Haiyu Chenghuan

Another decade has passed, and the spring sea breeze still carries the familiar salty and damp scent, brushing across the terrace of the seaside guesthouse. Song Mingye leans back in a wicker chair, a cup of warm tea between his fingers, his gaze following the figure running on the beach, his eyes filled with an unyielding tenderness.

Song Linchuan sat beside him, toying with a smooth seashell in his hand. It was one they had picked up ten years ago when they revisited the beach, and now it gleamed with a warm sheen from being touched so often. "Brother, look at Zihao, he's so old, but he's still like a child." He smiled and gestured towards the sand.

On the beach, Qi Zihao was holding a camera, chasing after a seagull that flew low overhead, taking pictures. He ran with the same light and agile movements as ever. Chu Xiaoche followed behind him, holding a light jacket in his hand, and called out helplessly, "Slow down, the sea breeze is strong, be careful not to catch a cold." Qi Zihao turned around and made a face, but still slowed down. When Chu Xiaoche caught up, he naturally took his arm.

Beside the rocks not far away, Jiang Ziyu was intently sketching the sea. Mu Nanjin stood beside him, shielding him from the slanting sunlight and occasionally bending down to help him mix his paints. The sea breeze lifted the hem of Jiang Ziyu's clothes; he raised his hand to pull it up, looked up at Mu Nanjin, and smiled, his eyes still as clear as they had been years ago.

“Time flies,” Song Mingye gently held Song Linchuan’s hand, the warmth of his palm reassuring. “Ten years have passed in the blink of an eye, but it feels like we’re still the same as when we first came to the beach.”

Song Linchuan leaned on his shoulder, the familiar scent of Song Mingye lingering around his nose, feeling reassured and at ease: "Yes, but now I don't have to worry about your health anymore." Over the years, Song Mingye's health had remained excellent, with good results from his annual checkups; time seemed to have been exceptionally kind to them.

At lunchtime, everyone sat around the dining table in the courtyard, which was laden with fresh seafood. Song Linchuan picked up a piece of crab meat for Song Mingye, carefully removing the small bones: "Brother, eat more, this crab is very plump." Song Mingye smiled and took it, then peeled the shrimp in his bowl and put them into Song Linchuan's bowl.

Chu Xiaoche skillfully peeled mantis shrimp for Qi Zihao, piling the peeled shrimp meat into his bowl. Qi Zihao's mouth was full, and he mumbled, "Xiaoche, you should eat too, don't just peel for me." Chu Xiaoche raised an eyebrow: "I'll feed you first, then I'll eat."

Jiang Ziyu ate her meal quietly, while Mu Nanjin would occasionally put a piece of food on her plate, his eyes filled with tenderness. "Nanjin, this fish is delicious, you should try some." Jiang Ziyu picked up a piece of fish and put it in Mu Nanjin's bowl.

After dinner, everyone lay on the deck chairs in the courtyard, basking in the sun. Qi Zihao leaned against Chu Xiaoche's chest, flipping through the photos taken that morning, occasionally exclaiming in amazement, "Look at this photo of the seagull, it's so well taken!" Chu Xiaoche looked down at him, his eyes full of affection, "Yes, our Zihao's skills are getting better and better."

Jiang Ziyu leaned on Mu Nanjin's shoulder, holding a sketchbook and slowly flipping through it. Mu Nanjin gently patted his back, as if comforting a child. "Nanjin, look at this painting. It's a sunset at the beach that I painted last year," Jiang Ziyu said, pointing to a page in the sketchbook. Mu Nanjin nodded: "It's very well painted, even more evocative than last year's."

Song Mingye and Song Linchuan strolled hand in hand in the courtyard. The roses in the yard were in full bloom, their pink petals falling like a shower of peach blossoms. "Brother, shall we come here every year from now on?" Song Linchuan whispered. Song Mingye nodded, bent down to pick up a fallen rose, and tucked it into Song Linchuan's lapel: "Okay, every year, until we can't walk anymore."

As evening fell, the setting sun painted the sky a vibrant orange-red. The group walked side-by-side on the beach, the waves lapping against the sand and leaving a trail of footprints. Song Mingye held Song Linchuan's hand, Chu Xiaoche had his arm around Qi Zihao's shoulder, and Mu Nanjin held Jiang Ziyu's hand; their shadows stretched long in the sunset.

"Wow! Fireworks!" Qi Zihao suddenly shouted, pointing to the sky. Brilliant fireworks bloomed in the night sky, illuminating the entire sea. This was specially arranged by Song Mingye, just like many years ago, to give those around him a surprise.

Song Linchuan leaned against Song Mingye's chest, watching the fireworks in the sky, his eyes glistening with tears: "Brother, these are the most beautiful fireworks I've ever seen." Song Mingye hugged him tightly: "I'll set them off for you every year from now on."

Jiang Ziyu leaned against Mu Nanjin's chest, a faint smile on his lips. Mu Nanjin lowered his head and placed a kiss on his forehead, whispering, "Happy New Year, Ziyu."

Fireworks burst in the night sky, waves lapped against the beach, and the evening breeze kissed the old windowsill, bringing the scent of the sea and the taste of happiness. Looking at his loved ones and friends beside him, Song Mingye felt a surge of warmth and contentment.

As time flows by and years pass, they grow from naive to mature, weathering storms together, yet remaining steadfastly by each other's side. The sea breeze remains the same, the sound of the seashell wind chimes remains the same, and their love, too, grows ever deeper and more enduring with the passing years.

This is the most perfect happiness—having someone to accompany you to see all the world's scenery, someone to accompany you through the vicissitudes of life, someone to accompany you as you grow old, and love and warmth will always be there.