Chapter Text
While Hua Cheng was out, Xie Lian took the opportunity to text Shi Qingxuan.
**Wind Master🍃**
Hey, bestie, did you make it to the city? Tell me everything! How’s Hua Cheng’s place?
**Xie Lian🩵**
Hi Shi Qingxuan! I’ve made it, and let me tell you, San Niang’s penthouse is like something out of a fairytale. I’m feeling like a fish out of water, though. I’m not accustomed to this level of luxury. How’s Ruoye doing with Yushi?
**Wind Master🍃**
Ruoye is doing just fine! Yushi said she’s been purring all day. Don’t worry about the luxury, enjoy the experience. Maybe it’ll inspire you to dream bigger, Xie Lian! Besides, you know Hua Cheng is just as down-to-earth as you are, even if their place is out of a magazine. You got this, girl! Now tell me more about the date!
**Xie Lian🩵**
You’re right. We haven't gone anywhere yet. I'm still deciding what to do and how to tell her about what happened to me at the hospital.
**Wind Master🍃**
You don’t have to tell her everything right away, Xie Lian. But when you’re ready, be honest with her. She seems like a good person. I’m sure she’ll understand. Just enjoy your weekend for now, okay? And remember, if you need anything, I’m just a call away.
With Shi Qingxuan's encouraging words in mind, Xie Lian put aside her anxieties and stepped out onto the balcony, breathing in the crisp city air. The view was breathtaking—skyscrapers stretched into the horizon, their glass facades gleaming under the early morning sun. A gentle breeze kissed her cheeks, carrying with it the distant sounds of the bustling city below. Despite her nerves, she felt a strange sense of belonging, as if the city was welcoming her back with open arms.
The sound of the door unlocking snapped her out of her reverie. Hua Cheng returned, her arms laden with shopping bags and a warm smile on her face. "You're up! I hope you had a good shower," she called out. "I got the banana bread, and I found this amazing little café that makes the best coffee. You should try it."
Xie Lian's stomach grumbled in response, and she couldn't help but chuckle. "It smells heavenly," she said, stepping back inside and shutting the door behind her. The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the penthouse, mingling with the faint scent of Hua Cheng's perfume—a delicate blend of jasmine and sandalwood. It was comforting, a stark contrast to the sterile hospital smells that had haunted her dreams.
They sat down at the grand dining table, the sun casting a warm glow across the polished surface. Hua Cheng placed a steaming cup of coffee in front of Xie Lian, along with a plate of banana bread. The sight of it made Xie Lian’s mouth water. “This smells incredible,” she murmured, inhaling the sweet scent.
“It’s nothing compared to what we’ll have at the café later, but it’s a decent start to the day,” Hua Cheng said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She took a seat opposite Xie Lian, and they chatted about their plans for the day, their voices melding with the soft background music.
As they enjoyed their breakfast, "Umm San Niang, what are we going to do today?" Xie Lian inquired, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves.
"Well, I thought we could start with a walk through the city park," Hua Cheng suggested, her eyes lighting up at the thought. "It's not too far from here, and it's stunning this time of year."
The park was indeed breathtaking. Autumn leaves painted the ground with a warm, rustic palette, and the air was crisp and invigorating. They strolled down the winding paths, chatting easily about their childhoods and their shared love for the outdoors. Xie Lian felt a sense of comfort and ease that she hadn't felt in a very long time.
As they approached a serene pond, a sudden gust of wind caused Xie Lian's hair to flutter. She reached up to tuck a stray lock behind her ear, and her hand brushed against the bandage covering her stitches. The reminder of her recent trauma sent a shiver down her spine.
"Is everything okay?" Hua Cheng asked, noticing Xie Lian's sudden tension. "You looked a bit shaken there."
Xie Lian took a deep breath, contemplating how to navigate the delicate subject. "It's just... I had an accident recently," she began, her voice quivering. "I don't know if I'm ready to tell you everything yet, but I don't want to keep secrets from you."
Hua Cheng reached across the table, placing her hand gently on Xie Lian's. "You don't have to tell me anything you're not comfortable with. Whenever you're ready, I'm here to listen," she assured her.
"Thank you, I appreciate it," Xie Lian said, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. She took a deep breath and changed the subject, eager to keep the mood light. "Can we go to the aquarium? I've always wanted to visit one, and I heard the one in the city is the best."
Hua Cheng's eyes lit up with excitement. "Of course, Jiejie! The aquarium is!" She pulled out her phone to check the opening hours. "It opens at ten, so we have enough time to enjoy our walk."
The city park was indeed a tranquil haven, offering a stark contrast to the concrete jungle outside its gates. They strolled along the pebbled paths, surrounded by the vibrant colors of fall. The gentle rustle of leaves and the distant chirp of birds filled the air, providing a serene backdrop for their conversation.
"San Niang, tell me more about your adventures," Xie Lian prompted, her curiosity piqued by the earlier story of Hua Cheng's rooftop escapade.
"Well, if you're into adrenaline rushes, I can take you bungee jumping," Hua Cheng suggested with a mischievous glint in her eye. "But I've got a feeling you're more of a 'look, but don't touch' kind of person."
Xie Lian giggled, feeling her anxieties momentarily dissolve in the face of Hua Cheng's infectious enthusiasm. "Bungee jumping? I don't know if my heart could handle that," she admitted. "But I'd love to go to the aquarium. It's been such a long time since I've been to one, and I've missed seeing the fish."
Their conversation flowed easily as they made their way to the aquarium, a shared sense of excitement building. Upon arriving, they found themselves surrounded by a kaleidoscope of marine life, the vibrant colors and mesmerizing movements captivating them both. They wandered from tank to tank, Hua Cheng pointing out the most fascinating creatures and sharing quirky facts she had picked up along her travels.
"Look, Jiejie, these are jellyfish. They're so graceful, aren't they?" Hua Cheng said, gesturing towards a display filled with the ethereal creatures.
Xie Lian nodded, her gaze fixed on their undulating forms. "They remind me of your eyes," she murmured, not quite realizing what she had said until she saw the surprised look on Hua Cheng's face. She felt her cheeks warm, and she quickly averted her gaze, focusing on the jellyfish as if they had suddenly become the most interesting things in the world.
Hua Cheng chuckled softly, a warm blush spreading across her cheeks. "Thank you," she said, her voice a bit lower, a hint of a smile in her tone. "I've never had anyone compare my eyes to jellyfish before. I'll take that as a compliment."
They spent hours at the aquarium, their laughter echoing through the hushed corridors. As they approached the exit, Xie Lian felt a twinge of sadness at the thought of their perfect day coming to an end. But Hua Cheng had other plans.
"How about we grab some dinner before I take you back to my penthouse?" she suggested, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I know this amazing sushi place that's open late. You've never had sushi until you've tried it here."
The dinner was an unforgettable experience. The restaurant, nestled in a quiet corner of the city, had a serene ambiance that complemented the delicate flavors of the sushi. They sat at the bar, watching the chef artfully craft each piece with precision and care. Xie Lian picked at her food, savoring each bite, while Hua Cheng regaled her with tales of her adventures in China.
Xie Lian fell asleep on the car ride home. She was exhausted but in a good way, like after a day at the amusement park. She felt a gentle touch on her cheek, and she stirred, her eyes fluttering open to see Hua Cheng carrying her to her penthouse. "Ssh Jiejie, go back to sleep," Hua Cheng whispered, her voice a warm embrace in the cool night air.
In the penthouse, Hua Cheng tucked her into bed with a soft kiss on the forehead, "I'll let you rest now. But tomorrow, we're going to have another amazing day together, I promise." Her words lingered in the room like a comforting melody as she switched off the lights and left.