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When Lin Qingmo returned, Ao Yan had already transformed back into a childlike form, leaning against the headboard and watching Lin Qingmo's movements with keen interest. "Lift your arm," Lin Qingmo said as he approached the bedside. Ao Yan obediently raised one arm, gazing intently at Lin Qingmo, tilting his head as if ready to spring up and plant a kiss on Lin Qingmo's lips. With a playful grin, he said, "Wife, I suddenly want to drink."
Lin Qingmo shot him a glare and replied, "You just recovered from being sick; your taste buds are still off. You probably want something spicy. I'll fry some salted meat with garlic for you at noon. As for alcohol..." He recalled the two small porcelain bottles. "We'll drink together in a couple of days when you're better."
With a sudden movement, Ao Yan managed to kiss Lin Qingmo on the lips, laughing, "Wife, you can't go back on your word."
Two days later, Ao Yan was well again, and so was Lin Xiao. Lin Qingmo prepared to send Lin Xiao home.
"Are we leaving tonight?" Lin Xiao asked.
"Yes, we're leaving tonight. This place is deep in the sea, far from the shore. If we don't leave early, we won't make it home by dawn." The two sat beneath the grape trellis behind the Turtle Prime Minister's palace. The grapes were ripe and heavy, hanging down in clusters like little lanterns. Lin Xiao stood up and reached for a bunch, washing it clean by the spring pool before plucking one to feed to Lin Qingmo.
Lin Qingmo felt a bit awkward and held out his palm. "Give it to me; I can eat it myself."
Lin Xiao looked at him intently and suddenly said, "Qingmo, you seem different from before. Back then, you always let me feed you. You never acted so shy."
Qingmo lowered his gaze. He used to think it was simply a matter of gender differences; now that he was with Ao Yan, he understood that there were distinctions even among men. He found himself unconsciously keeping some distance from others outside of Ao Yan.
Reuniting with Lin Xiao brought back their unchanged friendship, yet the feeling of being with Lin Xiao was different from that with Ao Yan. They were both men, but there was an unmistakable difference that Qingmo couldn't quite articulate.
Lin Xiao asked, "Aren't you coming back with me?"
Lin Qingmo replied, "I might not be able to go back just yet; I need to wait a few more days. Once I return, I'll definitely come find you. Please take good care of my mother while I'm away. Tell her I'm doing well and that I'll visit her soon."
Lin Xiao took hold of Lin Qingmo's hand resting on the white stone round table, squeezing it tightly before releasing it again, as if hesitating to speak. He sighed deeply, revealing his regret: "Qingmo, there's something I need to tell you... I... I married Xiaohua."
Lin Qingmo felt a hollow ache in his heart; it wasn't pain but rather disappointment. His wife had married someone else—his best friend no less. "The villagers all thought you were dead; Xiaohua hasn't even entered the door yet. To others, this not only seems unlucky but also makes them think Xiaohua is cursed. Her reputation will suffer because of this. One night I dreamed that you wanted me to take good care of Xiaohua; that's why I decided to marry her. We can figure things out when you return. Even though we've married, we've always treated each other respectfully..."
Lin Qingmo interrupted him by gripping his hand tightly: "You did the right thing; it's for Xiaohua's sake too. Even if I return someday, I can't stay in the village anymore. They all think I'm dead—there's even a body! Coming back suddenly would surely frighten everyone. When I return, I'll take my mother away from Lin Family Village at once and find somewhere else to settle."
Lin Xiao placed his other hand over Lin Qingmo's hand and enveloped it gently: "Don't worry; I'll be with you wherever you go."
Lin Qingmo said, "Let's discuss this properly when I get back. You must return home tonight; your mother must be worried sick about you. Wait for me; I'll come find you tonight."
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