By 8:30, the parents were all awake.

The kitchen and dining room were as busy as a symphony orchestra about to take the stage—no telling who bumped into what, but there was always a clanging and clattering.

Someone wanted salad dressing, someone wanted rose salt—passing things back and forth, extremely lively.

While starting the blender to make fresh orange juice, Qilin said: “Qiran, go upstairs and ask your brother if he’s eating breakfast.”

Meng Qiran, sitting on the sofa munching an apple, stood up and went upstairs.

Two minutes later he came down, saying: “He said he’s not eating, wants to sleep a bit more.”

The “culprit” responsible for someone’s sleep deprivation, Chen Qingwu, felt inexplicably guilty.

Qilin asked again: “We’re leaving at 9:30, is he coming with us or not?”

Meng Qiran paused: “Oh, didn’t ask…”

“…You child, you only move when poked, is that it?”

Meng Qiran smiled: “I’ll go ask again.”

A moment later, he returned, “He says to go ahead without him, he’ll go over in the afternoon.”

After a breakfast eaten like a battle, everyone went back to their rooms to change and get ready.

Downstairs, the moms were already helping each other apply sunscreen.

Chen Qingwu shook her sunscreen spray bottle, pressed the nozzle, and “tss tss tss” sprayed from her ankles up her thighs.

The spray had a lemony scent, fresh and pleasant. Qilin smiled: “Qingwu, spray some on me too.”

Qilin spread her arms. Chen Qingwu helped spray large areas of her skin.

“The earrings are really pretty—are they ceramic, Qingwu?” Qilin stared at Chen Qingwu’s ears, smiling as she asked.

Chen Qingwu smiled: “Yes. I fired them myself. If you like them, I’ll make two more pairs for you next time.”

All ready, everyone went out together, getting into the two rented convertible sports cars, heading toward the bay on the other side of the island.

There was an aquarium nearby. After touring it, everyone first went to a restaurant for lunch, rested briefly, then headed to the beach.

The beach already had various colored umbrellas set up. Finding a spacious spot, everyone put down their things.

Meng Qiran walked to Chen Qingwu’s side, “Going swimming, Wuwu?”

“I’m a bit tired, want to sleep first before going.”

Over there, the two dads were already eager to start, warming up while calling out: “Qiran, let’s race later.”

Meng Qiran looked at Chen Qingwu, his expression somewhat hesitant.

Chen Qingwu said: “It’s fine, don’t worry about me. Go keep them company.”

Meng Qiran said: “Then I’ll swim a couple laps with them and come back to hang out with you.”

The three men went into the water to race.

The two moms didn’t want to waste the beautiful blue sea and sky scenery, searching everywhere for angles, asking Chen Qingwu to help take photos. After receiving the photos, they lay down on lounge chairs under the umbrella, each editing their pictures.

Chen Qingwu sat on the outermost lounge chair, looked at the time displayed on her phone, and sent Meng Fuyuan a message.

Chen Qingwu: Still not awake?

Ten minutes later, she received a reply.

Meng Fuyuan: Awake.

Chen Qingwu: There’s a sandwich in the kitchen fridge, originally left for you as breakfast, but seems it won’t be needed now.

Meng Fuyuan: Flattered.

Meng Fuyuan: Thank you. Just so happens I haven’t had lunch yet.

Chen Qingwu couldn’t help smiling, replying: Then you should eat something better for lunch.

Meng Fuyuan asked her to share her location, and after getting ready he’d come over.

Putting down her phone, Chen Qingwu lay down on the lounge chair, using her sun hat to cover her face.

The sea breeze was comfortable, and the rhythmic sound of waves hitting the beach was hypnotic—she unknowingly fell asleep.

When Meng Fuyuan arrived, the two moms were just getting ready to go in the water.

Qilin waved, smiling: “Did you sleep well?”

Meng Fuyuan nodded and walked up to them, “Getting ready to swim?”

“Since we’re here, we should still get in the water for a bit.” Liao Shuman said while walking toward Chen Qingwu, planning to wake her up to help watch their things.

Meng Fuyuan said: “Aunties, go ahead. I’ll watch the things.”

Watching the two moms go into the water, Meng Fuyuan walked toward the outermost lounge chair.

A towel was spread on the ground. He sat down naturally, propping up one leg, glancing at the lounge chair.

Under the sun protection shirt, one could vaguely see she wore a two-piece swimsuit.

Meng Fuyuan didn’t look much, raising his hand to take the hat covering her face.

The sudden strong light made Chen Qingwu furrow her brows, instinctively raising her arm to block it. After a moment, she slowly opened her eyes.

Turning her head, she met Meng Fuyuan’s gaze.

Chen Qingwu sat up at once, “…You’re here.”

“Mm.”

Meng Fuyuan had changed into white, ramie fabric—refined and leisurely.

Chen Qingwu looked out toward the sea surface, vaguely seeing Qilin and Liao Shuman swimming, while Meng Qiran and the two dads were nowhere to be seen.

“Did you rest well?” Chen Qingwu asked.

“More or less.”

Chen Qingwu was a bit thirsty. Looking around, her backpack was on Meng Fuyuan’s side, so she pointed, asking him to pass it to her.

Taking the backpack, Chen Qingwu took out the water bottle inside, unscrewed it and took a sip.

Sitting on the lounge chair, she and Meng Fuyuan were at different heights, making conversation awkward. After putting the water bottle back in the bag, she had Meng Fuyuan move over a bit, then also sat down on the towel.

Feet on the sand, Chen Qingwu leaned forward to grab a handful of sand from the ground, then opened her fingers.

“The earrings are very pretty.” Meng Fuyuan suddenly said.

Chen Qingwu turned her head slightly, discovering he was looking her over—very openly appreciative, with no intention of avoiding it.

As if illuminated by scorching sun, she felt the side of her body next to Meng Fuyuan, the skin temperature seemed to rise several degrees.

“…I made them myself.” Chen Qingwu unconsciously reached up to touch the earrings.

“The color is very unique.” Meng Fuyuan looked closely, “The two aren’t quite the same?”

“I took clay blocks dyed different colors and randomly kneaded them together before firing.”

Meng Fuyuan nodded.

Chen Qingwu had originally felt that her interactions with Meng Fuyuan had finally become more comfortable, but that morning’s ankle-touching episode seemed impossible to pretend hadn’t happened no matter what.

Especially now, Meng Fuyuan sat right beside her, the two separated by less than half an arm’s length.

His rising and falling breath, his cool fragrance so incompatible with this tropical island, both became extremely present, making every inch of her skin seem to tense up.

She suddenly didn’t know what to say, hunching forward, grabbing sand with both hands and sprinkling it on her feet, repeating this until both feet were completely buried in fine sand.

Meng Fuyuan also said nothing.

The two were just silent, yet felt undercurrents surging in the sultry air.

Suddenly the phone vibrated once.

Chen Qingwu dusted the sand off her hands and picked up the phone from the lounge chair.

Unlocking it, it was actually from Meng Fuyuan.

Meng Fuyuan: Chat about something?

Chen Qingwu suddenly turned to look. Meng Fuyuan was holding his phone, looking at her with a somewhat innocent expression.

She immediately laughed, lowering her head to type: Why say it on WeChat?

Meng Fuyuan: You talk more on WeChat.

Chen Qingwu: Do I talk a lot?

She scrolled up—it seemed, indeed she did.

Because she didn’t have to face him, so she was more at ease.

Chen Qingwu: What do you want to chat about?

Meng Fuyuan: Anything is fine. Or not chat at all. As long as you can stand it, I won’t be able to help looking at you.

Clearly such ardent words, yet coming from Meng Fuyuan, they seemed to have only a kind of objective statement-of-fact quality.

If Meng Fuyuan weren’t sitting right beside her, she would definitely have buried her face.

Chen Qingwu kept her eyes down, only focused on typing: …Do you want water? I have extra in my bag.

She heard Meng Fuyuan chuckle lightly, but didn’t dare turn to look at all.

The phone vibrated, a new message came through.

Meng Fuyuan: Do you only know this one move—changing the subject?

Her only tactical move exposed, Chen Qingwu had no idea how to respond.

But Meng Fuyuan spoke aloud: “Give me a bottle of water.”

…This person, after cornering her, came to rescue her.

Chen Qingwu took the backpack from the lounge chair, pulled out an unopened bottle of water, and handed it to the side.

“Not even looking at me now, Qingwu.” Meng Fuyuan’s voice held a gentle teasing tone.

Chen Qingwu couldn’t take it anymore. Without thinking much, she randomly grabbed a handful of sand and threw it at him.

Meng Fuyuan looked down at the fine sand on his shirttail, “Think I won’t retaliate?”

“…Then retaliate.”

Meng Fuyuan methodically brushed it off, casually unscrewing the water bottle to drink, “Won’t stoop to the level of a child.”

Not far ahead, three figures walked over.

Before they could look this way, Chen Qingwu suddenly stood up, took off her sun protection shirt, grabbed the clip-on ceramic earrings from her ears in one motion, casually tossed them in the bag, “…I’m going swimming.”

Meng Fuyuan looked up once, his gaze imperceptibly darkening.

She wore a two-piece swimsuit, grapefruit red. She actually suited red very well—the qipao from two times ago, the brick-red top last time—vivid colors could neutralize her coolness perfectly, making her skin appear fair and translucent as if glowing.

Below the swimsuit, her exposed legs were slender and well-proportioned.

Meng Fuyuan immediately withdrew his gaze, knowing that one more second of looking would become disrespectful distraction.

Meng Qiran looked up to see Chen Qingwu walking over, and Meng Fuyuan sitting not far behind her.

Originally planning to greet Meng Fuyuan, but his gaze fell on Chen Qingwu and he involuntarily lost focus for a moment. He somewhat unnaturally touched his nose, not quite knowing where he should look.

Meng Chengyong smiled at Chen Qingwu: “Going swimming, Qingwu?”

“Mm.”

Meng Qiran immediately walked to Chen Qingwu’s side, “I’ll go with you.”

“Didn’t you just swim?”

“That was ages ago. After swimming I came back and saw you were asleep, so I took Dad and them to play jet skis for a while.”

Taking two steps, Meng Qiran suddenly turned to glance back.

Meng Fuyuan was no longer in his previous spot.

Meng Fuyuan went to a nearby supermarket and bought a pack of cigarettes.

Right there under the palm tree at the supermarket entrance, he looked out toward the sea.

He immediately spotted that figure in the grapefruit-red swimsuit, light as a fish in the deep blue water.

Speaking of which, he had taught both Qiran and her to swim, and to ride bicycles too.

Meng Fuyuan lowered his head to light a cigarette, took two drags, then looked back out at the sea surface, not moving his gaze for a long time.

After swimming several laps, Chen Qingwu and Meng Qiran returned to shore.

It was almost dinner time. Everyone went to a nearby shower room to bathe, changed into clean clothes, and set out for the restaurant.

Chen Qingwu and Meng Qiran walked in front, followed by the four parents, with Meng Fuyuan walking leisurely at the very back.

The seafood restaurant—stepping in, a fishy, salty scent hit them head-on.

The reserved booth was semi-open layout, wooden half-window structure. Outside the window was the beach, the distant sunset rich, the sound of evening tide coming through.

A round table, seven people sat down in sequence. Meng Fuyuan sat diagonally across from Chen Qingwu.

The menu was brought up. Some ordered food, some went to the restroom.

Chen Qingwu put down her bag, asked Liao Shuman sitting on her right to help watch it, took a small can of spray herself, and walked out.

The wash basin was outdoors, a large mirror set in front of a blue mosaic tile wall.

Chen Qingwu turned on the brass water faucet, washed her face with slightly warm tap water, re-tied her somewhat messy hair, then turned slightly sideways to look at her neck in the mirror.

A figure suddenly flashed in the mirror. She was startled, looking carefully.

Meng Fuyuan looked at her, smiling: “What are you panicking about?”

He washed his hands, turned his head to see Chen Qingwu reaching up to touch her neck.

“What’s wrong?”

“Don’t know if it’s sunburn, feels a bit painful.”

“Let me see.”

Meng Fuyuan walked over and stood behind her.

Despite such sultry weather, he always carried a refreshing scent, like just-opened, chilled spring water.

Chen Qingwu saw in the mirror Meng Fuyuan lower his head slightly, carefully observing the skin on her nape.

He didn’t reach out. His gaze through the lenses held only calm examination, yet she felt the patch of skin under his observation faintly transmitting a burning pain more severe than serious sunburn.

“A bit red, should be fine.” Meng Fuyuan saw the spray in her hand, “For treating sunburn?”

“…Cooling and calming.”

Meng Fuyuan raised his hand.

Chen Qingwu hesitated for a flash, then handed him the spray bottle.

“How did this get through security?”

“Checked baggage.”

Meng Fuyuan removed the spray bottle cap, raised his hand, extended his palm to shield behind her ear, only then pressing the nozzle.

In the “tss tss” sound, cool water mist scattered. Chen Qingwu reflexively closed her eyes.

But because Meng Fuyuan’s palm blocked it, almost no spray drifted forward.

The skin on her nape instantly felt as cool as if soaked in water.

Chen Qingwu opened her eyes, only to see in the mirror Qilin walking around the corner ahead.

Her heart jumped in panic. She quickly grabbed back the spray bottle from Meng Fuyuan’s hand, “…I’m leaving first.”

Hurrying past Meng Fuyuan’s side, she heard him chuckle lightly.

Meeting Qilin at the corner, Qilin smiled: “Qingwu, did you order? Go order quickly.”

Chen Qingwu smiled and nodded.

Chen Qingwu returned to her seat and sat down. Just about to put away the spray bottle, she discovered the cap wasn’t retrieved.

She looked up toward the wash basin direction.

Meng Fuyuan was walking over leisurely, and as if predicting she would look at him, he showed an almost imperceptible smile.

She immediately turned her gaze away.

Meng Fuyuan returned to the table and went straight to his seat.

Chen Qingwu looked at him, using her gaze to signal him to return the spray bottle cap. Meng Fuyuan glanced at her, feigning confusion.

The meal lasted quite long.

After finishing, everyone tidied their things. Meng Qiran was dispatched by Meng Chengyong to pay the bill.

Everyone stood up to leave. Because Chen Qingwu was checking WeChat messages, she fell back a step.

She heard Meng Fuyuan’s voice from behind, “Hold out your hand.”

Chen Qingwu suddenly turned around, as if instinctively extending her hand.

Meng Fuyuan placed the white plastic cap in her hand, stuck his hands in his pockets, and casually reminded: “There’s a threshold at the door, watch your phone so you don’t trip.”

Chen Qingwu immediately clenched her fingers, gripping the cap.

After waiting at the door for a moment, Meng Qiran who had paid the bill came out.

Everyone walked to the parking lot.

Reaching the parking area and getting in the car, just about to leave, Chen Qingwu opened her backpack to get wet wipes, but her movement suddenly paused.

She rummaged through the inner pocket, then hurriedly said: “Wait for me, my earrings might have dropped on the beach. I’ll go see if they’re still there.”

As she pulled the car door, Meng Qiran said: “Wuwu, I’ll go with you.”

It was already dark, difficult to see things clearly.

The two returned to the beach area where they’d been during the day. Meng Qiran turned on his phone flashlight, bending down to shine it around the lounge chairs, “Sure they fell here?”

“This is where I last took them off.”

They searched the surrounding area but still couldn’t find them. In the darkness, trying to find such a small pair was like finding a needle in a haystack.

Not wanting the adults to wait too long, Chen Qingwu said: “Forget it, they’re not precious things anyway. If they’re lost, they’re lost.”

“Let’s search a bit more.”

“It’s fine. Let’s go, let’s go.”

Meng Qiran didn’t insist further.

The two ran breathlessly back to the parking lot.

“Did you find them?” Qilin leaned out to ask.

“No.” Chen Qingwu answered with a smile while opening the car door, “It’s fine, they were something I made myself anyway. I can just make several more pairs when I get back.”

Meng Fuyuan was driving. He glanced at the rearview mirror but said nothing.

Driving back to the villa, it was already 9 PM.

Parking the car, everyone entered the house, each going back to their rooms first to put things away.

After washing her hair and bathing, Chen Qingwu changed clothes and went downstairs.

Everyone sat in the courtyard, drinking tea and chatting.

Meng Fuyuan’s figure was nowhere to be seen.

Chen Qingwu sat down beside Qilin, asking in a casual tone: “Auntie Qi, where’s Yuan gege?”

“Still in his room probably? He might have already gone to rest.”

Meng Fuyuan was steady in his actions and didn’t like being managed, so Qilin didn’t inquire much about his whereabouts.

Chen Qingwu nodded, couldn’t ask more, just casually picked up a coconut and held it, intermittently sipping through the straw.

In this scene of sitting around chatting, she couldn’t take out her phone to chat secretly.

Fortunately, everyone had played themselves exhausted today. Before ten o’clock, Qilin said she was somewhat tired and wanted to return to her room to rest.

Meng Qiran walked to Chen Qingwu’s side, asking if she wanted to go out for late-night snacks.

Chen Qingwu said: “Not too hungry. A bit tired, don’t want to go out.”

Meng Qiran then went up to the second floor with her, each returning to their rooms to rest.

Chen Qingwu flopped onto the bed and picked up her phone, opening WeChat.

After thinking about it, she still didn’t send anything.

He always replied to her messages instantly. She was very worried that if he was resting, WeChat would wake him.

Not sleepy, Chen Qingwu took out the book she’d brought from her bag, turned on the desk lamp, and sat leaning against the headboard to read.

Around eleven o’clock, the phone vibrated.

A new WeChat message—it was actually from Meng Fuyuan.

Meng Fuyuan: Asleep?

Chen Qingwu quickly replied: Not yet.

Meng Fuyuan: I’m in the living room. Come down for a moment?

Chen Qingwu: Okay.

She found a thin jacket to put on, took her phone, slipped on slippers, and went downstairs with light steps.

The living room lights were on. Meng Fuyuan sat on the sofa.

Hearing footsteps, he turned to look.

Chen Qingwu discovered he still wore the same outfit from the daytime—he seemed to have just returned from outside.

She walked up to him, saying softly: “You weren’t in your room? Auntie Qi thought you’d already gone to sleep.”

“No. Went out for a bit.”

Meng Fuyuan reached into his pocket, pulled something out, opened his palm, and held it before her.

Chen Qingwu froze.

Lost and found—that pair of earrings.

“…Where did you find them?” Chen Qingwu was extremely surprised.

“The restaurant.”

Meng Fuyuan explained—originally he hadn’t held much hope, thinking worst case he’d have to search along the entire route, but unexpectedly just calling the restaurant yielded results.

Chen Qingwu took the earrings, “Actually there was no need to go to such trouble, they’re not valuable.”

Meng Fuyuan tilted his head slightly up, looking at her, “But I could see you still felt it was a pity.”

Chen Qingwu’s emotions surged inside. She clenched the earrings in her fingers, after a moment saying softly, “Can I treat you to late-night snacks?”

Meng Fuyuan chuckled lightly, still looking at her, “Not afraid of being caught red-handed when we come back?”

“…Then never mind.”

“Of course we’re going.” Seeing her make as if to leave, Meng Fuyuan quickly reached out and caught her wrist.

Chen Qingwu seemed to freeze.

Meng Fuyuan immediately released his hand, saying calmly, “…Let’s go.”

Chen Qingwu looked down, “Should I change clothes?”

“No need. We’ll just go out for a drive.”

Considering that going upstairs and down again would only increase the risk of being discovered, Chen Qingwu went out the door just like this in her nightgown plus jacket.

After getting in the car, Chen Qingwu fastened her seatbelt, pulled down the sun visor mirror, and looking at her reflection, put the pair of clip-on earrings back on.

Meng Fuyuan watched her movements. Only after she finished did he start the car.

The island ring road at night was silent and empty. Seawater beat against the rocky promontory, the sound of waves especially distant.

The convertible sports car—wind rushed fiercely. Chen Qingwu squinted her eyes, her fingers brushing away hair blown against her cheek.

Her mood at this moment was light, perhaps because of those recovered earrings.

Or perhaps, not only that.

Turning a corner, lights stretched along the concave coastline ahead.

Chen Qingwu held down her hair, leaning forward slightly: “Is that a dock?”

“Seems like it.” Meng Fuyuan turned to look at her, “Want to go down and see?”

Chen Qingwu nodded.

At the fork ahead, Meng Fuyuan turned downward. Ten-some minutes later, the dock was before them in a blink.

Looking closely, they realized it was streetlights on both sides and navigation lights floating on the sea. Small pleasure boats neatly anchored, gently bobbing in the seawater.

Fortunately it was already late at night, the dock completely deserted, so Chen Qingwu could get out of the car wearing just her nightgown and thin shirt.

In the deep night the sea breeze grew cooler, and the tide sound louder.

The air entering her nostrils was moist and salty. Wind blowing across skin left somewhat sticky dampness.

Chen Qingwu walked ahead, hearing Meng Fuyuan’s footsteps following unhurriedly behind her.

“You just lied, didn’t you?” Chen Qingwu suddenly said.

“Mm?” Meng Fuyuan stepped forward to walk beside her.

Chen Qingwu turned to look at him, “You said you called the restaurant once and found them—that’s a lie, isn’t it? You… searched for a long time, otherwise how could you only get home at this hour?”

Meng Fuyuan chuckled softly, “Can’t fool the child anymore, huh.”

“…Why lie to me?”

“Because saying so would seem like trying to buy favor, which I felt wasn’t good.”

“If you hadn’t found them, you weren’t planning to tell me the truth, were you?”

Meng Fuyuan’s expression told her, yes, that’s what he would have done.

“Don’t you think the cost-benefit ratio is very low? Spending so much time searching for something worth less than ten yuan, and not even telling the owner the truth.”

Meng Fuyuan feigned surprise: “This kind of thing needs to consider cost-benefit ratio? I suspect you haven’t figured out the situation at all.”

“…What situation?”

“I’m pursuing you, Qingwu.”

Chen Qingwu suddenly felt heat rushing at her face. She stiffly turned her gaze away, “…Isn’t that a convenience store ahead? Do you want water? My treat.”

Not waiting at all for Meng Fuyuan’s answer, she had already quickly walked toward the lit place.

The 24-hour convenience store had only one clerk on duty.

Chen Qingwu pushed the door open and walked straight to the refrigerated cabinet.

After a moment, Meng Fuyuan followed.

Footsteps stopped behind her.

“What do you want to drink?” Chen Qingwu had regained her composure.

“Anything.”

Chen Qingwu randomly picked an unsweetened tea drink, “This one?”

Meng Fuyuan nodded, taking the bottle from her hand, “You’re not drinking?”

“I want ice cream.”

Walking toward the register, passing the freezer near the entrance, Chen Qingwu stopped and pulled open the freezer door.

Cold air wafted over. Chen Qingwu suddenly said: “Remember that snowy day before New Year’s, you ran into me at the community entrance and took me to the convenience store?”

“Of course I remember.”

“At that time I was quite surprised… because you don’t seem like the type willing to meddle in others’ business.”

“Oh.” Meng Fuyuan frankly admitted, “Because I wanted to spend more time with you.”

Chen Qingwu suddenly looked up.

“Are you thinking, it started earlier than you thought?” Meng Fuyuan seemed to know her thoughts inside out. He laughed, “You can be even bolder in your guess.”

“…Even earlier?”

“Want to know?” But Meng Fuyuan said, “I’m not planning to tell you for now. Guess for yourself.”

Forgive him this momentary mischief—letting her discover bit by bit seemed far more interesting than directly revealing the answer.

Chen Qingwu took out a mango popsicle, commenting: “So childish.”

Meng Fuyuan happily accepted her praise.

After paying, the two left the convenience store and continued walking along the dock.

Sea wind blew, carrying a scent of engine oil. In the distance on the sea surface, faintly visible white waves glowed slightly under moonlight.

Chen Qingwu tore open the popsicle wrapper and bit down, making a crisp crunch.

Meng Fuyuan looked at her, momentarily unable to look away.

Compared to last year when he took her to the convenience store, she had become much happier now.

Part of this change was because of him, which made it very difficult for him to suppress that hidden joy.

“…Is the sunburn better?”

Chen Qingwu unconsciously raised her hand to touch her nape, “It’s fine, just mild. After bathing I applied medicine—it doesn’t hurt anymore.”

Meng Fuyuan held the water bottle, continuing to walk alongside Chen Qingwu, not speaking for a while.

After walking for a moment, a boardwalk extending toward the sea appeared ahead.

The popsicle was finished. Chen Qingwu tossed the stick into a nearby trash can and walked toward the boardwalk without hesitation.

There were chains on both sides as barriers, so no need to worry about falling in, but walking to the end of the boardwalk and looking down at the sea, those dark churning waters still inevitably made one somewhat dizzy.

Chen Qingwu stood at the very edge of the end, “…I want to sit, but I’m afraid of falling down.”

Meng Fuyuan naturally extended his hand.

Chen Qingwu’s gaze fell on his hand. After hesitating a moment, she placed her hand in his.

Meng Fuyuan grasped it firmly, but that movement and force had no hint of intimacy—purely providing support.

Chen Qingwu, holding his hand like this, took a step forward, crouched down to sit, both legs dangling in the air.

Confirming she was seated steadily, only then did Meng Fuyuan release her hand and also sit down beside her, placing the water bottle at his side.

A thin layer of sweat on his palm, the touch of her slightly cool fingers seemed to still linger. He curled his fingers slightly, making no show of it.

The sound of tide faint, right below their feet—as if sitting above an abyss. This controlled danger fascinated Chen Qingwu.

“Qingwu.”

Hearing this, Chen Qingwu turned her head, only to see Meng Fuyuan looking at her, his gaze very deep, “There’s a question I’ve always wanted to ask you—perhaps somewhat presumptuous. You can choose not to answer.”

“It’s fine, ask.”

“At that time… what ultimately made you decide to give up on Qiran?”

When they were together, Meng Fuyuan almost never mentioned Meng Qiran, as if it was some kind of stubborn pride of his—

He wouldn’t compare himself with any other man. He was confident no second person in the world could surpass his feelings for Chen Qingwu.

Chen Qingwu paused, speaking very calmly: “Like that math problem. Water flowing in on one side, releasing water on the other. Perhaps someday the pool will fill, but the wasted water—no one cares about it.”

After a pause, she said earnestly: “My affection was the wasted water.” Her voice gradually lowered, until the last words were barely audible.

Meng Fuyuan’s breathing was very light, “…That water can have other destinations.”

His voice mixed with the tide sound, somewhat muffled.

Chen Qingwu suddenly looked up.

Meng Fuyuan’s gaze at her was exceptionally serious, but this sentence ended there, with no further advance.

Her hand propped at her side unconsciously tightened, like her suddenly constricted heart.

After sitting on the boardwalk blowing the breeze for a while, casually chatting about aimless topics, they returned.

Parking the car, passing through the courtyard with swaying tree shadows, the two walked toward the entrance.

The time had passed midnight. All around was silent, only the distant sound of waves.

Meng Fuyuan suddenly said: “Have you thought it through, Qingwu?”

Chen Qingwu was slightly startled, “Mm?”

“I mean…” Meng Fuyuan stepped forward, lowering his head to look at her, his voice also lowering two degrees, “If we get caught, have you thought it through—how will you explain? Coming back from outside with me in the middle of the night.”

That last sentence, almost word by word.

Chen Qingwu’s breathing caught.

“…Don’t know.” She heard herself say hoarsely.

“Then let’s gamble.”

Meng Fuyuan’s finger moved up, touching the combination lock, but his gaze fell squarely on her face, as if not wanting to miss any of her reactions.

Chen Qingwu’s pupils dilated slightly.

Just watching him, key by key, entering the code.

A “beep” sound—the door opened.

The living room lights were on, completely silent, still the scene from when they left.

Meng Fuyuan looked at her, saying softly: “Go in.”

The two entered the house, going upstairs one after the other slowly. All the way to the second floor, still no one was awakened.

At the second-floor corner, they stopped.

Meng Fuyuan’s gaze rested on her face for a moment, “Good night.”

“…Good night.”

Chen Qingwu walked toward the hallway, hearing light footsteps going upstairs.

She entered her room, collapsed on the bed, only now discovering she had completely lost her strength.

Upstairs there was a faint sound of a door closing and footsteps—if not listening carefully, impossible to catch.

The phone beside her vibrated.

No surprise, it was a message from Meng Fuyuan.

But not another good night, or anything else.

Meng Fuyuan: What a pity.

Chen Qingwu only felt her heart trembling inexplicably.

They weren’t discovered by everyone.

He said, what a pity.