Chapter 175 Fickle as Waterweed

At 1 a.m., K City International Airport.

Lu Er was wrapped in a thick down jacket, fully covered with hat and mask, only a pair of sleepy yet sparkling eyes visible.

Standing in a corner of the arrival area, he would occasionally tiptoe and look around—like a large dog waiting for its owner to come home.

The flight was delayed by half an hour.

When Song Jingmo and his group came out dragging their suitcases, Lu Er’s eyes lit up, and he hurried forward.

“Jingmo!”

Lu Er lowered his voice, but in the empty airport at this hour, it still sounded especially clear.

The moment Song Jingmo saw him, a smile instantly appeared on his tired face.

He quickened his steps, naturally took the hot drink from Lu Er’s hands, and held his hand in one smooth motion. “Have you been waiting long? Your hands are so cold.”

“Not long, I just got here.”

Lu Er said that, but his icy fingertips gave him away.

Bai Youyu and Tang Lan followed behind. Seeing the two holding hands, they exchanged a knowing smile.

“Let’s go, the car is outside.”

Lu Er turned to lead the way. “Are you guys hungry? Should we grab something to eat first?”

“Yes, yes!”

Bai Youyu immediately agreed. “I was already hungry on the plane—the airplane food was terrible!”

Tang Lan nodded as well. “Let’s get something hot to warm up. It’s much colder here than in A City.”

The group got into Lu Er’s van.

The heater inside was on full blast, and blankets and hot water had been prepared.

Lu Er sat beside Song Jingmo, naturally leaning against his shoulder. “Tired?”

“I’m okay.”

Song Jingmo gently rubbed the back of his hand. “Do you still have filming tomorrow?”

“One scene in the afternoon, not urgent.”

Lu Er yawned. “I only wrapped up at eleven tonight.”

The car drove into the city.

Even at this late hour, K City was still brightly lit, though the streets were much quieter.

The snack street was in the old district. Despite the late hour, it was still lively.

The smoky atmosphere of roadside stalls, the sizzling sound of barbecue, and the chatter of diners all blended into a vivid scene of everyday life.

Lu Er had booked a private room.

The landlady warmly greeted them, and soon their signature dishes were served:

Grilled fish, spicy crayfish, fried rice noodles, fried potatoes, and several local specialties.

“Shuixing Yanghua.”

Lu Er pushed a dish toward Leng Keyan. “A local specialty—a wild vegetable that grows in lakes. The texture is quite unique. Give it a try.”

Leng Keyan picked up a bite and chewed absentmindedly, unable to taste anything.

Yin Siyao had only replied at ten, saying he’d been busy all day, hadn’t had time to check his phone, and was too tired—so he went to sleep.

Leng Keyan felt empty inside. He wanted to call, but worried about disturbing his rest.

“Keyan, is there anywhere you want to visit in K City?” Lu Er asked. “Do you want Bai Zhi to take you around?”

Leng Keyan looked up and forced a smile. “No need to worry about me. You and Teacher Song should just enjoy yourselves.”

As he spoke, he subconsciously glanced at Song Jingmo.

Song Jingmo was peeling shrimp for Lu Er, his movements natural and practiced, placing the peeled shrimp into Lu Er’s bowl.

Lu Er ate while chatting with Bai Youyu, his eyes curved in happiness, his whole being radiating warmth.

That kind of tacit understanding… that intimacy… that feeling of having only each other in their eyes…

Watching them made Leng Keyan feel even worse.

He also wanted Yin Siyao by his side—someone who would care about what he ate, whether he was happy.

He also wanted someone waiting for him at the airport in the middle of the night, making everything feel worthwhile.

But Yin Siyao barely even chatted on WeChat.

“Keyan?”

Lu Er asked, “Are you feeling unwell? Your complexion doesn’t look great.”

“I’m fine, just a bit tired.”

Leng Keyan shook his head. “You guys talk—I’ll just listen.”

The meal lasted over an hour. Bai Youyu and Tang Lan chatted happily, discussing plans for the next day.

Only Leng Keyan sat quietly in the corner, occasionally responding but mostly lost in thought.

After dinner, Lu Er had Bai Zhi drive Bai Youyu and Tang Lan to their hotel.

He and Song Jingmo returned to the apartment he had rented near the filming set.

The moment they entered, Lu Er kicked off his shoes and collapsed onto the sofa. “I’m exhausted…”

Song Jingmo closed the door and naturally pulled him into his arms. “Was filming tiring today?”

“Yeah, it took seven or eight takes to pass.”

Lu Er leaned against him, eyes closed. “The director is too demanding—I almost cried myself dehydrated.”

Song Jingmo gently rubbed his hair, then lowered his head to kiss him.

Lu Er pressed a hand against his chest. “Wait. What’s going on with Keyan? He seemed down the whole way. Did he fight with Doctor Yin?”

Song Jingmo paused and sighed. “Probably not a fight.”

“Siyao went back to his hometown. There’s likely pressure from his family to get married, so he’s been less in touch. Keyan is sensitive, so he’s feeling a bit low.”

“Marriage pressure?”

Lu Er frowned. “Are his parents very traditional?”

Song Jingmo absentmindedly twirled a strand of Lu Er’s hair. “His mother isn’t in good health and has always hoped he would settle down.”

“Recently she even introduced him to a blind date—apparently a former middle school classmate.”

Lu Er remembered. “The one at the mall?”

“Yeah.”

Song Jingmo nodded. “But Yin Siyao isn’t interested. Later, that girl ended up liking your brother instead.”

Lu Er blinked. “That’s so dramatic—even TV dramas wouldn’t dare write it like this.”

“Mm.”

Song Jingmo agreed. “Siyao’s mother hopes he’ll find someone stable. Keyan’s family background might actually make the elders feel he’s unreliable.”

“That’s not fair.”

Lu Er sat up, a little indignant. “Keyan genuinely likes Doctor Yin. Having a good background isn’t his fault.”

“I know.”

Song Jingmo pulled him back into his arms. “Siyao may seem gentle, but he’s actually very firm in his principles. When it comes to relationships, he may not necessarily follow his family’s wishes.”

Lu Er thought for a moment and nodded. “That’s true. If he really had no feelings, he would’ve made it clear long ago.”

“So…”

Song Jingmo’s hand began to wander, sliding slowly up from Lu Er’s waist, “should we…”

Lu Er felt ticklish and laughed, dodging him. “I’m sleepy…”

“Sleepy?”

Song Jingmo raised an eyebrow and stopped. “Then forget it. Go sleep.”

He actually let go, stood up, and began unbuttoning his shirt.

Unhurried. Completely at ease.

Lying on the sofa, Lu Er watched him—and suddenly wasn’t sleepy anymore.

Song Jingmo’s hands were beautiful.

Distinct knuckles, long and fair, exuding a cool kind of sensuality against the black shirt.

One button at a time, from the collar downward.

Calm, restrained—yet far more alluring than any direct teasing.

Lu Er stared, transfixed.

Swallowing, his voice came out a bit dry. “W-what are you doing?”

“Taking a shower.”

By the third button, his collarbone and a hint of chest were revealed, glowing softly under the warm light.

“Aren’t you sleepy? Go wash up and sleep early.”

With that, he turned toward the bathroom.

Straight-backed, with a lean waist.

Lu Er got up from the sofa and followed. “Um… I want to shower too.”

“Oh?”

Song Jingmo paused at the bathroom door, glancing back with a teasing smile. “Weren’t you sleepy?”

“Not… anymore.”

Lu Er walked over, wrapped his arms around his waist, and pressed his face against his back. “Let’s shower together. Save water.”

Song Jingmo chuckled softly.

Turning around, he pressed Lu Er against the bathroom door and kissed him.

Lu Er responded obediently, fingers clutching tightly at his shirt.

Beneath the fabric was warm skin, firm and smooth muscle, making his heart race.

“Jingmo…”

Lu Er murmured between kisses, “I missed you…”

“I missed you too.”

Song Jingmo’s voice was hoarse, his kisses moving from lips to earlobe, then down the neck. “Every day.”

The shower turned on, warm water cascading down.

Steam rose, blurring the glass—and the entwined figures within.