Arriving at the Beach

"This was our promise—I'm just keeping my word."

Ye Feng stood by the bed, unable to hold back a chuckle as he looked at Shen Mengli, who was sniffling like a little crybaby.

"Alright, Mengli, today’s a happy day—no more tears. If we keep this up, we’ll miss our ride."

"I... I know, but I just can’t help it. I’m too touched~"

Shen Mengli suddenly broke into a smile through her tears, stretching out her arms toward Ye Feng for a hug.

"Xiao Feng, please~"

As if they shared some unspoken understanding, Ye Feng stepped forward naturally, lifting Shen Mengli and gently settling her into the wheelchair by the bed.

"Mengli, take a moment to check if you’ve packed everything. I’ll go freshen up and make breakfast."

"Mm, thank you, Xiao Feng."

Watching Ye Feng hurry off, Shen Mengli smiled softly, radiant as a delicate flower blooming after rain.

This is wonderful… Xiao Feng really cares about me. Just like this… let it stay like this…

But just as she imagined her future happiness with Ye Feng, a shadowy figure—tall and indistinct—flashed through her mind.

Who is that person…? Why does my chest feel so heavy?

......

"Mengli, are you sure you don’t need to bring anything else?"

Ye Feng eyed Shen Mengli, who wore only the freshly washed dress she’d arrived in, along with a few daily necessities—plus the hairpin in her hair and the little teddy bear clutched in her hands.

"I’ve packed everything I need. Xiao Feng, let’s hurry! I can’t wait to get to the beach."

After breakfast, Shen Mengli sat comfortably in her wheelchair, watching as Ye Feng slung a travel bag over his shoulder. Softly, she suggested, "Xiao Feng, why not put the bag on my lap? It’ll be easier for you."

"Absolutely not. Your legs are still recovering—we can’t risk anything that might slow your progress. Understand?"

"Understood."

"Good. Then let’s go."

Just as Ye Feng was about to step out, Shen Mengli suddenly remembered something and handed him his old phone.

"Mengli, what’s this for?"

"You lent me your phone before, remember? But now that I’m with you, I don’t need it anymore. Here, take it back."

"It’s fine, Mengli. I have another one—"

Ye Feng took the phone in slight confusion before realizing what she meant. He pulled out the new phone Li Mucheng had given him.

"But didn’t you say you’d only use the new one for classes? This old one’s been with you forever—if it breaks, repairs would cost a fortune."

"Ah… alright. I am used to my own phone anyway. Let’s just leave this one here."

Ye Feng nodded, placing Li Mucheng’s phone on the shoe rack before locking the apartment door and pushing Shen Mengli’s wheelchair out.

......

Ding.

A mechanical chime echoed through the quiet cabin, followed by a gentle announcement.

"Good morning, passengers. Estimated time remaining to our destination is nine hours. If you experience any discomfort during the flight, please—"

Hearing the flight attendant’s voice, Xie Yuyan opened her eyes. Her pale blue gaze shimmered with anticipation, and her lips curled into an involuntary smile.

"Soon… just a little longer… I’ll finally see Ye Feng."

The thought of him made her restless. The long separation—no calls, no messages—had only amplified her longing. Now, her mind raced with plans for their future together.

Don’t worry, Ye Feng. This time, no one will tear us apart. And the secrets you’re hiding… I’ll peel them back, layer by layer. You’ll be completely transparent before me~

Stretching lazily, Xie Yuyan’s graceful movements accentuated her alluring figure.

"We won’t have to live in that shabby place anymore. Sure, the little house holds memories, but it’s time to move forward. Life will only get better from here—and I’ll be the one taking care of you."

Her thoughts had already soared beyond the plane, streaking like a meteor toward Ye Feng’s home.

......

"We’re here!"

After the journey, Ye Feng carefully carried Shen Mengli off the bus, settling her against a sturdy tree trunk before retrieving their luggage.

Once he unfolded the portable wheelchair, he returned to Shen Mengli’s side. Noticing her pale complexion, he asked worriedly, "What’s wrong, Mengli? Motion sickness?"

"N-no… it was just stuffy inside. The fresh air helps."

"Sorry. I should’ve booked a private car. I didn’t expect the bus to be so crowded."

"It’s fine, Xiao Feng. A little discomfort is nothing."

After a few deep breaths, color returned to Shen Mengli’s cheeks. She glanced at Ye Feng, her eyes carrying a hint of something unspoken.

"Xiao Feng… did you hear what people on the bus were saying?"

"On the bus? About us?"

"Mm."

Shen Mengli lowered her head, murmuring, "Some passengers said you were such a good… man, taking such gentle care of me. They praised you."

What she didn’t mention were the whispers about them being a newlywed couple—or how the "devoted husband" was tending to his "ailing wife." The words had burned her ears crimson.

"I didn’t notice, but don’t mind them. I’m here with you—that’s all that matters."

"I wasn’t upset! Xiao Feng, you’re such an idiot…"

Soon, Ye Feng wheeled Shen Mengli to the seaside. The golden sand and lively beachgoers brought an instant glow to her face.

Bathing in the ocean breeze, her white hair danced like silk. She closed her eyes, savoring the moment.

Meanwhile, Ye Feng gazed at the calm waves before steering her wheelchair toward their hotel.