Seaside Trip

Lin Yu thought it over and decided there would be plenty of opportunities in the future.

When the timing was right—or when it became impossible to keep hiding the truth—he would finally bring it up with Gu Yue.

What would happen then?

Would he get scolded?

Lin Yu pondered this and realized that being scolded might actually be one of the better outcomes.

The alternative was far worse: Gu Yue staring at him with a heartbroken expression, her eyes reddening as tiny teardrops slowly rolled down her cheeks...

Who could handle that?

He’d rather take a few verbal lashings or even a couple of hits than face that!

Putting thoughts of Gu Yue aside for now, Lin Yu climbed out of bed and headed to the bathroom to freshen up.

He took his time, even using mouthwash and cologne, because he had a date to get to!

Lin Yu and Xia Muzhu had made plenty of plans for the summer.

Hiking, amusement parks, aquariums, picnics, camping...

They’d already checked all those off the list. Now, it was time for the next adventure—

A trip to the beach!

Heh.

The beach.

Swimsuits.

Absolutely perfect!

Once packed, Lin Yu dragged his suitcase out of his apartment and went to meet Xia Muzhu.

Arriving at her doorstep, he unlocked the door with his fingerprint.

Yep.

That was the level of trust he’d earned!

Just like his own home!

Pushing the door open, he found Xia Muzhu in the living room, zipping up her suitcase—her preparations nearly complete.

She wore a white sundress with blue floral patterns, her long, silky black hair tied into a braid draped over one shoulder. The hem of her dress revealed smooth, delicate calves. Hearing the door, she turned, her sapphire-blue eyes lighting up with joy when she saw Lin Yu, her almond-shaped eyes curving into a sweet smile.

Lin Yu spread his arms wide and strode forward, pulling Xia Muzhu into a tight embrace...

One second...

Five seconds...

Ten seconds...

Half a minute...

Xia Muzhu’s face grew increasingly flushed. Shyly, she tapped Lin Yu’s shoulder with a delicate fist and whispered in a playful scold,

“Yueshan’s still in his room.”

Only then did Lin Yu reluctantly let go.

Not that he could be blamed.

Hugging Xia Muzhu felt incredible!

Especially in summer.

Their light clothing did little to mask body heat—or the electrifying sensation of skin against skin.

Soft, plush, and wonderfully substantial, the weight pressed against his chest was utterly comforting.

“Muzhu-jie...”

“I...”

They spoke at the same time, both seemingly eager to say something. Their eyes met, and Xia Muzhu smiled gently, murmuring,

“You go first.”

Lin Yu nodded, finally remembering the practical matter at hand.

“Muzhu-jie, change of plans—let’s take a flight instead.”

Their destination was in another province. Originally, Lin Yu had wanted to drive there with Xia Muzhu, enjoying the scenery and experiencing different local cultures along the way.

But his driver’s license hadn’t come through yet, and if Xia Muzhu had to handle all the driving, the trip would take far too long with all the stops.

They might not even make it back before school started!

So he’d decided to switch to air travel—quick in, quick out, leaving time for other adventures afterward.

“A flight?”

“Awesome!”

An untimely cheer erupted from behind a door as Xia Yueshan kicked his bedroom door open and bounded out excitedly.

Lin Yu shot him an annoyed glare. Lately, the kid had been getting on his nerves more and more.

A nuisance!

An absolute buzzkill!

With him around, Xia Muzhu was always preoccupied, never fully able to relax and enjoy herself.

“What’re you so happy about?”

“This doesn’t concern you,” Lin Yu snapped.

“Of course it does!”

“Jie said I could come!”

Xia Yueshan jutted his chin out defiantly, practically looking down his nose at Lin Yu.

Shocked, Lin Yu turned to Xia Muzhu.

Meeting his stunned gaze, she put on an apologetic, pleading look—silently begging him not to refuse this small request, to let Xia Yueshan tag along rather than leave him home alone.

Lin Yu sucked in a breath, then exhaled in resignation.

Fine.

His girlfriend.

He’d indulge her.

Besides, he’d have plenty of chances to reclaim lost ground later!

“You packed already?” Lin Yu asked.

“All done!” Xia Yueshan nodded eagerly.

“Then let’s go.”

With a wave of his hand, Lin Yu led the trio out...

...

Inside the airport, passersby couldn’t help but pause and stare as the three walked by.

Some smiled warmly, their eyes crinkling with amusement, while others frowned in disapproval.

No matter how loving the parents were, they shouldn’t treat their kid like this!

Look how exhausted he was!

Dragging two suitcases with a bag slung around his neck while the parents strolled hand-in-hand, completely unburdened—how shameless!

Xia Muzhu watched Xia Yueshan sweating profusely, torn between amusement and sympathy.

Eventually, she couldn’t take it anymore and turned to help him.

But Lin Yu slipped an arm around her slender, toned waist, stopping her.

“Don’t worry,” he reassured her. “Kids need exercise.”

Then, to Xia Yueshan, he added,

“Keep it up!”

“I’ll teach you some martial arts secrets later!”

The promise lit up Xia Yueshan’s eyes. Puffing out his chest, he declared,

“Leave it to me!”

Xia Muzhu couldn’t help laughing at his earnestness and gave up on helping.

But Lin Yu’s hand lingered on her waist, shamelessly savoring the feel of her firm yet supple muscles through the thin fabric.

It reminded him of the old days.

Back when he used to crash at her place for dinner every night, he remembered her following along with yoga videos before bed.

Judging by her current physique, she’d never stopped.

Makes sense, he mused. Without consistent workouts and care, how could she stay so... voluminous yet perky?

Defies the laws of physics!

Come to think of it...

If she’s so flexible from yoga, wouldn’t that mean...?

Hmm.

Gotta test that theory someday.

Both Lin Yu and Xia Yueshan were first-time flyers, and the two idiots even bickered over who’d get the window seat.

In the end, when booking tickets, Lin Yu kicked Xia Yueshan to the front row—letting him sit alone.