Unexpected Incident : Chapter 11

Three years had passed.

The time of a thousand days and nights had finally washed and smoothed over everything. After a slight pause, life resumed its day to day smooth flow, as if no upheaval had ever occurred.

Bali Island was springlike in all four seasons. It had just rained, and the sun had not yet risen high. The morning light was wrapped in a thin mist, light birdsong, gentle water sounds, mixed with the scent of grass and the dawn air, giving one a lazy pleasure.

In the shade beneath the trees, Xiao Teng was reading a book with a glass of freshly squeezed juice. The children were playing on the beach not far away. Nothing had been arranged for this first day of vacation, and everyone was quite leisurely.

He had picked up a bad habit here, which was wasting time.

Although this was the annual leave he deserved after a busy year, such idleness was truly too decadent for him.

What was worse, in recent years he had somewhat come to enjoy this idleness.

Liu Ning struck pose after pose on the lounge chair beside him, taking selfies from various angles to post on social media, then asked: “You really aren’t considering remarrying?”

Xiao Teng said: “No need.”

“Why? You’ve been single for so many years.”

“Precisely because of that. What’s a bit more singlehood?”

The only two times in his life he had wavered had both proven to be mistakes.

After that, he had lost the ability to love others.

“Oh come on, don’t be like that. There are too few quality men nowadays. You staying single is such a waste of resources.”

“No one will truly like me.”

Liu Ning laughed: “You’re being far too hard on yourself.”

Xiao Teng glanced at her: “It’s true.”

Not just admiring his strength, not beautifying his darkness and coldness because of his strength, but loving even his weak and ugly parts together. Such a person did not exist.

Liu Ning drank her freshly squeezed juice with a sigh: “Ah, if only I had known you were so inwardly insecure and pitiful, I would have taken pity on you and taken you in back then.”

“…”

Your baby is almost due, please don’t say such things.

Liu Ning lay lazily, enjoying the gentle breeze and morning sun, plus the fruit Xiao Yin had prepared for her. The privilege of a pregnant woman was that all five members of the Xiao household willingly served her.

Liu Ning had also gotten married the year before last. With her unreliable personality, she had actually married a handsome and steady young talent. The talent’s only flaw was that he was in a career rise period, truly too busy, and clumsy with words, completely at a loss dealing with his pregnant wife’s hormonal imbalance.

The pregnant woman made a huge fuss about being cooped up at home, wanting to go to an island to relax, wanting to eat the freshest tropical fruit and seafood. Her was at his busiest, overwhelmed and unable to split himself, truly at a loss. Coincidentally the Xiao family (mainly the younger ones) also wanted to go on vacation, so they brought her along.

Actually Xiao Teng had initially wanted to avoid suspicion. Although he was dragging his whole family along, even with Liu Ning there, there would absolutely be no situation of a lone man and woman together. But after all, this was someone else’s wife.

Unexpectedly, though he doted on his wife and was jealous, he was quite at ease and trusting of Xiao Teng, with an attitude of “there’s absolutely no way anything could happen between you two.”

He had no idea what Liu Ning had told her husband about him.

But this vacation lineup was quite harmonious. The Xiao children all had good relationships with Liu Ning, especially the eldest daughter Xiao Pu. The two hit it off immediately, chatting back and forth every day, already advancing to the level of best friends.

In these three years, the children had grown somewhat, reaching the age of understanding. Xiao Teng, who had been a single father for many years, had finally gained some leisure.

Sometimes he felt he had loosened up somewhat, or that some places had slightly given way.

Xiao Teng exhaled and continued reading. This beach had been divided up by various villa hotels, outsiders hardly entered, so even during peak season it was relatively quiet.

In this tranquil time, reading a book he liked with no cares and a heart like still water was simply a luxurious calm.

But this calm was interrupted by a sudden attack.

The so called attack referred to a little dough ball of a girl who appeared from nowhere, hugging his thigh.

Xiao Teng: “…”

“Yummy! This, yummy!”

Xiao Teng was caught off guard: “…”

The dough ball even tried to climb up his leg, pointing at the book in his hand: “This is stwawbewwy, yummy!”

“…”

Xiao Teng pointed at that red design on the cover as patiently as he could, explaining: “This is not a strawberry.”

The dough ball insisted: “It is stwawbewwy!”

“…”

The gril ball looked to be a little over two years old. Xiao Teng had four children himself, but the youngest Xiao Zi at this age was already many years ago, and he had completely forgotten how to deal with creatures of this age.

Liu Ning said: “Ah, whose little girl is this, so cute! Auntie will give you some mangosteen, okay?”

The little dough ball righteously refused: “Black black, dirty dirty!”

“…”

In the end the little girl accepted a small piece of red dragon fruit, because this was “like stwawbewwy” “wed and pwetty.” But her other hand still clung to Xiao Teng’s thigh, making him face a great enemy, afraid to move.

Just as Xiao Teng could not extricate himself, a youth ran over. Seeing the situation, he smiled: “Sorry about that. My Sisi is causing you trouble.”

The youth was very handsome, plus his amiable smile made one instantly feel goodwill.

Xiao Teng said expressionlessly: “It’s fine.”

He did find it somewhat strange and somewhat wary that this youth who looked barely twenty was carrying such a large child, so he asked: “Is this your child?”

“It’s my sister’s.”

Xiao Teng examined carefully. The little girl’s features did indeed have traces of him. Nephews often resemble their uncles, so the identity should be fine.

So Xiao Teng nodded at him, picked up the girl, and handed her back.

The youth took the girl, looked back, and called toward the distance: “Brother in law.”

A young man walked toward them.

Because the man’s face was backlit, for a moment it was not very clear. Xiao Teng had a moment where he thought he was hallucinating. He involuntarily closed his eyes, then opened them.

He had thought everything was in the past. The time apart was already longer than the time they had spent together, what could not be gotten over? He had long since completely forgotten.

Yet the instant their eyes met, it was like pulling a stopper, opening a valve. All of the past surged out with uncontrollable force, churning seas and overturning rivers.

For the first time, his mind went blank for a moment.

When he came back to himself, the young man was already standing before him, smiling gently at him: “What a coincidence.”

Xiao Teng nodded: “Yes.”

Then there was silence.

The time had been long enough for them to forget those once deep emotions.

Hate or resentment, past matters had become smoke and clouds. Now facing each other, only slight awkwardness remained.

Xiao Teng opened his mouth: “So, this is your daughter.”

“Your daughter” was still devotedly eating with a face full of mush.

Rong Liu smiled: “Yes.”

The gril raised her little face, expectantly shouting: “Daddy carry, daddy carry.” Casually wiping fruit puree sauce on his snow white pants, Rong Liu picked her up, his clothes already tragically ruined.

A man raising children by himself could not avoid being covered in dirt

His own children were already grown. He could now look at Rong Liu with the sympathetic eyes of someone who had been through it.

Yet Xiao Teng actually had no leisure to think so much.

He could only devote all his thoughts to reminding himself that this was no longer the Rong Liu of back then who clung to him and found him fascinating. Though it was still the same body, the inside was already a different soul. So he need not think too much, need not have any thoughts.

The little girlin Rong Liu’s arms was the crystallization of Rong Liu and Tan Yao’s love, just as he and Tong Shu back then, at least it was the crystallization of passion.

How men and women have children, he of course knew, and it was perfectly reasonable and normal. Yet the thought of it was like a heavy blow to the head.

That happiness and fulfillment of Rong Liu’s that had nothing to do with him. That passion and intimacy Rong Liu showed another person. It was still too cruel for him.

Xiao Teng’s expression was wooden. No one knew that at this moment he felt like falling into an ice cave, cold penetrating his body, and also like being bitten by a poisonous snake from within, his whole body filled with icy pain.

He involuntarily stared fixedly at Rong Sisi. Rong Sisi had two soft little braids, big watery eyes, a carved jade and powdered jade meat bun of a child, harmless to humans and animals.

Yet he faintly produced an indescribable, and inappropriate, hatred.

He suddenly remembered Liu Gang’s eyes when looking at him back then, and his heart jumped in alarm. He quickly shifted his thoughts, composed himself, and looked at the youth from just now: “So this is…”

The youth was quite generous: “My name is Tan Mi.”

Rong Liu smiled and added: “He is Tan Yao’s younger brother.”

“Oh…”

Liu Ning also took off her sunglasses: “This is Young Master Rong, long time no see!”

Rong Liu seemed startled to see her, then smiled: “Miss Liu.”

Although Liu Ning was over five months along, her figure was still graceful, and she had the look of a delicate young girl. From behind you could not tell she was pregnant at all. If not for the thin summer dress, you could not tell from the front either.

“This is your daughter?” Liu Ning was quite surprised, “I thought you… hey, when did you become a dad, even your daughter is this big?”

Rong Liu smiled.

The children playing on the beach noticed the commotion here and stopped to watch. Seeing Rong Liu, besides surprise, they seemed somewhat hesitant and awkward. For a moment no one stepped forward, dead silent.

Both sides were silent.

Liu Ning opened her mouth to tease Rong Sisi: “Little darling, auntie will take you over there to play with the older brothers and sisters, okay?”

Rong Sisi nodded her little head: “Okay okay okay.”

After she picked up Rong Sisi, Tan Mi also walked away. Rong Liu looked at him and smiled: “Congratulations.”

“???”

“How many months?”

Xiao Teng caught his meaning. Rong Liu had misunderstood.

But for a moment, for some reason, he did not want to explain.

Probably he did not want Rong Liu to know he was still alone, or rather, that he had been alone since Rong Liu left him.

“Five and a half months.”

Rong Liu smiled: “You’re maintaining your condition very well. Seems quite happy.”

“Mm.” With such a doting husband who worshipped the ground she walked on, how could she not be happy.

“When did you get married?”

“Spring of the year before last.”

Rong Liu politely said congratulations again.

Rong Sisi was at a fun age, cute as ice and snow, and without suspense was greatly welcomed. Xiao Yin especially liked her, holding her and not letting go. Tan Mi was also around their age, and the young people quickly started playing together.

The two fathers remaining sat not far away, chatting calmly and conversing, as if nothing had ever happened between them in the past.

Xiao Teng asked: “Just the two of you brought the child to play?”

Rong Liu smiled bitterly: “Not exactly.”

Xiao Teng gave an “Oh.” Right, it would be normal for Rong Liu’s wife to come along too, he just had not seen her earlier.

After a while, he saw a woman walking toward them. Rong Liu also saw her and smiled: “Finally here.”

Xiao Teng held back a spray of juice.

He remembered Tan Yao’s appearance, naturally tall and slender, dazzlingly beautiful. But the person walking over now looked to be at least forty, with a thick waist and broad shoulders, not to mention the facial features. Even if her figure had gone after childbirth, it was not this exaggerated, right?

Rong Liu said: “It’s the nanny I brought to help take care of Rong Sisi.”

Xiao Teng composed himself: “Oh…”

The nanny hurried over, apologizing repeatedly: “Sorry, Young Master Rong, I didn’t keep an eye on the little miss just now…”

Rong Liu said: “Be more careful in the future. Go be with her.”

Xiao Teng did not like gossip, but this looked truly somewhat strange, so he still could not help asking: “Where is your wife?”

Rong Liu smiled: “She didn’t come.”

“Busy with something?”

“She went to an AIDS academic conference.”

Xiao Teng felt this was not quite right. Back then he was also like this, Tong Shu taking the children out to play while he buried himself in work. And then, well, then they got divorced.

Yet he could not say much, only: “Oh. Your vacation time is flexible, you might as well coordinate more with her schedule.”

After a quiet while, Rong Liu said: “Didn’t you know? We’re divorced.”

“Cough cough cough…” The mouthful of juice Xiao Teng had held back for so long finally could not be suppressed, choking into his windpipe.

Rong Liu hurriedly patted his back to help him breathe. Xiao Teng did not want to lose his composure before others, but unfortunately his windpipe was deeply stimulated, and he coughed uncontrollably until his face was completely red.

Rong Liu handed him a handkerchief. He took it and wiped himself, then at the fastest speed composed his expression, frowning: “What happened?”

Rong Liu smiled: “Actually nothing happened. She was the one who asked for the divorce. Didn’t want to stay with me anymore.”

Xiao Teng gave an “Mm,” expressing polite sympathy.

In his heart, a slight, pleasant emotion quietly rose for some unknown reason, called it schadenfreude.

“Then you, uh, your parents, didn’t they try to persuade her to stay…”

“My parents have always been very open minded. Regarding our generation’s love lives, whether together or apart, they don’t interfere,” Rong Liu said, “After all, we’re all adults who know what we’re doing.”

“That makes sense.” The Rong parents were truly model parents.

“However, my in laws were furious.”

Rong Liu’s pouring out of family matters, Xiao Teng did not interrupt. Though with some slight stinging, he did want to listen.

“They have the most traditional mindset, putting family happiness above all else. But Tan Yao doesn’t need family at all. She has nothing to do with the word traditional, destined to not satisfy them. But after all, it’s her own life. She already compromised by getting married and continuing the bloodline. They can pursue it all they want, she completely ignores it.”

Rong Liu looked at his complex expression and smiled: “Did you think Tan Yao was that kind of model woman, a good girl who was exemplary in everything?”

Xiao Teng indicated he did not deny it.

“Human greatness cannot be all encompassing. Someone like Tan Yao, she gives all her passion and love to the poorest and most famine stricken people. She’s actually quite heartless toward family, because she simply has no time to attend to them,” Rong Liu said, “So my in laws have a cold relationship with her, and Sisi is left to me to raise.”

“No one is perfect. Being able to do one thing well in a lifetime is already remarkable.” Xiao Teng did not know why, but he actually spoke up for her.

Though worlds apart from Tan Yao, he could understand her kind of imperfection.

Rong Liu smiled: “Yes. She’s a good girl. So she and I are still good friends now.”

After a while, Xiao Teng said: “It must have been hard on you.”

Learning that Rong Liu was not happy, he had originally thought he would be very glad. But actually it was not so.

He still hoped that the other party at least cherished Rong Liu.

Rong Liu smiled: “Not really.”

“You must be very sad.”

“No,” Rong Liu smiled, “I knew what she was like before we got married.”

“…”

Xiao Teng could not help but slightly envy Tan Yao. Even her flawed parts could be loved by someone.

It was noon, time to coax Rong Sisi back to eat, drink milk, and take her afternoon nap. With the innocent and harmless little Rong Sisi present, the two families could naturally say goodbye to each other. Before leaving, Liu Ning warmly invited Rong Liu’s group: “We booked a beach BBQ for tonight, come join us if you’re free!”

Xiao Pu tugged at her, and Liu Ning said: “After all he’s handsome, and the little brother in law is handsome too. A pregnant woman urgently needs eye candy.”

She truly did not hide her appreciation of male beauty.

The beach at dusk began to get lively. Hotel guests who had come early were waiting for the BBQ and sunset. The dining tables were already set up, the chefs were busy, and the grills were filled with the aroma of fresh shrimp, crab, and fish.

The Xiao children showed unified coldness upon reuniting with Rong Liu. Regarding the children’s deliberate distance, Rong Liu was magnanimous and did not mind. While waiting for the chef to grill the lobster, he chatted with Liu Ning.

Liu Ning occasionally needed to step away, and Rong Liu would sit there alone, quietly fiddling with his phone.

In the past when his children surrounded Rong Liu, he did not like dealing with Rong Liu. Now that they were quite impolite to Rong Liu, he felt it was inappropriate and developed some awareness of being the host.

Xiao Teng actively went over and started a conversation: “What were you chatting about.”

Rong Liu smiled: “Listening to Liu Ning show off her love.”

“…”

Liu Ning defended herself: “I’m just stating the facts of my life!”

“She doesn’t even use names anymore, it’s all ‘my husband this, my husband that,’ listening to it makes my whole body go numb.”

This woman is ruthless when torturing single people. Xiao Teng had seen her social media posts, then quickly blocked her.

“She says her husband, although he looks very dull and old fashioned, is actually very good to her, passionate as fire, and quite interesting in private,” Rong Liu smiled, “I truly didn’t expect that.”

Xiao Teng nodded: “I didn’t expect it either.”

The man looked like you couldn’t get three sentences out of him with three sticks, who knew he was so reserved underneath. Quite well matched with Liu Ning.

Rong Liu looked at him, then smiled slightly.

Xiao Pu had slept too long in the afternoon and arrived late, walking over gracefully. She had grown into a bright and moving beauty, bold and coldly gorgeous.

Seeing Rong Liu, she lifted her little chin and said: “Oh, look who it is.”

Rong Liu smiled and said: “Long time no see.”

“Where’s your wife? Why didn’t she come, aren’t you lonely all by yourself?”

Xiao Teng frowned, about to speak up to stop her, but Rong Liu answered quite frankly: “I’m divorced.”

Xiao Pu gave a scoffing laugh: “So quickly divorced, that was fast. Wasn’t it true love, how come it came fast and went fast too.”

Liu Ning said: “Hey, Xiao Pu, the sour plums you brought, are there any left in the hotel? I’m a bit nauseous, really really want something sour and sweet.”

Xiao Pu glared at Rong Liu and turned to leave.

Xiao Teng said: “Sorry. She was too rude.”

“It’s fine.”

Liu Ning also helped smooth things over: “Hey, Xiao Pu just has a sharp tongue, she didn’t mean to poke at your wound.”

Rong Liu laughed: “It’s nothing, this doesn’t count as poking at a wound for me.”

“…”

The more magnanimous he was, the more the two sympathized with him, and Liu Ning even sighed with emotion.

“…”

Rong Liu said helplessly: “To be honest with you, so you don’t treat me like a glass heart and be careful around me. I’m really fine. Tan Yao and I had a good relationship, but not the kind you’re thinking of. Our marriage had nothing to do with love, purely because she hoped I could help her with this.”

“…”

“At that time, I happened to not care much about marriage, and I owed her quite a few favors, so I married her. Plus I also had something to gain, mutual benefit.”

“…”

Xiao Teng did not dare ask what Rong Liu had to gain, or what he needed. In any case, what he needed to remember was that none of it had anything to do with him.

“Once the need relationship ended, the marriage naturally ended. So I have no regrets. Only, of course, parents like us are somewhat lacking in responsibility toward Sisi.”

In the silence here, lobster was sizzling on coconut shell charcoal, while over there Rong Sisi was pestering Brother Xiao Yin in her baby voice to tell her a story.

Liu Ning said: “Sisi is so cute.”

Rong Liu smiled: “Right. I never thought I would have such a daughter in my life.”

Liu Ning said enviously: “I want a daughter too! A really really pretty one! Any secrets to share?”

Rong Liu said: “Actually Sisi was a test tube baby, with a surrogate mother.”

“Ah?”

“Tan Yao’s uterine condition was not good, so we didn’t let her take the risk and suffer more,” Rong Liu touched his nose, “And also, the two of us could never be intimate.”

“…Why.”

Rong Liu looked at him, as if surprised he asked this question: “Uh, you know what I like.”

Xiao Teng’s heart moved, but immediately knew he was overthinking. Rong Liu just meant he did not like women.

“Besides, if she wanted to marry and have children the traditional way, Tan Yao could just close her eyes and grit her teeth, find any random person. Why would she pester me so much. We’re basically buddies.”

For those brief few seconds, Xiao Teng felt a slight happy feeling. But he quickly extinguished this unreasonable emotion.

He forbade himself from having excessive emotional fluctuations regarding matters related to Rong Liu.

Liu Ning said: “Hey, you say it so casually, but in any case, you and Sisi have it quite hard. Single parent families aren’t easy.”

“It’s fine,” Rong Liu smiled, “Slowly getting used to it. Adults have to pay the price for any decision they make.”

Xiao Teng, a single father who had raised children alone for many years, remained silent on this.

Rong Liu said: “Sisi is lacking some maternal love, but she’ll understand when she’s older. After all, how can everyone in this world be perfect.”

Rong Liu smiled again and said: “Although Tan Yao doesn’t have much time to accompany her, I have plenty of time.”

“…”

Being able to describe doing nothing and loafing around in such a fresh and noble way.

Liu Ning had a sudden inspiration: “Right, Sisi can recognize me as her godmother!”

Rong Liu smiled: “Sure.”

Liu Ning then looked at Xiao Teng: “You can be the godfather!”

Rong Liu was slightly startled, then smiled, looking at him.

Xiao Teng said expressionlessly: “I don’t want to.”

No matter what the real story was between Rong Liu and Tan Yao, it had nothing to do with him.

Rong Liu might indeed not love her, but that did not mean Rong Liu necessarily loved anyone else.

Back then, Rong Liu had truly left him.

The internal reasons, he had thought over countless times in these three years.

The final truth he comprehended was that the reason actually did not matter.

In a failed relationship, many people want to know “why.”

Besides the breath of wanting to get to the bottom of things, it was more holding onto the obsession of “what don’t you like about me, then I’ll change it.”

As if knowing the answer would give you the key to that person’s heart.

But in reality, could you really change?

Humans are the most fickle and yet hardest to change animals.

When someone leaves you, it’s because they know you can’t change.

Liu Ning took a call, getting up to go to the side and talking in a low voice for a long time.

This call lasted a full half hour. Between words her expression was quite sweet. Needless to say Xiao Teng knew who was on the other end.

Rong Liu held his beer, from time to time looking at her with a strange expression, then looking at Xiao Teng, as if quite conflicted, or feeling he should not say much.

After a while he finally could not help asking: “Uh, who is Liu Ning talking to?”

Xiao Teng answered: “Her husband.”

Rong Liu sprayed out a mouthful of beer.

“…Her husband… isn’t here?”

Xiao Teng answered: “He’s too busy, in the country, didn’t come.”

Rong Liu seemed to suppress a cough from his throat and said: “Oh…” Then fell silent.

Quiet for a long while, Rong Liu said again: “Then you…”

“What?”

“You’re still single?”

“…”

Is it really okay to ask someone’s privacy so directly?

Xiao Teng did not answer, but Rong Liu seemed somewhat happy.

This was too schadenfreude.

Originally this beach BBQ dinner was aimed at the famous sunset, but the sky had been overcast all afternoon. Heaven was not beautiful, and they had given up hope of enjoying the sunset, not holding any expectations.

Yet before setting into the sea, the sunset unexpectedly peeked out half a face from between the clouds.

Caught off guard, the entire sea surface instantly became beautiful and magnificent, and the beach suddenly went quiet.

The sky was gorgeous, the sunset glow colorful, the sea surface calm, the most beautiful moment of this day.

Tourists took out their phones one after another to capture this unexpected beauty of the afterglow. After all, anything happening on this beach beneath this magnificent sunset was like a scenic picture.

An old man walking his dog, a couple embracing deeply, Xiao Pu digging for conch shells by the sea, Xiao Yin laughing and lifting Rong Sisi high, and Rong Liu beside him. The golden light of the setting sun fell on the young man’s face, his profile becoming a beautiful yet distant silhouette.

In the prime of youth, gallant and proud, forgetting all the flowers of Chang’an in one night.

Over these years, he had examined the young man’s quiet and silent face countless times in his dreams, unable to speak, just like now.

He watched the play of light and shadow, as if he could hear the sound of his own heart cracking back then.

Rong Liu turned his head and looked at him.

Xiao Teng immediately averted his gaze.

The sunset grew lower and lower, finally becoming a thin bright line disappearing from where the sea and sky met. Gradually, the sky grew darker, the sea became a quiet blue black, and the distant town was already brightly lit.

Candles on the dining table were lit, and the beach was dotted with star like candlelight. Grilled seafood was brought to the table one after another, and the band began singing and dancing.

The beer was quite mellow, the grilled lobster sprinkled with chili and spread with special sauce, the full flavor mixed with spicy aroma making the table lively at once.

Eating had always been an occasion that easily promoted communication. Plus there were many young people who got along well, and Tan Mi was a smooth and tactful youth, his words pleasing people everywhere, contributing greatly to the warm atmosphere.

Rong Liu also seemed much more active, telling jokes and leading everyone in playing werewolf. Xiao Teng could feel his children’s hearts being slowly won over again.

After the initial awkwardness and coldness, they would always remember the happy times spent with Rong Liu back then. Rong Liu was still that interesting and clever young man. Memories would be awakened, and feelings too.

Even he himself, upon first seeing Rong Liu, had had surging thoughts and a moment of shock and动摇, so how much more the children.

When everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, tourists dispersed one after another, and the band had stopped performing, the night was about over.

The two families said goodbye and went back to rest, though their villas were just a stone’s throw away.

Going upstairs, Xiao Zi called timidly: “Daddy.”

“Mm?”

“Tomorrow, can I play with Uncle Rong Liu? They invited me over.”

Xiao Teng said: “Sure.”

Xiao Pu scoffed beside him, expressing disdain and dissatisfaction: “Traitor.”

Only she firmly hated Rong Liu.

Xiao Zi pouted: “What’s wrong, Daddy said it’s okay…”

“Daddy is being magnanimous, an adult doesn’t hold grudges against a petty person. That doesn’t mean we don’t mind.”

“…”

Xiao Teng had never thought such a positive description would be used on him.

Xiao Teng said expressionlessly: “Mind what, he never mistreated you, nor did he wrong our family.”

Rong Liu had been very dedicated to his children. He himself was not a good father. During that time, Rong Liu had nicely made up for his role, spending much time caring for and accompanying them.

He might have grounds to resent Rong Liu, but the children did not.

No, Xiao Teng thought, actually he did not have that kind of grounds either.

If he resented anything, it was merely Rong Liu’s change of heart and departure. But actually Rong Liu had never changed.

Rong Liu had always lived willfully, without bonds, without fear. If he found something interesting he would pursue it, and if he lost interest he would decisively give up. Never hiding, quite frank.

This was how Rong Liu was, and Rong Liu was like this. He had understood this from day one.

The one who changed was actually himself.

From having no heart to having a heart.

That was why those painful foolish delusions arose for no reason.

Xiao Pu said unhappily: “What do you mean he didn’t wrong us, he…” Halfway through she stopped, her lips moving, but ultimately did not continue, only huffing at Xiao Zi: “Anyway you’re not allowed to go. Anyone who goes to be friendly with him again is a traitor.”

Xiao Zi pouted, and Xiao Teng said: “Stop fussing, go to bed early.”

Father’s authority was still there, and the children had no further objections, obediently dispersing.

Xiao Teng returned to his bedroom, stood by the window for a while. Outside were scattered star like lights, and he could faintly seem to see the lights in the nearby villa.

Xiao Teng took a deep breath of the cool night air, to calm the burning restless pain in his heart after this day.

This was only the first day. There were still several remaining days where he would have to coexist with Rong Liu on this unfamiliar island.

Even as just ordinary friends, he hoped Rong Liu would stay by his side more.

This time was happy, though secretly so. Only this dull pain of happiness was, at his age, too inappropriate.

The next day, they were greeted early by an uninvited guest.

“Coming to bother you,” Rong Liu said with graceful bearing and a smile, “Sisi keeps fussing about wanting to play with the older brothers and sisters.”

Rong Sisi was quite liked by everyone, with big eyes and soft hair, little arms and chubby legs, speaking in a baby voice that made people adore her, and smiling at everyone she saw. With this brick for knocking on doors, she could go anywhere.

Now wearing a little dress, she looked especially well behaved, standing at the door saying: “Brothers and sisters!”

Xiao Pu was not friendly to Rong Liu, and could only respond neither soft nor hard: “What bad timing, we’re going out.”

Rong Liu smiled amiably: “Where to?”

Xiao Zi said: “We’re going snorkeling at South Bay!”

“What a coincidence, we were also planning to go snorkeling.”

“…”

Tan Mi also smiled: “Yes, we’re here to relax, no specific plans, we’ll just follow your activities.”

“…”

Xiao Teng spoke up: “But bringing such a small child, it’s not suitable.”

Liu Ning immediately picked up: “I’ll take care of Sisi. Just right, I can’t do any of these activities, I’ll stay here with her.”

Xiao Yin also volunteered: “Then I’ll stay to help too, you all go have fun with peace of mind.”

“…”

The group arrived at South Bay with their own thoughts. This was the center of water activities, snorkeling, deep diving, jet skiing, parasailing, speedboat banana boats, all kinds of things, quite lively.

Those going into the water to play did not include Xiao Teng. He was only responsible for standing there expressionlessly, supervising and inspecting with a serious face.

In the sky there were parasails far and near, rising and falling, colorful and enchanting. Xiao Zi looked at them enviously: “Daddy, can I try parasailing?”

Xiao Teng vetoed with one vote: “No. Dangerous.”

They had been to island vacations more than once or twice, and he had never approved of this kind of overly stimulating activity.

“…”

“Not dangerous,” Rong Liu caught his cold gaze and hurriedly touched his nose, “I mean, you can’t just simply and crudely reject the child like that.”

“…”

Xiao Teng glanced at his little daughter’s wronged face.

As a father, his mindset might be slightly different from before.

After a while, Xiao Teng said: “I’ll try first. If I try it and think it’s not dangerous, you can go. If I think it’s no good, you can’t go.”

As a parent, one inevitably forces guidance on children based on one’s own experience. And for this matter he had no experience at all, so he truly could not casually veto.

The moment he said this, the scene went quiet.

Xiao Pu said: “…What do we do, why does this make me even more worried.”

Xiao Lin also spoke up: “Dad, you’re not young anymore.”

“…”

Rong Liu smiled: “This way, your dad is willing to be the pioneer, that’s a good thing. If you’re worried, I’ll accompany him, so everyone can be more at ease. It’s actually quite simple.”

Xiao Zi said: “Great great!”

Xiao Zi was both happy and nervous.

Xiao Teng very much felt like he was being driven onto a scaffold. He did not want to do a tandem parasail with Rong Liu, but at this point he could not say anything in public either.

The coach gave him a very simple training that he felt was practically crude. Then he put on a life jacket and gloves, and stood with Rong Liu at the back of the speedboat.

When the speedboat started, the daughters were all screaming: “Daddy go for it!”

“…”

Go for what.

Rong Liu turned to look at him, smiling: “Don’t be afraid!”

What a joke, had he ever been afraid?

The speedboat began accelerating on the water, pulling the parasail, lifting them slowly higher.

In no time they were at quite a height. The boat below already looked small, wind whistling in their ears, tearing and pulling as if about to snap the ropes.

Xiao Teng was eighty meters in the air, looking down at the clear and magnificent sea below.

Strapped in by a bunch of safety belts, it was actually quite uncomfortable, but at this moment he forgot those discomforts.

The sea surface shimmered under sunlight like fine crushed gold, light flickering. The water was blue enough to intoxicate the heart. Because of different depths, the sea near and far showed different blues, the boat seeming to pass over a painter’s palette. Deep blue ocean, azure sky, truly sea and sky merging as one, interwoven and indistinguishable.

This was scenery only visible from such a height. Xiao Teng towered above this beautiful sight, suddenly feeling an impulse to shout out loud, though of course it was only an impulse. He remained expressionless, his mouth tightly shut.

Rong Liu looked at him, smiling and saying something. The wind was too strong, he did not hear clearly, and asked: “What?”

Rong Liu leaned over, pressing his lips to his ear. Xiao Teng startled.

Rong Liu shouted loudly in his ear: “Fun?”

“…”

The speedboat adjusted speed, loosening the rope, letting them slowly descend to the water surface, splashing up waves.

Xiao Teng was splashed with water all over his face: “…”

Rong Liu immediately reached over, using his fingers to wipe away the water traces for him: “You okay?”

“…”

Actually it was a very brief touch without any other meaning. Yet those fingertips brushing his cheek were like a branding iron, again giving him that pain.

As the young man withdrew his hand and grabbed the safety rope again, whether intentionally or unintentionally, he also grabbed his hand.

“…”

Xiao Teng did not react, and the young man did not either, as if not noticing, or not caring, just holding it like that.

The speedboat accelerated again, the parasail rope tightening, and they rose into the air once more.

No one spoke anymore. Beneath this blue sky, above this blue sea, fifteen minutes of quiet belonging to them.

The young man was beside him, pressed close to him, holding his hand. They were alone high in the air, as if far away from the human world.

The speedboat slowed down, passing the platform. Their parasail slowly descended toward the platform. Staff ran forward to catch them, letting them land safely. When they touched down, Rong Liu’s hand naturally let go, and he was also unmoved, as if nothing had happened.

The temperature from the young man’s palm spread from the back of his hand, burning pain into his heart.

Xiao Zi ran up, both nervous and excited: “Was it fun was it fun? Can I go?”

Xiao Teng said: “Not bad.”

Xiao Zi joyfully went with Xiao Lin to ride.

Xiao Teng straightened his clothes, feeling as if a gaze was on him. Looking up, it was that youth called Tan Mi. The youth met his eyes, not avoiding him, only smiling and revealing a row of white teeth like a young beast.

Returning to the hotel, the sky was full of stars, scattering brilliant starlight everywhere. Frangipani flowers were in bloom, the night wind mixed with the scent of plants.

Rong Liu’s group also followed them back, picking up Rong Sisi who had played here all day. Everyone was polite and friendly, looking quite harmonious.

Rong Liu said politely: “Sorry for the trouble we caused you.”

Liu Ning said: “Not at all, I like playing with Sisi. Bring her over more when you have time, right, Xiao Teng? Hey? Where is he?”

Xiao Teng had already gone upstairs with a stern face. He had always been like this, not even giving Rong Liu a polite smile.

Those trivial touches likely did not mean anything to Rong Liu. Rong Liu had always been that kind of casual, unconcerned person.

But he minded this very much.

This would make his already worsened sleep quality these past two days even worse.

The next day Rong Liu came over again smiling with his big and little ones, and everyone had practically gotten used to it.

One does not hit a smiling person, and besides besides Xiao Teng and Xiao Pu, they actually got along quite well.

The children ran and played in the villa, from downstairs to upstairs, from upstairs to downstairs. The wide panoramic balcony became their race track, footsteps and laughter everywhere.

After spending most of yesterday outside, today Xiao Teng truly did not want to go out anymore. The island sun was scorching, and after two days of exposure he had had enough. This equatorial sun made even sunscreened skin ache faintly. Might as well have the whole family hide in the villa. They had all been here many times, and there were no must see attractions.

The children plunged into the villa’s pool to play, coming up with all kinds of tricks. Even Rong Sisi wore a swim ring and happily splashed her two little short legs in the water, while Xiao Yin patiently held her on the side, trying to teach her to swim.

Xiao Teng did not want to get in the water. In fact he had not even left his room, only supervising them playing in the water from the living room window.

He was sleep deprived, his eyes unusually sore and sensitive to light, and did not want to go outside.

In comparison, the other person staying indoors did not know what his reason was. Could it be fear of getting a tan?

After a quiet while, Xiao Teng spoke: “You’re not going to play with them?”

Rong Liu smiled: “No, there’s a generation gap.”

“…”

Xiao Teng ignored him, focusing on watching those youths: “Tan Mi swims quite well.”

Rong Liu said: “Yes, he’s trained in this.”

Xiao Teng watched a while longer, then said: “But my second daughter seems a bit better than him.”

Rong Liu said in surprise: “Really?” Then looked out behind him: “Where?”

“Here.”

Feeling the young man approach from behind, body temperature almost pressing against his back. Xiao Teng immediately frowned, turned around, and just collided with the other’s nose bridge.

The unexpected close distance made both quiet for a moment.

He was about to step away when Rong Liu suddenly leaned forward, in a posture he could not avoid, and pressed against his lips.

The whole world instantly went still, dark and quiet, eyes could not see, ears could not hear. He seemed to have lost all senses except for the touch on his lips.

After a moment, Xiao Teng did not know the real time, perhaps as long as he felt it to be, perhaps only a few short seconds, he suddenly came to his senses.

He pushed Rong Liu away. His heart was already heaven shattering and earth cracking, waves surging and seas overturning, but his face was still cold and lacking expression: “What do you mean by this?”

Rong Liu did not answer, only looking at him. In the young man’s eyes was a deep and dark fervent light, almost making him feel a trace of fear. Before he could react, the young man once again kissed him somewhat roughly.

When Xiao Teng came back to himself again, this time he gave Rong Liu a slap.

This crisp, loud, meaning clear slap made the other stop abruptly. As if waking from a dream.

After a few seconds, Rong Liu said: “Sorry.”

Xiao Teng said: “Good that you know.”

He could not see the young man’s expression clearly, nor did he want to. He left in a hurry.

What he did was right.

One cannot fall in the same place twice.