Villa

The weather in Wencheng is unpredictable yet boasts distinct seasons. Spring has cast off the biting chill without bearing the fierce heat of summer, and the gentle breeze feels wonderful against the skin.

Ye Mian fished a neo-Chinese style dress out from the very back of her wardrobe. Standing before the mirror, she realized she had long since shed the childish innocence of a seventeen-year-old girl.

Last night, Jiang Chen had mentioned that he needed to attend a meeting in the morning and would head straight to the resort later in the day.

Consequently, Ye Mian decided to stop by the shopping mall first.

Even though Qin Feifei had explicitly told her not to bring any gifts, Ye Mian felt that getting something was a matter of proper courtesy.

The mall was bustling with crowds, and the air conditioning was freezing. Ye Mian wandered through the first-floor luxury goods section.

She bought Qin Feifei a skincare set and a box of lipsticks, having personally tested every single shade on the back of her hand.

Clutching the beautifully packaged gift bags, Ye Mian finally headed to the school.

Qin Feifei was thrilled to receive the gifts, greeting Ye Mian with a massive hug and planting several kisses on her cheek.

She then linked arms with Ye Mian, and the two hailed a cab to the resort.

---

Boyuan Resort was nestled halfway up Mingxi Mountain.

The mountain scenery was breathtaking. Wild trees were already lush and vibrant with the arrival of spring, and the area was blessed with the richest tourism resources—lakes stretched as far as the eye could see, meandering waterfalls cascaded down rugged slopes, and there were seven natural hot springs.

The resort had cost an astronomical sum to build. Long, winding corridors and boardwalks stretched endlessly, with meticulously manicured lawns surrounding every corner and exquisite hand-carved wooden street lamps hanging overhead.

In such an elegant setting, the group of young women was overjoyed, taking out their phones to snap pictures everywhere.

After a morning of spring outings and a shared lunch, everyone returned to their rooms to rest.

When evening fell, Ye Mian woke up feeling groggy. The space beside her was empty. Outside, a sea of orange twilight clouds enveloped the sinking sun, and an inexplicable sense of desolate sorrow welled up in her heart.

Subconsciously, she craved the presence of people.

So, after a quick touch-up of her makeup, she opened the door and headed downstairs.

Although the resort was famous, there were very few guests around.

The grounds were enormous, and after wandering for a long time, she still hadn't run into a soul.

Glancing at the map posted on the side of the corridor, Ye Mian followed the walkway toward the water bar.

She finally spotted a few attendants inside, preparing iced drinks for guests staying in the rooms.

Ye Mian ordered a cup of lemon tea and glanced around the surroundings.

To her surprise, a familiar figure caught her eye inside a small, semi-private booth separated by a carved wooden screen.

Uncertain, Ye Mian walked closer.

Peering through the hollowed-out floral carvings, she saw Jiang Chen sitting leisurely in a wooden armchair. His slender fingers held a teacup, and a smile slowly curled the corners of his lips, though there was nothing gentle about it.

Sitting across from him were a few middle-aged men in formal business attire, talking incessantly.

Naturally, their conversation was filled with the jargon of businessmen, revolving endlessly around investments, stocks, and wealth.

Ye Mian froze for a moment.

Warm, amber lights hung from the ceiling of the spacious hall, making the tearoom exceptionally quiet.

Yet the moment she laid eyes on Jiang Chen, the creeping loneliness summoned by the setting sun seemed to vanish entirely into thin air.

Ye Mian smiled against the evening breeze blowing in from the window.

She then pulled out a chair near the private booth, choosing not to call out to him immediately.

It was almost as if she were playing a deliberate game of cat and mouse.

She turned her head slightly and sat quietly to the side.

The setting sun was destined to dip below the horizon, and the lights in the tearoom grew progressively brighter against the deepening darkness.

Twenty minutes later, an attendant approached with a tray, placing a cup of lemon tea and a small plate of pastries on her table.

Apologetically, the attendant murmured, "I am so sorry, we mixed up the serving order and kept you waiting. These are our newly released pastries; please feel free to try them."

Ye Mian softly replied that it didn't matter. She had been too busy secretly watching Jiang Chen to notice the passage of time at all.