I Deserve A Second Chance

"Xiqing..."

In this tranquil night, only her soft voice was heard echoing in the room.

Slight sound of river stream could also be heard from below them. But Li Xiqing was just enjoying the serenity and peace that they have while sitting on the patio and enjoying the night breeze.

.....

All the plans that they had talked about doing during the day were totally cancelled.

After their little playful thing in the afternoon, Li Xiqing carried her down to take a shower. Initially, he really wanted to have a real proper shower with her. But they ended up going for another round of drowning in love and lust.

Shao Yan really scolded him after that.

Her face pouted adorable as she stood in front of him with her hands on her waist, "Li Xiqing!"

And as if she just remembered that she was standing too close to him, Shao Yan took a step back, and continued, "I am so tired. You! Stay ten feet away from me. My waist is so sore right now."

Li Xiqing reached out his hand; wanted to give her a massage, but she swatted his hand away, "No! Don't touch me first," she turned around, and was about to walk away, before he swiftly caught her hands and held her still.

Li Xiqing ended up spending a long time to coax Yan Yan to be cheerful again. Else, he would be facing a long day missing her.

.....

After their dinner tonight, the couple decided to take a walk to a nearby teahouse. Shao Yan and Li Xiqing were still clad in the kimonos that were provided by the ryokan.

Walking hand in hand, they tool a stroll while chatting aimlessly. A fragrant smell was detected from a mile away. And after a short walk, they finally arrived in a traditional looking building. From the outside, Shao Yan could only see a simple bamboo rooftop with white paper walls.

When Li Xiqing slid the bamboo door to the side, they saw that a few people were already occupying the table inside.

"Good evening," a demure looking senior lady greeted them as they stepped inside, "downstairs or upstairs?" With a polite smile, she asked them as she folded both of her hands in front of her and gave a slight bow.

Li Xiqing turned to look at Shao Yan and translated what the lady had just asked; but she just shook her head, "I'm fine with anything. It does not matter," she answered him.

Li Xiqing scanned around the room, and then he peeked at the stairs. He turned to the lady again and said, "We will sit upstairs."

She nodded, and took two menu books with her. The lady stretched her hands to the side, showing a direction to the stairs, "Please follow me this way."

The second floor was more quiet and dimmed compared to the first floor. On the first floor, Shao Yan could still see normal chairs and tables decorated the space; but on the second floor, the area is only occupied with low tables and cushion chairs.

Li Xiqing chose a spot near a corner. He held Shao Yan by her elbow to help her to sit down. Once she had settled down, Li Xiqing walked to the other side, and sat across from her.

.....

A bright, round moon lighted up the quiet night. Soft breeze of wind slowly circled around them as Shao Yan could hear slight sound of crickets singing through the night.

"Xiqing.."

Shao Yan softly called him, breaking the silence in the room.

Li Xiqing was looking at the color of the tea and was about to pour it for her. When he heard her voice, he lifted up his face, and looked at her.

Yan Yan was looking at something far away, seemed to be drowning in her own thoughts.

"What do you say if we come back here again next year?"

Slowly, she turned her head to look at him, "Thinking that we are going home tomorrow, is making me sad," Shao Yan softly sighed, "I feel like the holiday is too short."

Li Xiqing chuckled at her comments, and then he brought his head down, to continue pouring the green tea, "We can always come back here anytime you want. You don't have to worry about that."

He put the tea pot down, and placed one cup in front of her. Li Xiqing placed his hand to cover the back of her hand, before slowly said, "Be it next year, or the year after that. Or even many years after that, I'll come back here with you."

A soft pink blush gradually crept up her cheek. Li Xiqing squeezed her hand before he finally let her hand go; and started to sip on his tea.

.....

Shao Yan roamed around the room as she raised her voice and asked, "Xiqing, have you checked the bathroom? Don't miss anything, alright!"

Li Xiqing came out of the bathroom while shaking his head helplessly. Yan Yan could be very nagging sometimes. She had reminded him many times since last night to check every corner of the room, so that they would not accidentally miss anything behind.

Shao Yan had finished packing all of their luggage, and was sitting in the living room, waiting for Li Xiqing.

"Are you done?" He asked as he bended down and started to pick their luggage up.

She nodded docilely, "En. Have you checked everything?"

Li Xiqing reached out one hand to her. Shao Yan placed her palm on top of it, and he grabbed it right away and pulled her up gently.

"Alright, shall we, wifey?"

Li Xiqing crooked his elbow and smiled cheekily.

Shao Yan burst a soft chuckle and played along with him. She hooked her arm around his, and said, "Let's go, hubby. I'm hungry, let's eat breakfast first, shall we?"

The corner of his lips crooked sensuously, emitting a priceless charm as he lowered his head down and planted a kiss on her cheek.

"We shall."