The undulating green mountains in the distance reflected in a bay of calm, crystal-clear waters. Gentle waves lapped against rocks of various shapes and sizes. This truly was a paradise on earth—no wonder so many people visited Yalong Bay every year.
“Ji Xuan, it’s so beautiful here!” Jing Xin exclaimed, spreading her arms to embrace the sea breeze.
“You’ve been in Sanya for so many days and never visited Yalong Bay? If my father hadn’t sent me to watch over you, would you have worked yourself to death?” Gao Ji Xuan scolded her with feigned anger, noting her increasingly thin chin, which stirred an inexplicable tenderness in his heart.
Jing Xin’s expression fell, the light in her eyes dimming. She reflected on her strenuous months in Sanya and how Jiang Xiang Yang had endured similar struggles alone in Macau.
Feeling guilt for not following him and missing numerous opportunities haunted her, a burden made heavier by the knowledge that time could never be reversed.
Gao Ji Xuan noticed her sudden silence and felt a pang of compassion.
“Jing Xin, work should be taken slowly. You’re pushing yourself too hard. We… we’ll all be worried about you.”
Jing Xin walked to the shore, lounging on a white beach chair, sunbathing with her eyes squinted towards the sky. She watched the clouds drift by, contemplating how to change her mindset and forget life’s burdens.
Gao Ji Xuan draped a thin blanket over her. “Be careful of the sea breeze. Don’t catch a cold. Where would I find such a good assistant then?”
Jing Xin smiled playfully, “Ji Xuan, didn’t you say you don’t want me to work too hard? Since you’re here, give me a few days off. I want to truly enjoy myself in Sanya. You can manage without me, right?”
After a moment, Gao Ji Xuan laughed, “No way. We’re in the opening phase of our new building with much to do. You’re practically a founding hero of the company. After this week, it should calm down. Then I’ll tour Sanya with you, okay?”
“Okay, that works!” She knew she needed to rest, as her mind had been constantly tense. Fortunately, Gao Ji Xuan had arrived, allowing her to finally relax.
