Why Does First Love Feel This Sweet? - Chapter 38

Chapter 38

Sheng Yi was stunned.

It seemed this was the first time he had ever received an emoji from Rong Yu. In the image, a large hand was gently stroking a puppy’s head. He stared at the picture for a long time, feeling his heart rate quicken in an unusual way. He took a soft breath. After a while, the flutter in his chest gradually settled.

Sheng Yi saved the emoji and asked curiously, “Where did you find this?”

As if he hadn’t heard the question, Rong Yu changed the subject: Time for work. Keep at it.

Sheng Yi smiled knowingly and replied with an I can do it sticker. He looked at their chat history for a bit, then, still smiling, picked up his pen and continued his problems. After a few calculations, he checked the calendar. There were twenty-five days until he would return home for the exams. He let out a light sigh and booked his flight in advance.

In the afternoon, Sheng Yi received a message from Ling Ye. He had told Ling Ye about accompanying his teacher abroad before leaving, only to find out that Ling Ye was half-Japanese and that his family’s home in Japan was coincidentally near Teacher Tu’s farm in Hokkaido.

Ling Ye: How is the Teacher? Sheng Yi: He’s doing well, don’t worry. Ling Ye was brief as always: Coming tomorrow.

Sheng Yi was happy. To see a friend from home while in a foreign land was a welcome surprise.

…

The Sunset Reflection

At dinner, Rong Yu’s “International Love Meal” was delivered right on time. After eating, Tu Xinlai suggested a walk. The brilliant sunset painted the sky in deep reds, like thick strawberry jam flowing down onto the flat, white fields of snow.

Since it was a farming area, there were few houses and no high-rise buildings, making for a very comfortable view. As Sheng Yi walked with his teacher, his mood became warm and peaceful.

Sheng Yi was a person with strong vitality and adaptability. Just like years ago, when he first stayed over at Rong Yu’s, he could sleep like a log in a stranger’s bedroom. During the walk, he fell into deep thought.

He thought about the embarrassing tears from the night before. He hadn’t cried in front of Rong Yu for years—not since his mother’s funeral. Growing up, he had always believed that boys crying was a shameful thing. Even after his memory loss, when he had cried from fear on the first night back, he had hidden under the covers.

But tears were an effective self-healing mechanism for him. Once he had a good cry, all the negative energy was purged, and he felt reborn the next day.

Sheng Yi realized that leaving Rong Yu was almost unbearable for him. Even if his mind knew it was temporary, his emotions were honest. His soul felt as if it had been left behind in a distant place.

“Is Xiao Ye coming tomorrow?” Tu Xinlai’s voice interrupted his thoughts. “Yes,” Sheng Yi nodded with a smile.

“Xiao Ye is a good kid,” Tu Xinlai said as they strolled. “Though he lacks your talent, I see my younger self in him. I was a very dull person with no talent, just an impractical dream. It took me five years to be admitted to the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris.”

Sheng Yi was surprised. He had never heard the teacher talk about his struggles—the poverty in Paris, the hunger, and the stubbornness it took to finally get in.

Tu Xinlai then spoke of the “former mistress,” Sheng Yi’s mentor’s ex-wife. He spoke of his deep inferiority complex and how his fear that she would find someone better eventually drove her away. “I forgot that feelings are worn away when they receive no response,” Tu said bitterly.

…

The Remote “Treatment”

Back at the wooden villa, Sheng Yi was still immersed in his teacher’s story. He showered, changed into pajamas, and sprawled out on the bed. His phone rang for a long time before he noticed it.

When the video connected, Rong Yu appeared on the screen. This time, Sheng Yi noticed a subtle change—the “beauty of distance.” On screen, the man looked even more handsome, his quiet temperament even more charming. It had only been two days, but it felt like a year since they had met.

Rong Yu looked like he had just gotten home; he was still in his crisp white shirt, his hair and eyes dark as ink. The scent of cleanliness seemed to waft through the screen.

Looking at the man thousands of miles away, Sheng Yi’s body began to heat up. His face and ears flushed a deep red.

Rong Yu unbuttoned the top two buttons of his shirt. “What are you doing?” Sheng Yi’s mind wandered as he watched Rong Yu’s fingers. “Just got back from a walk with Teacher.” “Did your wound touch the water in the shower?” “No, it’s fine. Where’s Ares?”

Rong Yu stepped away and returned with the energetic dog. Ares was frantic, licking Rong Yu’s chin and ears, pulling at his collar. Sheng Yi’s restlessness intensified; he actually felt a twinge of envy toward a dog.

“That’s enough,” Rong Yu said gently, putting the dog down. He looked at the screen and saw Sheng Yi was completely flushed. “Is the room hot?” Sheng Yi looked away, his voice husky. “Yeah… the AC is too high.”

Recognizing the shift in Sheng Yi’s voice, Rong Yu realized what was happening. Sheng Yi, unable to endure it, tried to hang up. “I’m sleepy. Go shower and rest. Goodnight.”

Just as he was about to hit disconnect, Rong Yu exposed his lie: “What do you want to do?” It wasn’t a question; it was a tone of total understanding.

Since he’d been found out, Sheng Yi admitted it frankly: “Manly things. I’m hanging up.” “Keep the video on,” Rong Yu commanded from his sofa, his voice calm. “Lock the door.”

Sheng Yi’s heart hammered against his ribs. He obeyed, locking the door and turning off the main lights. In the dim, warm glow of a desk lamp, the speakers vibrated with Rong Yu’s deep, magnetic voice. It sounded like a doctor performing a hypnotic therapy session in a safe clinic.

“Propped the phone up on the pillow.” “Find a comfortable position. Lie down.”

Sheng Yi lay on his side, looking shyly at the handsome, cool man on the screen. This was a first for him, and he was both embarrassed and thumping with anticipation.

In the yellow light, Rong Yu’s gaze slowly swept over Sheng Yi—from his collarbone to his neck, then his cheeks and ears. Sheng Yi’s fair skin turned a delicate pink. Before they even began, his pale amber eyes were already misty.

Rong Yu’s gaze darkened as he admired the image. “You can begin.”

As if receiving permission, Sheng Yi’s eyelashes fluttered, and he closed his eyes in shame.

…

This “remote date” has taken an intimate turn! Would you like to stay with them through this digital night, or skip ahead to the arrival of Ling Ye the next day?