Chapter 24 Zhou Yingchen, please, please let me go.

The morning sunlight streamed through the balcony window, casting dappled shadows on the bedroom's wooden floor.

Wen Yu opened her eyes, looked at the sunlight outside the window, and got out of bed with a pleasant mood.

As soon as I opened the bedroom door, the aroma of food wafted in.

When Wen Yu went downstairs to the living room, she saw the man in the open kitchen with his back to her.

The man, dressed in a simple white shirt with the cuffs pulled up to his elbows, revealing his well-defined forearms, was intently working on a sizzling frying pan.

The morning light outlined the man's tall and upright back, exuding a homely and warm atmosphere.

In an instant, Wen Yu's heart was filled with an indescribable warmth.

She stood outside the kitchen, quietly watching the man busy inside.

As if sensing something, Chen Jinhuai turned around.

Upon seeing Wen Yu, the man's eyes softened.

"Awake? Why didn't you sleep a little longer?"

As he spoke, the man turned off the stove and placed the perfectly fried sunny-side-up egg onto a plate.

"It smells so good."

Wen Yu walked over, took the warm milk that Shen Jinhuai handed her, and asked curiously, "Why is our Mr. Shen cooking himself today?"

Although there is an open kitchen in the living room on the first floor, Wen Yu has never used it since she came here. The maids always cook the food from the house next door and then bring it over.

This was the first time Wen Yu had ever seen Shen Jinhuai cook.

Shen Jinhuai brought two breakfasts to the restaurant, pulled out a chair for Wen Yu, and pressed her down into the chair before slowly saying, "Because I want to use my superb cooking skills to keep our Miss Wen here."

Wen Yu was amused by Shen Jinhuai's words.

Breakfast was simple: a sandwich, a fried egg, and a glass of milk.

Wen Yu enjoyed her meal very much.

What are your plans for today?

After breakfast, Chen Jinhuai asked.

Wen Yu thought for a moment: "I want to try the paint I bought yesterday. There's a very special color that I haven't used before."

"good."

Shen Jinhuai pulled out a tissue and reached out to wipe Wen Yu's mouth: "I need to deal with a few emails this morning, I'll draw with you this afternoon?"

"You're busy with your important business."

Wen Yu quickly replied.

"Spending time with you is the most important thing."

Shen Jinhuai spoke earnestly, his eyes and brows gentle.

Wen Yu's cheeks felt hot again.

In the morning, Wen Yu did not go to the third-floor art studio, but instead she and Shen Jinhuai each occupied a corner of the first-floor study.

Shen Jinhuai was working on his computer, focused and occasionally tapping on the keyboard or answering brief work calls in a low voice.

Wen Yu nestled in the soft sofa by the window, flipping through magazines or interesting books. Occasionally, when she looked up, she could see Shen Jinhuai working seriously and attentively.

The air was calm and free.

Wen Yu liked it this way.

The sun was shining brightly in the afternoon.

Shen Jinhuai put aside all his work and accompanied Wen Yu to the third-floor art studio.

A sea breeze caresses your face.

Wen Yu mixed the paints, trying to capture a subtle glimmer of light and shadow where the clouds met the sea.

Shen Jinhuai moved a chair and sat down next to Wen Yu, holding a book in his hand, glancing at Wen Yu every now and then.

Watching her furrow her brow in thought, the careful way she dipped her brush in the paint, and the sparkle in her eyes when she mixed a satisfactory color…

Wen Yu was so engrossed in painting that she was completely unaware of the gazes directed at her.

I put down my paintbrush and moved my wrists until my arms were sore and numb.

Turning around, she met Shen Jinhuai's smiling eyes.

Are you tired?

Shen Jinhuai closed the book, grasped Wen Yu's wrist, and gently massaged it with moderate force.

The man's warm fingertips pressed against Wen Yu's slightly sore muscles, bringing a comfortable sense of relaxation.

Wen Yu felt a little embarrassed and tried to pull her hand away: "It's okay, I'm not tired."

Shen Jinhuai gripped the canvas tighter, pointing with his other hand: "Here, the boundary between the sea and the sky can be blurred a bit more. The charm of watercolor lies in its blending and transparency."

The man was very close to Wen Yu, his cool, refreshing scent lingering around her nose.

"How about... we try using water to let the colors blend together? Maybe it will have unexpected results."

Upon hearing this, Wen Yu's eyes lit up.

She tried it in the direction Shen Jinhuai pointed out, dipping her finger in water and spreading the color.

In an instant, the purple and blue on the paper naturally blended together, creating an unexpected effect.

Hazy and dreamlike, these are colors that Wen Yu has never mixed before.

"Really?"

Wen Yu turned to look at Shen Jinhuai in surprise, almost bumping into his chin: "How are you so amazing?"

For a moment, the two were extremely close, their breaths mingling.

Sunlight danced on the man's long eyelashes, casting dappled light into his deep eyes.

Wen Yu's heart skipped a beat.

Shen Jinhuai gazed at Wen Yu's small face, which was so close to his own, and his Adam's apple bobbed slightly: "Can I kiss you before answering your question?"

Before Wen Yu could reply, the man slowly lowered his head.

But just as their lips were about to touch Wen Yu's lips,

With a "gurgle~", Wen Yu's stomach rumbled.

In an instant, the romantic and ambiguous atmosphere was shattered.

Wen Yu's embarrassed cheeks flushed bright red in an instant.

Shen Jinhuai covered his lips with his hand and chuckled softly.

"Sorry, I forgot the time."

The man released Wen Yu's hand, his eyes brimming with laughter: "What do you want to eat? I'll make it."

"Anything is fine..."

Wen Yu lowered her eyelashes, too embarrassed to look at Shen Jinhuai.

Shen Jinhuai smiled, ruffled her hair, and turned to go downstairs.

Lunch was pasta made by Shen Jinhuai himself, with a rich sauce, chewy noodles, and a refreshing salad.

"Let's celebrate."

The man raised his glass, and in the sunlight, his eyes seemed to be filled with stars.

Wen Yu asked curiously, "What are you celebrating?"

"celebrate……"

Shen Jinhuai smiled gently: "Let's celebrate how beautiful the sunshine is today, and let's celebrate the two of us together in the sunshine."

Wen Yu knew he wasn't talking about sunshine; he was just making an excuse to say something cheerful.

Her heart softened, and she raised her glass to clink glasses with the man.

After lunch, Wen Yu went back to her bedroom for a nap.

I lay in bed for a while, but couldn't fall asleep.

Wen Yu got up and went to Shen Jinhuai's room next door.

Shen Jinhuai was probably tired and was fast asleep in bed.

Sunlight streamed in through the window, casting soft shadows on his long eyelashes and lower eyelids, making him appear less warm and more gentle than when he was fully awake.

Wen Yu couldn't help but reach out her finger and gently touch the man's high, straight nose with her fingertip.

Shen Jinhuai's eyelashes trembled slightly as he slowly opened his eyes.

Catching Wen Yu's hand, which she hadn't had time to retract, and the subtle panic on her face as if she'd been caught doing something wrong, a smile spread across the man's eyes.

He grabbed Wen Yu's hand and pulled her closer to him with a forceful pull. As Wen Yu fell onto him in a panic, Shen Jinhuai's voice was lazy and hoarse from just waking up: "Good afternoon, you little rascal."

This was the first time someone had called her that, and Wen Yu's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She could only bury her face in the man's chest and mumble a reply: "I'm not naughty."

The two lingered in that position on the bed for a while longer, listening to the sound of the waves outside the window. Neither of them spoke, yet a silent intimacy flowed through the air.

After an unknown amount of time, Wen Yu felt the man's heartbeat getting faster and faster, and guessed that if she lay down like that, his kiss was coming soon.

So Wen Yu took the lead and gave Shen Jinhuai a quick kiss on the cheek before climbing down herself.

Shen Jinhuai was amused by Wen Yu's little gesture.

He got out of bed, kissed Wen Yu's flushed cheek, and then took her hand and walked outside.

"I'll take you somewhere."

Where to?

Wen Yu was led downstairs by Shen Jinhuai and asked curiously.

"Keep it a secret for now."

A dozen minutes later, Wen Yu was led by Shen Jinhuai to a hidden little beach.

The sand here is white and fine, and the dreamy blue-green seawater is crystal clear.

To Wen Yu's surprise, a pure white easel had already been set up on the beach, with a full set of painting tools and a large parasol placed next to it, which was obviously prepared in advance by Shen Jinhuai.

"This place is so beautiful."

Wen Yu took off her sandals and stepped barefoot onto the slightly warm sand that had been baked by the sun. Feeling the soft, fine sand under her feet, she couldn't help but open her arms and take a deep breath.

Shen Jinhuai followed behind Wen Yu, watching the pure joy radiating from her face, and a gentle smile appeared on the man's lips.

Do you like it?

"I love it, I love it so much."

Wen Yu nodded vigorously.

She then ran to the easel, sat down, turned around and smiled at Shen Jinhuai: "Thank you, Jinhuai."

"I'm glad you like it."

For the rest of the afternoon, Wen Yu was immersed in this stunning scenery.

She tried to capture the clarity of the seawater, the shattered jade of the waves, and the boundless blue of the sky with her paintbrush.

Shen Jinhuai spent most of his time quietly by her side, either reading or dealing with messages on his phone. Occasionally, when Wen Yu encountered a bottleneck, he would offer some guiding words to inspire her to think for herself.

"What do you think is the difference between the blue of this sea and the blue of the sky?"

Shen Jinhuai gently cupped Wen Yu's face in his hands, guiding her to look at the distant horizon.

Wen Yu observed carefully and pondered, "The blue of the sea... is richer and deeper, as if it holds many secrets."

"And the blue of the sky is lighter and more expansive."

"Then try to draw both feelings."

Under Shen Jinhuai's guidance, Wen Yu's brushstrokes seemed to be infused with a soul, and the colors under her brush became increasingly rich in emotion and depth.

Satisfied with her painting, Wen Yu put down her brush and ran to the beach to wade in the water.

The cool seawater washed over my ankles, dispelling the afternoon heat.

She turned around and saw that Shen Jinhuai had also come over. He had taken off his shoes and socks, rolled up his trousers, and stood with her in the shallow water.

As the sun sets, the silhouettes of the two figures intertwine on the golden sand.

Wen Yu suddenly felt playful and splashed a string of water with her toes onto Shen Jinhuai's trouser leg.

The man was taken aback, then raised an eyebrow at Wen Yu, a dangerous glint flashing in his eyes.

Wen Yu giggled and tried to run away, but Shen Jinhuai pulled her back easily with his long arm and held her in his arms.

"You've got guts."

The man's voice, close to Wen Yu's ear, was full of laughter.

Wen Yu struggled in Shen Jinhuai's arms, her laughter like silver bells scattering in the sea breeze.

After playing around for a while, Wen Yu got tired and quietly leaned against Shen Jinhuai's chest.

The two of them gazed ahead, watching the sunset slowly sink below the horizon, turning the sky and sea into a magnificent golden hue.

"Jinhuai,"

Wen Yu spoke softly, "If, I mean if, I could never remember anything from the past, would you feel... a little regretful?"

Upon hearing this, Shen Jinhuai tightened his embrace around Wen Yu.

The man remained silent for a moment.

The sea breeze ruffled his hair, and also dispersed the complex emotions that flashed across Shen Jinhuai's eyes.

"Won't."

Shen Jinhuai's answer was resolute.

Meeting Wen Yu's surprised gaze, the man lowered his head and stared straight at her: "To me, what matters is not what you have forgotten, but what you remember, and what we will create in the future."

"You are who you are right now, the most complete version of yourself."

Wen Yu was slightly taken aback.

A soft, comforting feeling welled up inside me.

She reached out and wrapped her arms around Shen Jinhuai's neck: "Okay, I understand."

Then she tiptoed and placed a kiss on the man's lips.

Unlike the tranquility and comfort of the seaside, the atmosphere in the top-floor president's office of the Zhou Group, hundreds of kilometers away, was tense and turbulent.

Chen Xu stood before Zhou Yingchen and reported respectfully.

"Mr. Zhou, the signal of the black speedboat we were tracking disappeared near the United States, but we discovered that it had a brief connection with a private island near Haicheng."

"Unfortunately, that private island is extremely well-defended, and all unauthorized signals are blocked and jammed. We tried various infiltration methods, but all failed."

"Haicheng? A private island?"

Zhou Yingchen tapped his fingers on the table, his eyes cold: "Who is the island lord?"

"We're investigating, but the other party is very well hidden, with multiple layers of concealment, making it difficult to trace their true identity in a short time. As for Jianyun Hospital..."

Chen Xu handed over another document: "The several abnormal fund flows we previously identified all ultimately pointed to several different charitable foundations. On the surface, they were completely compliant, and we couldn't find any flaws. The other party... the other party's methods were very sophisticated, almost erasing all traces."

The trail seemed to have gone cold again, and the opponent's caution far exceeded Zhou Yingchen's expectations.

The man's eyes were icy cold.

In a short while,

"Concentrate resources on conducting background investigations on private islands."

Zhou Yingchen coldly gave the order: "Since the other party has cleaned up the traces so thoroughly, then we must dig out the truth."

"Yes, Mr. Zhou."

After Chen Xu left, the empty office fell silent once again.

Before long, a sharp, familiar cramping pain shot out from Zhou Yingchen's stomach and quickly intensified.

Zhou Ying bent over in sorrow, cold sweat beading on his forehead.

He pressed his hand firmly against his stomach, his knuckles turning white from the force.

Then, Zhou Yingchen forced himself to stand up and tried to get the stomach medicine and water glass on the table, but everything went black and the world spun around him.

Just moments before he collapsed heavily onto the carpet, a vivid image flashed in the man's unfocused pupils: Wen Yu, wearing a light blue dress, ran happily toward him with a radiant smile on her face.

Zhou Yingchen's heart tightened, and he unconsciously reached out to touch Wen Yu's outstretched hand.

But the next moment, Wen Yu's smile froze.

The bright sunshine was replaced by gloom. She stopped and stood a step away from Zhou Yingchen, her face full of tears and filled with fear and despair.

"Zhou Yingchen, please, please let me go."

"Please..."

The girl's voice was filled with panic and grievance.

Zhou Yingchen frowned deeply.

He wanted to catch Wen Yu and get an explanation as to why she was let go.

What did he do that made her beg him like this?

But then intense pain and dizziness struck, and Zhou Yingchen's vision went black. His outstretched hand fell limply to his side, and he completely lost all sensation.