After spending some time soaking in the sea, they climbed up the wooden ladder back onto the platform. Yu Shuman insisted Qin Ran go first, saying she could look out for her since she had more stamina. Qin Ran's bare feet gripped the smooth wooden ladder as she pulled herself up. The craftsmanship was excellent—there wasn't a splinter in sight.
Once on the platform, Qin Ran turned to look at Yu Shuman, who was still in the water, holding onto the rail. The sunlight glimmered off the waves, casting a beautiful shimmer across the surface. Yu Shuman's wet dress and flowing hair made her look like a mesmerizing siren, especially when she smiled at Qin Ran with a radiance that rivaled the sun.
These past few days at home, Qin Ran had been careful not to disturb Yu Shuman too much, knowing how exhausted she had been. Every night, Yu Shuman fell asleep the moment her head hit the pillow, as if she was trying to catch up on all the sleep she'd missed while working.
As Yu Shuman climbed the ladder, water droplets trickled off her dress, making a gentle splash as they hit the sea. Once she reached the platform, she flicked her wet hair back and said, "Let's go back." She bent down to gather the shoes they had kicked off before jumping into the water, carrying both pairs by their straps in one hand while holding Qin Ran's hand with the other.
Qin Ran followed, holding the now-misshapen hats, feeling the discomfort of her wet clothes sticking to her skin. Once the seawater dried, it left behind a thin layer of salty residue, making her legs feel gritty. When they reached the villa, they found a hose in the garden, meant for watering plants. Neither of them hesitated; they used it to rinse off their legs and feet before heading inside for a proper shower.
After a relaxing soak, they returned to the villa to find it was already five in the afternoon. Qin Ran's assistant had been busy preparing a BBQ, just as Qin Ran had instructed earlier. The assistant had a knack for understanding romance and knew exactly how to make the evening special for her boss.
The BBQ was set up on the beach, just a three-minute walk from the villa. The assistant had arranged a white canopy with billowing curtains that swayed in the sea breeze. Three bonfires were lit nearby, crackling softly, while a smokeless grill stood ready, stocked with fresh ingredients and drinks, waiting for Qin Ran and Yu Shuman to arrive.
Qin Ran quickly finished her shower and left the bathroom. She was faster than Yu Shuman, who had been warned by her agent, Sister Li, to take extra care of her skin. After spending the afternoon in the sun, she made sure to pamper herself before stepping out.
When Yu Shuman emerged, she looked stunning in a dress with a bold red base and large yellow flowers, a halter neck that left her back bare. Her hair was braided, hanging over her chest, and she had a large red flower tucked behind her ear, still fresh and dewy as if it had just been plucked. Though the dress was eye-catching, Yu Shuman felt a bit self-conscious. "Is it too bright?" she asked.
"No way, you look amazing," Qin Ran assured her, wishing she could snap a photo and share it with the fan community, knowing they would rave about how gorgeous Yu Shuman was. But Qin Ran wasn't one to share—Yu Shuman's beauty was something she preferred to keep for herself.
"You look so stunning, Manman. You should always dress like this. If you dressed as plainly as me, it'd be a waste of that beautiful face of yours."
Yu Shuman, however, disagreed. "What are you talking about? You look great too, Xiao Ran. The best, actually." To Yu Shuman, Qin Ran was beautiful in every way, even in her simple outfit—a light cream V-neck shirt tucked into loose, light-brown pants, paired with matching sandals. To Yu Shuman, Qin Ran had a gentle beauty that could envelop her in warmth.
For others, though, Qin Ran's "gentleness" was more like a fierce dragon, known for her strong, commanding presence. Yet in front of Yu Shuman, Qin Ran was completely harmless. Thinking back to the first time they met, Qin Ran had been able to control her feelings, even while being smitten. She had considered all the risks, debating whether to invest her heart in someone so deeply. Now, years later, she was nothing but a happy, love-struck fool, calling out "Manman" at every turn.
They made their way to the BBQ spot, where the assistant had everything ready. Both Yu Shuman and Qin Ran were now capable cooks, so the task was easy. Yu Shuman grilled a skewer of beef, leaning close to Qin Ran to share it with her. The flavors were balanced, though Qin Ran felt it needed more heat and sprinkled on some chili flakes.
"Delicious," Yu Shuman said after taking a bite.
The two of them were quite different in how they reacted to good food. Yu Shuman was straightforward, praising it enthusiastically, while Qin Ran, always a bit stubborn, would simply say, "It's alright" or "Not bad."
As Yu Shuman grilled more skewers, Qin Ran decided to prepare some lettuce wraps. She added beef, chili flakes, and garlic, wrapping it all up before offering it to Yu Shuman. "Say ah~," she teased.
Yu Shuman smiled and opened her mouth wide, taking the entire wrap in one bite. Her cheeks puffed up as she chewed, and Qin Ran quickly opened a bottle of Sprite, worried she might choke. After a long gulp, Yu Shuman sighed in satisfaction.
As Qin Ran grilled chicken wings, she realized they were taking much longer than expected. Yu Shuman had already grilled several skewers, yet Qin Ran's wings were still roasting away. At last, they were done, golden and glazed with honey. She proudly offered the first wing to Yu Shuman, who immediately took a bite.
"Careful, it's hot!" Qin Ran warned, but Yu Shuman, eager to taste, had already burned her tongue. Qin Ran leaned in to check on her, only to bump heads with her. "Ouch!" Qin Ran winced.
Yu Shuman, however, found it hilarious. She took the wing off the grill and offered it to Qin Ran. "It's cooled down now. Try it."
Qin Ran, still a little flustered, bit into the wing and nodded in approval. "Not bad."
"Of course, it's good! Xiao Ran made it!"
By the time they had eaten their fill, their bellies were full, and they strolled hand-in-hand along the beach, allowing the food to settle. Once they felt less bloated, they returned to the villa.
Without wasting a moment, Qin Ran led Yu Shuman straight to the bedroom. As soon as they entered, they were locked in an embrace. The red flower in Yu Shuman's hair fell to the floor, quickly followed by her dress. Lying on the bed, Yu Shuman hesitated, "I haven't showered yet..."
"It's fine. We can shower afterward," Qin Ran replied, unfazed. As she kissed Yu Shuman's shoulders, she could still smell the lingering scent of BBQ smoke mixed with spices. Though the scent wasn't particularly pleasant, hidden beneath it was the sweet fragrance of gardenia—Yu Shuman's unique scent, like a hidden treasure.
Despite her protests, Yu Shuman eventually gave in, letting Qin Ran have her way.