Chapter 30
On the last morning at the beach, there was none of the usual hustle and bustle, only the gentle lapping of the waves against the shore, like a soothing lullaby. Song Mingye was awakened by Song Linchuan's light kiss. The boy nestled beside him, his eyes as bright as the sunlight streaming through the window: "Brother, get up! Let's go collect seashells and make some crafts!"
Song Mingye smiled and ruffled his hair, then slowly sat up. After a few days of rest, he felt much better, and the pain in his back had lessened. Song Linchuan quickly helped him up and handed him a coat that had been prepared beforehand: "It's a bit windy today, don't catch a cold." The two walked out of the room side by side, just in time to run into Chu Xiaoche and Qi Zihao, who were also preparing to go out.
"Mingye-ge, Achuan!" Qi Zihao waved excitedly, carrying a large bamboo basket. "Let's go collect seashells and make seashell wind chimes!" Chu Xiaoche followed behind him, holding two small shovels, and smiled helplessly: "He's been talking about this since early this morning."
Jiang Ziyu and Mu Nanjin followed. Jiang Ziyu was carrying a storage box containing glue, colored string, and paint. "I want to paint the seashells in color and string them together to hang in my room," he said softly, his eyes full of anticipation. Mu Nanjin reached out and smoothed his wind-blown hair. "Okay, I'll paint with you."
The six of them walked towards the beach in the morning light. The sand was still damp and cool, soft underfoot. Little White ran happily ahead, occasionally stopping to scratch at the pebbles on the sand with its paws. Song Linchuan pulled Song Mingye along, bending down to carefully search for pretty seashells: "Brother, look at this one, it has beautiful patterns on it!"
Song Mingye took the seashell, his fingertips tracing its uneven texture. Sunlight filtered through the seashell, casting dappled patterns on his palm. "It's really pretty," he said with a smile. "It could be used as a wind chime pendant." Chu Xiaoche, meanwhile, was helping Qi Zihao dig up the seashells buried in the sand. Qi Zihao squatted beside him, his eyes wide open like a curious kitten: "Xiaoche, there's a big one here!"
Jiang Ziyu sat on a rock, carefully selecting seashells. Mu Nanjin sat beside him, helping him put the selected seashells into a storage box. "This seashell has a very special color," Mu Nanjin picked up a light purple seashell and handed it to Jiang Ziyu, "You can paint it however you like." Jiang Ziyu took the seashell, nodded, took out his paint, and began to carefully paint it.
As the sun rose higher, more people appeared on the beach. The six of them filled a basket with seashells and returned to the courtyard of their guesthouse. Song Mingye and Song Linchuan sat on wicker chairs and strung seashell wind chimes together. Song Linchuan clumsily strung the seashells together with colorful rope, while Song Mingye patiently guided him: "Make sure the rope is tied tightly, otherwise it will fall off in the wind."
Chu Xiaoche and Qi Zihao were drilling holes in the seashells. Qi Zihao was weak and couldn't drill through after a long time, so he pouted in frustration. Chu Xiaoche smiled and took the tools from him: "I'll help you. You're in charge of hanging up the strung seashells." Qi Zihao immediately nodded, excitedly picked up the strung seashells, and hung them on the banyan tree in the yard.
Jiang Ziyu had already finished drawing several seashells, some of which were painted into colorful rainbows, and others into cute little animals. Mu Nanjin sat beside him, helping him dry the seashells, and occasionally praising him, "Ziyu, you draw so beautifully." Jiang Ziyu's cheeks flushed slightly, but the corners of his mouth couldn't help but turn up.
At noon, the guesthouse owner prepared a sumptuous lunch for them. After lunch, everyone continued their crafts. Song Mingye's wind chime was finished and hung on the terrace. When the wind blew, the seashells collided together, making a crisp sound. "It sounds so nice!" Song Linchuan leaned on his shoulder and said with a smile. Song Mingye nodded, his eyes full of tenderness: "When we get home, we'll hang it in the bedroom."
Qi Zihao and Chu Xiaoche finished their wind chimes, which were adorned with small seashells they had collected. When the wind blew, they produced not only the sounds of the seashells but also the mournful cries of the conches, making them exceptionally unique. "Our wind chimes are the most special!" Qi Zihao said proudly. Chu Xiaoche smiled and ruffled his hair: "Yes, the ones made by our Zihao are the most special."
Jiang Ziyu then pieced together the seashells he had drawn into a picture, depicting the sea, the sun, and six little figures holding hands, representing the six of them. "It's so beautiful!" Song Linchuan couldn't help but exclaim. Jiang Ziyu smiled shyly, "I just drew whatever came to mind." Mu Nanjin carefully put the drawing away, "Let's take it home and hang it in the living room."
In the afternoon, everyone took photos and commemorative pictures in various corners of the guesthouse. Qi Zihao acted as the photographer, directing everyone to pose. "Mingye, Achuan, come closer!" "Xiaoche, put your arm around Zihao!" "Nanjing, fix Ziyu's hair!"
Song Mingye and Song Linchuan sat on wicker chairs on the terrace, Song Linchuan leaning on Song Mingye's shoulder, both gazing at the sea outside the window with gentle smiles. Chu Xiaoche and Qi Zihao were under the banyan tree in the courtyard, Chu Xiaoche hugging Qi Zihao from behind, resting his chin on the top of his head, his eyes full of doting affection. Jiang Ziyu and Mu Nanjin sat on the beach, Jiang Ziyu leaning against Mu Nanjin, holding a seashell in his hand, his smile shy.
Xiao Bai also became a frequent subject in the photos. It was held in Song Linchuan's arms, sticking out its tongue at the camera, looking exceptionally cute. Qi Zihao took many photos, including solo shots, couple shots, and group photos of all six of them, each capturing their laughter and joy.
As evening fell and the sun set, the six sat on the beach, watching it slowly sink below the horizon. Song Linchuan leaned against Song Mingye and whispered, "Brother, I really don't want to leave here." Song Mingye took his hand and patted it gently, "It's okay, we'll come back again."
Chu Xiaoche put his arm around Qi Zihao's shoulder, and Qi Zihao leaned against him, looking at the sunset with longing in his eyes: "Xiaoche, when will we come again next time?" Chu Xiaoche lowered his head and planted a kiss on his forehead: "We'll come again after Mingye's surgery is successful."
Jiang Ziyu leaned against Mu Nanjin, holding the pale purple seashell in his hand, and said softly, "Nanjin, this trip was really fun." Mu Nanjin smiled and reached out to ruffle his hair: "Me too. As long as I'm with you, I'm happy no matter where we go."
The setting sun cast long, long shadows upon them. Waves lapped against the sand, leaving a trail of footprints that seemed to tell their story. The evening breeze kissed the old windowsill, bringing with it the scent of farewell, yet also a wealth of memories.
The next morning, the six packed their bags and prepared to leave the beach. The guesthouse owner saw them to the door, smiling and saying, "Come again soon!" "Definitely!" they all replied in unison. As the car drove away from the guesthouse, Qi Zihao leaned against the window, watching the sea recede into the distance, his eyes filled with reluctance. Song Mingye looked at him, feeling a little nostalgic as well, but mostly filled with anticipation for the future.
He knew that although their trip to the beach had ended, their story continued. Surgery awaited him, but he wasn't afraid. He knew that with his loved one by his side and his friends' support, he would overcome his illness and usher in a brighter future. And those memories of the beach, like precious seashells, would forever be treasured in their hearts, warming their lives.
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