They entered the Italian restaurant nearby and were guided to a cozy table by the window. Qin Yuheng took the menu in hand and ordered for both of them, his voice calm and confident.
"Is there anything you'd like to add?" he asked, lifting his gaze to meet hers.
Shen Ning shook her head, a small smile on her lips. "No, I'm fine with your choices."
After their meal, they made their way to a small dock where a sleek black gondola waited for them. The gondolier, dressed in the traditional striped shirt, greeted them warmly.
Shen Ning gasped. "A gondola ride?"
Qin Yuheng nodded.
He helped her step into the gondola, steadying her with his firm grip. Once they sat down, the gondolier pushed off, and the gondola glided smoothly over the emerald-green water.
The gondolier hummed a cheerful tune, giving the couple their privacy.
As they passed under a low bridge, Qin Yuheng's deep voice pulled her attention back to him. "Do you know," he began, "that every bridge here has its own story?"
She glanced at him, her eyes wide with curiosity. "And what about this one?"
Qin Yuheng leaned in closer, "There's a tradition too."
"What tradition?" she asked, tilting her head.
"They say that couples who kiss under the bridge are blessed with eternal love," he explained, his voice low and magnetic.
Her breath hitched as he leaned even closer. Before she could respond, his lips gently captured hers in a kiss that was both tender and intense. The world seemed to blur, leaving only the soft splash of water and the warmth of his touch.
When he pulled back, her face was bright red. "You did your homework well before coming." He had even known about such a romantic tradition.
His lips curved into a faint smile.
Shen Ning glanced at their joined hands before pointing to him. "You are Eternal," she said, her tone soft, then gestured to herself, "and I am Love. Together, we are the story of this bridge."
His expression softened, and he leaned in to press a gentle kiss to her cheek. "Yes," he whispered, his voice brushing against her skin. "We are Eternal Love."
------
Later that evening, they visited one of Venice's renowned shopping malls.
The shop assistant greeted them warmly. "Good evening, sir, ma'am. How may I assist you today?"
"Show us your latest collection of women's clothes for my wife," Qin Yuheng instructed with his usual calm authority.
The assistant quickly brought over a selection of garments.
Shen Ning's gaze fell on a blue dress. She pointed at it and turned to him. "What do you think of this one?"
He glanced at the dress briefly before meeting her eyes. "If you like it, then let's buy it."
"Please wrap it up," Shen Ning said to the assistant.
"Buy some more?" Qin Yuheng asked, his eyes scanning the store.
Shen Ning shook her head.
His gaze shifted toward a red sleeveless dress displayed nearby. "What about this one? Do you like it?"
"Yes," she replied, a smile tugging at her lips.
"Wrap it up, then," he said, his voice filled with affection.
The assistant quickly packed both dresses. "Would you like anything else?"
As the assistant packed the dresses, Shen Ning turned to the shopkeeper. "Do you have something for men? I'd like to see a few suits."
The shop assistant brought two tailored suits. "Sir, what do think of these suits?"
Qin Yuheng turned to Shen Ning. "My wife, what do you think?"
Her lips curved into a smile. "It will look good on you. Wrap this one up."
He handed the shop assistant his black card before taking the shopping bags from her hands.
Qin Yuheng gently took her hand. "Come with me." He led her to the jewelry store.
She frowned as they stepped inside. "Why are we here? You know I don't care much for jewelry," she said, tugging his hand. "Let's go."
Surprised but indulgent, he allowed her to pull him back out of the mall. "You really don't want to buy anything else?" he asked, glancing down at her.
Shen Ning shook her head. "No, I already have everything I need."
As they walked past the corridor, her gaze landed on a tattoo shop with bold, colorful designs displayed in its window. Her steps slowed down, and her eyes sparkled in curiosity.
"Wanna get a tattoo?" she asked, pointing toward the shop.
Qin Yuheng followed her gaze, then gave her a slight nod. "Okay."
They entered the studio, where the faint hum of a tattoo machine filled the air. Shen Ning's eyes wandered over to a wall displaying sample designs.
The tattoo artist noticed their interest and walked over with a friendly smile. "Looking for something specific?" he asked.
"Not really," Shen Ning replied, tilting her head. "Do you have any suggestions? Something meaningful?"
The artist's eyes brightened. "How about a couple tattoo?"
Shen Ning nodded. "Okay."
"Good," the artist said, taking out a piece of design from the drawer. "This one is an albatross. The albatross is often associated with deep devotion and long-lasting commitment, symbolizing loyalty and faithfulness. A love that lasts a lifetime—two souls bound together through thick and thin, remaining committed to one partner."
Shen Ning's lips curved upward as she looked at Qin Yuheng. "What do you think?"
He studied her expression and asked gently, "You won't feel pain?" He only cared if it hurt her.
She shook his arm playfully. "I'll be fine."
The artist gestured them to a chair. "Take a sit." Then he called his colleague. "This gentleman want the same albatross as his partner. Help him."
The colleague nodded, stepping towards Qin Yuheng.
Then the tattoo artist looked at Shen Ning. "Where would you want, young lady?"
(ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*.✧