Fifty-Seven

Su Hao hadn't cried like this in years; tears streamed down her face, dripping onto Zhou Yang's chest. She bit her lip, feeling a bit embarrassed, and tried to move away slightly. The large hand on the back of her head pulled her back, making her face turn slightly red as she hoarsely said, "I'm okay now."

"Don't you want to cry a little more?" Zhou Yang turned his body to shield her from the others' view. There were always people coming up and crossing the tightrope.

Several groups had already passed.

Why would he encourage more crying? Isn't it usually better to stop crying?

Su Hao shook her head and reached out her slender hand, waving it towards Qi Qi, "Tissues."

Zhou Yang glanced at her delicate hand, smiled slightly, and then looked at Qi Qi. It took a moment for Qi Qi to react, then she hurriedly brought tissues over and handed them to Su Hao. Su Hao took the tissues and wiped her tears, nose, and mouth against Zhou Yang's chest. Zhou Yang handed her another bottle of water, which he had opened.

Su Hao took it, raised her head, and drank a few gulps.

Her beautiful face, now with red eyes, nose, and lips, quickly looked up and then down again. She briefly met Zhou Yang's narrow eyes.

He raised his eyebrows, capturing her gaze several times.

The last time, he seemed slightly amused.

After stepping back, Su Hao looked at the wet patch on his shirt, quite a large one, and asked, "Can you still do stuff later?"

Zhou Yang also drank some water and looked down, "Yes."

He slowly twisted the bottle cap back on, took her wrist, and said, "Let's go down the mountain."

This place was small, crowded, and sunny, and the tension made everyone irritable. They had already spent quite a while up there.

Su Hao struggled slightly but not as forcefully as before. She glanced at Qi Qi and the others, who were all sitting and watching, waiting for them.

Yan Chong thought the man looked familiar but couldn’t place him. He suddenly stood up and said, "Let's go down the mountain."

Then he turned, putting his arm around Qi Qi's shoulder.

Xiao Qi and the others followed. Su Hao and Zhou Yang walked behind them. She had already freed her wrist and was looking down at the path, absentmindedly touching the flowers and grass on the roadside.

Zhou Yang, holding a bottle of mineral water, had one hand in his pocket, walking beside her. Their arms occasionally brushed against each other, and Su Hao tried to avoid it several times without success.

"Want some water?" His deep voice sounded next to her.

Su Hao shook her head, glancing at the bottle they had both drunk from.

Su Hao: "..."

Zhou Yang: "Drink more later. This water doesn't taste good. I came up in a hurry and didn't bring any."

His tall figure occasionally had to dodge branches.

Su Hao asked quietly, "How did you get up here? And why are you at the resort?"

His voice carried a hint of laughter, "What do you think?"

Su Hao: "..."

"If not for you, why would I be here? Hmm?" He added. Su Hao turned her head to look at the scenery. Up ahead, Qi Qi and Yan Chong walked, stopping occasionally. Qi Qi kept turning back, making faces at Su Hao, who pretended not to see. It's easier to climb up than to descend, making the way down seem longer.

The path was just wide enough for two people.

They bumped into each other several times, and Zhou Yang occasionally supported or pulled her. The atmosphere was a bit ambiguous and awkward.

Su Hao commented, "It's quite cool here."

"Yeah," Zhou Yang replied, "Do you like it here?"

Su Hao said, "It's alright. What about you?"

Zhou Yang: "Next time, I'll take you somewhere else.

Su Hao didn't respond or look at him; she continued gazing at the scenery. Her neck was slender, and sweat beads were visible at her temples. Zhou Yang touched his nose, finding this feeling intriguing.

The atmosphere was growing more ambiguous.

Words unspoken.

She even initiated conversation.

This delighted him immensely.

But after the delight, he didn't know what to say, leaving a faint ambiguity lingering in his heart.

Why did it feel like a schoolboy's romance?

Su Hao also sensed the atmosphere. She used a tissue to wipe her eyes, trying to find something to do. Soon, they reached the foot of the mountain. The sun was still quite intense, but the wind was strong, and the screams from the tightrope at the mountain top were even louder. With the strong wind, the tightrope was less stable, and there were many more cars in the resort parking lot.

Two luxury cars were parked side by side.

Inside the resort, the first floor housed a leisure area and a swimming pool, both quite crowded at this time. At a table near the bar sat three men, all strikingly handsome and exuding extraordinary charisma. Many people were looking their way. As soon as Su Hao stepped onto the steps, she recognized Li Yi and his friends.

She nodded in greeting to Li Yi and his group.

Then, she turned to Zhou Yang.

Zhou Yang tossed the mineral water bottle into the trash can, turned back to her, and asked, "Want to join us?"

Su Hao replied, "I'll be with Qi Qi and the others."

Zhou Yang glanced at her colleagues and nodded, "How about dinner together?"

"I'll check with them." She was seriously considering it, not just brushing him off as before.

Zhou Yang felt a surge of joy and coughed, "Alright, are you swimming tonight?"

"I don't know how."

"I can teach you?" Zhou Yang slightly leaned forward, hands in his pockets, and asked.

His eyes still held a hint of affection, perhaps a natural trait he couldn't change. But when he asked her, his tone was serious and focused.

Su Hao pursed her lips and said, "I'll see tonight; I should be free."

She didn't outright refuse.

Zhou Yang smiled, "Alright, I'll wait for your message."

Su Hao responded with a hum and turned to join Qi Qi and the others at their table. Qi Qi immediately stood up and pulled out a chair for Su Hao, glancing at the table by the bar. All the men there were incredibly handsome, making for quite the sight. The man pursuing Su Hao sat down with a smile, and his friends seemed to be teasing him.

Tsk tsk.

Good-looking guys really do hang out with other good-looking guys.

After Su Hao sat down, Xiao Qi quickly pushed a fruit juice towards her. Su Hao thanked him and took a sip through the straw. Qi Qi, sitting down, grabbed Su Hao's hand and asked, "Did he follow you here? He doesn't look like someone who would come to a place like this."

Su Hao said, "I think so."

"Don't be modest, he definitely did." Qi Qi rested her chin on her hand, "His friends are all so handsome."

As soon as she finished speaking, Yan Chong smacked her and leaned in to ask Su Hao, "Why do they all look so familiar?"

Remembering the recent events.

Su Hao stiffened slightly, stirring her straw, and asked in return, "Maybe you've seen them before?"

"I think so. That guy with glasses looks like the husband of actress Meng Ying," Yan Chong thought for a moment but then doubted it. Qi Qi immediately reacted, standing up to get a better look, but Yan Chong pulled her back down. Qi Qi's eyes widened, "Really? Really, Su Hao?"

Su Hao rested her head on her hand for a long time before saying, "I don't know them well."

She hardly spoke to Xu Dian.

These people were too prominent. At gatherings, Su Hao was always the quiet one.

Qi Qi patted Su Hao's shoulder, "I understand. You don't seem like you're from the same world as them, so it's normal not to know them."

Su Hao looked up, smiled, and gently rubbed Qi Qi's nose.

She was so understanding.

After sitting for a while and finishing their fruit juice, they decided to go back to their rooms to rest a bit before coming out to swim in the evening. Su Hao and Qi Qi walked arm in arm towards the stairs. The four men at the bar were still there, smoking and chatting. Su Hao glanced over just as Zhou Yang looked up. Their eyes met, and he lowered his cigarette, raising an eyebrow and smiling.

Su Hao noticed the water stain on his chest had dried, and his shirt collar was open. He still had that casual, carefree look. She pressed her lips together, a faint smile forming at the corners, then turned and went upstairs.

That smile was light, but Zhou Yang caught a glimpse of her dimples. He flicked his cigarette unconsciously, his heart pounding. A few seconds later, he tilted his head, rested it on his hand, and chuckled.

Li Yi kicked him, "Tsk, that's enough."

Xu Dian, sipping his juice and playing with his cigarette, clicked his tongue twice, "The atmosphere between you two has completely changed since you came down from the mountain."

"We didn't waste our time coming here," Jiang Yu said while looking at his phone. "If it wasn't so rushed, I would have brought my wife."

Zhou Yang, with his long legs crossed, bit his cigarette lazily, his eyes still lingering where Su Hao had just smiled. "It's not too late to have them come over now."

Jiang Yu put down his phone, "No, tonight we're playing cards. You go swim, hahaha."

Li Yi was in Dongshi for work, as was Xu Dian, who had come along. Only Jiang Yu was there for fun, and Zhou Yang was there to pursue someone.

Knowing Su Hao had gone up the mountain and was going to walk the tightrope, Zhou Yang had hurried up, leaving his phone behind. He took the cable car up and saw Su Hao already on the tightrope, which made his heart pound. He swapped places with someone in line and followed her up.

He's done more challenging things than this, but seeing Su Hao swaying on the tightrope nearly killed him.

At that moment, he felt he was done for.

Originally, after crossing the tightrope, he planned to scold Su Hao for doing something so dangerous.

But seeing her tears, he instantly softened and could only offer comfort.

Back in her room, Su Hao, sweaty, took her pajamas to shower. The hot water washed over her, and she closed her eyes, recalling the scene at the mountaintop.

Crying had felt good, like a weight had been lifted from her chest. Zhou Yang's words of encouragement had given her the courage to cross the tightrope.

Honestly, the scent of fir on him was comforting and reassuring.

Like that night with the falling objects.

After her shower, Su Hao stood at the sink, washing her face. The redness in her nose had subsided, but her eyes were still a bit red. She patted her face.

After drying off, she left the bathroom, quickly dried her hair, and lay down to sleep.

The floor-to-ceiling window was open.

The breeze was cool on her skin.

She slept until her phone rang. Groggy, she reached out to answer.

"Hello," her voice was still soft with sleep.

The man on the other end was silent for a few seconds, then lowered his voice, "Are you awake?"

"Almost."

He chuckled softly, "Then wait a bit longer?"

"Okay, I'll open my eyes."

Zhou Yang laughed again, "Don't hang up, I'll wait for you to wake up."

Su Hao's mind started to clear. Realizing it was Zhou Yang, she sat up, leaning against the headboard. Suddenly, she remembered, "I forgot to ask Qi Qi and the others if they wanted to join us for dinner."

Zhou Yang laughed again.

His deep voice was pleasant when he laughed.

"No worries. You can ask them now, or we can meet at the pool after dinner?"

Thinking of Yan Chong's suspicions, Su Hao said, "Let's meet at the pool after dinner?"

"Oh? Alright." He didn't insist.

"I'm hanging up now," Su Hao said.

"Okay, I'll wait for you to hang up."

It was always her hanging up.

Su Hao felt a bit embarrassed and ended the call.

She looked outside, noticing it was already dark. Checking the time, she saw it was seven o'clock. The company group chat was buzzing.

Xiao Qi: Su Hao, are you awake?

Qi Qi: I just woke up. Yan Chong was playing games and forgot to wake me.

Xiao Hua: I'm heading out.

San Cheng: I'm heading out too.

Su Hao: I'm up, changing clothes. Wait for me.

The company had few people, so they got along like friends. Su Hao felt happy as she got out of bed, changed clothes, and went out.

Since all the rooms were booked on the same floor, everyone came out when she opened her door.

"Su Hao, we're having a seafood feast tonight," Qi Qi said, grabbing Yan Chong's headphones and running over to hug Su Hao's arm. Su Hao said, "That's great."

"Yeah, did you bring your swimsuit?" Qi Qi asked.

Su Hao nodded.

"Awesome, let's go."

After confirming, the six of them headed to the restaurant. Since they were late, most people had finished eating, and the restaurant was empty.

They found a big table and sat down. The food started arriving.

Not just seafood, but a variety of dishes. Qi Qi was surprised, pointing at the dishes, "We didn't order these, did we?"

"Mr. Zhou ordered them for Miss Su," the waiter said with a smile.

Everyone looked at Su Hao.

Su Hao's ears turned a bit red. She picked up her chopsticks, "Let's eat."

"Hahaha, great, let's eat. So much food, my mouth is watering," Qi Qi said, eyes shining. They finished eating around eight.

The whole resort was lit up, with big lights illuminating the pool area, making it lively. Su Hao and the others went downstairs to change into their swimsuits.

Su Hao's swimsuit was black, paired with a shawl. She didn't check herself in the mirror after putting it on, just draped the shawl over herself and headed downstairs.

People were running around, coming and going, making the ground wet.

Su Hao carefully descended in her slippers.

In the distance, she heard Qi Qi's laughter.

She looked up, searching for her.

Not far away.

On a lounge chair, Li Yi nudged Zhou Yang, "She's here."

Zhou Yang turned to look and almost stopped breathing.

Under the lights, that woman stood there, white as jade. Her legs were long and fair, fingers grasping her shawl, revealing a hint of her navel and the outline of her swimsuit underneath. She was looking around, seemingly searching for someone, her eyes shining under the lights, almost like there were water droplets in them.

With a swift motion, Zhou Yang stood up and walked towards her.

The light in front of her was blocked. Su Hao snapped out of her thoughts and saw Zhou Yang, who was now standing in front of her, blocking the light. He squinted at her, "Who bought you this swimsuit?"

His voice was hoarse, restrained.

Su Hao: "I bought it myself."

Zhou Yang's eyes fixed on her long legs, he suppressed his thoughts and said in a low voice, "Good thing it's night."

Su Hao didn't hear clearly; she was still focused on Qi Qi's direction. She looked back at Zhou Yang, "Hmm? What did you say?"

Zhou Yang's throat moved, and he handed her a cup of juice, saying, "Nothing."

Su Hao: "Thank you."

"Come on, I'll teach you."

Zhou Yang took off his sunglasses, threw them to Li Yi, then walked to the pool and jumped in. Su Hao stood on the edge, watching his athletic form moving underwater. She realized he had a well-toned abdomen and a long neck, his features sharp even in the dark. A few seconds later, Zhou Yang emerged from the water, wiped off the droplets, and asked, "Finished your drink?"

Su Hao quickly took a few more sips.

Then she squatted down.

"How do I get in?"

"Sit down, I'll carry you in," Zhou Yang patted the edge.

Over there, Qi Qi and the others were waving at her from the water.

Seeing them, Su Hao felt more interested. She sat down, her fair legs entering the water, which was not cold but quite warm. Zhou Yang stood there, moving closer. His large hand gripped her arm, the warmth and wetness enveloping her. He looked up and asked, "Ready?"

Su Hao looked at him.

She nodded, her legs tensing.

Zhou Yang smiled, lifting her gently.

Su Hao fell into the water, startled, reflexively wrapping her arms around his neck. Zhou Yang lowered his gaze, his eyes full of affection, and said softly, "It's okay."

"I can't stand steady. How are you standing?" Su Hao splashed around, then felt her feet touch his. His large hand slid down, holding her waist. "Look, you can stand too."

Su Hao looked down and saw their feet overlapping. Her face turned red. She looked up and saw his chin. He spun her around to face Qi Qi and the others.

Qi Qi and the others smiled knowingly, making Su Hao feel embarrassed and wanting to break free.

Zhou Yang didn't let go.

"You need to learn how to hold your breath, starting from the basics."

"How do I do it?" Su Hao asked, looking confused.

In the water, even though she was standing, she felt unsteady. This feeling was terrifying.

Zhou Yang smiled, "Watch closely."

He took a deep breath and, in the next second, pulled her hands away and dived underwater. Su Hao, startled, barely stood firm and watched him glide. Suddenly, there was a splash behind her. Before she could turn around, his hands were around her waist again. "Did you learn?"

Su Hao reached down and pinched his arm.

He laughed quietly, his chest vibrating.

"Take a deep breath, then squat down and hold it. When you need to, come up for air," he said, pressing her shoulder. Su Hao dived into the water, eyes closed.

She felt like her lungs were about to burst.

When she was about to give up, Su Hao struggled to rise but couldn't. Zhou Yang's hand sensed this and gently helped her up.

She emerged, gasping for fresh air.

Zhou Yang looked down at her, "How was it?"

Su Hao's face was covered in water. She looked up and nodded, "It was okay."

"Want to continue? Remember, don't push yourself. Come up when you need to."

"Aren't you going to swim?"

Zhou Yang raised an eyebrow and chuckled, "Do you think I'm here to swim?"

Su Hao couldn't help but give him a look, then took a breath and squatted again.

They continued like this for ten minutes. Su Hao learned the breathing technique, but her movements pushed her against the wall. Zhou Yang stayed by her side, pulling her up each time she needed to, so she never choked on water. Leaning against the edge, Li Yi handed Zhou Yang a drink.

He occasionally took a sip.

He didn't leave her side.

Seeing this, the other women didn't dare to approach.

The night was cool.

Later, the mountain breeze made the previously warm water much cooler, giving Su Hao goosebumps. But she had learned how to breathe properly in the water.

Zhou Yang took the shawl and draped it over Su Hao's shoulders, then wrapped his arm around her and helped her up onto the shore.

He then jumped up himself and waved to Li Yi. Dressed in a shirt and trousers, Li Yi had spent the whole evening dealing with work issues, irritated by the mountain wind. He impatiently tossed a jacket over, which Zhou Yang caught and draped over Su Hao's shoulders, saying, "Go back and take a shower, don't catch a cold."

Su Hao nodded and grabbed Qi Qi's hand. The two of them quickly ran up the stairs.

Yan Chong stood there, looking at Zhou Yang, and asked, "Mr. Zhou, you look very familiar. Have we met before?"

Zhou Yang lazily put on his jacket, a cigarette hanging from his mouth. He glanced at Yan Chong and raised an eyebrow, "Oh? Think again."

Yan Chong was speechless.

He was sure they had met before!

Zhou Yang flicked the ash off his cigarette and asked, "How's Meitong doing?"

"Very well."

"Oh." Zhou Yang bit down on his cigarette, lazily buttoning his jacket. "You’re pretty tough."

A flash of recognition crossed Yan Chong's mind.

Damn!

He remembered!

Zhou Yang! The young master of the Zhou family in Licheng! The current president of Fei Jie, that damn capitalist!

Damn it!

"Goodbye." Yan Chong immediately left, not wanting to stay with Zhou Yang for another second. He hurried upstairs, and Xiao Qi and the other two followed suit, as if they had seen a ghost.

Zhou Yang clicked his tongue.

Considering that you’ve been kind to my wife, I'll give you a small presidency later.

Su Hao returned to her room and took a hot shower, feeling much more comfortable. As she dried her hair, she heard her phone incessantly beeping.

Sitting on the sofa, she picked up her phone and saw the messages.

Yan Chong: Damn. Su Hao, your husband is that dog of a capitalist.

Qi Qi: What's going on?

Xiao Qi: Yeah, the president of Fei Jie, the one trying to buy us out.

Xiao Hua: Is it really that interesting?

San Cheng: Oh, oh, hahaha, but he’s been defeated by Su Hao twice. Must have cost him a lot. Su Hao, doesn’t it hurt to beat your husband?

Just took a shower.

Now he's "your husband"?

These people.

Su Hao: He’s not my husband.

Qi Qi: He will be soon!

Su Hao: ...

Yan Chong: Tell your husband to buzz off.

Su Hao: I already told him.

Yan Chong: Good job, Su Hao.

Qi Qi: Hahahahaha, this is too funny. Hahahaha, threaten him, tell him not to think about buying us out again, or you won’t be his girlfriend.

Su Hao: ...

Qi Qi: Hahahaha, having the trump card feels great!

The group started teasing Su Hao, and she couldn’t get a word in. She got up, continued drying her hair, and looked at the mountain scenery outside, feeling a bit lazy.

Often, people walk paths they don't want to walk, compelled and helpless.

After finishing her hair, Su Hao sat on the sofa, feeling calm yet with a slight undercurrent of emotion. At this moment, her phone rang.

It was the same unfamiliar number that Zhou Yang had called from before.

Su Hao glanced at it and answered, "Hello."

Zhou Yang's voice came through, low and soft, "Su Hao, when will you take me off your WeChat blacklist?"

Su Hao opened her mouth, then suddenly smiled like a crescent moon, and asked back, "What do you think?"

Zhou Yang was speechless.

..................................................................................................................

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