I fixed my phone to a tree branch opposite us, then pulled Ye Zhi back a few steps. I did this so that my family could also see Erhai Lake and the beautiful side of Dali. Deep down, I wanted their approval, at least their respect for my choice to stay in Dali, instead of them criticizing me because I'm getting older.

A moment later, Lao Mi answered the video call. Just as I had expected, the camera showed a room full of people, all with the same expression of anticipation. When I saw these familiar faces, I realized that I hadn't been home in a long time. In my memory, my cousin was still a baby, but now he was clinging to my cousin's leg, looking at me and Ye Zhi on the other end of the phone with curious eyes.

I first wished my grandfather a happy birthday, then looked at Ye Zhi beside me and said to everyone, "I am not very talented, but the most beautiful girl in the world beside me is my girlfriend."

The crowd whispered among themselves, mostly praising Ye Zhi's beauty. My vanity was satisfied, and my mood improved. So I said to my grandma, who was standing next to my grandpa, "Grandma, try to control your smile. Your dentures are about to fall out."

When I said that, my grandmother was even happier. She replied, "We would love to hear your daughter say a few words."

Although Ye Zhi has a cold personality, she still waved to the camera and said, "Hello everyone."

Everyone asked at once, "Young lady, where are you from?"

"A Shanghainese".

"Do you work in Shanghai?"

"Um."

What kind of work do you do?

"Investing in hotels."

"Oh, so he's in the same industry as our Michael. He's running an inn now, isn't he?"

Then someone asked, "Young lady, how did you and our Michael meet?"

These pointless and clichéd questions made me lose patience, so I quickly interrupted, "Don't make it sound like you're conducting a census. You can ask my dad about these questions privately; he knows all about them..." After saying that, I said to Ye Zhi, "Tomorrow is Grandpa's 80th birthday. You should wish him a happy birthday; that's the important thing."

Ye Zhi smiled and then said to her grandfather, "Grandpa, I just heard Michael mention that it's your birthday, so I didn't have time to prepare a gift for you. I'll ask Michael for an address later and I'll definitely send you the gift... I wish you a long and happy life, and I also wish all the other elders and children happiness and good health."

"Girl...you're too kind. We're just happy that you can take the time to chat with us old folks!"

Before Ye Zhi could answer, my second aunt said to me again, "Michael, that girl is so outstanding, you should really seize the opportunity... You're not getting any younger, do you have any plans to get married this year?"

After I said those words, it was like a bomb exploding in deep water. Immediately, everyone turned to look at me with concern.

I didn't dare look at Ye Zhi and blurted out, "This is nothing! Look how embarrassed you've made that girl."

"Men should marry when they are of age, and women should marry when they are of age. What's there to be embarrassed about?!"

"When the time is right, you won't need to ask; I'll send you the wedding invitations myself."

"We love to hear that!"

I quickly added, "Young lady is busy and has other things to do later, so she won't talk to you any longer... If you have time to come to Dali, I promise I'll make sure you have a very comfortable stay."

I was about to turn off the video when my aunt called me back. She said, "Michael, don't rush to hang up. Get closer to the girl, and I'll take a picture of you two."

"Isn't that unnecessary?!"

"It's absolutely necessary... You guys rarely come home, and you finally video chat with us once a year. Shouldn't we take a picture to remember this moment?... Hurry up, you're a grown man, why are you being so hesitant?"

I glanced at Ye Zhi, quite worried that she might mind, because her lack of cooperation would make things very awkward for everyone!

At this moment, Ye Zhi took half a step closer to me, her body pressed against mine, and then she smiled again...

Seeing that Ye Zhi was ready, I quickly said, "Let's shoot quickly... She always makes time for herself, she's really very busy."

"Why are you two so reserved? Come closer."

"If we get any closer, we'll be hugging."

"That's what we want you all to do—that's what makes us look like a family!"

Out of consideration for Ye Zhi's feelings, I snapped at my most meddlesome cousin, "Family? Why don't you just say we're a couple! Can't you respect our nascent relationship?"

My cousin added, "We don't mind you showing off your love, but have some manners... Besides, what couple doesn't hug each other?"

I glanced at Ye Zhi, but she gestured for me not to look at her. When I turned back, she had already taken my arm and leaned slightly on my shoulder...

A gust of wind swept across the sea, blowing just in time, and her long hair fell onto my face...

The gentle touch transported me into a dreamlike state, leaving me in a daze.

The scene seemed to freeze there. Ye Zhi left my body and then said some polite words to everyone. When I heard "goodbye" after "goodbye," I came back to my senses and quickly cut off the video.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!