Danger Approaches Silently

Cautiously approaching the car, she peered inside.

As expected, the person inside had long since vanished without a trace.

Shu Yunyi knew the two must have entered the scenic area. After a moment of silence, she followed them in.

Strolling along the streets, her eyes were met with crowds everywhere. Shu Yunyi could only scan back and forth, hoping to catch even the slightest clue.

But the scenic area was simply too packed with people—finding someone here was like searching for a needle in a haystack.

Shu Yunyi had no choice but to go with the flow, moving forward along the street.

Though she could have called or simply asked around, at this point, she only wanted to chase down an answer in her heart—seeing was believing.

Maybe he’s just saying a final goodbye to that ex-girlfriend of his, Shu Yunyi comforted herself.

With memories from her past life still fresh, she held firm trust in Shen Yi.

How could some flashy temptress out there ever shake the genuine bond between them?

Lost in thought, Shu Yunyi unconsciously wandered up to a vendor’s stall.

The female vendor smiled and asked,

"Pretty lady, care to pick out a mask to wear?"

"Someone as lovely as you ought to hide a little."

Her mind still in turmoil, Shu Yunyi glanced down at the masks—most of which she didn’t even recognize—and felt no urge to buy.

Shaking her head, her gaze finally settled on a round silk fan.

As she walked, she flicked the fan open and waved it gently. A faint, not-quite-cool breeze brushed past, easing the restlessness in her heart.

Turning the fan over, she saw an embroidery of two red carp.

The craftsmanship was exquisite—the two fish intertwined head to tail, so lifelike they seemed to swim across the fan’s surface as if it were water.

Staring at them, Shu Yunyi gradually calmed. Some things couldn’t be rushed.

Her steps slowed, and she even found herself admiring the scenery, lightly fanning herself as she headed toward the lake.

The moon hung high in the sky. Shu Yunyi looked up and sighed,

"Tonight’s moon is even rounder than yesterday’s..."

...

"Rounder than yesterday’s~" Fu Nanzhi exclaimed, tilting her head back while leaning on Shen Yi’s arm.

"True," Shen Yi agreed.

"That’s why the old saying goes—the moon on the sixteenth is rounder than the fifteenth’s. Tonight’s the best time to admire it."

The two walked to the water’s edge, where crowds had gathered to release floating lanterns.

Under the night sky, lanterns of all shapes and sizes illuminated the lake’s surface, their flickering flames painting the quiet evening in vibrant hues.

"Let’s release one too," Fu Nanzhi suggested.

Shen Yi naturally obliged, heading off to buy one.

The water was already dotted with lotus-shaped lanterns, so Shen Yi opted for a hanging lantern instead.

The soft glow through its paper cast a rosy hue on Fu Nanzhi’s cheeks, making her look like a ripe fruit—tempting enough to take a bite.

Near the shore, rows of frames stood for visitors to hang their lanterns. Many were already filled, their red tassels swaying in the breeze.

Fu Nanzhi suddenly stopped Shen Yi.

"Wait, don’t hang it yet."

"What’s wrong?" Shen Yi asked, puzzled.

"Hold on, I need to make a wish first."

Clasping her hands together, Fu Nanzhi bowed her head and murmured something too softly for Shen Yi to hear over the noise.

After a moment, she opened her eyes.

"Done. You can hang it now."

Shen Yi reached up and secured the lantern in the most prominent spot before turning back to her.

"So, what did you wish for?"

Fu Nanzhi flushed and nudged him playfully.

"I’m not telling. If I say it, it won’t come true."

Shen Yi didn’t press further. It was probably something mundane—good health, happiness, blessings. Nothing too outrageous. Even if it were, no deity would grant it.

With the streets explored and lanterns released, the moon now rested atop the trees—perfect timing.

Hand in hand, the two arrived at their final stop for the evening: a boat ride on the lake.

The rental dock was a small harbor.

Fu Nanzhi showed their reservation, letting them skip the line and pick a boat.

There were two types—manual and electric.

Shen Yi chose a four-seater electric one. They were out to enjoy themselves, no point pinching pennies.

Rowing under the moonlight would’ve ruined the mood anyway.

He also spotted an ornate pleasure boat, fit for twenty or thirty people, with a dedicated crew.

But that was far too extravagant, so he dismissed the idea.

Once they selected their boat, a staff member led them to the shore. Shen Yi boarded and followed the instructions to start the motor.

The controls were simple, and he got the hang of it quickly.

The speed was deliberately slow—clearly a safety measure for tourists.

The boat puttered across the lake’s surface, moving at a leisurely pace.

On the calm water, it swayed like a leaf, its wake spreading lazily.

Fu Nanzhi, suddenly playful, leaned over to skim her fingers through the ripples, giggling like wind chimes.

The bright moon hung overhead like a silver platter, its glow mingling with the stars. Under its light, Fu Nanzhi’s laughter sparkled, her beauty ethereal—like a goddess descended to earth.

Shen Yi cut the engine, lacing his hands behind his head as he admired the view.

The scenery was stunning, but she outshone it all.

"Hey..." Fu Nanzhi bit her lip and edged closer to Shen Yi, then suddenly flicked her damp fingers at him.

Droplets splashed across his face, making him flinch and shut his eyes.

Wiping his cheek, Shen Yi fixed her with a look.

"Oh, you’re asking for it now..."

Fu Nanzhi shrank back, instantly repentant.

"I’m sorry! I won’t do it again—"

"Stay still."

Shen Yi wasn’t letting her off. He dragged her into his arms, fingers digging into her ribs and sides, tickling mercilessly.

"Ah—hahaha! Stop!"

Fu Nanzhi squirmed, laughter shaking the boat as she thrashed in his grip.

Breathless and flushed, she suddenly twisted around and nipped at Shen Yi’s ear.

His hands stilled, but she didn’t bite hard—barely leaving a mark.

Just as the two were lost in their play, another boat wobbled away from the shore.

It headed straight for them, drawing closer without any sign of veering away.