Chapter Sixteen: The Wind Happened to Lift Her Hair

In Song He’s view, even though it was Yusheng who invited them out, he felt more like a third wheel.

“Is Yuchen not coming?” Gu Yan asked.

“Yeah, where’s your brother?” At least if her brother was here, Song He wouldn’t be alone.

“He’s at home playing games. Besides, he has no interest in these tourist spots.”

“If I’d known, I would have just joined a tour group myself,” Song He whispered to Gu Yan.

“Only just realizing?” Gu Yan cast him a weary glance.

“Today, I’ll be your guide. Just relax and follow me!” Yusheng patted her chest confidently.

“Alright! To thank you both for coming out with me, I’ve decided I’ll cover all the expenses today!” Young Master Song announced boldly.

Yusheng was about to refuse, but Gu Yan stopped her, “Don’t refuse, he’s loaded.”

“How loaded?” Yusheng leaned in and whispered in Gu Yan’s ear.

Gu Yan was charmed by her playful gesture. “The kind with mines and several companies at home.” He mimicked her, leaning in to whisper back.

As he spoke, the warm breath tickled Yusheng’s ear, making her heart flutter.

Luckily, Song He was too absorbed in his phone, searching for travel tips—otherwise, witnessing this scene would have driven him crazy with jealousy.

“No need for travel guides, I’m your living, breathing one. Do you want to start with the mountains, the water, or somewhere educational?”

“Of course, somewhere educational first. That matches my temperament,” Song He declared.

“Alright, then let’s head to the museum first.” Yusheng led the way.

Hearing this, Song He panicked, “Wait, no, I’ve changed my mind—let’s start with water activities.”

Gu Yan patted his shoulder, “But that wouldn’t suit your temperament, would it?”

Right now, Song He wished he could slap himself. Why did he have to show off?

Trailing behind Yusheng and Gu Yan, Song He felt utterly unnecessary. All of Yusheng’s attention was on Gu Yan, and Gu Yan didn’t care about him at all.

Watching Yusheng enthusiastically explain things to Gu Yan, Song He resigned himself to being their errand boy. “I’ll go get you guys some water,” he said to Gu Yan.

Gu Yan didn’t even look at him, just nodded.

Song He wanted to punch him, but held back. Clearly, he meant nothing to his so-called friend.

There were no drinks for sale on that floor, so Song He had to go downstairs. As he rounded a corner, he noticed someone lurking near the turn, peering toward Gu Yan. Song He didn’t think much of it until, passing by, he overheard the person on the phone.

“Yes, they’re together. Mm, okay.”

Song He took note, walking past. Could Gu Yan be right? Was someone here for revenge? Judging by the man’s behavior, he didn’t seem to know Song He.

After touring the museum, Yusheng took them to climb the city’s most famous mountain.

“I’m exhausted, I just want to lie in bed,” Song He grumbled from the back.

“Hurry up, or we’ll reach the top without you,” Gu Yan called to him.

“You guys go ahead. I’m done. I’ll wait here,” Song He panted.

Gu Yan glanced at him helplessly, “Let’s go, just the two of us then.”

Yusheng nodded.

Both were tired, so they barely spoke on the way up.

When they reached the summit, the view made Yusheng feel everything was worth it.

“See, isn’t the view amazing?” she said excitedly, pointing it out to Gu Yan.

Gu Yan smiled, “Yes, it’s beautiful.”

Yusheng ran to the railing at the summit, closed her eyes, and let the wind brush her face.

She turned to Gu Yan and waved, “Come here and close your eyes—it feels incredible.”

Gu Yan walked over and, imitating her, closed his eyes.

In that instant, the world seemed to quiet. He could hear the gentle rhythm of her breath beside him.

He snuck a glance at the girl next to him. Her eyes were closed in contentment, long lashes fluttering, her lips curved in a small smile. Dimples deepened her charm, and the wind tousled the fine hair on her forehead, making Gu Yan want to reach out and smooth it back.

Just then, Yusheng opened her eyes, and Gu Yan quickly turned away.

She didn’t notice his gaze. “Let’s head down—Song He’s probably waiting.”

Gu Yan nodded.

Midway down, they found Song He leaning against a book, playing on his phone, not the least bit anxious.

Seeing him, Gu Yan suddenly remembered—had Song He called his parents like he’d asked?

Gu Yan went over and tapped him. “Did you check in with your parents?”

Oblivious, Song He kept playing his game, “Huh?”

“Cut it out.”

Song He pocketed his phone and turned away. “Not yet.”

“Then do it now.”

Song He rubbed his nose, trying to change the topic. “Why are you two back so soon?”

Gu Yan folded his arms and stared him down.

Resigned, Song He relented, “Fine, I’ll call.”

Under their watchful eyes, Song He dialed that familiar yet distant number.

Before he could speak, a voice answered, “Hehe, your dad and I are still busy. We’ll be home next week. If it’s nothing urgent, let’s talk then, okay?”

He stayed silent.

“Hello? Hehe, are you listening? If there’s nothing, I’m hanging up now.”

Just as he opened his mouth, the call ended with a busy tone. He laughed silently and put his phone away.

“Done?”

“Yeah, they told me to go back next week,” Song He replied with a forced grin.

Yusheng smiled gently, “See? Your parents care about you. They let you travel during school.”

Song He managed a weak smile, “They’re so ‘good’ to me.”

“Anyway, let’s go eat—my treat!” Song He quickly switched moods, eager.

Gu Yan didn’t care much, but Yusheng was as excited as Song He. “What’s the feast?”

“I saw a restaurant in a travel guide—top reviews, but you need a reservation.”

Yusheng’s excitement faded. “Aw, so we can’t go then.”

Song He beamed with pride. “Lucky for you, I made one already. Just follow me.”

Gu Yan shook his head in amusement—only Yusheng would play along with Song He’s theatrics.

“Come on, follow me!” Song He strutted ahead, leading the way.

When they arrived, the restaurant was nearly empty, but its traditional decor was elegant and refined.

Yusheng whispered, “I feel like I can’t even speak loudly here.”

Before they could settle in, an elegant hostess in a cheongsam appeared to lead them.

Song He winked at Gu Yan and Yusheng, giving a thumbs-up.

The hostess led them through winding corridors to a secluded courtyard. A gently flowing stream meandered through. Their table was a low antique one, with no chairs—only round cushions for sitting cross-legged. The meal felt like an ancient gathering of friends.

The staff asked, “We offer Hanfu here—would you like to try it on?”

Yusheng nodded eagerly; she’d always wanted to.

They were shown to separate dressing rooms. Yusheng chose a red-and-white Hanfu, feeling it looked heroic. Gu Yan picked a deep blue Tang-style round-collar Hanfu, thinking it looked dashing. Song He chose a Wei-Jin style scholar’s outfit to show off his elegance.

While changing, Song He whispered to Gu Yan, “Someone’s been tailing you two all day.”

Gu Yan frowned slightly.

“They don’t seem to know me. When I lagged behind on the mountain, they ignored me. If this is about what happened last time, be careful.”

“I understand.”

“Contact me right away if you need anything.” For once, Song He was the one giving a reminder.

“You be careful too. Don’t let them dig up your info.”

Song He nodded, “Got it.”

When all three emerged in their new attire, they couldn’t help but laugh at each other.

“Well? Don’t we look great?” Song He asked proudly.

“You do!”

“So, which of us is more handsome?” he pressed.

Gu Yan looked at Yusheng, nervous.

Yusheng blushed, sneaking a glance at Gu Yan. “I—I’m the most handsome! Just look at me! All I’m missing is a gun.”

Gu Yan let out a breath but looked a little disappointed.

“You’re just saying that so Gu Yan doesn’t feel bad, right? Clearly, I’m the better looking one.” Song He swept his robe aside and sat on a cushion.

“No, that’s not it,” Yusheng’s face turned red.

“Song He!” Gu Yan interrupted, seeing he was teasing Yusheng endlessly.

“Okay, okay, just joking! Let’s eat!”

The hostess saw they were ready, nodded to the kitchen, and servers began bringing out dish after dish.

Faced with the spectacle, Yusheng, who’d never seen such extravagance, was stunned. “Did you book a state banquet?”

“It’s just a friendly feast—luxurious but not overwhelming, grand but not stifling. Perfect,” Song He replied.

Gu Yan wasn’t surprised, sampling the food calmly.

“When did you book this?” Gu Yan asked.

Song He thought a moment. “Just about ten minutes before you came down the mountain.”

Yusheng was surprised. “Didn’t you say this restaurant was hard to book?”

“It is, but I’m a VIP. My family does business with them. It’s been a while since I’ve had their food, so I made a reservation.”

“How could such an expensive place make it into a travel guide? Those guides are for budget tourists.”

“My recommendation is the highest praise possible, isn’t it?” Song He countered.

Yusheng burst out laughing. She finally understood why Gu Yan ignored Song He—talking to him was just asking for trouble.

She stopped asking questions and, like Gu Yan, ate quietly, while Song He kept chattering away. She just nodded and replied with “mm” from time to time.

But she had to admit, the dishes here were nothing like the heavy, oily, spicy food outside. Each bite tasted as if it revealed the dish’s original flavor—like this was how it was always meant to be.