"I want to take a picture there." That's what Luo Jingyi kept hearing from Aunt Alice so they made numerous stops along the way. Uncle Antoine, who was already acclimated to Aunt Alice's behavior, became the photographer.
Luo Jingyi merely observed the interaction between the couple. She admired how their relationship weathered the challenges life had thrown them. She'd never once heard them argue.
"Let's go." Yun Jinghan urged. When she moved her head in refusal, he poked her on the arm and pushed her out gently.
When they arrived at the entrance of the bridge, he instructed her. "Strike a pose."
So Luo Jingyi positioned herself beneath the two big statues.
"You are so stiff. Are you trying to emulate Monalisa?" Yun Jinghan gushed seeing her robot-like stance.
Luo Jingyi put on a simple smile. Feeling discontented, Yun Jinghan put his arm on her shoulder, pulled her closer and snapped a picture of them.
His movement was so timed that even if Luo Jingyi wanted to protest, she couldn't because the couple was looking at them. In the end, Yun Jinghan managed to capture that upward curve on her lips.
"Pretty!" He exclaimed as he zoomed out the photo.
'You could never win Luo Jingyi.' A voice in her head shouted.
....
As they were enjoying their lunch in one of the restaurants, Aunt Alice suddenly announced, "I want to go fishing."
Uncle Antoine's attention flew to them in helplessness. Minutes ago, they agreed to continue their tour around the place. But it seemed, her aunt changed her mind.
Yun Jinghan pitied Antoine Lacroix for being completely defeated by his wife.
In the end, the four of them joined another group to go fishing. The boat was marooned farther from the beach, so they had to cross the water to get into it.
Both Luo Jingyi and Yun Jinghan stared down at her skirt. Yun Jinghan understood her dilemma so without saying anything he carried her. So she wouldn't fall, Luo Jingyi slung her arm on his neck. His masculine scent permeated to her nose. The closeness made her pulse race. Bracing herself for an attack, she closed her eyes and hummed.
"I'll be quick. Just listen to my voice." He murmured, noticing her reaction.
His husky voice echoed to her ears as he sang a popular ballad. She forced herself to focus, ignoring her accelerating heart. She was immersed in his singing that she didn't realize he already put her down.
"You okay?" Yun Jinghan removed her wide-brimmed hat. Good thing that the sun wasn't blaring today.
She answered with a nod and wiped the sweat on her forehead.
"You've set the bar!" Uncle Antoine praised Yun Jinghan because everyone followed what he did.
After the guide explained what to do, everyone got busy on their own. Yun Jinghan and Luo Jingyi occupied the back part while the Lacroix couple were on the other side. Uncle Antoine was standing behind his wife and was assisting her.
"They have a good relationship. How long have they been married?" Yun Jinghan put the question forth when he saw where she was looking at.
"I think more than 30 years."
"My parents lasted for 3 years before they realized they aren't meant for each other. But they couldn't divorce immediately so they both had affairs outside. Eventually, when my maternal grandmother found it out. They promised to work it out which resulted in—me being born in this world. Sadly, two years later, they could no longer stand each other." He revealed nonchalantly.
Luo Jingyi wasn't sure what to say. The original's parents were only married for a few years too before they separated.
Out of the blue, Yun Jinghan faced her. With his lopsided grin, he proposed, "Let's get married."
Luo Jingyi angled her head and gaped at him.
"No." She refused.
Yun Jinghan laughed crisply.