Mu Shuoqian personally drove the car, having changed into a set of clothes. He wore a white, fitted short-sleeve T-shirt and black casual pants, which Gu Qili had picked out for him in a magazine last time. They had been made and shipped over quickly.
One must say, he looked very handsome in such attire, unlike his usual cold and aloof demeanor, he appeared more amiable and approachable, and it added a youthful vigor to him.
Gu Qili was excited throughout the journey, with the car window rolled down to the max, half her head almost sticking out, her black hair fluttering wildly in the wind. Google seaʀᴄh novel·fiɾe·net
There were hardly any vehicles on the country lanes, and the areas they passed through had expansive lavender fields and various charming little cabins.
The lavender field they were in was private property and not open to the public. Mu Shuoqian was only able to come here by pulling some strings.
He had just found a spot to park the car when Gu Qili, unable to wait, dashed out.
She had visited Provence before but was just a child then, with no lasting impressions. This time, returning to the place took on new significance, not only because of the breathtaking views but most importantly because she was here with Mu Shuoqian.
It was a small journey just for the two of them.
With this delightful secret, Gu Qili wandered through this purple sea, the entire valley filled with the rich, mature scent of grass; the sunlight and lavender—a perfect blend of purple and gold.
Gu Qili picked a large bunch of lavender to hold in her arms, and her white dress shone brilliantly against the purple backdrop.
Mu Shuoqian seemed to have little interest in such scenery, hands in his pockets, he followed at a near distance. She was admiring the scenery, while his gaze was fixed upon her.
The two of them walked one after the other through the sea of flowers. The boundless lavender stretched to the horizon, with large swaths of white clouds pressed against the sky, resembling an exquisite painting from an artist’s brush.
"Mu Shuoqian, do you know the language of lavender flowers?" she suddenly asked, raising her bright, sparkling eyes to him.
"What is it?" Mu Shuoqian flicked off the petals stuck on his clothing, showing little interest.
Gu Qili smiled, "It’s nothing."
It stands for waiting for love, you fool!
They walked a bit further, and Gu Qili took out her phone to snap a few pictures, vainly taking a few selfies as well, and sent them to Mickey deliberately to tease her.
Turning her head and seeing Mu Shuoqian following behind, she couldn’t help but jog over, grabbing his arm with one hand to stand shoulder to shoulder with him, her right hand raised high with the camera.
No use, she couldn’t reach; the lens could only capture his nose, and half of his face wasn’t framed.
"Mu Shuoqian, could you lower your head a bit, please?" she shook his arm, bargaining with him.
Mu Shuoqian glanced at her radiant little face illuminated by the light, more dazzling against the backdrop of sunlight and lavender. He pursed his lips, slightly bent his body, and tilted his head towards her.
Gu Qili quickly pressed the shutter, but after reviewing the shot, she was not quite satisfied and shook her head, "You didn’t smile at all. With such beautiful scenery, why the stern face? Smile a little, will you?"
Mu Shuoqian’s brow furrowed, but he wasn’t impatient. Instead, he faced the newly adjusted camera and curled up the corners of his mouth. While the smile wasn’t too pronounced, he looked much gentler.
Gu Qili didn’t press him further. Satisfied with a few clicks of the shutter, she continued to photograph other scenes.
It only just occurred to her that Mu Shuoqian once mentioned he never took photos with women, so this already counted as a favor. She had to be content and know the joy of satisfaction.
Exiting the lavender field, Gu Qili still held a large bunch of lavender. They passed a village lane where a girl, about twelve or thirteen, was selling lavender crafts.
She squatted down with interest and picked out a car fragrance bottle, two bars of soap, and some other little trinkets, all made out of lavender and looking very delicate and distinctive.
She asked Mu Shuoqian what he liked, but he stood there shaking his head, never having much interest in such roadside small commodities.
At noon, they had local cuisine at a nearby restaurant. Afterwards, Mu Shuoqian received a phone call and had to return, his business indeed very busy, and this half-day was already tightly squeezed from his schedule.
Gu Qili returned to the hotel with him, suddenly recalling Reynolds’ invitation.