Mo Qingchen and Qian Meng were having a destination wedding. It wasn't some fancy getaway that they were preparing for a wedding at some expensive place with glamor and luxury. Instead, they went for a cozy wedding with the people they knew and wanted there to be with them.
The camera crew had already arrived at the site ahead of schedule to set up the cameras and sign all permits with the owner of the cabins they had booked.
Everyone was packed and put into cars they could relax in. The five-hour journey from Shanghai to Qiandao Lake district was fun. Sometimes it was a race between cars and trash-talking each other. Sometimes, it was silent or someone was laughing and singing.
By the time they reached the cabins at the end of the winding road, they weren't too tired. But they did feel the need to freshen up.
As they wheeled onto the massive property, they saw the camera crew already waiting for them.
Qing Yuan gave the camera a blinding smile as he wheeled in his luggage and waved at it for effect. Qian Meng only chuckled and patted him on the back at his enthusiasm.
Uncle Bai was stoic but a small smile played on his lips. Mo Qingchen was chatting with him in a quiet voice and Qian Meng couldn't hear what they were talking about.
"How have you been feeling recently?" Qingchen asked the older man.
"I have been good. I still have mild tremors now and then from the injection, but the doctor said it might be psychological," Bai Yue informed slowly. Qingchen had already taken his suitcase and wheeled it alongside his own.
Bai Yue looked at the young man and wondered how such a great change had happened in such a short period of time. He glanced towards Yun Qian Meng, who was happily chatting with her brother and knew the answer immediately.
They had been comfortable around each other, but he suspected that these two were truly happy together now. And that had made Qingchen a warmer and more considerate person.
"Make sure to get your check-ups regularly," Qingchen said in a low voice. "Have you gone to visit your… family since?" He eyed the older man in pure curiosity.
Bai Yue shook his head. "Chen Yue will be released shortly and she will be living in the building Bai Ye Qing bought. For some reason, it was not seized," he responded. "I have diligently transferred money to her account all these years so she won't need to ask me for money." He looked at Qingchen. "But that isn't what you are asking about, is it?"
Qingchen gave a guilty look.
"He looked scared and told me that you planned on getting rid of him," he said point-blank.
Qingchen didn't look startled. He had known that Bai Ye Qing would do anything to ease the pressure off himself. He also knew that his father was close to Qian Meng and Qingchen.
"And what are your thoughts on this matter?" Qingchen probed.
Bai Yue shrugged. "He had committed heinous crimes against people I don't know and people I do. He killed my son." Bai Yue grew quiet. "Truly, I wake up some days thinking I can forgive him because he is my own flesh and blood. But on others, I remember how he killed his own brother in cold blood. Because of his greed… his jealousy." He shook his head. "I know you held back from making him suffer because you respect me."
That was all the acknowledgment he needed. Qingchen couldn't place where this man stood, so he pretended not to have any ill intentions towards Bai Ye Qing. "I have no need to make him suffer. He is a key witness in a drug distribution case. He is going to have a hard time in there himself."
Bai Yue sighed. "You did get him stronger protection until the end of the hearings, didn't you?" he asked.
"I didn't ask for anything. The police must have thought he was in danger." He looked at Bai Yue without a trace of guilt. The wedding was a time when Bai Yue wouldn't know his other son was going to die. He was going to celebrate with the others and not worry about how sad his life was.
Once he was back home and settled, the trials would take place. The verdict for the drug cartel leaders would come out. And then… Bai Ye Qing would cease to exist.
Would Qingchen feel guilty in doing so? No. But he would feel for the man walking beside him.
"I see…" And that is where the conversation ended.
They finally came in full view of the property.
There were three cabins resting in the secluded cove. Each one had an exquisite view of the beautiful lake. The parking area was a few minutes short of the house and the private dock was a three-minute walk from the cabins.
As they went into the houses, Qian Meng told them where each person was stationed. In total there were less than 30 people who attended. There were a few more who had been invited, but due to their busy schedules, they could not come.
One of those people was Qian Meng's mother. And her new family. Qian Meng wasn't saddened. She had known that her mother wouldn't come, and she was okay with it.
As she settled into Mo Qingchen and her bedroom, she looked out the broad wooden doors with square panels that looking straight at the water outside. She opened the door to the veranda, leaving her suitcase behind, and sucked in a deep breath.
The sky was clear with white, wispy clouds drifting over her head. The water was glittering in the sunlight. The mountains in the near distance were lush green. The colors of nature sucked her in.
"What are you thinking about?" Qingchen asked from behind her. He slid his hand around her waist and rested his chin on her shoulder, trying to take in the same view as she was.