As they savored their lunch with Xin Han and Yi Ting, Xin Yue's cellphone interrupted the moment with an unexpected call. Frowning slightly, she glanced at the caller ID before answering. "Hi, Mom, what's up?"
"Ah Yue, how are you? Why don't you come home? It's almost New Year's," her mother's voice came through the phone, filled with concern.
"Um, I'm actually in Tainan at the moment. Han Gege asked me to explore his resort for potential expansion," Xin Yue explained, shooting a quick apologetic glance at Xin Han for the fib.
"What? Why didn't you tell us? And who are you with?" her mother's worry was palpable. "Ah Lang, why did you let your sister go to Tainan alone for work? Why didn't you accompany her?" she scolded Xin Lang in the background.
"Mom, he doesn't know I'm here. And I wanted to experience the lantern festival here as well. It's not Gege's fault," Xin Yue reassured her mother, taking a deep breath before adding, "And I'm not alone. My assistant drove me here." She instinctively intertwined her fingers with Chang Yi's.
"Poor thing, bringing her to work during the holidays. Sweetheart, bring her home tomorrow. Your father and I miss you so much. How about we have dinner together tomorrow?" her mother suggested, her tone softening with affection.
Unable to resist her mother's invitation, Xin Yue finally agreed, promising to return home the next day.
After the call ended, Xin Yue let out a sigh, feeling a mix of guilt and anticipation. "Looks like we're heading back tomorrow," she informed Chang Yi, a hint of disappointment in her voice.
Chang Yi nodded understandingly, squeezing Xin Yue's hand gently. "It's okay. We'll make the most of the time we have left," she reassured her, offering a comforting smile.
As they finished their meal, Xin Yue's mind was already drifting to the lantern festival they would attend later that evening. She couldn't wait to experience the colorful spectacle with Chang Yi by her side.
After lunch, Xin Han and Yi Ting offered to show them around the resort, eager to share their vision for its expansion. As they walked along the winding paths, Xin Yue couldn't help but admire the natural beauty surrounding them—the lush greenery, the sound of waves crashing against the shore in the distance.
"It's truly breathtaking," Xin Yue remarked, her eyes scanning the picturesque scenery around them.
Xin Han nodded proudly, his gaze sweeping over the landscape. "We're hoping to preserve as much of the natural beauty as possible while still accommodating the needs of our guests," he explained.
As they continued their tour, Xin Yue felt a sense of tranquility wash over her. Being surrounded by nature had a calming effect on her, and she found herself grateful for the opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, if only for a little while.
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the landscape, Xin Yue's excitement for the lantern festival only grew. She couldn't wait to share the experience with Chang Yi, knowing that it would be a memory they would cherish for years to come.
As the day turned into evening, Xin Yue and Chang Yi returned to their cottage to freshen up before heading out to the lantern festival. The anticipation bubbled between them as they changed into more festive attire, their excitement palpable in the air.
Once they were ready, they made their way through the resort, following the sound of music and laughter that drifted through the night air. The atmosphere was alive with energy, the lanterns casting a soft, ethereal glow over the crowd.
~~
Xin Yue's eyes sparkled with wonder as they entered the festival grounds, taking in the sight of colorful lanterns illuminating the night sky. Chang Yi's hand found hers, their fingers intertwining as they navigated through the throngs of people.
The festival was a feast for the senses—brightly lit stalls selling all manner of treats, the aroma of street food wafting through the air, and the sound of traditional music filling the night. Xin Yue couldn't help but feel swept away by the magic of it all, her heart overflowing with joy.
As they wandered through the festival, they stopped to admire the intricate lantern displays, each one more beautiful than the last. Chang Yi's arm wrapped protectively around Xin Yue's waist, drawing her close as they marveled at the sights before them.
In the midst of the crowd, they found a secluded spot near the water's edge, away from the hustle and bustle of the festival. They sat side by side, watching as the lanterns floated serenely on the water, their reflections dancing in the gentle ripples.
Under the soft glow of the lanterns, Xin Yue and Chang Yi shared quiet moments together, lost in the magic of the night. As they gazed up at the starry sky above, Xin Yue couldn't help but feel grateful for this moment of peace and happiness, knowing that she was exactly where she was meant to be—with Chang Yi by her side.
As they walked hand in hand, the soft glow of the lanterns illuminated their path, casting a romantic aura around them. Xin Yue's heart fluttered with anticipation as they strolled through the enchanting streets, the warmth of Chang Yi's hand in hers filling her with a sense of contentment.
With each step they took, their connection deepened, as if the magic of the festival was weaving their destinies together. Lost in the moment, Xin Yue turned to Chang Yi and cupped her face tenderly, her eyes reflecting the flickering light of the lanterns above.
Without a word, Xin Yue leaned in and pressed her lips to Chang Yi's, the kiss igniting a fire within them both. Time seemed to stand still as they melted into each other's embrace, the world around them fading into insignificance.
In that fleeting moment, they were consumed by the intensity of their love, their hearts beating as one beneath the starlit sky. And as they pulled away, their eyes locked in a silent exchange of devotion, they knew that this was only the beginning of their journey together