Chapter 36: Where is my baby

Spring was the perfect time for planting, and after several nourishing rains, the land had softened, soaked through with vitality. Tiny seedlings began to sprout overnight, poking their heads through the soil like shy newcomers to the world.

Qin Li couldn't contain her excitement. With Qu Dani's DSLR in hand, she snapped picture after picture of the tiny green shoots, clicking away as if capturing the essence of life itself.

"Stop wasting my memory card!" Qu Dani yelled, her voice echoing through the house.

To Qin Li, these seedlings were like her babies. She visited them multiple times a day, inspecting every leaf, every inch of growth. She even joked about pitching a tent by the field.

"You should just stay here and be a farmer," Qu Dani teased. "Forget Munich. This mountain retreat suits you."

The truth was, the thought had crossed Qin Li's mind. She was torn between the bustling city and this idyllic countryside. Here, life was peaceful, undemanding, like something out of Peach Blossom Spring, where she could live like the peach blossom immortal, tending trees and trading blossoms for wine.

How appealing it was, to leave behind a life of constant vigilance and instead embrace the simplicity of unassuming days.

Yet, as serene as the mountain life was, Qin Li remained undecided. She had come to the farm almost a month ago, but her temporary visa tied her to Munich. Time was running out, and she'd have to return to renew it.

On the day of her departure, Thomas clung to her hands as if sending off a beloved family member. He waved a handkerchief dramatically, tears welling in his eyes. "Come back soon, okay? Don't forget about us!"

What was supposed to be a short trip suddenly felt like a farewell for the ages.

Yan Sen drove her to the train station in his ever-reliable, rattling tractor. Its putt-putt-putt rhythm jostled Qin Li's nerves almost as much as her thoughts about leaving.

He didn't say much, not even helping her with her luggage, but he did take the initiative to buy her ticket—round-trip, three days valid.

Does this mean he wants me back soon? Qin Li wondered, a tiny bloom of warmth spreading in her chest.

Feeling slightly giddy, she offered, "How much was the ticket? Let me pay you back."

Yan Sen looked at her with that unreadable expression of his, then wordlessly handed her the ticket. "Sure."

Qin Li froze. What? I was just being polite!

She watched, dumbfounded, as he handed her the ticket and waited expectantly. Not wanting to ruin the moment further, she pulled out three crisp 10-yuan bills. He counted them meticulously, handed her two coins in change, and said, "Thank you."

Holding the coins in her hand, Qin Li forced a dry laugh. So much for romance.

Their walk to the platform was silent, Yan Sen leading with long, steady strides. Qin Li trailed behind, silently cursing herself. Why did I have to ruin a perfectly good moment?

When they reached her train, Yan Sen stopped so abruptly that Qin Li, lost in her thoughts, walked straight into his back.

"Ow!" she yelped. "Why didn't you warn me you were stopping?"

"Your train's here," he said simply, motioning to the platform.

Qin Li pouted but hoisted her luggage and walked toward the carriage. Just as she was stepping inside, she turned around for a last look.

There he stood, solid as ever, hands tucked into his pockets, his expression stoic. No warm words, no romantic gestures—just a quiet presence.

Not even a simple 'Safe travels'? she thought, frustration bubbling up.

From her seat on the train, she glanced back at him through the window. He remained on the platform, his face impassive as ever. The train began to move, and she felt a pang of disappointment.

Unable to resist, she leaned out the window and shouted, "Take good care of my babies!"

Her voice carried through the noise of the station, and she saw the faintest twitch at the corner of his lips.

But he didn't respond.

Back in Munich, Qin Li spent her first day renewing her visa. The next was reserved for catching up with friends, and on the third, she completed her enrollment paperwork. Three days flew by in a blink.

On her way back to Berchtesgaden, she stopped by the Asian market to grab wonton wrappers and a pack of shrimp, planning to make shrimp wontons later. With her bags in hand and her mind set on returning, her phone suddenly rang.

The number was unfamiliar. She hesitated but answered, only to hear Yan Sen's steady voice on the other end.

"When are you coming back?" he asked directly.

Qin Li chuckled, teasing him, "I've only been gone three days. Did you miss me already?"

It was just a joke—she didn't think for a second that someone like Yan Sen would admit to missing her.

But after a brief pause, he replied, "My stomach misses you. If you don't come back soon, it's going on strike."

Qin Li froze. Was that... a compliment? It was possibly the most romantic thing she'd ever heard.

"I'm on my way!" she assured him cheerfully.

"What time will you be here?"

"Three o'clock in the afternoon."

"I'll pick you up," he said simply.

Her heart skipped a beat. It was sweet, even if it was just about his meals.

The train ride took two hours, but finally, she arrived at the station. There, sitting on a bench like a human alarm clock, was Yan Sen.

As Qin Li disembarked, she couldn't help but compare this moment to the first time she'd come here. The scenery was the same, but now, she had conquered this man's stomach.

When he saw her, his tense expression softened. He stood up and walked toward her, surprising her by opening his arms and pulling her into a brief, sturdy hug.

The sudden intimacy made Qin Li freeze for a moment, but she quickly laughed awkwardly to break the tension. "Where's your tractor?" she asked, more to fill the silence than anything.

"You'll see," Yan Sen said, his tone cryptic.

Curious, Qin Li pressed, "What do you mean?"

"I have a surprise for you," he replied, his face as serious as ever.

Surprise? The word alone made her heart race with anticipation. Flowers? Jewelry? Something more personal? She had her guesses, but Yan Sen was about to shatter all of them.

He led her to the parking lot and pointed to a peculiar contraption. "There's your surprise."

Qin Li blinked. It was his tractor—modified. A loader had been attached to the front, and strapped to it was a... sofa.

Yes, a literal sofa.

A loader with a sofa. What the hell?!

Any dreams of diamonds or romantic gestures instantly crumbled as she stared at the monstrosity. Her lips twitched, but no words came out.

"Sit," Yan Sen said, patting the sofa proudly.

Qin Li pointed at herself, then at the sofa. "You want me to sit... here?"

He nodded, completely unfazed.

"This is the surprise?" she asked, desperate for clarification.

Another nod.

Qin Li's smile twisted into something resembling pain. It's surprising, all right, but where's the joy?

Noticing her hesitation, Yan Sen tried to reassure her. "Don't worry. I added a seatbelt. It's safe."

Before she could argue, he placed firm hands on her shoulders, guided her onto the sofa, and buckled her in.

Then, without another word, he climbed into the driver's seat, started the engine, and off they went.

As the tractor chugged down the road with its bizarre appendage, Qin Li was left sitting on her open-air throne, her hair whipping in the wind.

This is... innovative, she thought. A sofa-loader road trip. Truly a one-of-a-kind experience.

She fished out her phone, snapped a couple of selfies, and captioned them for her friends: "New trend for 2017! Haven't tried it yet? You're missing out!"

Qu Dani was the first to comment: "City folks play. Your Yan Sen? Rural folks MASTER the game."

Ma Shushu added, "Wow, so romantic! I'm jealous!"

Romantic? Qin Li nearly choked.

After about twenty minutes of this wild ride, they arrived back at the farmhouse. Qin Li hopped off the makeshift ride, straightened her windblown hair, and tried to muster some semblance of dignity.

"Well? Did you like it?" Yan Sen asked, his face genuine.

Qin Li glared at him, uttering only a dry "Ha ha."

"You didn't like it?" He seemed genuinely puzzled.

"Whose idea was this?" she shot back.

"Thomas's," he admitted without hesitation.

Of course. It had to be that overzealous goofball.

Without another word, Qin Li grabbed her luggage and headed for the house. But as she reached the garden, she froze. Her pupils dilated.

Her scream pierced the air.

"Where are my seedlings?!"

The plot she had so lovingly tended was now barren. Not a single sprout remained.

Yan Sen's voice came from behind her. "I did it."

Qin Li spun around, fury blazing in her eyes. "You what?!"

Before he could explain, she lunged at him, grabbing his arm and stomping on his foot.

"Why?!" she demanded, practically vibrating with rage. "Why would you do that?!"

Yan Sen winced, trying to fend her off. "Let me explain—"

But Qin Li had no intention of letting him off the hook that easily. She tightened her grip, her voice rising.

"Explain what? That you ruined all my hard work?!"

Yan Sen sighed, his voice low. "Just listen..."

But she wasn't done venting her wrath. "I leave for three days, and you pull this stunt? Do you have any idea how much effort I put into this?!"

Yan Sen muttered under his breath, "You could at least let me explain."

"Then explain!"