Chapter 86: First Kiss

The sky was clear, with white clouds drifting lazily by, the afternoon sunlight gentle and warm, filling the air with a sense of happiness and contentment. Xiao Lin sat by the babbling brook, a blade of wild grass dangling from his lips. His hand idly stroked Wang Yuqing’s soft hair as his deep eyes gazed up at the sky—a moment when everything felt just right.

Wang Yuqing nestled quietly in his arms, her eyes half-closed, lost in thoughts only she knew. Not far off, Tan Linlin circled around Erpang, pleading endlessly, “Just let me play for a while, I promise I’ll be gentle with the rabbit.” Erpang looked helplessly at Xu Tong, his face a silent appeal for rescue. It wasn’t that Erpang was unwilling to let her play with the rabbit; it was just that he didn’t trust her. Earlier, when they’d just caught the wild rabbit, Tan Linlin had demanded to hold it. The moment Erpang handed it over, she grabbed the rabbit by its hind legs—its strongest limbs. With a powerful kick, the rabbit broke free and escaped, sending Tan Linlin into a wild chase before she finally caught it again. The proper way to hold a wild rabbit is by its ears, so it won’t dare to move, but Tan Linlin had no idea.

Seeing Erpang’s desperate look, Xu Tong glanced up at the sky and remarked, “Nice weather today,” before wandering over to Xiao Lin and Wang Yuqing, effectively becoming a third wheel. Left with no choice, Erpang decided to teach Tan Linlin how to properly hold the rabbit. Tan Linlin eagerly nodded, then grasped the rabbit by both ears and lifted it up. When she saw it worked, she paraded around proudly, rabbit in hand. Erpang could only sigh, helpless, and took Big Yellow the dog to hunt for wild pheasants.

Xiao Lin and Wang Yuqing were enjoying their quiet world together until Xu Tong’s arrival. The moment he appeared, Wang Yuqing sat up to watch the fish in the stream, leaving Xiao Lin grinding his teeth in frustration. “Xu Tong, why aren’t you with your Linlin? What are you doing here?”

Xu Tong sighed and gestured toward Tan Linlin. Xiao Lin glanced over to see Tan Linlin tormenting the poor rabbit, which now looked on the verge of collapse. His annoyance at being interrupted vanished, and he patted Xu Tong’s shoulder, a silent show of sympathy for his friend’s predicament.

“Yu Qing, stop watching the fish. Come, let’s go dig for wild vegetables. Once Erpang catches a pheasant, we can start cooking,” Xiao Lin suggested after a few minutes, unable to endure the awkward silence with Xu Tong any longer.

“Great! Where should we look?” Wang Yuqing’s eyes sparkled with excitement at the prospect.

“Take me with you, Xiao Lin,” Xu Tong pleaded pitifully.

“No way. You stay here. If you dare follow us, I’ll have Erpang leave you on the mountain for the wolves,” Xiao Lin replied fiercely, determined not to bring along another third wheel.

“Let’s go!” Xiao Lin grabbed Wang Yuqing’s hand and bounded toward the thicket, leaving Xu Tong behind to mutter, “Liar—there aren’t any wolves on this mountain.” Just as he finished complaining, a howl echoed through the air, startling him so much he shivered. Could there really be wolves? He looked around nervously, only to discover the sound had come from his own girlfriend, Tan Linlin.

“Yu Qing, this is called bracken. It’s rare in winter, so we’re lucky,” Xiao Lin said, pointing to a plant about ten centimeters long, with dark green fronds and a blackish-brown root, growing in the damp shade under the bushes.

“Oh, so this is wild greens!” Wang Yuqing touched the leaves curiously; their soft fuzz intrigued her.

“Yes, you can eat it once it’s cooked. Here, I’ll dig it up.” Xiao Lin took out a fork and carefully dug out the bracken, placing it in the little basket beside him.

“Hey, Xiao Lin, I found another one!” Wang Yuqing suddenly exclaimed, pointing excitedly at a green plant under a nearby shrub.

“That’s impossible. You must be mistaken; bracken’s rare in winter. We’re lucky to have found one,” Xiao Lin replied, not even looking up as he tidied the first bracken.

With a huff, Wang Yuqing ran over to her discovery, determined to prove him wrong. She dug it up and returned, cradling an even better bracken than Xiao Lin’s, pride shining in her eyes.

“Well?” she said triumphantly, brandishing it before him.

Xiao Lin was speechless, staring at the fresh, vibrant bracken in her hand. This girl’s luck was remarkable. Wang Yuqing, seeing Xiao Lin at a loss for words, tilted her little head and snorted with a playful air of defiance.

Captivated by her cuteness and the faint fragrance drifting from her, Xiao Lin’s heart skipped a beat. “You little enchantress, snorting at me? Let’s see how I deal with you.” He pounced on Wang Yuqing, playfully pressing his forehead to hers with a mischievous grin.

“Xiao Lin… what are you doing… let me up, you’re crushing my wild greens,” Wang Yuqing protested, embarrassed as Xiao Lin’s face loomed so close to hers. She suddenly remembered the scene at the karaoke bar, and her cheeks colored with shy confusion.

The sweet, intoxicating scent of the girl filled Xiao Lin’s senses, making his heart race. With his beloved so close, he was momentarily lost to reason. Her rosy lips were right before his eyes. On impulse, he leaned in, pressing his lips softly to hers.

“Mmm… Xiao Lin, no, this is my first…” Wang Yuqing felt the warmth of his lips, and her mind went blank. She’d never been kissed before and tried to push him away in her panic. But Xiao Lin wouldn’t let her escape; his tongue gently but insistently explored, claiming her breath, leaving his mark in every corner. The cool touch of his tongue reminded her of cotton candy—sweet, soft, and melting. Gradually, Wang Yuqing surrendered, closing her eyes and yielding to his passionate, lingering kiss. For a long, endless moment, the world fell silent around them, as if time had stopped. The air shimmered with his scent and her softness.

At last, Xiao Lin reluctantly pulled away, releasing Wang Yuqing and lying down beside her.

“Yu Qing,” he murmured softly.

“Mm.” She slowly opened her eyes, her lovely face flushed with a rosy glow.

“Was that your first kiss?” Xiao Lin asked, a wicked gleam in his eye.

After a long pause, Wang Yuqing whispered, “You scoundrel.”

Laughter rang out, bright and carefree, echoing across the open sky, filled with the exuberance of youth and the sweetness of love.