Chapter 35
The news of Song Mingye's complete recovery spread like a spring breeze through everyone's hearts. When the doctor smiled and said, "You don't need to have regular check-ups anymore; you're completely cured," Song Linchuan's eyes immediately welled up with tears. He hugged Song Mingye tightly and choked out, "Brother, you're finally better!"
Chu Xiaoche suggested revisiting the beach to relive the beautiful memories left unfinished last year, and everyone agreed. The night before departure, the Song family's old house was brightly lit. Song Linchuan lay on his suitcase, neatly folding their clothes and even bringing along the seashell wind chimes. Qi Zihao's camera bag was bulging, and Chu Xiaoche helplessly helped him tidy it up, but still secretly added an extra roll of film. Jiang Ziyu carefully put a protective cover on his drawing board, while Mu Nanjin sat beside him, quietly putting the paints into the storage box one by one.
As the car drove out of the city, dawn was just breaking. Song Mingye was driving, with Song Linchuan in the passenger seat, Xiaobai curled up on his lap, fast asleep. In the back seat, Qi Zihao leaned on Chu Xiaoche's shoulder, excitedly flipping through a seaside travel guide; Jiang Ziyu and Mu Nanjin looked out the window together, the roadside trees lush and vibrant with life.
The journey was filled with laughter and joy. When they arrived at the seaside guesthouse again, the setting sun was slowly sinking below the horizon, painting the sky a brilliant orange-red. The guesthouse owner recognized them immediately and greeted them warmly: "Mr. Song, you've finally arrived! I thought you weren't coming this year." Song Mingye smiled and nodded: "Of course we had to come, the sea here is so beautiful."
The room at the guesthouse was the same one from last year; opening the floor-to-ceiling windows revealed an endless expanse of sea. Song Linchuan helped Song Mingye to the terrace, the sea breeze carrying a salty, damp scent that felt familiar and comforting. "Brother, look, the sea here is still the most beautiful," Song Linchuan said with a smile. Song Mingye nodded, reaching out to take his hand, his eyes filled with tenderness: "Yes, wherever you are, everything is beautiful."
In the next room, Qi Zihao couldn't contain himself any longer and dragged Chu Xiaoche to the beach. The afterglow of the setting sun spilled onto the sand, making the golden grains shimmer. Qi Zihao kept pressing the shutter button with his camera, while Chu Xiaoche followed behind him, occasionally bending down to pick up a seashell and quietly slipping it into his pocket. "Xiaoche, look at that sunset, it's even more beautiful than last year!" Qi Zihao exclaimed excitedly. Chu Xiaoche walked over and hugged him from behind: "No matter how beautiful it is, it can't compare to you."
Jiang Ziyu and Mu Nanjin sat at the easel on the terrace. Jiang Ziyu held a paintbrush, the tip falling to the paper, spreading the first shade of sea blue. Mu Nanjin sat beside him, holding a book of poetry, softly reading aloud to him. Sunlight bathed them, creating a warm and peaceful scene. "Nanjin, how do you think my painting is?" Jiang Ziyu asked, looking up. Mu Nanjin smiled and reached out to ruffle his hair: "Very beautiful. You've captured the gentleness of the sea perfectly."
Dinner was as lavish as ever, with fresh seafood and sweet rice wine. Everyone sat around the table in a warm and lively atmosphere. Song Mingye had a good appetite, constantly putting food on Song Linchuan's plate; Chu Xiaoche patiently peeled shrimp for Qi Zihao; and Mu Nanjin served Jiang Ziyu a bowl of hot soup. "Brother Mingye, you're completely recovered now, we can come here to play often!" Qi Zihao said, his mouth full. Song Mingye smiled and nodded: "Okay, we'll come every year."
After dinner, the six of them sat in wicker chairs in the courtyard, gazing at the stars. Song Linchuan leaned on Song Mingye's shoulder, chattering away as he pointed at the stars; Qi Zihao nestled in Chu Xiaoche's arms, playing with the seashells he'd collected that afternoon; Jiang Ziyu leaned against Mu Nanjin, quietly listening to their conversation. A gentle sea breeze blew, and the seashell wind chimes tinkled crisply, as if telling their story.
Late at night, Song Mingye lay in bed, with Song Linchuan curled up beside him. "Brother, do you remember when you fainted here last year? I was so scared," Song Linchuan whispered. Song Mingye took his hand and patted it gently. "It's all in the past. I'll be fine from now on and won't worry you anymore." Song Linchuan nodded and snuggled closer to him. "Yes, we'll be happy like this forever."
The next morning, Qi Zihao was awakened by the sound of the waves. He tiptoed out of bed and dragged Chu Xiaoche to take pictures of the sunrise. The sun slowly rose from the sea, its golden rays spilling across the surface, making the water shimmer. Qi Zihao excitedly pressed the shutter, and Chu Xiaoche walked to his side, draping a jacket over his shoulders: "Be careful not to catch a cold."
When Song Mingye and Song Linchuan woke up, sunlight already filled the room. They walked hand-in-hand to the beach, with their little white dog, Xiaobai, running happily around them. Song Mingye bent down and picked up a seashell, handing it to Song Linchuan: "Linchuan, look at this, it looks a lot like the one I gave you last year." Song Linchuan took the seashell, his eyes full of smiles: "Yes, let's pick one every year and save them."
Jiang Ziyu and Mu Nanjin sat in front of the easel on the terrace. Jiang Ziyu was intently painting the sunrise, while Mu Nanjin sat beside him, quietly watching him. Sunlight bathed them, creating a warm and beautiful scene. "Nanjin, when I'm finished, let's hang it in the living room," Jiang Ziyu said softly. Mu Nanjin nodded: "Okay, whatever you say."
At noon, everyone ate seafood barbecue at a roadside stall on the beach. Song Mingye and Chu Xiaoche drank beer and chatted; Qi Zihao and Song Linchuan chased and played on the beach; Jiang Ziyu and Mu Nanjin collected seashells and arranged them into the shape of a heart.
As evening fell, the six walked side by side on the beach, the afterglow of the setting sun casting long, long shadows of them. Waves lapped against the sand, 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. Together, they gazed at the distant sea, their eyes filled with happiness and anticipation.
“From now on, let’s come here to see the sea every year, okay?” Song Mingye said softly. Everyone nodded in agreement: “Okay!”
The evening breeze kissed the old windowsill, bringing the scent of the sea and the taste of happiness. Song Mingye looked at his loved ones and friends beside him, his heart filled with gratitude. This battle with illness had made him cherish the happiness he had now even more. He knew that in the days to come, no matter what difficulties he encountered, as long as these people were by his side, he would have the courage to face them. And these memories by the sea would become their most precious treasure, forever warming their lives.
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