C19 You Got It Back

"What's up? Go ahead, I'm listening!"

Xi Mu straightened up, listening intently. Shan Ruoshui was silent for a moment, trying to find the right words that wouldn't shock him. Seeing Xi Mu's curious and expectant expression, she decided to just go for it. She had a lot to say, but when it came down to it, she only managed one sentence.

"Xi Mu, actually, I'm Jian Yan."

She tried to keep her tone as neutral as possible, as if she were talking about something unrelated to herself.

Xi Mu felt like he was hearing things. What was Shan Ruoshui up to? He widened his eyes, signaling her to repeat herself.

"I said, I'm Jian Yan. Don't tell me you don't know who Jian Yan is." After speaking, Shan Ruoshui closed her eyes, not daring to look at Xi Mu's reaction.

A loud bang echoed, drawing the attention of nearby patrons. She opened her eyes to see Xi Mu standing up, hands on the table, his tall figure looming as if ready to swallow her whole.

"What did you say? Say it again! Are you joking with me, or do you think this will make me see you in a new light?" Xi Mu's voice was deep and low.

Xi Mu thought Shan Ruoshui was playing him. Didn't she know Jian Yan had passed away? How could she speak like this? Was he wrong about her? Disappointment flickered in his eyes.

Shan Ruoshui noticed his reaction, having anticipated it. She spoke up.

"The time capsule under the tree at Cang Mountain ten years ago."

"The scar from five years ago."

"The spoiled bacon from three years ago."

"The curse from a year ago."

...

"The recent birthday cake."

"Do I need to keep going?" Shan Ruoshui rattled off.

Xi Mu was taken aback. Could she really be Jian Yan? The things she mentioned were known only to a few close friends, some were secrets only the two of them shared.

Ten years ago, before Xi Mu and Jian Yan became famous, they had climbed Cang Mountain and buried a time capsule under the tallest pine tree, promising to retrieve it when they both succeeded. Unfortunately, they got too busy and never found the time to go back together.

Five years ago, he was in a minor car accident. He wasn't seriously hurt, but it left a small scar on his lower back, near his hip, which his friends, including Jane, teased him about for quite a while.

Three years ago, a fan gave him a large smoked ham. It smelled delicious, but he let it sit for too long. He wanted to share it with Jane and the others, but they all said it had gone bad. Not believing them, he sneaked a piece and ended up with an upset stomach for several days.

A year ago, he went through a period of inexplicable depression, and his career hit a rough patch. During a trip to clear his mind, they visited a temple where a monk told him he was cursed, which explained his recent misfortunes. The monk lifted the curse, and shortly after, a fellow actor from his company, who had always seemed friendly, faced a serious mishap. It was rumored to be quite tragic. The monk later explained it was the backlash of the curse.

Recently, on his birthday, he got a face full of birthday cake.

Everything seemed to connect.

Xi Mu's face showed a look of surprise as he watched the familiar smile spread across Shan Ruoshui's lips. He laughed with excitement, realizing no one could imitate that smile. She was still herself, and all his doubts and surprise melted away in overwhelming joy.

How could Xi Mu describe his excitement? He left the table, crouched down beside Shan Ruoshui, and even at nearly six foot three, his eyes were level with hers as she sat.

"I guess you could say I've been reborn. Isn't it kind of magical?" Shan Ruoshui explained playfully.

Hearing her words, Xi Mu wrapped his arms tightly around her waist, burying his head in her embrace. Tears of joy welled up in his eyes. It was hard to believe this nearly thirty-year-old man was crying like a child in her arms!

Shan Ruoshui found his reaction both amusing and touching. She gently patted his back, feeling waves of happiness herself. Reunited, they leaned into each other, savoring the moment.

After a while, Xi Mu gradually calmed down from his excitement. He looked up to meet Shan Ruoshui's deep eyes and, to her surprise, kissed her deeply.

"Mmm...!" Shan Ruoshui struggled to make a sound.

In that moment, Xi Mu finally realized and acknowledged his feelings. When Jian Yan had just passed away, he was despondent, drowning his sorrows in alcohol, unable to face reality, and in constant pain. He thought his grief was solely due to losing a dear friend, but now he understood it was love buried deep in his heart.

Having lost and now regained, Xi Mu didn't want to run away anymore. Regardless of the outcome, he was determined to be brave and pursue his love.

The kiss lasted for what felt like an eternity, filled with Xi Mu's longing, transitioning from passionate to tender, from fervent to cherishing.

"Ah! Gasp!" Shan Ruoshui, nearly breathless, gulped in fresh air like a fish out of water.

In a deep, magnetic voice, Xi Mu said to her, "Once Jian Yan, now Ruoshui, I've liked you, maybe for ten years."

She was startled and overwhelmed, quickly pushing Xi Mu away and fleeing the restaurant.

That night was a whirlwind for Shan Ruoshui.