Chapter 16: Road to Lingjia Bay
The sun had just started to climb higher into the sky when Ye Tian opened the rear door of his M8 and helped his three nieces into the plush leather seats. Linlin and Yaya bounced with excitement, chattering nonstop, while Miaomiao, the youngest and shyest, quietly held her favorite plush bunny in her lap.
"Seatbelts on," Ye Tian reminded with a gentle smile.
"Uncle Tian, are we really going to the beach?" Linlin asked, her eyes wide with anticipation.
"Yes, we are," he said, checking the mirror. "But first, we need to pick someone up."
Yaya clapped her hands. "Teacher Lin! Don't forget Teacher Lin!"
Miaomiao peeked from behind her bunny. "She's very kind. And she said she's never been to the sea."
Ye Tian chuckled. "We won't leave her behind."
With the girls buckled in, he eased the M8 out of the courtyard and onto the main road. The car glided smoothly, the interior filled with the hum of the engine and the occasional off-key singing of nursery rhymes. The twins had started a game of identifying license plates, while Miaomiao quietly munched on the crackers Ye Tian had packed.
About twenty minutes later, the car pulled up to a quiet residential complex. He stepped out and messaged Lin Xueyao that he had arrived. Moments later, she emerged from an appartment bulding . Dressed in a flowing white blouse tucked into pale blue jeans, she looked elegant yet effortlessly casual. A soft breeze swept her long hair gently as she smiled upon seeing the girls waving enthusiastically from the back seat.
"Good morning, Mr. Ye," she said, walking over.
"Morning, Teacher Lin. Ready for your first seaside adventure?"
"I think I'm more excited than the kids," she admitted.
He opened the passenger side door for her, and she slid in with a quiet thank you. The girls cheered as the car began to move again, this time bound for the coast.
The drive to Lingjia Bay Resort took about an hour and a half, following a scenic coastal highway. The blue of the ocean peeked between stretches of forest and cliffs, drawing exclamations from the back seat every few minutes.
"Look! The sea!" Yaya shouted.
"It's so big!" Linlin gasped.
Even Miaomiao pressed her face against the glass, eyes wide. "Pretty," she whispered.
Ye Tian stole a glance at Lin Xueyao. Her lips were slightly parted as she gazed at the ocean, the wind lifting a strand of hair from her cheek.
"It's even more breathtaking than I imagined," she said quietly.
He gave a small smile. "Wait until we get there."
By the time they reached the resort gates, it was nearly noon. The entrance of Lingjia Bay Resort was grand yet inviting—arched stonework decorated with seashell mosaics, a sweeping driveway lined with palm trees, and a glass-walled lobby overlooking the ocean beyond.
A valet stepped forward and bowed. "Welcome, Mr. Ye. Everything has been prepared for your inspection."
Ye Tian handed over the keys and turned to the group. "Let's take a look around first."
Inside, cool air scented faintly with jasmine greeted them. The receptionists smiled warmly, offering towels and cold drinks. The girls each grabbed a cup of watermelon juice and giggled as the receptionist offered them seashell necklaces as welcome gifts.
They toured the spa, the open-air lounge, and the garden paths that led down to the private beach. Lin Xueyao was visibly impressed.
"I didn't expect it to be so beautifully maintained," she remarked. "The design feels luxurious but still very natural."
"I was lucky the system offered me this place," Ye Tian thought with a shrug expression on his face .
After a brief lunch at the resort's cafe, they changed into beachwear. Ye Tian wore a casual white linen shirt and board shorts, while the girls donned bright swimsuits with matching sun hats. Lin Xueyao emerged in a light sea-green summer dress over her swimsuit, holding a straw hat and smiling shyly.
Down at the beach, the twins sprinted toward the water, shrieking with joy as waves kissed their feet. Miaomiao hung back, hesitating until Ye Tian crouched beside her.
"Come on, brave girl. I'll walk with you."
She nodded, gripping his hand tightly. As the surf touched her toes, she squealed but didn't let go.
Lin Xueyao watched the scene with a soft expression.
After some time building sandcastles and splashing in the shallows, the group returned to the shaded lounge chairs. An attendant brought them coconut drinks, and the kids nibbled on grilled corn and seafood skewers.
As they were relaxing,he thought of meating Zhou Liang the general Manager of the resort and other officials.
After telling his nieces and Lin Xueyao , that he was going out for some work and told them to rest he visited the Zhou Liang and inspected the financial records,etc with the help of his Business Adminstration skill ,otherwise it would have taken him a long time .
After returning,he saw his nieces playing again , they were enjoying it and having fun.
He smiled. There was no greater joy than seeing his family and companions genuinely happy.
By late afternoon, it was time to return home. The children were sun-kissed and drowsy, curled up in the backseat. Lin Xueyao leaned against the passenger window, eyes half-lidded.
"Thank you for today," she murmured. "This was one of the best days I've had in years."
Ye Tian glanced at her, his voice low. "It won't be the last."
As the sun dipped toward the horizon and the car hummed along the road back home, Ye Tian felt something he hadn't in a long time—peace, and a quiet anticipation for what came next.
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End of Chapter 16