Compared to sitting in a closed carriage, cycling along the riverside path in the evening is more like a romantic invitation to chase the wind. The river breeze carries the scent of grass, and the setting sun turns the river surface into an orange-red color. Two people ride their bikes side by side, and there’s no need to deliberately find topics to talk about. The sound of the wheels turning and the wind can fill the gentle time.
Two vintage-style bicycles were rented in advance. She chose the model with a rattan basket – you placed a small bunch of chamomile in the basket. “When you ride the bike and see the flowers, your mood will be more pleasant.” She smiled and handed you her sun hat, “The sun is still a bit hot in the evening. You should wear this,” and the brim of the hat still carried a faint scent of her hair.
Starting from the beginning of the path, you rode very slowly at first. You deliberately slowed down to follow behind her, watching the arc of her skirt being blown up by the wind. “You’re riding quite steadily. Have you ridden often before?” She turned her head and smiled. “I used to ride in the backyard of my hometown when I was young. I haven’t ridden for a long time.” Then she gently shook the handlebars and you quickly reached out to support the seat. “Be careful, there’s a small uphill ahead.”
After riding halfway to the viewing platform, stop to rest. Lean against the railing and enjoy the view of the river. The setting sun is slowly sinking behind the tall buildings on the opposite side. The rippling water of the river looks like a scattering of golden dust. You take out the lemon tea that you had chilled in advance from your backpack, unscrew the cap and hand it to her, “Just bought, still cold.” She takes a sip and points to the distant cargo ship, saying, “Look at that ship, it seems to be following the sunset.” You follow the direction she pointed and look over there. Suddenly, you notice that her cheeks are reddened by the setting sun, like ripe peaches.
After having enough rest, continue riding forward. The wind is gradually getting cooler. You take off your thin coat and hand it to her, “It’s getting windy. Put it on.” She takes the coat and puts it on. The clothes still have your body heat on them. “Are you not cold?” You wave your hand. “I get hot when riding, so it’s nice to cool off a bit.” Actually, you are a little cold too, but seeing her wrapped in your coat, your heart feels warm.
As we were approaching the finish line, we encountered a downhill section. She cheered and released the brake, and the bicycle slid down the slope. Her hair was blown up by the wind. I followed behind, watching her back. Suddenly, I felt that such moments were truly rare – free from the distraction of work, without the noise of the crowd, only the wind, the sunset and the girl beside me.
When reaching the finish line, return the bicycle. The two of them walked slowly along the path towards the subway station, with their shadows stretched out long by the street lamps. Suddenly, she said, “Today was really great, even more thrilling than riding a roller coaster.” You smiled and nodded. “Next time, you can come earlier. Ride upstream to the reed marsh and I heard the sunset there is even more beautiful.” Her eyes lit up. “Great! Next time, let’s bring some snacks and sit for a while by the reed marsh.”
When they parted, she handed back your coat, saying, “Thank you for the coat and that bunch of chamomile. I really like them.” You took the coat and smelled the mixture of chamomile and her perfume on it. “That’s fine. Next time, I’ll bring you nicer flowers.”
The beauty of a cycling date along the riverside path is not in the thrill and excitement, but in the companionship of the wind and the sunset. In this setting, the two people can let go of all their guard. Climbing hills together, watching the sunset together, sharing a bottle of lemon tea, and the casual concern – all these are like the gentle breeze, leaving traces in our hearts quietly. It turns out that being in love doesn’t necessarily require grand arrangements. Sometimes, just a simple cycling trip can allow the wind to blow the feeling of love into each other’s hearts.