A group of teenagers, led by one with delicate features, appeared to be around Cheng Wenyu’s age.
He approached with his companions, a look of challenge on his fair face.
“Uncle, wanna play?”
Cheng You chuckled, surprised that Qi Chengyan was being called ‘uncle’ at his age.
Her laughter made the leading teenager pause, his cheeks flushing.
Qi Chengyan’s eyes turned cold as he subtly shielded Cheng You’s face.
“How do we play?”
The teenager pointed to their makeshift goalposts. “We’ll split into two teams. Whoever scores first wins.”
“Deal,” Qi Chengyan agreed.
Cheng You was surprised. “But you don’t know how to play. This isn’t fair.”
Even though there was no bet, she didn’t want to see Qi Chengyan lose.
The teenager provocatively replied, “It’s not that hard anyway.”
Cheng You then realized the teenager had overheard their conversation.
As Qi Chengyan stood up, his tall frame became apparent.
The teenager was of good height, but his build was no match.
He couldn't compare to Qi Chengyan, whose body was sculpted with muscles from years of training.
Cheng You squinted and lay back down, continuing to sunbathe, uninterested in this childish competition.
“Hey!”
Cheng You opened her eyes and met the teenager’s gaze.
He smiled. “Don’t want to watch our game? Afraid your man will lose?”
Cheng You closed her eyes again and let out a soft laugh.
“I’m not watching because I know he will win.”
The teenager sneered. “We’ll see about that.”
With her eyes closed, Cheng You could only feel the heat of the competition through her hearing.
The scent of grass filled her nostrils, and the sun on her face was so comfortable it made her drowsy.
Her hand dangled unconsciously. As soon as it touched the ground, she felt something cold, smooth, and slippery.
Cheng You’s eyes snapped open. She screamed and scrambled away in a panic.
“Qi Chengyan, there’s a snake!”
She retreated repeatedly, but no matter which way she moved, the snake seemed to follow.
Cheng You was terrified, her face pale. She was most afraid of these slithery creatures.
Qi Chengyan had dropped the ball and was rushing towards her the moment he heard her cry, but he was still some distance away. By the time he reached her, the snake could have bitten her multiple times.
He scanned the area and casually picked up a stone. With a flick of his wrist, the stone shot out as if it had wings.
It landed precisely on the vulnerable spot of the pit viper’s neck.
The group of teenagers, who had been cheering for a goal, fell silent at the sight.
They were outdone by such accuracy.
“Youyou.”
Cheng You pouted and held out her hand, wanting to be carried.
Although the snake was dead, she was still scared.
Qi Chengyan took a couple more steps and picked her up, carrying her away from the dead snake.
“Are you alright?”
Cheng You shook her head sadly. “It didn’t bite me. I never want to go on a picnic again.”
Qi Chengyan smiled and reassured her. “It was my fault for not being careful. It won’t happen again.”
Cheng You felt his sweat and remembered he had been playing earlier. She quickly asked, “Did you win?”
The group of young men chimed in mockingly, “Your man lost!”
Cheng You looked back, but her expression wasn't one of disappointment, as they had expected.
She smiled and pecked his cheek.
“You are the best.”
The teenager’s face darkened. It was as if he had lost.
However, considering Qi Chengyan’s earlier accuracy and aggressive play, if Cheng You hadn’t been there, he wouldn’t have lost.
Though he felt resentful, he had to admit it.
With this thought, he couldn’t resist a jab. “Comrade, you’re handsome, but why are you with such an old man?”
Cheng You couldn’t help but laugh again. “He called you ‘uncle’!”
Qi Chengyan didn’t seem to care. He playfully flicked her nose and said, “Let’s go back.”
Cheng You hummed and watched him pack up the picnic blanket.
He gathered their belongings, and they left hand in hand.
After a few steps, Cheng You waved back at the group of teenagers.
“When my man was your age, he had already been in the army for several years and could go to the battlefield to kill enemies. Everyone gets old, but not everyone has the chance to grow old. Not using age to attack others is also a form of good breeding.”
With that, she ignored the teenagers’ expressions and skipped away cheerfully.
Once in the car, Cheng You was still laughing.
“Uncle, he actually called you uncle!”
Qi Chengyan was handsome, but he looked mature, definitely not as youthful and tender as those delicate teenagers.
Cheng You covered her mouth and giggled, leaning close to his ear and whispering, “Uncle.”
Her breath was like fragrant mist, softly caressing his earlobe.
Qi Chengyan let out a soft chuckle, then turned the steering wheel, heading towards the mountain road.
Cheng You blinked in surprise. “This isn’t the way home. Where are we going?”
He stopped in a clearing, turned off the engine, and unbuckled his seatbelt.
Cheng You asked, “Are we getting out?”
“No.”
He reached over and unbuckled her seatbelt as well.
He gently gripped her arm and pulled her towards him.
Fortunately, Cheng You was wearing a skirt, which made it easier to spread her legs.
Her petite frame fit perfectly into his embrace, their bodies seeming to be made for each other.
“What are you doing?” she asked timidly, like a little rabbit caught by a wolf.
Qi Chengyan gave her a light peck on the lips, then pressed her against the steering wheel, deepening the kiss.
Cheng You was kissed until she was dazed. When she came to her senses, her skirt zipper was open, and a burning, hot hand was moving upwards.
After it was all over, her head was still swimming, feeling disbelieving.
She had actually… with Qi Chengyan in the wilderness, and not just once.
Cheng You kicked him playfully with her bare foot, her voice hoarse. “Qi Chengyan, you’re not acting like a soldier at all!”
He slowly buttoned his shirt, and once dressed, he was once again the impeccable Commander Qi.
There was no trace of the man who had been so unrestrained with her.
He leaned in, gently stroking her lips, and said in a low voice, “I’m a soldier on the battlefield, not in bed.”
Cheng You let out a soft huff. “You weren’t in bed just now.”
Qi Chengyan glanced at her. “Want to go again?”
Cheng You huffed. “That won’t do, Uncle. You need to take care of yourself. Too much indulgence is bad for your health.”
Qi Chengyan started the car again, heading down the mountain, a smile playing on his lips, looking refreshed and invigorated.
“Very good. Keep calling me that tonight.”
Cheng You kicked him again, and he caught her bare foot.
“Qi Chengyan, you’re getting naughty. Did someone in the army teach you bad habits?”
He hooked his finger and tickled her foot.
“Youyou, after being married for so long, even the slowest student should have learned by now.”
They weren’t newlyweds.
Strictly speaking, they hadn’t spent that much time together, as they both had their own lives and responsibilities.
Coupled with his reserved nature, he was like a treasure, waiting for Cheng You to discover him bit by bit.
Cheng You was extremely tired and dozed off against the seat on the way back.
They arrived home around evening. After a quick tidy-up and dinner, the day was over.