Why Does First Love Feel This Sweet? - Chapter 19

Chapter: 19 The Moon and the Tide

It was noon the next day before Sheng Yi finally pulled himself out of a heavy sleep. Once again, he had spent the night wrapped in Rong Yu’s arms. He realized that on a primal level, he craved this person’s warmth; being held by Rong Yu brought a peace to his soul that he had never known before.

He remembered wanting this since they were children—the simple, pure desire to touch the “feathers” of his perfect angel. Back then, he had suppressed it, fearing he was a strange child. Now, living out that dream, he felt a sense of happiness so profound it made him feel as though they had never grown up at all.

…

At the breakfast table, Sheng Yi watched Rong Yu with a dazed expression. Rong Yu, ever the picture of refined elegance, didn’t make a sound as he ate.

“Don’t stare,” Rong Yu said, looking up with a faint smile. “Eat more.”

Sheng Yi lowered his head guiltily. Noticing Sheng Yi’s hand trembling slightly as he held the spoon, Rong Yu frowned. “We’ll sleep in separate rooms for the next few days.”

Sheng Yi froze. Was he satisfied that quickly? True to his word, the “sacrifice” was cut short. Rong Yu moved to the guest room. He helped Sheng Yi bathe and dried his hair, but left immediately after saying goodnight, leaving the door ajar by just a crack.

Over the next week, Rong Yu focused on nursing Sheng Yi back to health with home-cooked meals, restoring the energy Sheng Yi had lost during their “high-intensity” nights.

…

While Rong Yu worked at the hospital, Sheng Yi spent his time at Master Tu’s house. Master Tu noticed the healthy glow on Sheng Yi’s face and teased him about it.

“Are you going to give up again?” Master Tu asked, stroking his Maine Coon cat.

Sheng Yi paused his brush. “I’m not going to Paris. Gold shines anywhere, doesn’t it?”

“Who is it for this time?” Master Tu sighed. “Three years ago, you refused my recommendation too. I thought it was for a girl—Cheng Wenge said you were heart-smitten back then. You grew up overnight because of her. But now, you’ve forgotten her.”

Sheng Yi felt a strange pang. “I don’t remember her. But my life is different now. I’m a married man.”

“True,” Master Tu smiled. “So, what is he like? The man you married?”

Sheng Yi’s eyes lit up as he thought of his childhood friend. “He’s the most excellent person I’ve ever known. He knows everything about me. He took care of me for three years after my accident. Friend, family, lover… none of those words are enough. I’d give him anything he wants.”

“You are both very lucky,” Master Tu murmured.

Just then, Sheng Yi’s phone vibrated. It was “Xiao Yu.” He answered, and Rong Yu’s voice came through, quiet and steady: “I’m at the gate. Can I come in to say hello?”

…

Rong Yu entered, looking more formal than usual. After a brief greeting to Master Tu, he took Sheng Yi’s hand. “We have an international flight to catch.”

“A business trip?” Sheng Yi asked, confused.

Rong Yu looked at him with a tender, focused gaze. “No. It’s for our wedding.”

Before Sheng Yi could process it, he was on a private jet headed for the Rong family’s private island. By the time they landed, the warm tropical breeze and mint-green waters had melted his frozen northern brain.

The ceremony was held on a white sand beach adorned with roses. Sheng Yi, in a white suit, walked beside Rong Yu, who wore a sharp black tuxedo. His heart hammered against his ribs.

Under the gaze of their closest family and friends, they exchanged vows. “Rong Yu, do you take Sheng Yi…?” “I do.” “Sheng Yi, do you take Rong Yu…?” “I do.”

They exchanged rings—Sheng Yi’s engraved with an ‘R’, Rong Yu’s with an ‘S’. As their fingers interlocked, the cheers of the crowd were drowned out by the beauty of Rong Yu’s smile.

…

After the banquet, Rong Yu took Sheng Yi to a secluded, crescent-shaped island nearby. There were no staff, no family—just the two of them and a small beach house facing the ocean.

“And now?” Sheng Yi asked, sitting on the sand and enjoying the breeze. “What else do you want? It’s our wedding night. I’ll grant you anything today.”

Rong Yu didn’t answer. He stared at the moon reflected in the water, his hand resting over Sheng Yi’s in the sand.

“You’re so efficient,” Sheng Yi chuckled. “Were you afraid I’d run away?”

“Yes,” Rong Yu’s voice was so low it was almost lost to the waves.

Sheng Yi looked at Rong Yu’s face and realized he didn’t look as happy as he should. What does he truly want? Seeking a release from the tension, Sheng Yi stood up and walked into the cool surf. He looked back at Rong Yu, smiled, and let himself fall backward into the dark water.

The ocean swallowed him. The silence was absolute. For a moment, he wanted to stay there forever, letting the water wash away his lingering confusion.

Suddenly, another body crashed into the water above him, pinning him against the sandy bottom. Pain flared in his lips as Rong Yu forced a kiss on him, breathing life into his lungs. It wasn’t a gentle kiss; it was a punishment, tasting of salt and desperation.

Sheng Yi hugged him back, trying to apologize through the touch. Rong Yu lifted him up, and Sheng Yi wrapped his legs around Rong Yu’s waist as they stood in the waist-deep water under the moonlight.

Rong Yu’s eyes were bloodshot, filled with an extreme emotion that shattered his usual calm. He pulled back slightly, only to bury his face in Sheng Yi’s neck, biting down on the pulse point.

“Does it hurt?” Rong Yu’s voice was raw and hoarse.

Before Sheng Yi could answer, Rong Yu gripped the back of his neck, his voice trembling with a hint of hidden malice: “Sheng Yi… if you ever dare to leave me again, I’ll make sure you die of pain in my arms.”