Before the National Day holiday, Gu Siyi's parents called, planning to take her on a trip abroad for the holiday.
Gu Siyi said, "Zheng Peipei and I have already made plans."
Xu Jiahui smiled meaningfully, "You and Zheng Peipei? Isn't it you and Xia Zhijun?"
Gu Siyi gave an awkward laugh. "Well, it's everyone together!"
"Alright, if you have plans, go have fun." Xu Jiahui readily agreed.
Her daughter had grown up, had her own circle of friends, and a boyfriend. As parents, there was no need and no way to keep their child constantly tethered.
After hanging up the phone, Gu Zhiyuan, who was driving, said, "Now that she's in university, and going on a trip with Xia Zhijun, could they… get a room?"
Xu Jiahui was taken aback. "That…"
Gu Zhiyuan: "You're not sure either?"
Xu Jiahui: "With young people these days, it's hard to say."
Gu Zhiyuan said, "Actually, I don't approve of them having a sexual relationship too early."
Xu Jiahui said, "Mm. It's too early, she's only eighteen."
Silence fell in the car as the parents pondered.
After a moment, Gu Zhiyuan said, "It's up to them. They're far away from us; we can't control this kind of thing even if we wanted to. Come to think of it, they've been together since their first year of high school, that's three years now. If they still want to be together and want to… be intimate, we shouldn't interfere."
Xu Jiahui said, "I should still remind Siyi to think it through carefully, and not to forget about taking precautions."
Gu Zhiyuan said, "I trust Xia Zhijun; he'll be sensible."
To avoid the holiday rush, the group took leave two days early and set off.
For their sake, Su Han booked first-class tickets for everyone.
Xia Zhijun and Gu Siyi went to the airport together, where they met Zheng Peipei.
By the time the three of them passed through security and entered the VIP lounge, Su Han, fully masked, was already waiting.
Zheng Peipei hurried over to Su Han, sat down beside him, hugged his arm, and buried her head in his shoulder, rubbing against him, her happiness overflowing.
Gu Siyi, watching from the side, was infected by their intense joy and couldn't help but smile.
Xia Zhijun stood beside Gu Siyi, put his arm around her shoulders, turned her gently, and led her away.
Xia Zhijun put some distance between them and the couple, giving them some space.
Soon, it was time to board.
They had specifically chosen an early morning flight, and with it being first-class, there was no one else besides their group.
As usual, Xia Zhijun took Gu Siyi to seats some distance away from the other two.
Mid-flight, as Gu Siyi got up to go to the restroom, she passed by Su Han and Zheng Peipei's seats and saw them embracing and kissing…
Her face flushed slightly as she quickly walked past.
Gu Siyi worried about disturbing them, but they were immersed in their own world, completely oblivious to her passing, or perhaps they didn't mind.
Previously, Su Han had always been a gentle gentleman in Gu Siyi's eyes. Now, when he looked at Zheng Peipei, his eyes held not only gentleness but also joy and affection. On the plane, without any outsiders, he eagerly pulled down his mask and nestled close to Zheng Peipei, showering her with affection.
Returning to her seat, Gu Siyi leaned close to Xia Zhijun's ear and whispered with a smile, "They're so lovey-dovey."
Xia Zhijun said calmly, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder."
Gu Siyi nodded. "That's what they say." Suddenly, she blinked at Xia Zhijun and asked playfully, "Then, since we're together every day, will we get tired of each other in the future?"
Xia Zhijun reached out and tapped her head. "Don't talk nonsense." His expression was restrained, hinting at displeasure.
Gu Siyi gently touched his serious face and chuckled softly. "Just kidding."
Xia Zhijun leaned in, hovering above her, gazing into her eyes until she felt flustered and lost. Then, he whispered in her ear, "Are you blaming me for not kissing you, hmm?"
"No… No! Absolutely not!" She quickly denied it.
Their kissing frequency was already very, very high…
Last night, before parting, they had kissed in the grove for almost half an hour.
Xia Zhijun took her hand, nibbled on her earlobe, teasing it until it burned, and then breathed huskily into her ear, "I don't want to be apart. I'd rather kiss you every day than miss you every day."
The warm breath spread from her ear, as if flowing into her heart, making her feel both numb and warm.
Blushing, Gu Siyi nodded slightly. After a while, she whispered, "I don't want to be apart either…"
They had experienced the days of only seeing each other every few months during the last two years of high school.
Only now, in university, did she feel so content. Every morning, waking up and realizing they could be together again filled her with anticipation. Whether it was about their studies or some trivial matter in class, she couldn't wait to tell him. Sharing every little detail of their lives, relying on each other, accompanying each other – this was the source of their happiness.
After a few hours of flight, they landed at their destination, a picturesque island overseas.
This island wasn't a popular tourist spot, with few Chinese tourists, so Su Han wasn't too worried about being recognized with his sunglasses on.
They stayed in a villa-style wooden cabin hotel, each with its own separate building, offering both unique charm and excellent privacy.
Having woken up early, traveled to the airport, endured a long flight, and then transferred to the hotel, everyone was exhausted. They decided to rest in their respective rooms and meet for dinner later.
The comfortable king-size bed and the endless ocean view outside the floor-to-ceiling windows created a dreamlike atmosphere.
Lying on the bed, Gu Siyi felt as if she were floating on the sea, merging with the vastness.
Xia Zhijun put away their things and lay down beside her.
Gu Siyi yawned and said, "I woke up too early this morning. I think I need a nap."
Xia Zhijun turned and embraced her, saying, "Mm, I'll sleep for a bit too."
…If they didn't rest well, how could they do the "important things" at night?
Gu Siyi, who had been relaxed, tensed up a little in Xia Zhijun's embrace.
Since that somewhat muddled encounter at the hotel, they hadn't slept together. Not only that, but he had also become more restrained during their usual kisses, no longer trying to escalate things.
But he still asked to see her every day, always finding opportunities to kiss her. And with their deep foundation, Gu Siyi had put that incident behind her.
Now, on this trip, they would be sleeping in the same room for the next few days…
Then… what about that…
Seeing that Gu Siyi's eyes were still open, Xia Zhijun raised his hand and covered them, saying, "Sleep."
"…Oh." Putting aside her distracting thoughts, she quietly savored the tranquility of the moment and the seamless blend of sea and sky.
Soon, they fell asleep in each other's arms.
In his sleep, Xia Zhijun, inhaling her sweet scent, couldn't help but pull her closer.
Gu Siyi nestled obediently in his arms, sleeping soundly and sweetly.
As the sun began to set and dinner time approached, everyone had recovered their energy.
Gu Siyi changed into a beautiful resort dress. The floor-length gown, in a vibrant red, was striking. The thin straps revealed her delicate collarbones and hinted at the curve of her cleavage. Her tall figure and refined features were both innocent and alluring, charming and captivating.
Xia Zhijun changed into a casual T-shirt and shorts, moving with effortless grace. After changing, he sat on the sofa, browsing his phone while waiting for Gu Siyi.
When Gu Siyi emerged from the inner room, Xia Zhijun looked up, momentarily stunned.
Gu Siyi felt a little self-conscious. This was the first time… she had worn such a revealing dress.
Although it fit the beach theme, for someone who had just turned eighteen, she felt apprehensive.
Walking over to Xia Zhijun, she tried to sound casual. "Let's go, they're already waiting outside."
Xia Zhijun casually picked up a magazine from the small table beside him. "Wait a minute, Senior Brother is discussing a difficult problem with me."
"…Oh."
"You go ahead first, and meet up with Zheng Peipei."
"Okay." Gu Siyi left first.
Xia Zhijun watched her retreating figure, his gaze lingering on the expanse of her exposed back, her fair skin, delicate shoulder blades, and the curve of her spine…
He tilted his head back, taking a deep breath, his resolve hardening.
He needed to be alone to calm down and quell the irrepressible excitement surging within him.
The momentary visual impact, coupled with her slightly shy expression, was like a potent drug to him.
A while later, the group gathered at the cliffside restaurant.
Under a sky full of stars, with the sea breeze gently blowing, they enjoyed a leisurely seafood dinner.
Su Han, rarely having such a relaxing vacation opportunity, wore a constant smile, his peach blossom eyes sparkling.
Sitting across from them, Gu Siyi watched as Su Han and Zheng Peipei exchanged knowing smiles and fed each other, sensing their deep affection.
The four of them raised their wine glasses and gently clinked them together.
Zheng Peipei quickly said, "Wait, I need to take a picture."
She picked up her phone with her other hand and snapped a photo of their toast.
Gu Siyi said, "Remember to send it to me."
Zheng Peipei took a few more pictures of the food and scenery and posted them to their group chat, saying, "Envious? Jealous? Hehehe~"
Xiang Li replied: "Hmph, bullying us single dogs!"
Zhang Xinyi casually tossed out a photo. "I'm having a feast too!"
Gu Siyi: "[Grinning emoji] [Grinning emoji]"
Lu Jiaye: "Envy and jealousy are useless~ I'm drinking with foreign chicks~"
Zheng Peipei: "[Strong emoji] [Strong emoji]"
After the delicious meal, they went to the beach to play.
Zheng Peipei and Gu Siyi took selfies and frolicked by the sea, having a great time.
Su Han and Xia Zhijun sat on chairs nearby, sipping their drinks.
After a few drinks, Su Han offered to pour more, but Xia Zhijun declined. "That's enough, I shouldn't drink any more."
Su Han was in high spirits. "We're on vacation, it's okay to get drunk. Little Dimple will help you back."
Xia Zhijun looked at Gu Siyi's figure in the distance, his eyes filled with a captivating tenderness, more intoxicating than any wine. He said with a faint smile, "Forget it, a little drink is enjoyable, but getting drunk can be harmful."
Su Han was amused. "Ajun, you're only eighteen, are you already embracing a Buddhist lifestyle?"
No matter how much Su Han tried to encourage him, Xia Zhijun knew his limits.
A few drinks, just enough to overcome his nervousness, was perfect.
He was fully prepared tonight and wouldn't repeat the mistakes of the past…
When they had had enough fun, they returned to their rooms.
Gu Siyi finished her shower first and lay on the large bed, her heart pounding with both excitement and nervousness.
She wondered if he would come… She wondered if things would go smoothly…
Last time, she didn't even know how it happened… and he wouldn't discuss it with her…
At this moment, her mind was a jumble.
Xia Zhijun lingered in the bathroom for a long time before finally coming out. He embraced Gu Siyi.
A dim light illuminated the room.
She didn't speak, and neither did he.
The quiet embrace was subtly charged with a heart-pounding, blush-inducing intimacy.
He cupped her face in his hands and gently kissed her, finding her soft lips and savoring their taste.
Slowly, the kiss deepened, becoming more urgent, more intense…
His fingers threaded through her dark hair, sending shivers down her scalp.