The morning sunlight streamed in, marking the beginning of a new day.
Chen Zhaoyue climbed out of bed, the thin blanket sliding down to her waist.
She turned her head to see a little bundle of pink still rising and falling rhythmically, covered with a small quilt.
Lin Xingyao’s treatment when sleeping in Chen Zhaoyue’s room had clearly improved—she had her own little blanket, an adorable cat plushie, and her mother’s gentle voice reading her bedtime stories.
The other mother would simply place her on the bed, cover her with a blanket, and, without a word, just gently pat her.
Chen Zhaoyue quietly got out of bed, went to the bathroom to wash her face and do her skincare routine, and after finishing her regimen, walked out of the room.
As soon as she stepped out, she heard the clattering of dishes coming from the kitchen, her gaze landing on a busy figure inside.
Lin Yiren had actually already made breakfast.
“Breakfast is ready. Is Xingyao awake?” Lin Yiren undid her hastily tied hair and spoke to the just-awakened young lady.
Catching the fresh aroma, Chen Zhaoyue smiled and said, “I’ll go wake her up.”
It didn’t take long before Xingyao was carried out, excitedly shouting, “Let’s go!” showing her endless enthusiasm for going out to play.
Breakfast ended amidst lively chatter.
Lin Yiren quickly tidied up her own and Xingyao’s clothes, grabbed the camera, put on a baseball cap, and got ready to leave.
Just then, the young lady’s bedroom door opened. Chen Zhaoyue came out, dragging one large and one small suitcase.
She wore a light yellow sports dress, paired with frilly white ankle socks, and a cropped t-shirt that revealed a slender, fair waist.
So beautiful—Lin Yiren found herself unable to look away for a moment, quickly pretending to focus elsewhere when she realized it.
She recalled watching upperclasswomen from the Dance Club perform on the university field, many of them dressed like this. She couldn’t remember their faces anymore, but the youthful vibrancy of their dance was etched into her memory.
Now, this picturesque girl was about to travel with her, and Lin Yiren’s heart fluttered.
Chen Zhaoyue saw Lin Yiren dressed plainly in black, hat on, backpack slung over her shoulder, ready to go.
Her elegant brows furrowed, and she set the two suitcases down with a “thump” in front of her.
Startled by the sound, Lin Yiren snapped back to reality and asked, “What’s all this?”
“Essential for going out.”
Chen Zhaoyue pointed at one of the suitcases. “This is clothes, cosmetics, and sunscreen.”
Then she opened her shoulder bag, pulled out a bottle, and sprayed Lin Yiren. “Your nice skin must be suffering with you.”
Lin Yiren felt embarrassed, only to have another pink package tossed into her hands.
“I still don’t know your cycle, so keep these on you.”
Lin Yiren’s cheeks turned slightly red as she put the item into her bag.
She was still stuck in the mindset of grabbing a few clothes and heading out.
After loading everything into the car and settling the babbling Xingyao into her seat, Lin Yiren asked curiously, “What about the little suitcase?”
“Of course, that’s Xingyao’s snacks.” Chen Zhaoyue spoke with pride, lecturing the other parent like a “seasoned” mom.
Just then, Xingyao called out, “Kitty! Want to read!”
“Um… is there one in the suitcase?”
“Nope.”
***
The two exchanged glances, reading in each other’s eyes—Looks like we’re far from being truly experienced.
Once everything was ready, Chen Zhaoyue was about to call Uncle Xu, but Lin Yiren stopped her.
She took the driver’s seat, fastened her seatbelt. Although her physique had changed and her line of sight was lower, Lin Yiren was still confident in her driving skills.
Glancing at the vibrant young lady, the tips of her ears reddened as she softly asked, “Do you want to sit in the front?”
Hearing the bashful tone, Chen Zhaoyue’s beautiful eyes curved in amusement. She smiled, “I want to sit with Xingyao.”
Lin Yiren quickly responded, “Alright, then let’s go.” She fidgeted with her clothes, wondering if her outfit was too plain today.
Suddenly, a fresh scent wrapped around her from behind, and a slender, graceful hand patted her shoulder, saying, “Let’s go!”
A childish voice chimed in as well, “Let’s go!”
Lin Yiren smiled, relaxing as she started the car.
Haishi New District was located in the suburbs, backed by Qingling Mountain. When it was developed, a tourism industry had sprung up near Qingling Mountain.
After putting their luggage away in the city, Lin Yiren and the others drove towards Qingling Mountain Gorge.
***
The scenery along the way was tranquil, and most of the tourists were families on outings.
We really do look like a real family traveling together.
A wave of emotion passed through Lin Yiren’s heart as she glanced at the backseat through the mirror. Chen Zhaoyue, after leaving the hotel, had put on light makeup and was holding the adorably dressed Xingyao as they both gazed out the window at the passing scenery.
Long ago, she had once imagined a scene like this.
Retracting her gaze, Lin Yiren felt her heart race just a little faster.
But then, she met her own eyes in the mirror. A gentle-browed, clear-eyed girl quietly stared back at her.
In her fantasies, she was never a girl. What was she now?
A barely audible sigh sounded in the car.