Chapter 28: A man’s most primal desire for a woman torments him
Jiang Muhe has been swamped lately, dealing with both company matters and friends’ affairs.
He attended two friends’ weddings in a row, drinking at bars until dawn each day, sleeping until afternoon back home, taking just enough time to recover before diving back into the drinking.
Life in Jinghong moves at a leisurely pace; going out for drinks and hitting the bars after work is commonplace.
Strictly raised in his childhood, he was absolutely forbidden from using the internet, playing video games, smoking, or drinking alcohol, and even more stringent with himself after joining the military.
Yet he never expected that, years after retiring, he would find himself living a carefree, almost ethereal life in Xishuangbanna.
He was not someone easily given to indulging in any single passion.
But if he wished to solidify his social network here, build meaningful connections, and secure both the company’s future and his parents’ well-being, then immersing himself fully into this community was essential.
He understood that Liang Youyun suspected him of having past romantic entanglements; even he himself admitted that he was someone who always considered others thoroughly—because that was simply his way of life.
He treats his friends this way, and they treat him the same in return.
But Liang Youyun is different.
That intense emotion surpassing friendship, that longing capable of making his heart ache until it goes numb—he knows exactly what it is.
He thought he could keep it under control, believing that a few encounters would be enough to make him lose interest.
On the contrary, he found himself sinking deeper, longing to see her, stay by her side, chat with her, and watch her smile.
When he saw her lips, he yearned to press a kiss upon them. When she walked beside him, he wanted to reach out and wrap his arm around her waist.
The most primal desire a man can feel for a woman was tormenting him.
He felt irrational and lacking in responsibility.
He once looked down on men who lusted after women’s bodies, yet now he was slowly becoming one of them.
His body reacted faster than his mind, often acting secretly before reason could intervene.
This was especially evident when he was drunk; the frequency of changing bed sheets increased, and so did the frequency of his showers.
Chen Sheng said, “Ah Mu, as brothers, let’s speak plainly. Seeing you brood and drink like this worries us!”
The restless lights of the bar washed over them in waves, casting Jiang Muhe’s face in an even more somber and stern shadow.
“There is indeed something,” he said.
Sitting up straight, he toyed with his wine glass. “I’m returning to Mengla in a couple of days for an extended stay, so it won’t be convenient for me to come to Jinghong. Two friends are coming from Beijing; I need you to look after them. Just showing them around the city will be enough.”
His friend readily agreed. “No problem at all. We may not be experts at much else, but when it comes to being local guides, we’re professionals!”
Muhe smiled. “No rush. They’re still at Jingmai Mountain, probably having so much fun they don’t want to come to Banna yet.”
Dao Bo replied, “How can Jingmai Mountain compare to our place? We have so much more excitement here!”
“People from Beijing are used to being busy,” Muhe teased. “It takes them a while to adjust after finally getting to enjoy the slow life.”
“Are there any beautiful women?” Achun asked, blinking her eyes.
“Hmm… a man and a woman. A beautiful woman and a handsome guy.”
“What’s their relationship?”
“Just friends.”
“Well, this is the first time we’ve seen Brother Mu have friends visiting from Beijing. Rest assured, we’ll definitely give these two ‘Beijing lords’ the royal treatment!” Dao Bo deliberately used the Beijing rhotic accent to express his enthusiasm.
Muhe said nothing; his heart had already flown to Manle Village.
Dao Bo noticed his absent-mindedness and asked with a smile, “Brother Mu, you’ve been running to the village every other day. Is there someone there who’s got you so wrapped up in thoughts?”
Muhe raised an eyebrow, wanting to say something but unable to, so he simply pressed his lips together and smiled.
“A woman, huh!” Chen Sheng poked his shoulder. “So you’ve finally reached this day too!”
Muhe shook his head, a look of embarrassment on his face. “It’s not what you think.”
“Then what is it?” “Bring her over for us to see!” “I want to meet my sister-in-law!”
“There’s nothing like that!” Jiang Muhe denied with a smile, cutting the conversation short. He raised his glass and said only, “I’m counting on you all to look after those two friends of mine. I’ll be back soon for a drink.”
Everyone raised their glasses in unison with him. “May everything go well!”
The most distinctive feature of the Dai village is its warm hospitality.
During festivals, there are pig-slaughtering banquets, and on ordinary days, whenever a family has a joyous occasion, everyone gathers together for a feast.
If tourists happen to stumble upon such an event, they are in for a treat, as they will be invited to join in the meal.
Online, it’s common to see travel enthusiasts sharing photos of themselves stumbling upon ethnic banquets, enjoying free food and drinks while watching song and dance performances.
Liang Youyun arrived early at the venue for the briefing session—the main hall of the Village History Museum.
The space is expansive, equipped with a full sound system and air conditioning, making it the usual choice for large-scale meetings.
Villagers had already begun arriving, notebooks in hand. Hearing that a former special forces officer would be giving the lecture, everyone was eager to catch a glimpse of him; after all, this was a first for the village.
Everyone praised Secretary Xiao Liang for her boldness and capability in inviting such distinguished experts and prominent figures.
Youyun had no choice but to explain, “He’s actually from the neighboring village.”
A few more young girls, hearing the news, came rushing over. Dressed in their finest, adorned with traditional Dai makeup and flowers of rose-red and indigo tucked into their hair as if for a festival, they surrounded Youyun and immediately asked, “We heard a young ‘age’ is coming to give a talk. Is he handsome?”
Youyun nodded, then shook her head. “Handsome, yes, truly handsome. But he’s more than ten years older than you! He’s not an ‘age’; he’s an uncle!”
The girls replied, “Older is better! Older men know how to care for people!”
“Young Yun said, ‘He’s not that old; he’s only two or three years older than me. Do you think I’m old?'”
A group of people chattered excitedly until the roar of an engine cut through the noise. A car pulled up to the intersection, and a handsome, upright man stepped out.
His white shirt glowed brightly, sleeves rolled up to the elbows; his black dress pants were sharp and tailored, his leather shoes polished to a mirror shine, his belt cinched tight, making his legs look two meters long.
He carried two freshly baked boxes of flower cakes out of the car, his long, powerful arms bulging with veins, suggesting the load was quite heavy.
“Sister, are you sure this is from the neighboring village?”
“What neighboring village has a ‘mao duoli’ like this!”
“I like this handsome uncle!”
The little girls giggled and squealed with delight. Ignoring everything else, Youyun hurried toward Jiang Muhe, reaching out to take the items from his hands.
“It’s too heavy; let me carry it!” Muhe looked down at her with a smile.
Perhaps due to the scorching sun, Youyun’s face flushed red. She turned her head away as they walked together toward the village history museum, asking, “Why did you bring things along?”
Jiang Muhe: “I’m well acquainted with the banquet customs of the village; how could I possibly show up empty-handed?”
Youyun nodded with a smile; indeed, he had every right to say so.
They hadn’t seen each other in so long; that ambiguous phone call had stirred tender feelings in both their hearts. Youyun could feel that the way he looked at her now carried a newfound longing.
Muhe pointed to the topmost box of pastries in his right hand.
“These were freshly baked by Yan Nuo early this morning. He specifically instructed me to give this box to Yuxiang.”
“Yan Nuo? Yuxiang?”
Youyun looked at him in disbelief, suddenly understanding yet still harboring doubts.
Muhe lowered his head and whispered to her, “The pancake is heart-shaped.”
“This… alright, I understand now.”
Once again, Youyun was captivated by the romance of the Dai people—their straightforward expressions and sincere devotion.
Just then, Yuxiang and Xiao Sun turned the corner ahead, chatting and laughing. Xiao Sun carried a stack of paper documents in his arms; his rimless glasses reflected both the sunlight and Yuxiang’s sweetly smiling face.
Youxiang’s brother certainly has a way with women,” Youyun remarked with a sigh. “One is refined and fair-complexioned, the other rugged and warm-hearted; I wonder which type suits her better.
And here she was, still finding the mental space to ponder someone else’s love life.
Muhe fell half a step behind and asked quietly, “Which type am I?”
“You?” Youyun glanced at him and shook her head. “Neither. You’re far more complex than either of them; I couldn’t possibly sum you up.”
Sometimes he feels like a friend, other times like an elder. In romance novels, there’s a term called “daddy,” but Youyun feels he isn’t quite that serious or old-fashioned; at times, he even carries a hint of youthful charm.
A daddy with a youthful vibe? That sounds too strange! Anyway, she couldn’t find the perfect word to describe him.
“So, are there any younger guys who like you?” he asked deliberately.
“It’s hard to say; if there is one, I’ll consider it.”
“Why?”
Youyun lowered her voice: “Young and in good shape.”
Caught off guard by her remark, Muhe felt defeated, blaming himself for asking such unnecessary questions.
The crowd had gathered around, everyone warmly welcoming Jiang Muhe. Xiao Sun took the flower cakes from his hands, saying he would deliver them to the village committee compound, where a large stove had already been set up and preparations for the meal were underway; they were just waiting for him to finish his lecture before eating together.
Muhe simply expressed his thanks, then glanced at Youyun. Understanding his intent, Youyun handed the top box of flower cakes to Yuxiang, pulled her aside, and began whispering privately.
Sun Guanchao observed the two women, guessing it was merely something between women, so he didn’t ask further.
He had always been cautious; some feelings, once spoken aloud, become a burden to the other person. Rather than being a boyfriend, he preferred being an attendant, someone who serves—this gave him a greater sense of security.
The hall was packed, with every seat in the audience taken.
Jiang Muhe spoke vividly, his voice steady and deep. Many of his examples drew from personal experience, and given his ongoing attention to developments in the field of national defense, his analysis of cases carried considerable persuasiveness.
Due to border security concerns, much of the content was unsuitable for online dissemination, and photography was prohibited; nonetheless, Youyun discreetly captured a few photos of the venue with her own phone.
However, she had other considerations: aware that Jiang Muhe disliked being photographed, she recognized his attendance alone was already a significant gesture of respect, and thus she felt compelled to honor his preference for privacy.
At the conclusion, during the Q&A session, Youyun took the stage to moderate.
Standing beside him in a white shirt and black skirt that complemented his attire, the two resembled seasoned colleagues who had worked together for years.
Muhe turned slightly; as she spoke, he watched her intently, ready to catch every cue she gave.
He stood tall and well-proportioned, silently resembling a “Husband-Watching Stone.”
It was the first time he had seen Liang Youyun in formal attire; she looked even more striking than in casual wear.
Perhaps, once she returned to Beijing, there would be many occasions for her to dress formally. As a fashionable urban professional who loved her work so deeply, how could she bear to come back?
Thinking of this, a cloud of gloom settled over his heart.
At noon, everyone gathered in the courtyard for a long-table banquet.
Rattan-woven round tables in the Dai style filled the yard, laden with Dai delicacies still steaming with wok hei. Yi Ying, the women’s director, coordinated with several elder village women to plan and finalize the menu.
There were sticky rice cakes wrapped in banana leaves, crispy pork rinds fried into shrimp-like chips served with spicy and sour nanmi dipping sauce, and beef roasted in parcels whose aroma wafted through the air.
Yi Ying made a special trip to greet him. “Remember me, handsome? Oh no, I mean Officer Jiang.”
Muhe smiled faintly and returned the greeting.
“When are you coming back for drinks? It’s been ages since we last had a gathering with our young Secretary Liang!”
Muhe replied, “That was my oversight. I’ll make sure to visit more often from now on.”
Youyun felt embarrassed, her cheeks flushing red, worried that Sister Yiying might inadvertently expose the unspoken feelings between them.
The hearty communal meal prepared by the men featured a wide variety of dishes, all bursting with flavor, with the grilled specialties being the absolute highlight.
A distinctive feature of Dai-style barbecue is clamping ingredients between two thinly shaved bamboo sticks, coating them with a mixture of finely chopped seasonings, and grilling them over charcoal.
Liang Youyun’s favorite is grilled fish; the tender flesh paired with the aroma of lemongrass brings her sheer bliss!
At the table, Muhe takes great care of her, always noting what she likes to eat.
Initially, it was Youyun looking after him, but after a few drinks, she became the one being cared for.
Village Chief Yan Wenkan pulled Jiang Muhe by the arm, delivered a passionate speech, and then declared the banquet open.
Everyone raised their glasses as the chief shouted, “Duo Guo—”
The crowd responded in unison: “Shui, shui, shui shui shui, shui!”
On stage, sisters dressed in vibrant Dai ethnic costumes performed a dance resembling Thai dance, yet with a slightly more robust and vigorous style.
Youyun smiled and told Muhe that this was a scene only seen during the New Year.
Muhe was taken aback: “I don’t believe you’re singing and dancing just because I’m here.”
Youyun smiled brightly: “Actually, this also serves as our village enterprise’s mid-year summary meeting! We’ve earned a lot this year, so all the shareholders are delighted!”
“That’s what I thought,” Muhe said, smiling back at her.
Perhaps swept up in the joyful atmosphere, when Youyun met his gaze, her eyes softened with emotion: “But I’m happy because you’re here.”
After speaking, she picked up her chopsticks to eat and no longer looked at him.
Jiang Muhe, however, felt warmed by this statement that sounded so much like a confession; his mind went blank for an instant, his eyes fixed on her flushed cheeks and the fluttering of her eyelashes born of nervousness.
After dinner, the two strolled along the street.
With another presentation scheduled for next week, Jiang Muhe would be returning. Wanting to seize the opportunity, Liang Youyun asked him, “Will you head back to Jinghong right after your talk next week?”
“Not necessarily; it depends. If there’s nothing urgent on my father’s end, I won’t go back.”
“If you’re not going back, do you have any plans for that afternoon?”
Muhe stopped in his tracks: “No.”
Youyun turned to face him: “I’d like to visit the Wangtianshu Scenic Area. Could I borrow your car?”
Muhe was drowned by the glistening moisture in her eyes, his breath catching: “Just borrowing the car?”
His breath fell upon Youyun’s face, the faint scent of incense disrupting her voice, making it tremble and soften.
“I… I don’t know if the driver would want to go; I wouldn’t dare trouble him.”
“The driver wants to go,” he stated directly. “The bodyguard wants to go too.”
Youyun was taken aback. Was this person… in such a hurry? She couldn’t help but smile.
“I’ll only lend you a set. Otherwise, no lending,” Muhe said.
“Then I won’t borrow it,” Youyun replied, eager to see him flustered.
He stepped half a pace closer, bending slightly until he completely enveloped her: “In that case, I’ll borrow ‘you.’ You accompany me, and we’ll count it as my reward for giving the presentation!”
Youyun bit her lip. “You’ve gone bad, Jiang Muhe!”
He finally straightened up, saying with considerable pride, “Then it’s settled; we’ll go visit Tianshu next week.”