**Six Months Later**
**September 18, 2000 - Seoul**
**Chengxian's Birthday**
Xueer discreetly traveled to Seoul alone, determined to find Chengxian. Despite her attempts to call him, there was no answer, nor did he respond to her text messages.
**Myeongdong Street - 3 PM**
While shopping solo, Xueer was suddenly embraced from behind by a tall man wearing a hat who quickly covered her mouth.
"Xue'er, don't scream. It's me, Chengxian. I'll help you pay, and then we'll catch a train to another destination," he whispered gently.
Chengxian assisted Xueer with her purchases, and soon they were in a taxi headed to Seoul Railway Station.
**Seoul Railway Station - 4:30 PM**
They grabbed sushi, water, and snacks before boarding the 4:45 PM train to Busan.
**On the Train - First Class**
"Why are we heading to Busan all of a sudden? I've never been there before," Xueer asked, curious.
"To avoid the reporters," Chengxian replied.
"Are you worried they'll see me?!" Xueer shot back, her anger evident.
"That's not it. I'm worried they might harm you. I won't allow anyone to hurt my wife," Chengxian declared earnestly.
Xueer embraced him tightly, her gratitude evident. "Thank you," she murmured.
Chengxian pressed a kiss to her forehead.
Three hours later, they arrived in Busan.
They took a taxi to their hotel.
**Haeundae Hotel - 8 PM**
After checking in, they ventured to the seafood street by the seaside for dinner, followed by a stroll along the beach.
**Haeundae Beach - 9:30 PM**
"Wow! This place is stunning! I had no idea Korea had such beautiful coastlines!" Xueer exclaimed.
"There's even more breathtaking scenery. Come back to Korea on your next holiday, and I'll show you around," Chengxian promised.
They shared a warm hug on the beach.
**The Following Morning - 8 AM**
At the hotel, Chengxian and Xueer lay in bed. Chengxian, having just awakened, gently caressed Xueer's face.
"I wish this moment could last forever," he thought quietly.
Just then, his manager called.
"Mr. Song, where have you been?! Everyone is searching for you!" Manager Wang exclaimed anxiously.
"My girlfriend and I are out of the country for a few days. We'll be back in four days," Chengxian responded.
After hanging up, Chengxian glanced fondly at Xueer.
**Seoul TV Station - 8:15 AM**
"Song Chengxian is quite bold! Let's see how long he can stay in love with his girlfriend!" Manager Wang vented angrily.
Half an hour later, Xueer stirred.
"Good morning, Chengxian! Why are you up so early? Is the company bothering you?" she asked.
"Manager Wang just called to check on me," Chengxian replied.
"What are our plans for today?" Xueer inquired.
"I'm taking you hiking. The views are incredible!" Chengxian said with enthusiasm.
"Great!" Xueer beamed.
After breakfast, they took a taxi to Oryukdo Skywalk.
**Oryukdo Skywalk - 11:30 AM**
"Wow! The views here are breathtaking! Let's go hiking!" Xueer suggested.
As they climbed, Chengxian noticed several people gazing at Xueer.
"Why is everyone staring at her?" he pondered.
He overheard a group of older women whispering.
"Isn't she the mistress?" one remarked.
"Good thing Xue'er doesn't understand Korean," Chengxian thought, puzzled. "Why would they think she's a third party?"
Xueer noticed Chengxian's unease.
"Chengxian, are you okay? You look troubled!" she asked, concerned.
"It's nothing. Let's head down the mountain. I'll treat you to crabs," he suggested.
"Alright," Xueer agreed.
They took a taxi, where Chengxian soon dozed off against Xueer's shoulder.
Curious, Xueer scrolled through her phone and stumbled upon a scandal involving Chengxian.
"Song Chengxian and Zhang Feifei had a one-night stand during filming. Zhang Feifei claims their relationship is serious."
"Is this why those women were staring? Chengxian has been hiding so much from me!" she thought, her anger rising.
**Jijang Seafood Street - 12:30 PM**
"Chengxian, wake up. We've arrived," Xueer said gently.
"Oh," he replied, still groggy.
They stepped out of the taxi, browsing shops and purchasing kelp and pickles before dining at a nearby restaurant.
**In the Restaurant - 1 PM**
"Isn't that Song Chengxian? Who's that woman with him?" the shopkeeper asked.
On the TV, Zhang Feifei held a press conference. Fortunately, Xueer's back was turned, shielding her from the news. Chengxian, however, was not so lucky.
"What are Feifei and Manager Wang doing together in that picture? They must be trying to ruin my relationship with Xueer!" he fumed internally.
Xueer feigned indifference as she continued to eat, but inside, she felt uneasy.
"Can we head to the train station? I hear it's quite special," she suggested.
"Sure," Chengxian replied.
"Let's also stop by Jalgachi to see my dad, okay?" Xueer added.
"Okay," he agreed.
**Jijang Railway Station - 3 PM**
"This station has such a nostalgic feel. I really like it here," Xueer remarked.
"We'll come back often," Chengxian promised.
They boarded the train.
**On the Train - 3:30 PM**
"Chengxian, you really haven't lied to me, have you?" Xueer asked.
"Why do you ask that? What's wrong?" Chengxian inquired.
"You know exactly what I'm talking about!" she retorted angrily.
The rest of the journey was spent in silence.
**Jalgachi Mimi Restaurant - 5:30 PM**
"Stay here; I'll go find my dad," Xueer instructed.
**In Mi Gao's Office**
An Zaikang and Mi Gao were deep in discussion when Xueer quietly entered.
"Dad!" she called out.
"Leave! How rude! Can't you see I'm in a meeting?!" Mi Gao snapped.
"I'm sorry, I'll leave," Xueer murmured, retreating.
"Mr. Mi, is this your daughter? I've never heard you mention such a beautiful girl," Zaikang said, intrigued.
"Dad, if you're busy, I'll head out with Chengxian," Xueer said.
Zaikang stepped in front of her just as Chengxian approached.
"So, your daughter is Song Chengxian's girlfriend? You must be the mistress, unaware that he has a fiancée, Zhang Feifei," Zaikang insinuated.
Chengxian burst into the office.
"An Zaikang! What nonsense are you spouting?! Xue'er is my fiancée! We're leaving now!" he said, fury evident.
They exited the office together.
"Boss Mi, I'm very interested in your daughter. If you can arrange for her to join An's Group, I'll help you with your new restaurant shares," Zaikang proposed.
"But she's Chengxian's fiancée," Mi Gao interjected.
"I can break them up! I'll make her my secretary and more! Just wait and see!" Zaikang smirked.
Chengxian and Xueer made their way to Busan Tower.
**At Busan Tower - 6 PM**
Chengxian purchased a love lock and inscribed it with,
"I will love Xue'er for three lifetimes and beyond."
"You don't have to write all those sweet words! I don't believe you!" Xueer snapped back.
"Then believe that playboy, An Zaikang! Do you even know who he is?!" Chengxian retorted, frustration building.
"I don't know him at all! How do you explain this scandal?!" she countered angrily.
"It's all about Zhang Feifei!" Chengxian exclaimed.
"So the rumors about you and Zhang Feifei are true! Song Chengxian, let's break up! Stop dragging me into this! Your promises are all lies!" Xueer cried.
Chengxian pulled her close, desperation in his voice.
"Xue'er, don't believe the rumors! The scandal with Zhang Feifei was strictly professional! My heart belongs to you! You promised to support me in my career!" he pleaded passionately.
"Chengxian, let's return to Seoul tomorrow. I can't handle this anymore. Just let me go," Xueer said softly, her resolve firm.
With that, she walked away.
**- End of Chapter -**