Song Tan’s Chronicle - Chapter 103

Lu Chuan followed behind, reaching out to stop the green leaf.

His pale, slender fingers, though well-defined, rested gently on the textured green leaf. The stark color contrast made him appear almost jade-like, bringing a sense of tranquility.

He looked down at the leaf and answered softly, “It’s called Black Gold Philodendron.”

A month had passed since he was last home. The house seemed unchanged yet somehow different.

The living room was still bright and spotless. Beyond the simple, soft sofa, the terrace was still filled with his colorful, thriving plants.

Lu Jing placed the box on the table by the entrance, opening it while scolding him, “I locked the gym. You’re not fit for intense exercise now, be mindful.”

Lu Chuan nodded.

Locked or not, it didn’t matter. Of the four bedrooms, one had been converted into a study and another into a gym. The gym contained basic equipment, but Lu Chuan was not one to indulge carelessly. Given his current condition, he wouldn’t use it.

Lu Jing continued to ramble, “I called the housekeeper this morning to tidy up. It’s the same one you usually use. But with your current state, we need someone to cook for you…”

She paused, pulling out a box of tea leaves, then asked, “Ah Chuan, I know you don’t like having people around, but you should take a break from writing and rest properly. Otherwise, I can stay and help.”

“No need.”

Lu Chuan changed into his slippers and walked over. Standing at six feet tall, he had an impressive posture. As he helped unpack the box, his home clothes outlined the smooth curve of his spine and his lean waist.

“This place is too far from your work. That new house has already been transferred to you, right? Move in and settle down; it’s closer to your office and saves you from traffic.”

He added, “I’ll be fine with the housekeeper.”

Lu Jing didn’t know what to say.

She wasn’t usually the overly meticulous type. Her son had always preferred being alone. Having people around disrupted his peace.

After a moment of silence, she decided to change the subject. Opening a box of tea leaves, she said, “Look, the girl made this tea herself. I know you prefer Dancong, but try this green tea. Don’t waste it.”

As soon as the tea bag was opened, a delicate fragrance filled the room, like a mountain spring, silently permeating the space.

Both felt refreshed and comfortable.

Lu Jing instinctively pinched the bag. “Wow, this smells wonderful!”

She quickly moved to the kitchen, fumbling to find a cup and turn on the water dispenser.

The warm water flowed into the cup, releasing the tea’s aroma.

Standing close, it felt like even her eyes were soothed by the steam.

She held up the cup, her face full of delight. “Ah Chuan, look at this good tea. The color is so beautiful.”

Although the tea wasn’t purely made of buds, with a few tender leaves mixed in, it didn’t affect its appearance or fragrance.

Lu Chuan walked over with a cup, eyes fixed on the light green tea. He felt a sudden thirst.

“This tea is excellent!” Lu Jing exclaimed, then hesitated. “Such good tea, and she sent you three pounds, all so carefully packed… Ah Chuan, you should tell the girl that it’s not easy for villagers to earn money. She shouldn’t spend so much on us. This must be her best selection.”

Should he send a message?

Lu Chuan hesitated. He didn’t feel like communicating with strangers.

Meanwhile, Lu Jing, holding her cup, was conflicted. “This tea is so good. Is it too extravagant to send two boxes in return? Maybe just one would be better.”

Three pounds of tea, packed in three gift boxes, each containing five 100-gram tins.

Initially, she meant two gift boxes, but now she referred to the smaller tins.

After much hesitation, her guilt overruled her reluctance. Finally, she decided, “Let’s send two tins.”

Muttering to herself, she rationalized, “If she doesn’t like tea, four ounces won’t be wasted. Besides, no matter how good the ham was, it can’t compare to our tea…”

…

After Lu Jing left, the house fell silent again.

Lu Chuan took out the remote control. With a “beep,” the electric curtains slowly closed, enveloping the room in darkness.

A corner nightlight turned on, casting a dim glow that highlighted the shadows, making the space feel even lonelier.

The lingering tea fragrance filled the air. He picked up his phone, intending to message the girl who kept sending him things. However, opening WeChat, he saw his editor’s messages at the top:

“Lu Chuan, how long will the skin graft recovery take? If it’s within a month, I can delay things.”

“We’ve received several offers for your new book’s copyright. The highest is from a film company that wants you to meet their little princess for dinner.”

“You understand what I mean, right? She’s a fan. But given your current state, I doubt the deal will go through.”

“It’s a very high offer. The company needs this opportunity.”

“We’ve always had a great partnership, promoting your work tirelessly. Everyone’s excited about this deal.”

“They promised not to sit on the rights but to start filming immediately. Your earlier works were shelved when you weren’t well-known. Now is the perfect time.”

“Lu Chuan, consult your doctor and let me know.”

Lu Chuan closed his eyes, leaning back slightly.

His jawline was smooth and defined. In the dim light, his Adam’s apple moved as he swallowed, and the scars on his shoulder and back throbbed slightly.

He started writing to find joy, but now this work trapped him. Was it worth it?

The tea’s aroma drifted, soothing his mind. He sipped the tea, feeling its sweetness soothe his throat, envisioning a lush forest, a serene life.

His mind cleared.

Lu Chuan picked up his phone, not to reply to the editor, but to open the message from Song Tan sent three days ago.

This time, he gathered the courage to write:

“Thank you for the tea. I really like it.”