Chapter 380 - 200: Boating on the Lake

Chapter 380: Chapter 200: Boating on the Lake

Wang Yufei and Yang Wenjian stood by the window, whispering to each other as they pointed at the small island in the center of the lake and the passing water birds.

Gao Zhen chose a seat by a window, his gaze settling on the vast, misty surface of the lake. The cordial expression he had been deliberately maintaining faded, revealing a hint of genuine relaxation and serenity.

At Tang Yuan’s invitation, Yang Wenqing took the seat of honor. Lan Ying flew down and landed on the low table beside him, curiously observing everything in the cabin.

Once everyone was settled, the pleasure boat pulled away from the shore with a slight tremor, cruising smoothly toward the center of the lake.

As the boat sailed farther out, the clamor of the shore was left behind. All that remained was the vast expanse where water and sky merged, and a leisurely atmosphere that slowly filled the pleasure boat. The political games of the Provincial Hall, the wins and losses of the grand competition, the struggles of Cultivation—all were temporarily washed away by the gentle lake water and refreshing breeze.

Yang Wenqing picked up the fragrant tea an attendant had served him. He gazed at the scenery outside, listening to the occasional whispers between his brother and Wang Yufei, and to the conversation that was starting to flow more freely between Jin Ming, Tang Yuan, and Gao Zhen. The ever-taut string in his mind finally loosened a bit.

The boat reached the heart of the lake, leaving the surrounding clamor far behind. Yang Wenqing set down his teacup, walked over to an open window, and stood leaning against the railing.

When he had looked down on Bilan Lake from the Flying Shuttle, it had seemed like a giant piece of jade inlaid in the earth. It was beautiful, but felt separated by an invisible barrier. Now, immersed in the scene, the feeling was completely different.

The lake’s waters seemed deeper now, stretching boundlessly as far as the eye could see. In the distance, the silhouette of Dragon Ridge Mountain softened and blurred in the mist, resembling a spreading ink wash painting.

It was only here, amidst this vast green expanse, that one could truly appreciate their own smallness. This wasn’t the feeling of dominance from looking down from the Flying Shuttle, but a sense of being small and enveloped by a gentle, immense power.

Lan Ying flew over to the windowsill, tilting her little head to look at the unified expanse of water and sky. A rare sigh of wonder from her echoed in his Spirit Sea: ’It’s so big... much, much bigger than the pool in the mountain stream where Mommy and Daddy live!’

At some point, Gao Zhen had also walked over to another window. He said nothing, simply gazing quietly into the distance. His eyes, which he seemed to have to consciously keep animated after his long seclusion, now reflected the deep glow of the lake, and with it, a newfound serenity that came from within.

At first, Jin Ming excitedly chattered with Tang Yuan, critiquing the pleasure boat’s decor and the other vessels that occasionally passed by. But gradually he grew quieter, leaning back against a comfortable cushion and staring somewhat blankly at the exquisite paintings on the ceiling.

Wang Yufei and Yang Wenjian’s quiet conversation also trailed off. They stood shoulder to shoulder at the window, watching a flock of white water birds skim across the lake’s surface. Their wingtips left a trail of delicate ripples that quickly vanished into the shimmering water.

In this vast tranquility, time seemed to lose all meaning, becoming sluggish and thick.

After some time, the sun began to sink in the west. At first, it was a dazzling golden-white, but it gradually took on an orange-red hue, splashing half the sky and the vast lake with a magnificent, warm light. Far in the distance, toward the mouth of the man-made canal that connected Bilan Lake to the open sea, the faint outline of a sprawling architectural complex was visible.

That was a key maintenance and supply base for the Southern Navy on Bilan Lake. Against the backdrop of the molten-gold sunset, it created a peculiar image—a harmony of the unyielding and the gentle.

"How beautiful..."

Wang Yufei couldn’t help but sigh in admiration.

Yang Wenjian nodded in agreement beside her, an equally captivated look in his eyes.

Just then, the boat’s attendants came forward quietly and lit the spirit lamps in the cabin. A soft, warm glow drove away the deepening twilight. At the same time, a succession of exquisitely prepared dishes was brought to the long table in the center.

The aroma of the food and wine mingled with the twilight view of the lake, pulling everyone from their reverie.

"Come, everyone! We can’t have a view like this without some wine!" Tang Yuan said with a smile, raising his cup and breaking the silence.

Everyone took their seats and raised their cups to drink.

They savored the fine wine and delicious food. Outside, the sun sank bit by bit behind the distant mountains and the giant naval vessels. Its final rays painted the horizon a brilliant violet-red, which in turn complemented the scattered fishing lights that began to twinkle on the lake’s surface.

The conversation grew lighthearted again. Jin Ming, full of energy once more, began sharing amusing anecdotes about the scions of the Provincial Government’s great families. Tang Yuan recounted strange sights from his early years of travel, and even Gao Zhen would occasionally chime in.

Wang Yufei gracefully introduced the stories and finer points behind several of the specialty dishes. Yang Wenjian, though not very talkative, listened intently and would occasionally ask a question or two.

Yang Wenqing sipped his wine, watching the harmonious scene before him. At some point, a genuine smile had spread across his face.

Once the sun had completely set, the pleasure boat turned around and began its slow journey back to the docks.

By the time they stepped ashore, night had fully fallen. The ornate lamps along the lakeside had just been lit, their light reflecting on the returning boats and strolling pedestrians, creating a uniquely tranquil atmosphere.

The Flying Shuttle carried them back to their small courtyard, arriving close to 8:30 p.m.

No one felt sleepy, so they lit a storm lantern in the courtyard and continued their rambling conversation over clear tea in the cool night air.

It wasn’t until the hands of the mechanical clock on the wall pointed to half-past ten that Wang Yufei stood up first, politely excusing herself to return next door. Jin Ming stretched and yawned, declaring it was time to rest, and Tang Yuan and Gao Zhen rose to leave as well.

Yang Wenqing had his brother see the guests off. He watched their figures disappear into the night, then turned and slowly walked back. Lan Ying, long since drowsy, was already dozing on his shoulder.