Chapter 134: Opening Up

They went on several more rides, lingering until past ten o’clock before finally leaving the amusement park, still feeling unsatisfied.

Throughout the evening, Meng Yi’er had been exceptionally excited, as if she had returned to the carefree, simple days of her childhood, back when she still had her parents by her side.

Fortunately, under the cover of dim lights and the hazy night, Yan Yichen was careful enough that their date remained undisturbed. The experience felt romantic, thrilling, and heart-stirring.

As Yan Yichen’s luxury car cruised through the night, the excitement in Meng Yi’er finally began to settle. She leaned against the window, quietly watching the neon lights and the endless stream of traffic outside.

"What are you thinking about? Why so quiet all of a sudden?"

Yan Yichen glanced at her, his low, seductive voice resonating slowly within the confined space of the car.

Meng Yi’er straightened up, a smile dancing on her lips and crinkling the corners of her eyes. The happiness and contentment on her face were nearly overflowing.

"Yichen... thank you. Thank you for giving me such a wonderful night."

Yan Yichen reached out with his left hand to clasp hers, his deep, dark eyes fixed on her as he offered a warm smile.

The smile on Meng Yi’er’s face gradually faded, and her bright eyes lowered.

"You know? It has been a very, very long time since I felt this happy..."

Yes, a very, very long time.

Ever since her parents passed away when she was eight, she had never truly been happy again.

"Have you not been happy all these years?"

Meng Yi’er sighed softly, her gaze drifting toward the window.

"I wouldn’t say unhappy, it’s just..."

It was just that there had always been a knot in her heart—one that she could never quite untie.

Yan Yichen’s brows furrowed slightly. He tightened his grip on her hand and spoke softly.

"Tell me about yourself. Everything about you... I want to know."

He had never been able to let go of the mystery of what had happened to her sixteen years ago.

Meng Yi’er was slightly taken aback. She looked into his eyes, which shone like polished obsidian in the night, reflecting the hazy light of the sky. They were captivating, pulling her in, making it impossible to look away.

"I..."

Meng Yi’er hesitated, unsure of how to begin. The memories she had buried deep within her heart surfaced one by one.

For so many years, she had never spoken of that past to anyone. She had convinced herself that if she didn't mention it, she could forget it.

But some things, no matter how many years pass, cannot be forgotten; they are branded into the soul.

After a moment of hesitation, feeling the warmth of his palm gradually thawing her cold heart, Meng Yi’er pulled at her lips and began to speak slowly.

"Yichen, did you know? I was actually born here in Sea City. The happiest days of my childhood were spent here. Although we weren't particularly wealthy back then, my mom and dad loved me so much. We were such a happy family. Even though my dad was busy working to earn money every day, he would make time to play with me whenever he could, buying me all sorts of delicious treats and fun toys just to make me smile. And my mom... she loved me so much, too. She dedicated so much time to me every day. She was a talented artist and taught me how to paint. Our favorite times were when we would scribble together on the walls at home. She was the most beautiful and gentle mother I have ever known. Back then, all the children in my class envied me—they envied me for having such a beautiful, gentle mother. But..."

As she spoke, a smile remained on Meng Yi’er’s face, her eyes shimmering as she gazed out at the passing scenery.