Chapter 47: Watching the Sea
The tacit understanding and trust between them stood out particularly in this simple conversation. Although they did not use many flowery words to express themselves, their feelings for one another were conveyed and understood in silence.
After purchasing the necessary ingredients, they walked hand in hand back to Yao Shan's cozy little nest.
Chu Xun skillfully set about preparing dinner, while Yao Shan assisted him by washing the vegetables and cutting the ingredients, occasionally telling a small joke in an attempt to make the whole process lighter and more enjoyable.
Chu Xun's movements were practiced and orderly, every step appearing so natural that in his hands, the ingredients seemed to spring to life.
Watching him from the side, a wave of warmth inevitably welled up in Yao Shan's heart.
With the two of them working together in perfect harmony, the kitchen was soon filled with an enticing aroma.
Chu Xun would occasionally turn his head to ask for Yao Shan's opinion, and she would always smile and nod in agreement.
This cozy atmosphere allowed her to temporarily forget her troubles, making her feel as though she had returned to a peaceful harbor.
The preparation of the dinner felt exceptionally harmonious under their seamless cooperation, and the sound of laughter drifted through the kitchen from time to time, dispelling the gloom in Yao Shan's heart.
Every subtle movement of Chu Xun's revealed his care and pampering for Yao Shan, and this unspoken warmth brought her a long-lost sense of peace of mind.
As each dish was completed, the dining table gradually filled with delicacies that appealed to the eyes, nose, and palate.
Chu Xun carefully placed the final dish on the table, then smiled at Yao Shan and said, "Dinner is ready."
Looking at the table full of delicious food, Yao Shan's heart was filled with gratitude. She knew that Chu Xun was not only nourishing her body with good food, but also warming her soul with his heart.
Sitting opposite each other, they began to enjoy this special dinner.
Every bite of food carried Chu Xun's affection, and as Yao Shan tasted it, the heavy feeling in her heart gradually lightened.
From time to time, Chu Xun picked food for her, his eyes filled with gentleness and concern, as if telling her silently that no matter what difficulties arose, he would always be by her side.
After dinner, Chu Xun voluntarily took on the task of washing the dishes, while Yao Shan helped tidy up the tableware nearby.
Reflected in the kitchen lights, their figures appeared exceptionally warm and intimate.
Watching Chu Xun's busy back, a warm current surged through Yao Shan's heart. She realized that in this world, there are always people who will give you selfless care and support precisely when you need it most.
As night fell, Chu Xun began preparing to leave this quiet place.
"I want to go out for a walk," Yao Shan suddenly broke the silence and spoke up.
On such a beautiful night, she did not want to let it slip away in vain.
"Where do you want to go?" Chu Xun turned his head, looking at Yao Shan with a gentle gaze, and asked softly.
No matter where Yao Shan wanted to go, he had already made up his mind that to the ends of the earth, he would accompany her.
"Let's go see the sea," Yao Shan said slowly, a trace of faint sorrow lingering in her voice.
What she loved most in her heart was the boundless ocean. At this moment when her life was drawing to a close, she longed to once again feel the gentle caress of the sea breeze and the whispers of the waves.
Chu Xun nodded gently without saying much, but his eyes revealed unwavering support for Yao Shan's decision.
He quickly packed up, and together they stepped out the door.
The night was gentle, and the moonlight, like flowing water, spilled over their figures as they walked side by side, as if draping them in a layer of silver gauze.
The car drove slowly toward the seaside. Along the way, neither of them spoke much, but that taciturn silence brought an incomparable sense of peace.
The scenery outside the window receded continuously, and the hustle and bustle of the city was gradually replaced by the tranquil sea breeze.
When they reached the coast, the night was already deep, but the sea surface still shimmered with rippling light, as if countless stars had fallen into the mortal world.
Yao Shan took a deep breath of the salty sea breeze, and the sense of oppression in her heart seemed to lighten by a fraction.
She walked slowly toward the shore with a light step, as though every stride was a silent conversation with the ocean.
Chu Xun followed closely behind, guarding her silently for fear she might take a misstep.
The waves lapped gently against the beach, making a low whispering sound as if recounting the stories of the passing years.
Standing by the water, Yao Shan let the sea breeze blow through her long hair, her gaze hazy and distant.
She recalled many past events—those moments of laughter and tears, happiness and pain, all welled up in her heart at this very moment.
"Sometimes, I feel like this ocean—calm on the surface, but surging with turbulent waves within," Yao Shan said softly, her voice carrying a hint of helplessness and self-deprecation.
Chu Xun walked to her side and gently took her hand, conveying an unspoken warmth.
"No matter how the surface of the sea changes, the depths are always tranquil. You are the same; no matter how chaotic the outside world is, your heart remains strong."
His voice was low and powerful, as if infusing Yao Shan with a steady stream of strength.
Yao Shan turned her head, her eyes meeting Chu Xun's, a complex light flashing in her gaze.
"Over there, someone is setting off fireworks," Yao Shan said, pointing not far away.
In her memory, it had been a very long time since she had last seen fireworks.
The fireworks bloomed in the night sky, their brilliant light illuminating the surface of the sea and reflecting in Yao Shan's eyes.
As she gazed at the colorful fireworks, a complex emotion surged in her heart.
Although fireworks were beautiful, they were fleeting, just like her mood at this moment—holding both brief joy and unspeakable sorrow.
Standing beside her, Chu Xun watched her silently, his eyes filled with understanding and care.
He knew that what Yao Shan needed was not merely verbal comfort, but a shoulder to lean on.
Therefore, he gently patted her shoulder, signaling that he was always by her side.
"Let's go over and take a look," Chu Xun suggested.
Yao Shan nodded and walked with Chu Xun toward the place where the fireworks were blooming.
The fireworks in the night sky were vibrant and colorful, their brilliant radiance casting dazzling reflections across the sea as if lighting up the entire world.
A long-absent smile appeared on Yao Shan's face, and her eyes sparkled with a childlike glow.
Involuntarily, she reached out her hand, trying to touch the beauty that was within reach yet hopelessly out of reach.
Looking at Yao Shan's profile, a wave of tenderness welled up in Chu Xun's heart.
He knew that at this moment, Yao Shan was relaxed and genuine.
"Daddy, Daddy, I want to play more." A familiar voice broke into Yao Shan's eardrums.
It was Pei Yi's voice.
Yao Shan's body shuddered slightly. She turned her head and saw not far away a little boy excitedly pointing at the fireworks in the sky, while his father, Pei Qizhou, watched him with a smile.
And standing right beside them was another person—Xu Miao.
The woman who had taken her place.
She stood there in a daze, unable to take a step, not knowing how to describe her current feelings.