Chapter 96: Clumsy Remedies (Part 2)

One evening a few days later.

Zhao Chen left work early (or rather, "skipped work" early), carrying an extremely ordinary, even a bit rustic canvas travel bag in his hand, and approached Yu Ling, who was watering flowers on the balcony, in a mysterious manner.

"Lingling," he said, his eyes brightening with childlike excitement, "Pack two changes of clothes, we're going out!"

Yu Ling put down the spray bottle and looked at him suspiciously, looking at the canvas bag in his hand that looked out of place in the mansion. "Going out? Where to?"

"A secret!" Zhao Chen raised his index finger to his lips, a mysterious smile on his lips, "I'll take you to a place where you can forget all your worries! It's guaranteed to be fun!" He paused, as if afraid that Yu Ling would refuse, and quickly added, "It's not far! Just two days! I... I've asked for leave from the company!" When he said the word "leave", his eyes wandered.

Yu Ling looked at his clumsy appearance as he tried hard to conceal his "rich" identity and act like an "ordinary employee taking leave to travel", and then looked at the incongruous canvas travel bag (she seriously suspected that it was bought at a supermarket on the spur of the moment), and she understood.

Was this part of his "playing dumb" plan? Or was it his clumsy way of trying to get her out of trouble and repair their relationship?

A warm feeling welled up in her heart again. She suppressed her laughter and teased him deliberately: "Take a leave? Will your salary be deducted? Mr. Zhao, we haven't paid the mortgage this month yet!" She was referring to the "mortgage" in the "ordinary employee" rental agreement they had signed.

Zhao Chen was indeed choked, his handsome face stiffened slightly, and then he cleared his throat seriously: "Ahem...um...the boss is a good person! Special approval! Paid leave! No deductions!" He tried to make his expression look more credible.

"Pfft..." Yu Ling finally couldn't help but burst out laughing. She reached for the tacky canvas travel bag, her fingertips brushing against a discreet, almost invisible "Z" logo embroidered in gold thread on the inside (the custom-made logo of a top luxury brand). Pretending not to notice, she looked up at Zhao Chen and smiled brightly. "Okay! Give me ten minutes!"

She turned back to her room to pack her things, but she couldn't suppress the smile on her face. This "pig" had gone to great lengths to hide the "pigsty"!

The car drove out of the bustling sea city and sped along the coastal highway.

Zhao Chen drove the car himself, in a discreet black SUV (Yu Ling glanced at the logo as she got in; ah, there was that "Z" again). He was clearly in a very good mood, a smile playing on his face. He even hummed along to an old song on the car stereo, tapping his fingers on the steering wheel.

Yu Ling sat in the passenger seat, watching the scenery rapidly receding outside the window. Her mood became relaxed and open as she moved away from the city.

She stole a glance at Zhao Chen's profile as he focused on driving. The warm yellow sunset light outlined his smooth jawline, and his gold-rimmed glasses reflected a soft halo. This scene was so beautiful that it made people intoxicated.

"Where are we going?" Yu Ling couldn't help but ask again.

"We're almost there!" Zhao Chen said mysteriously, turned a direction, and the car drove off the main road and turned into a mountain road shaded by green trees.

The mountain road winds upward, the air becoming fresher and more fragrant with the aroma of grass and trees. About half an hour later, the car stops at a high viewing platform.

"We're here!" Zhao Chen stopped the car, his voice filled with excitement.

Yu Ling opened the car door and got out. In an instant, she was so shocked by the scene before her that she held her breath!

They were on a vast platform halfway up the mountain. Beneath their feet lay lush, verdant forests that stretched endlessly into the distance. The peaks, one upon the other, shone in varying shades of dark green, gold, and ochre in the afterglow of the setting sun, like a richly colored oil painting.

The most breathtaking sight is a tranquil, sapphire-like lake nestled amidst the mountains! Its crystal-clear waters reflect the vibrant sunset glow and the surrounding mountain landscape, a breathtaking sight. Scattered along the lakeside are several uniquely shaped wooden buildings, each seamlessly integrated into nature. Their lights are now ablaze, like stars scattered across a fairyland.

"Where... where is this?" Yu Ling murmured, completely conquered by the beautiful scenery before her.

"Do you like it?" Zhao Chen walked over to her and naturally took her hand, interlocking their fingers. He looked at her profile, at the reflection of the lake and mountains in her eyes, and saw the wonder in his eyes. A gentle and satisfied smile appeared on his lips. "A friend recommended this place. It's said to be a very quiet 'farmhouse'."

"Farmhouse... Farmhouse?" Yu Ling looked at the impressively designed, obviously expensive lakeside villas in the distance, then at the understated yet luxurious RVs parked at the edge of the platform. Her mouth twitched. Wasn't the scale of this "farmhouse" a little too outrageous?

"Yeah!" Zhao Chen looked calm and nodded seriously, "The boss is a good person. He gives internal employees a price that is very cost-effective! Let's go, the room should be ready!" He took Yu Ling's hand and walked towards one of the wooden villas with the best location, the largest private terrace, and facing the unbeatable lake view.

Pushing open the heavy wooden door, the scene inside left Yu Ling completely speechless.

How could this be a farm stay? It's clearly a top-tier luxury hotel! High ceilings and vast floor-to-ceiling windows frame the stunning lake view like a flowing scroll. The interior design is minimalist, wabi-sabi-inspired, with wood, cotton, linen, and natural stone, creating an understated yet luxurious experience.

A warm fire danced in the fireplace, and the air was filled with the delicate fragrance of pine and cedar essential oils. The sofas were so soft you could sink into them, and the floors were covered with expensive cashmere carpets... every detail revealed a high level of value.

"This... is the employee price?" Yu Ling pointed at the antique-looking Japanese cast iron teapot in the corner and looked at Zhao Chen with a half-smile.

Zhao Chen said calmly, with a sincere expression as if he had gotten a great deal: "Yes! The boss is a neighbor of my college classmate's cousin! He has a strong connection! He gave me a 10% discount!"

As he spoke, he very naturally placed Yu Ling's "rustic" canvas bag (which contained her simple change of clothes) on the exquisite wooden low cabinet in the entrance hall. He took out a bottle of iced, unlabeled glass water from the temperature-controlled wine cabinet next to it, unscrewed it and handed it to her, "Drink some water. You must be thirsty on the way."

Yu Ling took the water and took a sip. It was clear and sweet, with a distinct mineral aroma. It was definitely not just any mineral water. She watched Zhao Chen's awkward attempts at portraying the "thrifty and good employee," then glanced at the ridiculously luxurious "10.1% Off Farmhouse Inn." Finally, she leaned on Zhao Chen's shoulder, her body shaking with laughter.

"Hahahaha... 0.1% off... Zhao Chen... you... you 'pig'... your ability to hide in the 'pigsty'... is getting worse and worse... hahahaha..." She laughed so hard that tears were about to come out.

Zhao Chen's ears turned red because of her laughter, but he forced himself to keep a "serious" expression and gently patted her back to calm her down: "...Don't laugh! Be serious! We are here to experience life!" But the slightly upturned corners of his mouth and the indulgence and pampering that could not be hidden in his eyes completely betrayed him.

Dinner was served on their cabin's private terrace, which extended out to the lake, with clear water beneath their feet. A long wooden table was covered with a crisp white linen tablecloth. There were no waiters; Zhao Chen himself was the one taking out the food from that "rustic" canvas bag!

"Ding ding ding ding!" Like a magic trick, he took out several exquisite insulated food boxes and opened them one by one - fragrant matsutake chicken soup, steamed wild lake fish, emerald green seasonal vegetables, and two exquisitely presented... Hmm, it looks like a dessert produced by Michelin three stars?

"Is this also provided by your 'friend' farmhouse?" Yu Ling asked with raised eyebrows, looking at the exquisite dessert decorated with gold foil.

"Ahem," Zhao Chen touched his nose, his eyes drifting towards the shimmering lake. "Well... the boss thought I was handsome and sweet, so he gave me this as a gift! A gift!" He quickly pushed a dessert in front of Yu Ling. "Try it! I heard their chef made it... um... with wild honey from the mountains behind!"

Yu Ling suppressed a laugh, picked up a spoon, scooped a small piece, and placed it in her mouth. The silky texture, rich milky aroma, and just the right amount of sweetness melted on her tongue, leaving a delicate floral aftertaste. This is definitely the work of a top chef! What wild honey... that's a lie!

But she didn't expose him. Watching Zhao Chen clumsily serving her soup and picking fish bones under the flickering candlelight, his eyes focused and gentle, and occasionally emphasizing, "This fish is freshly caught from the lake, so it's super fresh and cheap!"... She felt that this was probably the sweetest, most adorable "lie" in the world.

As night fell, the two of them snuggled up on the large, comfortable lounge chair on the terrace, covered with a soft wool blanket. Zhao Chen's arms were tightly around Yu Ling's shoulders, letting her lean against him.

There is no hustle and bustle of the city, no lingering ghost of Gu Qianqian, only each other's breathing, heartbeat, and this quiet and magnificent world.

"Lingling," Zhao Chen's deep voice was particularly gentle in the night, with a sigh of contentment, "Do you like it here?"

"Yeah." Yu Ling rubbed against his arms, finding a more comfortable position, her voice lazy with sleepiness, "I like it. It's quiet and beautiful." More importantly, he was by her side.

Zhao Chen lowered his head, and gently pressed his warm lips against the top of her hair, cherishing her with infinite care: "From now on... let's come here often. Or, go to more places where it's just the two of us."

He paused, his voice lowered, a hint of barely perceptible uneasiness and promise in his voice: "I will... keep out those people and things that make you unhappy. Forever."

Yu Ling didn't answer, but simply reached out and clasped her fingers with his under the blanket. The warmth of their palms against each other was more reassuring than any words could ever express.