Chapter 128: Young Master Xia!

I arrived at Zhao Sijie’s residence and successfully picked her up. She was dressed in a simple, casual outfit that still managed to look stylish—the perfect attire for an outing.

"Where would you like to go?" Xia Yu asked. He noticed that, at some point, his gaze toward her had naturally softened.

"Anywhere is fine. It’s been so long since I’ve had a break; I just want to go out for a walk and clear my head," she replied.

"Alright, I’ll keep you company." Xia Yu squeezed her hand and started the car.

Following her lead, they spent the first part of the day at her alma mater, Shenzhen University. They walked hand-in-hand, and although she acted relaxed, the worry in her eyes did not escape Xia Yu. He realized she had something on her mind. However, since she didn’t bring it up, he wisely chose not to press her, not wanting to ruin her mood.

By evening, she said she was exhausted and wanted to stop walking; she was craving seafood. They headed to the coast, checked into a seaside villa, and enjoyed a delicious seafood dinner. She seemed happy and natural throughout, yet Xia Yu couldn't help but feel that her demeanor was a bit forced.

After dinner, they strolled along the beach. The shore was lively, with people dancing around bonfires and street performers putting on shows.

"I really envy these people. They can spend every day with their families or lovers, walking and playing whenever they have free time. Look at how sincere and happy their smiles are—that’s the life I yearn for," Zhao Sijie said, watching the crowd with visible longing.

"If that’s the life you want, I can give it to you," Xia Yu said with a gentle smile, holding her hand. He had realized long ago that while he had once held feelings for Lin Yuqing, Zhao Sijie was the girl he truly loved.

"But it’s not that easy. In this world, no one can escape the burdens of reality," Zhao Sijie said bitterly. "Everyone has pressures and troubles. They might be laughing happily now, but tomorrow could be another day of suffering. For the sake of survival, people toil away, pandering to bosses and clients, living like dogs just to scrape by, never daring to relax for even a moment."

"It’s because they have nowhere to retreat. Even knowing they’re walking into a dead end, they have to keep pushing forward. Brother Yu, I can relate to that all too well."

"Sijie, I know you’ve suffered a lot," Xia Yu said, hugging her tightly with a ache in his heart. "But don’t be pessimistic. Because you have me, you will definitely be happy. Trust me!"

Zhao Sijie felt a lump in her throat, warmed by his words, but she dared not look him in the eye. She changed the subject. "Brother Yu, the night view over there is beautiful. Let’s go take a look."

They eventually sat down on some rocks along the beach. The sea breeze brushed against their cheeks, blowing their hair in the wind, which felt refreshing. Still, Zhao Sijie remained heavy-hearted. Xia Yu couldn't help but ask, "Sijie, if something is bothering you, you can tell me. Don't carry it alone."

"I... I don't have anything on my mind." Zhao Sijie looked a bit flustered, forcing a smile. "I’m very happy being with you. I was just thinking about my younger brother and wondering how he’s doing."

"It’s alright. If he’s truly turned over a new leaf, he’ll come back to find you eventually," Xia Yu comforted her. Blood is thicker than water, after all; he understood her concern.

"I hope so." She nodded and said softly, "Brother Yu, it’s a bit chilly. Could you hold me?"

"Of course." Xia Yu held her without hesitation, and she leaned into his embrace. Looking out at the dim, rolling waves, she felt a sense of happiness, wishing time could stop at this very moment. At that thought, her eyes welled up, and she quickly closed them to keep him from noticing.

Once she calmed down, she pointed toward the vast ocean. "Where do you think the end of the sea is?"

"I don't know," Xia Yu replied.

"Pfft, I don't know either," Zhao Sijie laughed. "The sea looks endless, but it must have an end somewhere, even if we don't know where." She paused, then added, "Are human relationships the same? They seem so perfect, but you never know when they might reach their end."

"Hmm?" Xia Yu asked in surprise. "Sijie, what are you trying to say?"

"Brother Yu, do you love me?" She turned to look him straight in the eyes. "I know you had feelings for Yuqing. What about now?"

Xia Yu’s expression stiffened. He had once been honest about his feelings with her, but this was the first time they had touched on such a sensitive topic since they officially became a couple. He felt a pang of guilt; it seemed she had remembered it all along, only pretending not to know to avoid making things difficult for him. She was such a sensible girl—so sensible it made his heart ache.

"I love you. I really do." He continued, "I do still have feelings for Yuqing, but it is the love of a brother for his sister. I only wish for her happiness. You are the girl I want to spend the rest of my life with."

Tears instantly streamed down Zhao Sijie's face. She was surprised, yet saddened and even guilty. She felt lucky that her feelings weren't misplaced, but she was terrified of hurting him.

"Sijie, why are you crying? Was that so surprising?" Xia Yu asked with a wry smile.

Zhao Sijie said nothing; she simply wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. Feeling her affection, Xia Yu felt truly happy, for she was the girl he loved. He had long since begun to cherish this precious relationship.

These three days were undoubtedly the happiest of their time together—a truly delightful and unforgettable vacation. Even Xia Yu, who had grown cold and ruthless on the battlefield, was touched by this love and cherished her all the more. Of course, they had their fair share of "battles" over those nights, intense and passionate.

Because of that, Xia Yu slept exceptionally soundly on the final night. It wasn't until the following noon, when the blinding sunlight streamed through the window, that he slowly opened his eyes. He sat up to find the room empty. "Sijie...?"

"Where did she go?"

He checked the time; it was already noon. He figured she must have woken up hungry and gone down to eat. He calmly washed up and then tried to call her, but her phone was turned off.

"Nothing bad happened, right?" His heart tightened. Just then, the door opened, and Zhao Sijie walked in.

"You scared me! Where did you go? You were gone when I woke up."

"Why? Are you afraid I'd run away?" Zhao Sijie teased with a playful smile. She held some food in her hands. "Who told you to be such a lazy pig and sleep so late? I was hungry, so I went to get some food. I brought you lunch, too. Eat up, and let’s head home."

Xia Yu smiled and rolled his eyes at her. After a quick meal, they headed back. When he dropped her off at her building and they were about to part ways, Zhao Sijie walked a few steps, then suddenly turned back and called out, "Young Master Xia!"

"What?" Xia Yu answered instinctively. Then, his expression shifted slightly as he realized how she had addressed him. He said, feeling a bit awkward, "W-what Young Master Xia?"