After the meal, everyone gathered on the deck. Fishing gear and other items were ready, and a corresponding fishing boat was docked beside the cruise ship, with staff prepared. Accompanied by the gentle sea breeze, the setting sun dyed the sea surface at the horizon a soft, warm red.
Shi Xingwu had eaten a lot at dinner and was now full of energy and excitement. Without a word, he boarded the fishing boat, ready to ride the waves and show off his skills.
Miao Tong stood at the edge of the deck railing, squinting into the distance, seemingly enjoying the moment of peace.
Nie Qingkong, standing not far behind him, gazed at Miao Tong's back, contemplating whether pushing him off the railing at this moment would be a good idea.
Li Xiaozhong leaned back in a lounge chair, his gaze fixed on the laptop resting on his lap, his fingertips lightly tapping on the keyboard as if researching something.
Xia Qingyu, on the other hand, kept looking around, as if searching for Xia Qingtian's figure.
Xia Qingtian had disappeared right after dinner and still hadn't returned. This was not right.
"Little Sister Qingyu~" Bai Yuqi floated to Xia Qingyu's side, his handsome foxy eyes slyly narrowed, revealing a mischievous smile. His golden short hair mingled with the sunset light, making it even more dazzling. "Looking for someone?"
Xia Qingyu looked at Bai Yuqi's smile and immediately took half a step back, maintaining a safe distance, before asking, "Young Master Bai? Where is my sister?"
"Oh, her. She went to meet the chef who cooked tonight. I guess she was quite satisfied with the meal," Bai Yuqi said with a smile, crossing his arms. "What, you can't go a moment without seeing your sister?"
"You jest, Young Master Bai," Xia Qingyu forced a dry laugh, suppressing the unease in her heart. "Is that chef from City Z?"
"You could say that. Why? Do you want to meet him too?" Bai Yuqi smiled at Xia Qingyu. "He's just a chef. If Little Sister Qingyu wants to meet him, I can introduce you another day."
"Then I'll trouble you, Young Master Bai," Xia Qingyu didn't refuse, just smiled before turning her gaze back to the distant sea.
The undulating waves shattered the setting sun, making her heart feel chaotic. She was really afraid that Xia Qingtian would be tricked away by some unknown chef.
Bai Yuqi looked at Xia Qingyu's profile and a knowing smile spread across his face. Were these two sisters, who shared no blood relation, as close as they appeared?
Nie Qingkong, who had been focusing his attention on Miao Tong, turned his head and noticed Bai Yuqi and Xia Qingyu seemingly chatting. Nie Qingkong's brows furrowed. It seemed they couldn't be left unsupervised for even a moment.
Bai Yuqi wanted to chat more with Xia Qingyu, but then he saw Nie Qingkong deliberately walk between them and say with a smile, "It would be a shame not to appreciate such a beautiful sunset, wouldn't it?"
"Indeed." Bai Yuqi took half a step back due to Nie Qingkong's proximity.
Xia Qingyu turned to look at Nie Qingkong, her brows slightly furrowed, wondering what mischief he was up to now.
"Why are you looking at me? Look at the sunset," Nie Qingkong raised an eyebrow as he met Xia Qingyu's guarded eyes. What did he mean? Was he annoyed that he was blocking her peach blossom luck?
"I'll have someone bring some drinks over. You two enjoy the view," Bai Yuqi saw that Nie Qingkong had no intention of leaving. He figured he wouldn't be able to get any information, so he made an excuse and left the deck.
"Nie Qingkong, what exactly are you doing?" Xia Qingyu questioned him after Bai Yuqi left.
"Just looking at the sunset. What's wrong? Can't I?" Nie Qingkong asked Xia Qingyu with a smiling retort.
"You!" Xia Qingyu would be a fool to believe Nie Qingkong! Where else could one look at the sunset but beside her? He was clearly doing it on purpose!
"Fine, you look slowly then!" Xia Qingyu's mind was in turmoil, filled with thoughts of that chef who had slipped out of her control. She didn't remember Xia Qingtian being close to any chefs... Glaring at Nie Qingkong, Xia Qingyu turned to leave. She couldn't deal with him, so she could just avoid him, right? She didn't want to be with Nie Qingkong; she wanted to go find Xia Qingtian.
"Tell me, if I push him down, will he float up if he falls into the sea?" Nie Qingkong had his hands in his pockets, his eyes fixed on Miao Tong's back, his smile unchanged, but his words made Xia Qingyu's blood run cold.
"Nie Qingkong, do you even know what you're doing!" Xia Qingyu shivered and glared at Nie Qingkong.
"Guess?" Nie Qingkong looked at Xia Qingyu with an incredibly bright smile. "Scared? Want to be my grandson?"
"You!" Xia Qingyu's beautiful eyes widened, and she bit her lower lip in anger. "Who's scared? You're more likely to be my grandson!"
Despite her words, Xia Qingyu dared not leave casually. She could only cross her arms and stay by Nie Qingkong's side, preventing him from actually pushing Miao Tong into the sea.
"Pfft." Nie Qingkong let out a hearty laugh at her reaction. Good. Don't leave his side so easily. Otherwise, he couldn't guarantee what he might do.
Meanwhile, Miao Tong was still leaning over the deck railing, watching Shi Xingwu, and laughing heartily.
On the other side, in the luxurious suite on the top floor of the private yacht, Xia Qingtian saw Gu Yaoyang, who had just finished bathing. His loose white bathrobe was tied, revealing tantalizing hints of muscle. He casually wiped his hair with a white towel, water droplets falling.
"This is..." Xia Qingtian stared blankly at the man before her. "Is this free to watch?"
"For now. If you want to see more, that's a different price," Gu Yaoyang chuckled, drawing his bathrobe tighter. "Card or cash?"
"Let me owe you for now?" Xia Qingtian replied with a smile, then looked around. "The rooms downstairs were already very good, I didn't expect your floor to be even more luxurious!"
"Don't let Bai Yuqi's constant complaints about poverty fool you; he's the one who enjoys life the most," Gu Yaoyang said as he walked into the walk-in closet. After a while, he emerged wearing casual clothes. "Food, clothing, and daily necessities – if it's not the best, he doesn't want it."
"That's quite a personality," Xia Qingtian chuckled. "I didn't expect you to come."
"I also didn't expect you to be traveling with Bai Yuqi. This trip of mine was confidential," Gu Yaoyang walked to the desk and beckoned Xia Qingtian over. "I have something to show you."
Xia Qingtian walked directly over and took the document Gu Yaoyang handed her, scanning it with her eyes. "Tarik? The same age as Qingyu? Who is he?"
"They call him Young Master," Gu Yaoyang said as he brought back two glasses of water and returned to the desk, handing one to Xia Qingtian. "He's rumored to be a financial genius, incredibly wealthy, but also a ruthless killer, cold-blooded and cruel."
"You're investigating him?" Xia Qingtian asked. "What does this have to do with your trip to Kyoto?"
"Tarik has come to Country Z. Although his whereabouts haven't been found yet, considering the matters involving the Tang and Miao families, I suspect he might be in Kyoto," Gu Yaoyang said seriously. "This person is very dangerous and must be found quickly."