Chen Ke's bestie, Fei Xiaoxiao, her rental as well as the {Jinghai Psychological Sanatorium}, were both located in Haicheng's Chunhai District.
They chose this name first because it was a place where hundreds of flowers bloomed, and second because the sea breeze, blowing over the area, felt like a warm spring wind, in stark contrast with the scorching heat of the Rehai District, reminiscent of a barbecue grill.
The three of them didn't go to a high-end hotel, but followed Fei Xiaoxiao to a food street instead.
"Here, you pick your own seafood at the market, then have the shops cook it for you, kind of like a buffet," Fei Xiaoxiao said excitedly, clearly thrilled by her friend's visit.
They sat outside the restaurant — people in Haicheng preferred to dine al fresco, enjoying the view.
Right by the table was a coconut tree, its roots spread over pebbles, looking just like a seaside bonsai, which made Chen Ke take several photos.
When the seafood arrived, Fei Xiaoxiao suggested, "How about some drinks?"
"I can't," Chen Ke said, though her body seemed a bit eager to try.
"No, no," Qiao Yiming refused repeatedly, "I still have to drive back to Lucheng later, can't drink."
"You're heading back today?" Fei Xiaoxiao asked, puzzled.
"Work's busy," Qiao Yiming replied.
"It shows you have a factory at home," Fei Xiaoxiao said half in envy and half teasing.
"Just a small factory, nowhere near as impressive as the two big beauties making their fortunes in Haicheng," Qiao Yiming modestly boasted, "But speaking of which, the psychological clinic Ake visited really has a lot of beauties and handsome guys!"
"Are there really many beauties?" Fei Xiaoxiao asked with underlying intentions.
"Don't set me up, I'm stating facts here. Of course, my Ake is one of the beauties," Qiao Yiming wasn't shy in admitting, but he quickly added, "There are also a lot of handsome guys, especially a new guy named Gu Ran."
"Is he really handsome?" Fei Xiaoxiao asked Chen Ke.
While enjoying the seafood, Chen Ke replied, "He's alright, I didn't pay much attention, I was too busy looking at Teacher Zhuang Jing."
Zhuang Jing was beautiful too— Qiao Yiming's mouth dropped open, but he eventually held himself back.
While the three chatted leisurely, the stalls filled up with people, some even coming straight with their luggage.
Fei Xiaoxiao looked around and said, "This place has become a hotspot now. We'll have to roam the streets to find new, niche, and tasty places in the future."
"Yeah!" Chen Ke signaled that she had something to say.
She covered her mouth, swallowed her food, and then said, "Together."
"Absolutely," came the response.
"You guys look for places, and when the National Day holidays come, I'll join you, and you can take me there," Qiao Yiming chuckled, then stood up, "I'll go grab a couple more drinks."
"Get me a coconut," Fei Xiaoxiao shouted after him.
Once Qiao Yiming was far enough away, she suddenly leaned toward Chen Ke.
Chen Ke was slowly and savouringly enjoying her delicious seafood.
"So?" Fei Xiaoxiao asked in a low voice.
"What's up?"
"That handsome guy! Is he really handsome, or just average?!"
Chen Ke lowered her voice: "Super handsome!"
Fei Xiaoxiao got excited, and Chen Ke's mood also perked up; the two of them weren't excited because of the handsome guy but from the joy of besties sharing secrets.
"Once I get to know him better, I'll introduce you!" Chen Ke promised, always thinking of her best friend when it came to good things.
Fei Xiaoxiao extracted the full conch meat, dipping it in sauce.
"Eat!" she said, feeding Chen Ke by hand, "Conch, boiled white, you have to pick these small ones, the smaller the more tender. The flesh of large conches is thick, suitable for stir-frying or cold dishes."
Chen Ke asked, "Do you prefer the big ones or the small ones?"
"Does size really matter? It's the coarse ones that count."
"Get lost, you female pervert!"
The two laughed together.
"What's so funny?" Qiao Yiming came back, holding three coconuts, and asked with a smile.
"It's none of your business~" Chen Ke was in a great mood.
"Keke is going to break up with you and live with me," Fei Xiaoxiao said.
"Really?" Qiao Yiming sat down.
"Really," Chen Ke said.
Fei Xiaoxiao wrapped her arm around Chen Ke's slender shoulder and made a '√' sign under her chin, showing off a triumphant victor's expression to Qiao Yiming.
Before Qiao Yiming could react, she burst into laughter first.
After the meal, the two sent Qiao Yiming away and tidied up the rented place.
Two bedrooms and a living room; Chen Ke slept in the secondary bedroom, contributing 500 less in rent, and they each took care of their own meals.
Fei Xiaoxiao kneeled on one knee on the bed, helping to make it.
She glanced at Chen Ke, who was tidying up seriously, and ventured, "Why do I feel like you and your boyfriend aren't getting along too well? Did you argue on the way here?"
"Because I insisted on working in Haicheng, at least for five years."
"That makes sense," Fei Xiaoxiao nodded in realization, "he can't leave his family's factory, and you want to follow your dreams. But as long as there's love, long-distance relationships are nothing; those who break up simply don't have love. You need to have confidence in your love."
Chen Ke smiled faintly.
Fei Xiaoxiao observed her, with a tranquil and restrained demeanor, beautiful features, captivating eyes, close-fitting clothes outlining her curves, and with the movement of her arms, her bosom gently swayed.
And that slender waist, long legs, especially the focus and gentleness when doing household chores, there was a special kind of beauty.
Even Fei Xiaoxiao, as a woman, was mesmerized.
"Even if you broke up, it wouldn't matter," she couldn't help saying, "With Keke's qualifications, finding a billionaire in Haicheng would be easy.
"Oh, I get it now. No wonder Qiao Yiming argued with you, trying to stop you from pursuing your dreams, he lacks confidence, afraid he can't hold on to you, worried you'll be pursued by someone richer, handsomer, and can't control yourself."
"Didn't he let me come?" Chen Ke spoke up for her boyfriend.
"Had he not let you, would you have not come? It's not that he let you, it's that he couldn't stop you."
Chen Ke's hands paused.
"I've overstepped! I'm just being argumentative! I'm talking nonsense! Keke, don't overthink it!"
Chen Ke smiled helplessly and continued packing.
"Hey," Fei Xiaoxiao suddenly lowered her voice, "When we're done tidying up, want to go out for a walk?"
Chen Ke was tempted, but still declined, "I start work tomorrow, I should get some rest early. The day after tomorrow is Friday already, let's go out on Friday night."