Chapter Eighteen

Feathery lashes quivered gently as her small hands rubbed her sleepy eyes. Seeing the person before her, she smiled faintly. "You're back."
"Yes."
The two, smiling softly, embraced each other tenderly. The aura of happiness quietly radiated around them, expanding circle after circle.
"Yingyue, tomorrow I’ll take you somewhere."
"Alright."
"Aren’t you curious about where we’re going?"
She let out a silvery laugh, like the tinkling of bells from her cherry blossom lips. "Are you planning to sell me, perhaps?" Yingyue teased.
"Haha," Yu Wenxi’s hearty laughter vibrated against Yingyue’s cheek as it rested on his chest. He feigned helplessness. "I’d like to, but who could possibly handle a young lady like you?" His tone was full of playful mockery.
"Annoying!" Yingyue raised her tiny fist and struck Yu Wenxi’s face, which was full of mischievous grins.
"Whoa, attempted murder of your own husband!" Yu Wenxi sprang from the sofa and dashed outside. Yingyue chased after him.
"Yu Wenxi, if I catch you, you’re dead!" Yingyue threatened with mock ferocity.
From afar, his voice drifted back, still full of mischief. "Catch me first, then we’ll see!"
Unbeknownst to them, their chase led them into the garden Yu Wenxi had built. Yingyue paused, stunned. Before her stretched a sea of purple—not her beloved violets, but row upon row of lavender swaying in the breeze.
Yu Wenxi wrapped Yingyue in his arms from behind.
"Why lavender?" he whispered deeply into her ear. "Because the language of lavender is the waiting for love."
Yingyue felt a momentary trance—waiting… for love?
"I planted all of these myself after the villa was finished. Do you like it?"
Hearing this, Yingyue’s heart ached—so painfully. She didn’t know if it was the pain of happiness, or…
Her small hands covered his larger ones around her waist. She didn’t answer, only gently caressed them, finally resting her hands atop his.
In the lingering glow of sunset, their silhouettes could just be seen nestled together amidst the lavender fields.
"Yingyue, let’s get out of the car." Yu Wenxi said joyfully, his eyes brimming with happiness.
Yingyue stepped out, unable to hide her surprise. Was this the mysterious place he spoke of? Was it really here?
The largest amusement park in Asia.
The bustling crowds, the laughter and joyful voices filled Yingyue’s senses. Her heart, in that moment, felt lighter too.
Turning her head, she smiled warmly. "Xi, I’m so happy."
Yu Wenxi gently stroked her soft, glossy hair. "As long as you’re happy," he replied, his smile as warm as spring.
He extended his right hand like a gentleman. "My princess, would you honor me by accompanying me?" His tone was gentle, laced with temptation.
Yingyue was dazzled, her lips curving wider. "With great pleasure," she replied, lifting her skirt in a lady’s gesture.
It felt as though their hearts were united.
In every game, Yingyue and Xi’s shadows danced together, their laughter filling the air.
In truth, happiness is very simple.
"Yingyue, I’ll go buy some ice cream."
"Alright."
Yingyue’s gaze wandered, and when it landed on a certain spot, a long-lost look of envy appeared in her eyes.
Yu Wenxi returned to see this expression—a mix of longing and timidity—on Yingyue’s face. His heart ached for her.
Switching to a cheerful tone, he called, "Yingyue," handing her the ice cream. As he was about to fetch the stuffed toy that had made Yingyue show that expression, a costumed mascot appeared out of nowhere and approached her.
"Beautiful lady, would you like a photo together?"
Yingyue looked up in surprise at the mascot’s muffled voice. What a strange mascot, though she couldn’t quite say why.
Yu Wenxi smiled. "Yingyue, take a picture," his gaze gentle.
Looking into his warm eyes, Yingyue’s lips curved in a sweet smile, nodding. "Alright." Her smile was honeyed, as if it could drown Yu Wenxi in sweetness.
The mascot hugged Yingyue close, posing intimately. Yingyue laughed freely, and Yu Wenxi’s happiness overflowed.
Yingyue looked at the photo in her hand, then at the mascot who left right after, tilting her head with puzzlement.
Why, even in such a heavy costume, could she tell that the mascot walked with such elegant and unhurried steps?