This place in the capital, you can’t say it lacks cultural depth, but the atmosphere of literature and art is not as rich as in Jincheng.
Ning Youguang had Shi Wangyue’s driver take her to an independent bookstore with a great ambiance that she frequently visits.
This independent bookstore is situated in a large park.
The building has three floors, built by the lake, with an ancient and elegant design that exudes the refined elegance of a Jiangnan academy from old times.
Due to the excellent environment of the bookstore, many people come every day, especially on weekends.
Fortunately,
today,
when she entered the third floor of the bookstore, a couple just happened to get up and leave, giving her a great seat by the window with a good view.
She immediately sat down and ordered an osmanthus caramel latte by scanning the code.
The weather has gotten colder.
She wanted something sweet and hot to drink.
...
As time gradually passed, the originally overcast sky started to rain.
Raindrops pattered on the wide window.
Soon, the window became a blur with rainwater.
When Shi Wangyue stepped out of the car holding roses, he immediately saw the third floor of the bookstore, where Ning Youguang was sitting by the window quietly watching the outside, holding a cup of coffee.
The misty glass reflected her hazy, slender figure, merging with the bookstore’s warm lights.
His heart softened to an unbelievable degree.
Once he went upstairs, he noticed a book in front of her, which was "Six Records of a Floating Life."
"Why are you reading this book again?" He sat next to her, with moisture on him, not daring to sit too close.
"A good book is worth reading again and again." Ning Youguang turned to look at him, her eyes gentle, "Each time I read it, I discover something different."
...
The rain was getting heavier.
Pedestrians outside were holding umbrellas of various colors.
Strolling in the park, they formed vibrant scenes.
Indoors, the aroma of coffee filled the air, lazy and warm.
The roses in Shi Wangyue’s hands, wrapped in moisture without packaging, added a touch of romance to the bookstore.
Many people around were wearing headphones, quietly doing their own things, but some were distracted and glanced over at them.
That’s the great thing about being in a bookstore.
Even if someone enjoys the hustle and bustle, they watch quietly.
"Thank you, didn’t you say you’d be a while getting here?" Ning Youguang smiled as she accepted the roses Shi Wangyue handed her.
"I was afraid you’d wait too long." Shi Wangyue removed his crisp black cashmere coat and softly said as he moved closer to her.
Slightly bending, his dense and slightly curled eyelashes covered his eyes, and his deep black eyes were partly hidden by his eyelids, making him appear both languid and indescribably gentle.
Ning Youguang’s lips curled up unconsciously.
She lowered her head, lightly inhaled the fragrance of the roses in her hand, "Where did you buy these flowers? They’re so fresh."
"A girl was selling flowers on the street with a cart. Seeing it raining, I got out and bought all her roses." Shi Wangyue said tenderly.
Ning Youguang’s eyes smiled into crescents, "These flowers were well bought."
Both romantic and kind.
...
After chatting for a while, Shi Wangyue led Ning Youguang to choose books from the shelves.
He chose seriously.
But Ning Youguang noticed a shelf of psychology books not far away——
Then, on a whim, she pointed at that section and said, "One day, the books I write must be on that shelf, with many people coming to buy them by name."
Shi Wangyue looked up and followed her pointing, "You can certainly achieve that, sister."
He never doubted her.
Ning Youguang smiled with pursed lips, "Alright, today you can pick whatever books you want here, and I’ll pay for them."
Shi Wangyue lowered his gaze slightly, the corners of his mouth rising, "Really?"
Ning Youguang’s eyes curved, "Of course, after all, I’m a rich lady, I can afford to keep a few young guys."
Shi Wangyue’s elegant fingers tapped on the bookshelf.
He frowned slightly, pretending to ponder deeply.
After a while, his voice deep, he said, "If you’re going to keep young guys, just buying books might not be enough."
"What else do you want? Tell me, I’ll buy it for you!" Teacher Ning waved her small hand, showing off as if she had plenty of money to burn.
——which made Shi Wangyue gently smile for a long time.
The warm light fell into his eyes, deep and bright, "I am expensive – in this world, perhaps only you can afford it."
This "you" had a double meaning.
Ning Youguang pursed her lips, smiled, and said nothing.
She handed him a red book— "I Love Jung."
Shi Wangyue held the book, casually flipping to a Chapter, his gaze gently sweeping over the text that read:
"Amen, you are the ascendant lord.
Amen, you are the eastern star.
Amen, you are the ubiquitous bloom.
Amen, you are the deer suddenly emerging from the forest.
Amen, you are the hymn coming from the distant sound of water.
Amen, you are the end of the beginning..."
......
The rain poured heavily outside.
After reading some books quietly in the bookstore, it was time for dinner.
"I don’t want to go anywhere else." Ning Youguang closed her book, looking at the darkening window outside.
"Then let’s find something to eat downstairs." Shi Wangyue stood up first, holding his book.
"I also don’t have anything in mind to eat." Ning Youguang handed him her book.
"Let’s look downstairs, whatever catches your appetite, we’ll eat." Shi Wangyue took her book, reaching out to hold her hand.
"Alright."
Hand in hand, they exited the bookstore, walked less than ten meters, turned a corner, and entered the spring roll shop next door.
"Want to eat geese eggs?"
"Yes."
"I want to eat shredded green pepper potatoes, would you like to try the Beijing style shredded pork?"
"Why are you having me eat the Beijing shredded pork?"
"Because I want a bite."
"... Okay."
"I’ll order you a plate of crispy sweet potatoes; you love sweets."
"Thank you."
"..."
Watching the person opposite enthusiastically scanning the code to order on their phone, Shi Wangyue’s mouth hurt from smiling.
He wasn’t sure why just three minutes ago, someone who had no appetite for dinner turned into a completely different person upon entering this shop——
Suddenly becoming very eager!
However, one thing he was very certain about, her active participation made him look forward even more to the upcoming dinner.
...
The roll shop next to the bookstore was also built by the lake.
Once the dishes were served, they ate the spring rolls while occasionally chatting.
Most of the time, they ate in silence while watching the rain fall into the lake through the large windows, creating ripples...
Life was very beautiful.
Shi Wangyue felt that being with Ning Youguang, life could always be unexpectedly simple and greatly enjoyable for him.
He cherished every routine moment spent with her.
Even the most trivial things could bring him joy for a long time.
To him:
An intense battlefield was glory; simple meals were stability, were life.
Glorious times were indeed unforgettable.
But in this life, he just wanted peace of mind.
She was his heart.
As long as she was there, he was content.