With the dismemberment case solved, Lin Chen finally had two days of rest at home. Early Saturday morning, his parents called, asking him to return to Donghai City. Today was the engagement ceremony of his cousin.
After listening to their nagging, Lin Chen hung up. He had originally imagined a quiet, pleasant weekend… yet this sudden plan disrupted everything.
He packed his things and headed downstairs. Just as he stepped out, he saw Bai Mengyan returning from her morning run. She wore a cute pink sports outfit that perfectly outlined her figure. Even with sweat dampening her fair face, her usual ethereal charm remained untouched.
The moment she spotted Lin Chen, Bai Mengyan’s face lit up. She waved at him cheerfully as he walked over. After half a month apart, her presence felt more mature, more feminine. That sweet smile, paired with quiet confidence, carried a strangely comforting warmth.
“Uncle, long time no see,” she greeted brightly.
“Didn’t we agree you wouldn’t call me that?” Lin Chen scratched his head, looking her over before adding, “Didn’t expect you to keep up morning exercise.”
“Of course. We might be flying all over the place all the time, but staying healthy is what matters most.”
“That takes persistence. If it were me, I’d last two days at most.” Lin Chen gave a faint smile. Because of his workload, he rarely had time to arrange his personal life. He used to exercise regularly, but as responsibilities piled up and late nights became routine, he no longer had the energy to maintain it.
“Tch, it’s already impressive if you can eat on time. Still, no matter how busy you are, your health comes first. How about this… next time I’m free, I’ll invite you for a morning run.”
Her smile came effortlessly, one after another. Lin Chen didn’t refuse. However, his thoughts drifted back to the past. When he was in Donghai with Chen Ya, he often ran alone. Back then, although he couldn’t keep it up consistently, Chen Ya would sometimes accompany him. Later, after she started her company, she never joined him again.
Noticing his absent expression, Bai Mengyan lightly tapped his shoulder, pulling him back to reality. Recently, he had realized he often fell into memories without meaning to. In his dreams, Chen Ya appeared again and again… the two of them laughing, sharing simple moments, as if they had never parted.
Lin Chen nodded with a small smile, “My cousin is getting engaged. My mom called and told me to go back.”
“I remember your hometown is Donghai City. I’ve never been there. Is it fun?” she asked, blinking her bright eyes.
“It’s alright.” Donghai City was a well-developed provincial capital, but in terms of tourism, aside from a few fixed attractions, there wasn’t much that stood out. It wasn’t like Nanfeng City, rich in history and cultural depth.
“Oh… so just average.” Bai Mengyan tilted her head, then smiled expectantly. “I haven’t been there before. If it’s convenient for you this time, can you take me along?”
Her beautiful face carried a hopeful look. In truth, she had traveled to many cities and wasn’t lacking in experiences like this. This was more of an excuse to go along.
“It’s not inconvenient, but I still have some things to handle when I get back. If it’s not fun, I’m afraid you might get bored,” Lin Chen said honestly, a little surprised by her request.
“Tch, what’s there to worry about? If you’re busy, I can wander around on my own. We fly everywhere for work anyway. Sometimes my colleagues don’t feel like going out, and I still explore by myself. You don’t need to worry.”
Seeing her bright and easygoing nature, Lin Chen found it hard to refuse. He nodded, “Alright then. We’ll take your car. Go pack your things and message me when you’re ready. This time, I’ll make sure to show you around properly.”
Satisfied with his answer, Bai Mengyan immediately skipped back to pack her luggage. Watching her retreating figure, Lin Chen couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. In the ten years he had been with Chen Ya, they had only traveled alone three times. The rest of the time, he went by himself. Later on, Chen Ya even began to resist traveling. Whenever he suggested a trip for just the two of them, she would refuse no matter how good it sounded. But if her siblings or friends were included, she would agree even if the destination wasn’t appealing.
Over time, Lin Chen lost the desire to suggest it again. The two of them ended up living separate lives, each doing their own thing.
Anything he said, any topic he brought up, seemed uninteresting or ill-timed in Chen Ya’s eyes. It was something he had never quite understood… but now, it no longer mattered. Chen Ya was no longer his wife. He no longer had the right to expect anything from her. New chapters come out on novelping . com first.
Sitting in the car, lost in thought, Lin Chen didn’t notice when the door suddenly opened with a bang. Bai Mengyan stood there, pulling a suitcase, her neatly tied ponytail swaying as she smiled brightly at him. That smile, in that instant, seemed to chase away his lingering loneliness.
“Open the trunk. I need to put my suitcase in,” she said, puffing her cheeks slightly in annoyance. She had been standing there for quite a while, yet he hadn’t noticed her at all.
“I’ll do it,” Lin Chen said quickly, getting out of the car with an almost eager tone.
Bai Mengyan dragged her suitcase to the back, shooting him an unhappy look. “Uncle, I’ve been standing here for several minutes, and you were just lost in your own thoughts, completely ignoring me.”
“Hey, why are you calling me that again? Didn’t we agree you wouldn’t?” Lin Chen replied while taking her luggage and placing it in the trunk.
“I’ll call you Uncle if I want, Uncle. By the way, what were you thinking about just now? You looked so absorbed.”
Her playful complaints followed as they both got into the car. Lin Chen felt a bit embarrassed and said, “Just remembered some things from the past… sorry.”
Seeing his mood dip, Bai Mengyan didn’t press further. Instead, she smiled mischievously and said, “I’ll give you a chance to make it up to me. Fasten the seatbelt for this fairy.”
Lin Chen chuckled and nodded. Leaning across her, he caught a faint floral fragrance from her. As he clicked the seatbelt into place, their eyes met at close range. In an instant, her cheeks flushed red, and Lin Chen himself felt a bit flustered.
A brief silence followed…
Then Lin Chen started the car. Amid that small, lingering awkwardness, the two of them set off together on their trip to Donghai.