uncomfortable.

Shen Wangshu leaned against Ji Fengyue’s shoulder. She knew how much Ji Fengyue anticipated this sunrise and their new life together. Naturally, she felt the same, so she couldn’t let her physical condition dampen their spirits.

For some reason, a familiar sense of stagnation began to swirl in her chest again. Perhaps the move had exhausted her meager reserves of energy, or perhaps the impending new life had caused her taut nerves to slacken, allowing a tidal wave of backlash fatigue to surge forth.

Feeling that the car was too silent, Shen Wangshu looked forward: “Cousin, you’ve been driving for so long, you must be tired. Once we’re up there, let us handle the tent and the grill. You just focus on eating and drinking. You should rest well tonight, since you have to drive us home tomorrow.”

“Cough, don’t worry. If I’m tired, I’ll definitely rest. I won’t force it, life is precious, haha.” Suddenly being addressed, Lin Xuxi almost jerked the steering wheel, no longer daring to criticize them in her head.

“Xiaoyue, once we’re adults and have our licenses, let’s go on a road trip. Ideally during the summer after the college entrance exams we’ll visit all the places we want to go. You have to come with me~”

Shen Wangshu smiled at her. “Don’t you need to help your family?”

“My mom hasn’t needed my help for a long time. Same with the online store. My only tasks are studying and having fun. Xiaoyue, come with me, okay?”

“I don’t know what the schedule will be like after the exams yet. We’ll see then. If I can, I’ll definitely go with you.”

Without a firm “yes,” Ji Fengyue felt a bit let down, but she didn’t dwell on it. She was sure she could convince her when the time came.

From Shen Wangshu’s instinctive reactions during their physical closeness lately, Ji Fengyue was 90% certain that Shen Wangshu must have feelings for her too.

Forget three years she felt that if she were just a bit more proactive, she could win her beloved over very soon. There was no need to rush right now.

Plans don’t always go smoothly, but as long as the result is good, Ji Fengyue can accept it. She has waited for a long, long time; she doesn’t mind another year or two.

Passing the small tourist town halfway up the mountain, the three reached the summit. There were a few other cars scattered about, with tents and grills set up mostly families with children out for a camping trip.

Lin Xuxi found a flat, sheltered spot to park. While she and Ji Fengyue pitched the tent, Shen Wangshu who wasn’t quite tall enough to help effectively — went to gather pine needles and dry twigs to light the grill.

Fortune was on her side; there were plenty of fallen branches near the clearing, so she didn’t have to wander far.

By the time she returned, the tent wasn’t quite finished, so Shen Wangshu organized the food in the trunk: skewered beef, king prawns, fruit cups… even a whole watermelon.

She felt this was far more than three people could possibly eat and felt a bit troubled. If they didn’t finish it, these fresh ingredients would surely go to waste after a night on the mountain.

“Xiaoyue, what’s wrong?”

“We seem to have brought too much food. If we can’t finish it, it’ll be a waste. Should we share some with the others?”

Ji Fengyue frowned slightly. “That shouldn’t be the case. I calculated the portions; it should be just right. Xuxi has a big appetite, and we’re both still growing. This bit of meat is nothing.”

Shen Wangshu blinked. “Mm, you’re right. Maybe my estimate was off.”

“If we really can’t finish it, we’ll give it to the others. There are plenty of people at the campsite, so don’t worry about waste.”

“Okay.” Shen Wangshu placed the skewers and fruit on the folding table, feeling a secret sense of dread. She currently had no appetite at all; she hoped Ji Fengyue wouldn’t notice.

The pine needles were excellent kindling. She arranged dry twigs to create air gaps, placed the camping charcoal on top, and poured a little medical alcohol she had prepared. The flames roared to life instantly.

Soon, the charcoal was glowing. Using tongs to shift the coals and twigs, she placed the iron mesh on top and lined a third of it with tin foil. The grill was ready.

Ji Fengyue had the seasonings prepared: oil-based brushes, dry rubs for the finish, and spray bottles with oil and honey. Every flavor profile sweet, salty, spicy was accounted for.

She placed the marinated skewers on the rack, spraying oil as she rotated them. The fire beneath flared up, but she controlled it perfectly, preventing the brief flames from charring the meat.

“Wow, Sis… Cousin, this meat smells incredible. It’s exactly like the roadside stalls.”

“It’s alright. There will be plenty of tutorials online later. I’ve watched a few, and if you try it yourself, you can get a similar taste,” Ji Fengyue said seriously, her eyes fixed on the coals. “Making food taste bad is the ultimate waste. We can’t have that.”

Lin Xuxi let out an “Uh,” and Shen Wangshu nodded in agreement. “True. Whatever you choose to do, you should do it to the best of your ability. That goes for studying, work, and especially recreation. You have to prepare in advance, otherwise things go wrong and ruin the mood.”

Lin Xuxi laughed awkwardly. As expected of the two protagonists; their learning ability and serious attitude were truly on another level.

As the sky darkened, the wind at the summit grew stronger, shifting directions frequently. The smoke and sparks made Ji Fengyue squint.

In just a few days, her myopia wouldn’t have naturally decreased. She was simply forcing herself to get used to it. Right now, in the dark and smoke, her vision was blurred and her eyes ached slightly.

“Let me help too.” Shen Wangshu picked up a few skewers. Oil dripped onto the charcoal, sending up plumes of thick smoke. The heat rushed toward her face, making the faint tightness in her chest more pronounced. She stepped back inconspicuously and took a deep breath of the cold air, hoping to suppress the discomfort.

Lin Xuxi looked left and right. She wanted to try grilling too, but was afraid of burning the food, so she picked up the fruit cup and started feeding pineapple to the other two.

“Thank you,” Shen Wangshu accepted. She furrowed her brow almost imperceptibly before quickly smoothing it over. “Just one piece is fine. I’m not very hungry yet.”

This tiny change in expression did not escape Ji Fengyue’s notice.

“You eat first. The ones in my hand are almost done; I’ll grab some myself in a bit.” Her hands paused for a split second as she rotated the skewers, her gaze lingering on Shen Wangshu’s slightly pale face, but she didn’t call her out.

“Alright.” Feeling a bit awkward, Lin Xuxi chewed on her pineapple and kept her mouth moving with chatter.

She talked about how the photos she took of them had successfully boosted sales and received rave reviews. She moved on to the online store’s current status, how it had been promoted by the platform as a “Star Store,” how customers from other provinces were ordering, and how the star rating was increasing exposure.

Ji Fengyue and Lin Xuxi went back and forth, deeply immersed in the “business” talk. Shen Wangshu remained silent, listening intently, until Ji Fengyue stuffed two skewers into her hand.

“Xiaoyue, these two pineapple-beef skewers are ready. I only put a tiny bit of spice; they’re mostly sweet and sour to help your appetite. Eat something to line your stomach so you don’t go hungry. Give me the ones you were holding; I’ll grill them.”

“Mm, okay,” Shen Wangshu handed one to Lin Xuxi. “Cousin, it was a long drive. You eat too.”

Lin Xuxi was almost afraid to take it. She glanced at Ji Fengyue, who was looking down and concentrating on the grill without reaction, before finally putting it in her mouth.

The beef burst with juice, its texture firm, complemented by the fruitiness of the pineapple and a hint of sweet, sour, and spicy notes. Lin Xuxi’s eyes lit up: “This is delicious!”

Shen Wangshu nodded and held her skewer to Ji Fengyue’s lips: “Fengyue, you eat too. Taste your own handiwork; it’s really wonderful.”

Ji Fengyue was instantly delighted. She obediently took a bite, her cheeks bulging as she smiled brightly: “Thanks, Xiaoyue!”

“Honestly, why such a hurry? What if you burned yourself?”

“Not hot at all! It’s perfect!”

Shen Wangshu’s eyes crinkled. She knew the other girl was impatient, so she had specifically blown on it to cool it down before handing it over.

At this moment, Lin “The Third Wheel” Xuxi felt like her teeth were going to rot from the sweetness. This “stink of love,” yikes.

Barbecuing on a mountain at night meant dealing with more than just wind; moths and beetles of all sizes kept fluttering toward the light.

Fortunately, neither Ji Fengyue nor Shen Wangshu minded such minor issues. Lin Xuxi, having grown up in the countryside and being the type who could catch a hornet with her bare hands, only grumbled once or twice when a bug landed on a skewer or a sauce bowl.

Using the bugs as a conversation starter, Lin Xuxi talked about her past. Ji Fengyue chimed in occasionally while Shen Wangshu listened quietly. She had always been curious about Ji Fengyue’s childhood and hometown, but since Ji Fengyue didn’t like talking about it, she never asked or pried.

Seeing Ji Fengyue now, having lived her life twice, she seemed to have made peace with the past and didn’t mind mentioning it. Shen Wangshu thought this was good, really good.

However, Shen Wangshu didn’t notice that the person beside her was looking at her with a lingering trace of worry.

When the barbecue ended, the three packed the grill and materials into trash bags and organized everything. It was very late. The clouds were thick, and the wind was still strong, though the sound of cicadas was even louder.

Lying in the sleeping bags inside the tent, Lin Xuxi fell into a deep sleep almost immediately, snoring away. Ji Fengyue was sandwiched in the middle, with Shen Wangshu on the innermost side. But Shen Wangshu wasn’t sleepy at all; she stared into the void for a long time, unable to drift off.

“Xiaoyue, are you still awake?”

“Mm.”

An unknown amount of time passed before Ji Fengyue’s voice drifted into Shen Wangshu’s ears. She opened her eyes and sighed inwardly.

“Want to go out and chat?”

“If you want to.”

“Two hours until sunrise. Let’s talk for a bit.”

“Okay.”