Chapter 252: Summer, Beach, Fireworks, and a Confession

"Let’s go." Chen Mo set down his coffee cup. His voice was as steady as ever, but it couldn’t hide the hint of anticipation in his eyes. "The crowds will be smaller in the morning, so let’s go scout the path to that secret cape and get familiar with the area."

The suggestion was met with immediate agreement from everyone.

After breakfast, the group of eight changed into light summer clothes and comfortable shoes. They packed water, sunscreen, and some small snacks. Following the guesthouse owner’s directions, they set off along a winding stone path that led upward, half-hidden by dense green foliage.

The path was fairly level at first, flanked by tall palm trees and unfamiliar tropical shrubs. Sunlight filtered through the layers of leaves, creating dappled patches of light on the ground. The air was filled with the fresh scent of transpiring plants and the salty tang carried on the sea breeze.

As the terrain gradually rose, the view opened up. Looking back, they could see their guesthouse looking like a white seashell scattered on a green carpet. Farther in the distance was the familiar bay, its water a captivating gradient of color under the sun, transitioning from jade green near the shore to a deep, profound blue.

"Wow! This view is amazing!" Zhao Yuanyuan exclaimed, pointing down excitedly and turning to tell everyone to look.

"The owner wasn’t kidding!" Huang Mao agreed, his gaze fixed on Zhao Yuanyuan’s energetic profile, slightly flushed from the sun.

Su Yuqing walked beside Chen Mo, her heart beating faster and her breathing growing slightly labored from the climb.

She subconsciously tugged at the collar of her light sun shirt, ’still torn about that revealing outfit.’

That light pink bikini seemed to have a magical pull, making her feel both eager and shy.

She stole a glance at Chen Mo beside her. He was focused on the path at his feet, occasionally reaching out to push aside a hanging vine. His profile was strikingly clear in the mottled light and shadow.

The thought of wearing that revealing scrap of fabric in front of him soon made Su Yuqing’s cheeks heat up again.

"Are you tired?" Chen Mo noticed her gaze and turned his head, his voice gentle and concerned.

"I’m okay." Su Yuqing quickly shook her head, trying to steady her breathing. "It is a little hot, though." She fanned her face with her hand.

"We’re almost there. The sea breeze is stronger up top, so it’ll be cooler." Chen Mo naturally reached out and lightly supported her elbow, steadying her as she stepped onto a slightly higher stone stair.

The brief, firm touch was like a faint electric current, instantly dispelling some of Su Yuqing’s internal conflict and leaving only the warmth of his care.

Qu Danwan and Zhou Hao were walking a little ways behind them.

Zhou Hao was like a loyal guard, constantly watching Qu Danwan’s footing. Whenever they came to a slippery or steep spot, he would always give a verbal warning or offer his arm for her to hold.

Qu Danwan, for her part, walked quietly with a serene smile on her face. She would occasionally reply to Zhou Hao, and when their eyes met, they were both filled with a sweetness that needed no words.

The small, smooth white pebble she clutched tightly in her palm was the perfect symbol of her current mood.

Lin Yu’an and Zhao Yuanyuan still maintained their own unique, quiet rhythm.

Zhao Yuanyuan walked half a step behind Lin Yu’an, her gaze alternating between the strange plant leaves at the side of the path and the boy in front of her.

Lin Yu’an, in turn, slowed his pace to make sure she could keep up.

He would occasionally point out a rare flower or a particularly good viewpoint for her, and Zhao Yuanyuan would immediately lean in to observe it carefully, rewarding him with a faint, appreciative smile.

Their silence wasn’t dull; instead, it held a strange sort of harmony.

Zhao Yuanyuan carried a small pouch in her hand, inside which lay the heart-shaped seashell she had found earlier.

Seeing the seashell sent small ripples through her heart.

Finally, they reached the end of the path—a hidden cape that jutted out, encircled by massive reefs.

The view suddenly opened up before them!

Before them was an unobstructed, 180-degree panoramic view of the magnificent sea.

The azure surface of the ocean stretched to the horizon, where it blended with the equally azure sky into a hazy line.

Below them were jagged black reefs. Waves crashed against them, kicking up snow-white foam and creating a deep, powerful roar.

The sea wind rushed at them unimpeded, carrying a strong chill and the rich scent of the ocean. It instantly blew away the heat from their climb and made their clothes whip loudly in the wind.

"It’s so beautiful!" Su Yuqing couldn’t help but exclaim. She spread her arms wide, letting the sea breeze fill her sun shirt.

The scene before her was even more breathtaking than she had imagined.

"This is definitely the perfect spot to watch the fireworks tonight!" Zhao Yuanyuan spun around in excitement, already imagining the spectacular sight of a sky full of fireworks illuminating the sea.

"This place is awesome!" Huang Mao immediately agreed, his eyes burning with intensity as he looked at Zhao Yuanyuan.

Chen Mo walked to the very edge of the cape, his gaze profound as he stared out at the boundless ocean.

This spot really was perfect. It was away from the crowds on the beach below and had an open view. He subconsciously touched his pants pocket, the outline of the small velvet box distinct against his fingertips.

He turned and saw Su Yuqing being pulled over to the cliff’s edge by Zhao Yuanyuan for a photo. The sunlight scattered across her flying hair and radiant smile, a sight so beautiful it was breathtaking.

The corners of his mouth lifted slightly, his gentle eyes filled with deep affection.

Zhou Hao and Qu Danwan found a relatively flat boulder to sit on, quietly admiring the magnificent view before them.

Qu Danwan rested her head gently on Zhou Hao’s shoulder. Zhou Hao’s body tensed for a moment before he relaxed, a contented, slightly goofy smile appearing on his face.

The salty wind blew past them. Neither spoke, simply basking in the shared tranquility and the vastness of the scene.

Lin Yu’an and Zhao Yuanyuan chose a spot to sit on a reef that was slightly sheltered from the wind.

Zhao Yuanyuan carefully took out the treasured seashells she had collected from her pouch, holding them up in the sunlight to share their unique patterns with Lin Yu’an.

Lin Yu’an watched the sunlight pass through the shells, casting small, warm spots of light on her palm. His gaze slowly shifted from the shells to her focused profile.

He watched her soft hair flutter in the sea breeze and saw how her fingertips cherished the shells as she caressed them. An unprecedented flutter stirred in his heart. He flusteredly tore his gaze away and looked out at the ocean, but his heartbeat began to steady, falling into a powerful rhythm in time with the waves.

The eight of them spent the entire morning on the secret cape—taking pictures, chatting, enjoying the breeze, and simply spacing out, each immersed in their own experience of the place.

It wasn’t until the sun had climbed higher and the air had grown scorching that they reluctantly started back along the same path to the guesthouse.

They say it’s easier to go up a mountain than to come down, and the path down was indeed more difficult than the climb up. But everyone was in such high spirits that the descent felt even easier than the ascent.