Song Yuzhang: Extra 6 - A Paris Interlude [Featuring Meng Tingjing]
Extra 6: A Paris Interlude [Featuring Meng Tingjing]
After his moment of surprise, Song Yuzhang quickly returned to normal.
He had too many former lovers—running into one or two by chance was nothing to make a fuss over.
Chen Hanmin, however, was so excited he nearly fainted. In the more than two years since going abroad, this was the first time he had met someone from the past—and that someone was Song Yuzhang!
When Chen Hanmin heard that Song Yuzhang still remembered him, his whole face flushed red, and even his lips trembled. Just then, a flight attendant came over and asked him to take his seat. Only then did Chen Hanmin seem to regain his tongue. He cast Song Yuzhang a happy yet restrained glance. “Mr. Song, once the plane takes off, I’ll come find you.”
He followed the attendant back to his seat, turning his head every few steps. At first, his eyes had been fixed solely on Song Yuzhang, smiling as he looked back several times—until he suddenly noticed that the person sitting beside Song Yuzhang was Meng Tingjing!
Meng Tingjing held a newspaper in his hand, his expression calm, just as before. The arrogance visible at a glance remained unchanged. Though he didn’t spare Chen Hanmin a single look, it still made Chen Hanmin shudder slightly.
Oh! How was Meng Tingjing sitting together with Song Yuzhang?
After the plane reached a steady altitude, Song Yuzhang picked up one of the newspapers provided on board. By now, reading English newspapers cost him no effort at all. Even when he occasionally encountered an unfamiliar word, there was a living dictionary seated beside him, ready to consult at any time.
From time to time, Chen Hanmin secretly turned around to peek. Two unfolded newspapers shielded the faces of the pair sitting side by side. Above one paper, a tuft of soft dark hair tilted slightly to the left; the head on the right leaned over in response.
Chen Hanmin slowly turned back around, his heart pounding.
Song Yuzhang, on the other hand, thought little of it. Seeing Chen Hanmin was just that—seeing him. He assumed Chen Hanmin’s earlier words were mere courtesy. He did, however, note that Chen Hanmin’s face had truly been ruined by the sea sun—he was still very dark.
The flight lasted several hours. After reading a few articles, Song Yuzhang folded the paper and said to Meng Tingjing, “I’m going to sleep for a bit.”
Meng Tingjing gave a soft “Mm,” his gaze slanting toward the right front—meeting Chen Hanmin’s furtive glance. Chen Hanmin nearly leapt out of his seat in fright. The foreigner beside him muttered something displeased, and Chen Hanmin hurried to apologize, already sweating coldly down his back.
He was still afraid of Meng Tingjing. Meng Tingjing had a terrible temper and could turn hostile at the drop of a hat, giving no one face. Back when they were students, he had even dared to beat up the governor’s grandson.
Chen Hanmin recalled that before leaving Haizhou, he had once had the chance to spend a night with Song Yuzhang. But because he had run into Meng Tingjing, in the confusion, he had been sent back by Song Yuzhang instead.
At the time, his family had just undergone a drastic upheaval, and he was about to leave the country immediately. He hadn’t had the heart to think much about it… Chen Hanmin suddenly shivered and didn’t dare look back again.
Turning a page of his newspaper, Meng Tingjing withdrew his gaze. He paid Chen Hanmin, that coward, no mind at all.
Not until the plane landed did Chen Hanmin dare to approach.
It was Song Yuzhang, after disembarking, who looked around as though searching for someone.
From the corner of his eye, Meng Tingjing noticed that he was actually trying to find Chen Hanmin.
After scanning the area and failing to spot him, Song Yuzhang asked, “Where’s Hanmin?”
Meng Tingjing thought: How would I know where Chen Hanmin rolled off to!
It was Song Yuzhang’s first time in Paris. Whenever he arrived somewhere new, he was always brimming with interest. Meng Tingjing, who had already traveled around Europe during his school years, felt nothing particularly special about these places.
Xiao Fengxian was the most excited of all, chattering nonstop beside Song Yuzhang. Song Yuzhang loved listening to him and responded with a smiling face.
The Meng family’s sisters and concubines also gathered together, chatting happily. The Liu father and son walked side by side. Only Meng Tingjing ended up alone.
He watched coldly, joining in none of the merriment, walking the streets of Paris with aloof pride, receiving glances shot at him from every direction.
A cluster of East Asian faces was already eye-catching abroad—let alone with someone like Song Yuzhang among them.
Perhaps because they were such a large group, people only dared to look and had not yet approached. Meng Tingjing’s dark expression also scared quite a few away.
After checking into the hotel and settling in, Xiao Fengxian seemed truly transformed upon arriving in Paris. His face shone with vitality, his eyes glittered. Regardless of how cold Meng Tingjing looked, he followed Song Yuzhang into the suite, clearly intending to talk late into the night.
Meng Tingjing trailed behind, pushing two suitcases, unsure what expression he ought to wear.
“All right, I understand,” Song Yuzhang said, smoothing Xiao Fengxian’s hair with a bright smile. “Get some rest early. Aren’t we going to see the fashion shows tomorrow?”
Xiao Fengxian nodded happily. “We’ll go together tomorrow!”
After Xiao Fengxian left, Song Yuzhang said to Meng Tingjing, “Bringing him to Paris was the right choice. Look how spirited he is.”
Meng Tingjing agreed, “It’s good.” Thinking: May they all hurry up and leave!
After several hours on the plane, Song Yuzhang was tired. He lay down on the bed as he was.
The room was brightly lit. A hint of fatigue showed on Song Yuzhang’s face. Meng Tingjing sat at the foot of the bed and took off his shoes for him. Only at this moment did he finally feel a sense of quiet intimacy—just the two of them.
After removing his shoes, Meng Tingjing, without the slightest distaste, took off his socks as well. Song Yuzhang never had any unpleasant odor. Once the socks were off, his toes were revealed—long, pale with a faint pink hue. Thinking he must be tired today, Meng Tingjing held his foot and gently kneaded it.
With his hands tucked behind his head, Song Yuzhang indeed felt very comfortable. Relaxed all over, he closed his eyes.
Meng Tingjing turned to look at him. Seeing his peaceful, contented expression, the corners of his lips slowly lifted.
“Hey—” Song Yuzhang spoke with his eyes closed. “Where do you think Hanmin went?”
Meng Tingjing didn’t answer. He thought: Dead!
The next morning, Xiao Fengxian got up early. Not daring to knock and disturb them, he waited outside the door. After eight o’clock, Song Yuzhang and Meng Tingjing came out. Both wore matching shirts and trench coats. Tall and slender, when they walked out together, it was almost as if they brought a gust of wind with them.
“So early?”
Song Yuzhang raised his brows slightly in surprise.
Xiao Fengxian smiled shyly. “I couldn’t sleep.”
“Have you had breakfast?” Song Yuzhang asked gently.
Xiao Fengxian shook his head.
Song Yuzhang patted his shoulder softly. “No rush. Eat first.”
Though Xiao Fengxian had been to Paris several times, he had never felt as excited as he did today. Because today wasn’t merely about “watching a show”—it was about finding the next stage in his life. He had a chance to “go on stage” again!
Song Yuzhang had heard and read about fashion shows in class and in newspapers, but had never attended one in person. When their vehicles arrived near the venue, he saw through the car window that the street was packed solid with cars. “Did something happen?” he asked in surprise.
Meng Tingjing got out to ask about the situation.
Song Yuzhang waited inside. Xiao Fengxian in the front seat also felt anxious, afraid something might go wrong.
Fluent in both English and French, Meng Tingjing quickly learned what was happening and returned to the car with a stern expression.
“What is it? They won’t let people in?” Song Yuzhang asked.
“No,” Meng Tingjing replied, brows slightly furrowed. “It’s full of reporters.”
Previously, fashion shows hadn’t allowed on-site photography. But this year, one fashion house suddenly permitted it. Upon receiving the news, reporters from everywhere had swarmed in, clogging the entire street.
Song Yuzhang laughed helplessly. “Then what do we do?”
“Let’s get out,” Xiao Fengxian said hurriedly, afraid Song Yuzhang might turn back. He grabbed Song Yuzhang’s sleeve and pleaded, “It’s not far. We can walk.”
Song Yuzhang had no real interest in fashion. He was only going because Xiao Fengxian liked it. Giving his hand a squeeze, Song Yuzhang said easily, “Then let’s get out.”
His attitude was casual, but Meng Tingjing immediately tensed up.
They say beauty brings disaster. Sometimes, when a man is too handsome, it can be troublesome too!
Meng Tingjing dearly wished he could shrink Song Yuzhang into a tiny figure and tuck him into his sleeve—but that was impossible.
Song Yuzhang pushed open the car door and stepped out, even taking the time to go to the cars behind and explain the situation to the others one by one. Meng Tingjing watched as his short hair swayed in the wind, bending slightly to speak to each vehicle, his posture graceful and elegant, his smile warm and polite—flawless in every way.
Meng Tingjing had never lacked confidence in himself. But before Song Yuzhang, he truly could not feel completely at ease. It wasn’t that he wasn’t good enough—it was that Song Yuzhang was simply too good.
He who carries jade is always uneasy.
After explaining things to the Liu father and son and the Meng family ladies, Song Yuzhang returned to Meng Tingjing’s side and smiled at Xiao Fengxian. “You know the place best. Lead the way.”
For Paris photographers, a fashion show allowing photography was like a bombshell. Reporters had already gotten out of their cars and were hurrying forward with their equipment.
Song Yuzhang walked lightly, curiously casting glances at the hurried reporters and their much larger cameras. To him, those devices were more interesting than the fashion itself.
Meng Tingjing walked at his side, partially blocking his view. Song Yuzhang lengthened his stride to get a better look. Just then, someone brushed past him. Their leather shoes tangled briefly, and they nearly both stumbled. The man who bumped into him turned back and hurriedly said “Sorry” in French before continuing on. Song Yuzhang stopped, unhurt, only finding it amusing. Were they really in such a rush just for pretty clothes?
“Are you all right?” Meng Tingjing asked, frowning as he steadied his arm.
“I’m fine.”
Xiao Fengxian also looked over with concern and apology. “Really, I’m fine. I’m not made of porcelain,” Song Yuzhang said with a smile. He lifted one foot and brushed at his leather shoe casually.
“Bonjour?”
All three turned toward the voice. Song Yuzhang smiled faintly at the man, thinking: Why has the “culprit” come back? Do I look that fragile?
“I’m fine,” he said in English, twisting his ankle slightly to show he wasn’t injured. He gestured ahead politely. “Please, go on.”
The man’s eyes lit up when he realized Song Yuzhang spoke English. “Are you a model?”
“A model?” Song Yuzhang laughed. “No.”
The man seemed visibly excited, face flushed, lips pressed tight. He looked as though he could barely catch his breath. After holding it in for a while, he finally blurted out dryly, “You’re so beautiful!”
Song Yuzhang didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Meng Tingjing’s expression darkened as well. Ever since Song Yuzhang had learned English, he had often received such direct, passionate compliments, so he paid it little mind. Shaking his head, he said to Meng Tingjing and Xiao Fengxian, “Let’s go.”
They continued forward, but the reporter raised his camera. Meng Tingjing frowned and shot him a sharp look. “What are you doing?”
“I’d like to take a photograph of this handsome and beautiful gentleman.”
“He refuses.”
“Sir, he hasn’t refused.”
“I refuse,” Song Yuzhang said, waving his hand as he walked. “Don’t photograph me.”
The reporter regretfully lowered his camera, and Meng Tingjing dismissed the urge to give the Frenchman a good beating.
Their commotion drew the attention of the people around them. The photographers who had been hurrying to secure good shooting spots reacted almost exactly like that reporter. At first glance, their legs kept running forward on instinct. After two steps, a delayed “ding—” seemed to sound in their minds, and they all turned back in unison.
The not-so-wide street began to show signs of people squeezing toward the cobblestone sidewalk.
“Hello, sir, are you a model?”
Nearly identical opening lines. Nearly identical motions of raising cameras. And Meng Tingjing’s patience was nearly exhausted. His compatriots might still show some restraint, but these foreigners, upon seeing a beautiful person, had no shame at all!
Gradually, it was as if a long tail had formed behind them. Photographers crowded over in droves, pleading in various languages for this suddenly appeared Eastern beauty on the streets of Paris to leave them just one photograph.
The beautiful man smiled. The smile was too exquisite to describe. The masculine charm within it was so intense that any passerby, male or female, might be captivated. Yet when his lips moved, what came out was always a gentle refusal.
Song Yuzhang had been beautiful since childhood. He had long been aware of his beauty and no longer felt any pride over it. Holding Xiao Fengxian tightly, he and Meng Tingjing ascended the steps with calm expressions amid the crowd’s encirclement.
The security at the entrance to the fashion show venue had made ample preparations for the day. Even so, when they saw photographers forming a circle and moving en masse toward the venue, they still felt alarmed.
Surrounded by so many people, Meng Tingjing completely lost patience and was just about to “show them a thing or two” when Song Yuzhang waved to the crowd and said politely, “Please make way, thank you.”
After just a few short words, the surrounding crowd actually parted to create a path.
Song Yuzhang patted Meng Tingjing lightly at the small of his back and smiled. “It’s nothing serious.”
Meng Tingjing’s face remained tense.
The three of them entered the venue smoothly.
Inside, there were far fewer people, and the lights had not yet been turned on. The interior was dim. Song Yuzhang tugged at his collar. “It was rather warm walking over. I’ll go wash my face. Where’s the restroom?”
Xiao Fengxian quickly offered to lead him there.
Meng Tingjing followed and waited outside the restroom with his hands in his pockets, leaning against the wall. He suddenly let out a soft sigh.
Inside, water ran noisily. Two people had gone in; three came out.
Chen Hanmin had not expected to run into Song Yuzhang again at the fashion show. This time, he wasn’t as agitated as he had been on the plane. At least he could now speak to Song Yuzhang in full sentences.
“I happen to want to get into fashion as well. If he’s willing, he could come work with me—” Chen Hanmin’s words cut off abruptly because he saw Meng Tingjing.
Meng Tingjing merely swept his gaze briefly over Chen Hanmin. Song Yuzhang said to Meng Tingjing, “What a coincidence. Hanmin is also in Paris working in the fashion business.”
“Is that so?” Meng Tingjing replied blandly.
“We’re old friends—and fellow countrymen,” Song Yuzhang said, patting Xiao Fengxian’s shoulder. “Fengxian, you should give it some serious thought.”
Xiao Fengxian nodded vigorously, clearly tempted.
After arriving in France, the Chen family had resumed their old trade in textiles and clothing. Having reflected deeply on past mistakes, Chen Hanmin no longer drifted aimlessly and was determined to make something of himself. He was now looking to enter fashion and had come to scout things out.
He had established some footing in Paris. His reserved seats were excellent—and discreet, tucked away in the shadows. Chen Hanmin tentatively invited them to sit with him, and Song Yuzhang readily agreed.
Before the show began, Chen Hanmin sat beside Xiao Fengxian and stole glances at Song Yuzhang over his shoulder.
After peeking twice, his gaze was caught by Song Yuzhang’s. Song Yuzhang smiled at him and gave him a subtle look of suggestion.
Chen Hanmin’s heart began pounding wildly. Song Yuzhang had already turned to say something to Meng Tingjing before standing up. Flustered, Chen Hanmin quietly rose as well.
The lighting was very dim. Chen Hanmin hurried a few steps down the corridor, stumbling over something and nearly falling. A hand at his side caught his arm. “Careful.”
A tremor ran through Chen Hanmin’s body. He spun around and threw himself into the darkness, embracing the figure before him.
“Mr. Song…”
He trembled with excitement.
Song Yuzhang patted his shoulder. “Long time no see.”
For a long while, Chen Hanmin couldn’t speak. He only felt that Song Yuzhang’s chest was broad and firm, his scent clean and pleasant—everything just as it had been.
“Hanmin,” Song Yuzhang said gently, his hand resting on his shoulder, “Fengxian is my good friend. I’ll have to trouble you to look after him.”
“I certainly will…”
“He…”
“You and him—is he yours? Are you two…?”
Chen Hanmin stammered incoherently, unable to get his meaning straight.
Song Yuzhang understood. “No. We’re just friends.”
Chen Hanmin let out a huge sigh of relief. A smile spread across his face. In the dim light, he could make out the contours of Song Yuzhang’s features. “Mr. Song, I’ve missed you so much…” He rose slightly on his toes, lips moving upward—but did not succeed. Song Yuzhang had pinched his chin.
On Song Yuzhang’s lips, a faint sheen of moisture glimmered; they curved slightly upward. “Hanmin, I didn’t call you out just for Fengxian.”
“If Fengxian works with you in the future, we’ll likely have many chances to see each other.”
“To avoid certain unnecessary trouble, I need to remind you in advance…” Song Yuzhang said softly. “Do you know what I mean?”
Chen Hanmin was momentarily stunned.
Then, as if struck by sudden inspiration, he blurted out, “Meng Tingjing!”
Song Yuzhang smiled. “Yes.”
Chen Hanmin’s arms around him loosened. Recalling Meng Tingjing’s indifferent look on the plane, he shuddered and looked at Song Yuzhang with worry and sympathy. “Are you afraid of him?”
“He really does have a fierce temper…” Chen Hanmin said, puzzled. “Mr. Song, how did you end up provoking him?”
He grew anxious on Song Yuzhang’s behalf. “If it’s like this—you might not even be able to shake him off—”
Song Yuzhang released his chin and removed the arms wrapped around his waist with a smile. “That’s why I can only shake off others instead.”
Chen Hanmin’s boldness began to creep back. He whispered, “We could be discreet. He wouldn’t have to know…”
Song Yuzhang lightly squeezed his shoulder. “You little rascal—so wanton you don’t even care about your life. Tingjing, what do you think we should do?”
The moment he finished speaking, Chen Hanmin bolted out like a startled mouse.
Leaning against the wall, Song Yuzhang laughed and shook his head. He turned to walk back. At the corner, his arm was seized. Still smiling, seemingly unsurprised that Meng Tingjing had indeed been eavesdropping nearby, Song Yuzhang was pressed between the wall and Meng Tingjing’s chest. He reached up and pinched Meng Tingjing’s cheek. “You jealous fool. Feeling reassured now?”
Meng Tingjing said nothing, only tightening his arms around him. Near his ear, he murmured, “Are you afraid of me?”
Song Yuzhang let his other hand drop and gave him a firm squeeze. Meng Tingjing let out a muffled grunt. “Who would I be afraid of?” Song Yuzhang replied.
“If you can’t shake me off, you’ll just shake off others?”
Song Yuzhang smiled. “Yes.”
Meng Tingjing cast him a sideways glance and saw Song Yuzhang’s eyes shimmering—exceptionally bright and radiant.
To hold tightly to a rare treasure requires tremendous effort and cost. One might spend a lifetime on edge, afraid someone else will snatch it away. Some people would grow weary; some would decide it wasn’t worth it and let go midway.
But Meng Tingjing would not.
This, Meng Tingjing knew.
And Song Yuzhang knew it too.
Meng Tingjing lowered his head and gently kissed Song Yuzhang’s lips. “Good that you know.”
Song Yuzhang smiled and kissed him back. “Don’t be angry with Hanmin. He may have the intention, but he doesn’t have the courage.”
Meng Tingjing scoffed. “Coward.”
“Hey, you two were classmates. Did you bully him back in school?”
“No.”
“Then why is he so afraid of you?”
Meng Tingjing released him and pulled Song Yuzhang along, walking back with proud composure. “It’s only right that he should be.”
Amid shifting light and shadow, Song Yuzhang caught the faintly arrogant smile on Meng Tingjing’s face and chuckled inwardly. He truly had never been afraid of Meng Tingjing—not from the very first moment they met. As if guided by some unseen force, though he had opened his eyes and seen before him a man who appeared aloof, arrogant, and cold, he had known—simply known—that this man would love him, always love him, and never turn away.
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