Chapter 85 It was May, except…
As May arrived, aside from their busy training schedules, Ren Xiyao and Kwon Ji-yong could only see each other about once every three or four days. Although Kwon Ji-yong was also busy during this time, he was still in South Korea, and his tour hadn't started yet. Although he had many engagements, it wasn't like last year when he was spinning like a top, unable to stop.
Their interactions seemed to give the illusion that they were just an ordinary couple. In mid-May, before heading to the high plateau, Ren Xiyao and her team adjusted their training plan to four days on, three days off, which was somewhat different from last year's plan. Adjusting an athlete's training plan, content, and rest is extremely complex, especially for short track speed skating. As a sport that emphasizes both technique and endurance, it is even more complicated, so adjustments depend on the specific circumstances.
It was during this rare three-day holiday that Ren Xiyao received an invitation from Quan Zhilong.
"Do you remember what you said? That you would accept my invitation to Jeju Island. Now I'm inviting you again, Ms. Ren Xiyao, let's go to Jeju Island together." But when Kwon Ji-yong's voice came through the phone, Ren Xiyao's heart felt as soft and light as if it had fallen from the clouds.
I reported to the team leader. Besides reminding him to be careful and return to the team on time, the team leader didn't ask any further questions. This summer training, their club was the only one from China training at the Chengbei Club. The overall atmosphere was relatively relaxed; everyone was on their own, so it was more casual. I didn't dare lift my head under the teasing gazes of Lin Shan and Li Enjing, and left after packing up.
At Jeju International Airport, the afternoon sun streamed through the glass walls, casting a lazy golden glow on the arrival hall. The air was filled with the faint scent of the sea and the relaxed chatter of travelers, a stark contrast to the bustling solemnity of Beijing Capital International Airport. Ren Xiyao pulled her baseball cap down low, obscuring most of her face, revealing only a pair of slightly tired but still bright eyes. She stood before the baggage carousel, watching the colorful suitcases slowly turn, lost in thought.
A familiar scent crept up behind her, carrying a faint tobacco note and a slightly aggressive base note of a perfume she knew all too well. Warm fingertips gently hooked her little finger, which was resting on the luggage cart handle, with an undeniable intimacy: "The cart is outside."
Ren Xiyao turned her head and saw that he was also wearing a hat and mask. His eyes, peeking out from under the brim, were curved, like those of a cunning fox. She subconsciously looked around and lowered her voice, "Weren't you photographed?"
“The VIP lane.” He raised an eyebrow smugly. “I had my assistant find a Hyundai.”
The so-called "Hyundai" turned out to be a modified black van with windows so thick they could be bulletproof. Well, compared to his other cars, at least it wasn't ostentatious. "Get in, Your Majesty," Kwon Ji-yong said, opening the car door for her and making an exaggerated gesture of invitation.
As soon as Ren Xiyao sat down, Quan Zhilong put his arm around her waist: "Did you miss me?"
"I just saw him the day before yesterday."
"I want to too." He leaned in and nuzzled her nose. "Three days is enough to climb all over Hallasan Mountain."
Ren Xiyao pushed his face away: "I came here to rest."
“Then lie down,” Kwon Ji-yong said, magically pulling a thermal bag from under his seat. “Jeju Island rice balls, freshly made.”
The rice ball was still warm, and the seaweed was crisp. Ren Xiyao took a bite and found it tasted pretty good. Quan Zhilong watched her eat, his chin resting on his hand, his eyes curving into two crescent moons: "A secret recipe that can open a shop, not bad, right?"
Ren Xiyao raised an eyebrow and fed him a bite: "Eat more and talk less."
The car smoothly drove away from the airport, and the scenery outside the window gradually changed from the city to the open coastline. Sunlight, waves, and black volcanic rocks create Jeju Island's unique landscape.
Ren Xiyao leaned back in her chair, watching the scenery rush by outside the window. Quan Zhilong quietly leaned against her, his fingers unconsciously playing with the strands of hair that fell over her shoulder. A tacit understanding and tranquility filled the air. They were like two pieces of a puzzle, only able to find their perfect fit when they were together, letting down their guard and pretense.
The car eventually stopped in front of a white detached villa hidden at the end of the coastline. The villa had a modern and minimalist design and was surrounded by lush tropical plants. A path led directly to a nearly deserted, private beach.
Pushing open the heavy wooden doors, they were greeted by expansive floor-to-ceiling windows and an unobstructed view of the azure sea. The sound of waves lapping against the beach was clearly audible, mingled with the crisp cries of seagulls. Ren Xiyao stood barefoot on the wooden terrace, the sea breeze billowing her white shirt.
"How was it?" Kwon Ji-yong gently wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, resting his chin naturally on her shoulder, his voice filled with satisfied laughter: "Are you satisfied with this surprise? How does this place compare to Sanya, which I specially chose?"
Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the palm leaves along the eaves, casting dappled, dancing light spots on them. In the distance, the clear, melodious cries of seagulls drifted by, making everything seem so vivid and beautiful.
Ren Xiyao felt the warmth and strong heartbeat from his chest, and looking at the sea view that they almost had all to themselves, she softly uttered two words: "Few people."
“That’s a must.” He tightened his arms around her and whispered in her ear, a hint of smugness in his voice: “I’ve inquired, and within a two-kilometer radius, this is the only house we own. For the next three days, this will be our private kingdom, and no one will disturb us.”
For people like them who live in the spotlight, being undisturbed by "few people" is the ultimate luxury.
Ren Xiyao turned around to face him. He seemed a bit tanned after a few days, his skin a healthy wheat color, and the prominent tattoos on his body seemed to be edged with flowing gold in the sunlight, adding a touch of wild sexiness. His eyes were focused and gentle, clearly reflecting her image.
Kwon Ji-yong didn't miss the fleeting admiration in her eyes. A smile played on his lips as he lowered his head slightly and planted a gentle kiss on her soft lips, deepening it with tenderness and longing. The sea breeze carried their scents, intertwining them.
When the kiss ended, both of them were slightly out of breath. Kwon Ji-yong pressed his forehead against hers, his nose brushing against hers, his voice tinged with a husky laugh: "So, Your Majesty, shall we replenish our energy and have something to eat first... or go back to our room and get some sleep?" He deliberately emphasized the word "sleep," his eyes full of suggestive intent.
Ren Xiyao chose without hesitation: "Let's eat."
Ren Xiyao lifted her foot and stepped on him lightly.
Kwon Ji-yong let out a roar, but laughed even more heartily, putting his arm around her waist and leading her into the house.
The afternoon sun was shining brightly, and the beach felt warm and cozy. The two changed into their swimsuits, played in the sea for a while, and then lay side by side on the beach chairs to sunbathe.
Kwon Ji-yong, unable to stay still, picked up a smooth twig from somewhere, polished smooth by the sea, and enthusiastically began drawing on the damp sand. He first drew a crooked heart, then carefully wrote "GD RXY" inside. After finishing, he proudly showed it to Ren Xiyao.
Ren Xiyao turned her head to take a look and commented without any mercy: "Ugly."
"Hey! What's ugly about it? I'm an artist!" Kwon Ji-yong retorted, "This is an artwork full of love! Aren't you an art student? Have some aesthetic sense!"
"You draw one that isn't ugly!" He shoved the branch into Ren Xiyao's hand.
Ren Xiyao took the branch, thought for a moment, then bent down and began to draw on the sand. Instead of drawing a heart, she drew a miniature version of a short track speed skating track with smooth and standard lines, even meticulously drawing the starting line and the curves of the curves.
Kwon Ji-yong stared at the racetrack, paused for a moment, then burst into laughter, laughing so hard he almost fell over: "Hahaha... Ren Xiyao! Are you trying to turn this resort beach into a training ground?" He laughed and lunged at her, wanting to kiss her, but Ren Xiyao, who was already on guard, grabbed a handful of wet sand and accurately smeared it all over his face.
"Ah! Murder!" Kwon Ji-yong wiped the sand from his face and retaliated with a wail.
The two chased and played on the beach like children, rolling around until they were both panting. Then they sat side by side near the tide, watching the sun slowly sink into the sea.
The golden afterglow painted the sky and sea a brilliant orange-red. The waves gently lapped at their ankles, bringing a cool touch.
After the commotion subsided and things quieted down, the atmosphere became somewhat different. Kwon Ji-yong gazed at the distant horizon where the sea met the sky, and suddenly spoke, his voice lower than usual: "I recently... wrote a new song."
Ren Xiyao hummed in response and turned to look at him.
“The song is a metaphor for the tides.” He picked up a handful of fine sand at his feet, watching the golden grains slowly slip through his fingers, his eyes somewhat unfocused: “It feels… a bit like you.”
"Like me in what way?" Ren Xiyao asked, somewhat puzzled.
He turned his head, his gaze falling on her profile, softened by the setting sun, his eyes deep: "Like this tide... it comes, and it goes. Because your arena is there." He pointed into the distance: "But no matter how far you go, in the end... you'll always come back." Back to his side.
Ren Xiyao's heart stirred slightly. She knew what he meant. She was an athlete, and he was a dazzling star, destined to be apart most of the time. She needed to train year-round and compete all over the world, while he needed to create and travel the world for gigs. They had very little time alone together like this. But he never complained, simply adjusting his schedule to accommodate her pace.
She didn't speak, but simply gazed at the slowly sinking sun on the horizon, then gently rested her head on his strong shoulder. Kwon Ji-yong reached out, found her hand, and intertwined his fingers with hers, pressing them tightly against the warm, fine sand beneath them.
No further words are needed; our hearts are already in sync.
As night fell, a summer rain quietly arrived. Raindrops tapped on the banana leaves outside the window, making a soft, crisp sound, like a tranquil lullaby.
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