Knowing they were in the wrong, the young people's small boat had already left.
With the troublemakers gone, Su Ci pulled Lu Zhe to the stern of the boat. The sunlight wasn't as harsh now, and she sat down at the stern.
The girl wore delicate sandals with thin straps that wrapped around her feet and ankles, creating an indescribably elegant look.
Su Ci untied the straps, took off her shoes, and dipped her feet directly into the water.
The artificially created lake was crystal clear to the bottom. The cool, refreshing water temperature spread up from her feet - it felt wonderful on such a hot summer day.
Lu Zhe watched the little rabbit charm on her ankle swaying in the water. He crouched beside her, holding her steady, afraid she might fall into the water.
The air in the mountains was fresh, the scenery beautiful, and everywhere was peaceful. Sitting in the small boat, playing with the clear lake water, with her beloved beside her, Su Ci felt as if a little fish had swum into her chest, constantly blowing bubbles.
"Do you want to sit down?" Su Ci encouraged Lu Zhe.
Lu Zhe shook his head, "The water's a bit cold. You shouldn't soak for too long."
"Oh." Su Ci swung her feet idly.
After playing for quite a while, as the boat was approaching the shore, Su Ci pulled her feet out of the water, completely wet.
She reached for her shoes to put them back on, but the next moment, the young man's large hand reached out and gently gripped her ankle.
"Let's dry your feet first," Lu Zhe stopped her from putting on her shoes.
Su Ci wanted to say there weren't any towels, and besides, she was wearing sandals so it didn't matter if her feet were wet.
However, watching the young man crouching beside her, using the hem of his own shirt to dry her feet, all words got stuck in her throat.
"Lu Zhe..." Su Ci called his name softly.
"Mm." The young man responded, head lowered, focused intently on wiping the water from her feet.
"Lu Zhe, you'll get your clothes dirty." Su Ci tried to pull her foot back, but he held it firmly.
Even though Su Ci was usually quite bold, having Lu Zhe dry her feet with his clothes made her feel embarrassed.
Lu Zhe didn't mind, "It's fine."
The girl's feet were snow-white, her toes round and cute with a slight pink tinge, looking even more delicate and dainty in the sunlight. After wiping a few times, his fingers reached for her shoes and helped her put them on.
His fingers were deft, tying a beautiful butterfly knot at her slim ankle.
"Done." After helping her put on her shoes, Lu Zhe couldn't resist playfully touching the little rabbit charm on her ankle before letting go of her foot.
Su Ci's eyes sparkled as she leaned forward and kissed Lu Zhe's cool lips.
This thoughtful and gentle young man was hers.
As the sun set, only the last orange glow remained in the mountain resort.
Su's Father and Lu Chen returned from fishing.
After handing the fish to the staff to take to the kitchen, Su's Father sat down happily beside his wife.
Seeing her husband's delighted expression, Su's Mother asked, "Did you win?"
"I won." Su's Father glanced at Lu Chen across from them. "I got that piece of land in the West District."
Lu Chen raised an eyebrow, "Don't worry, I'm a good sport."
Then, Lu Chen leaned close to Wen Ya and whispered in her ear: "Yaya, I didn't really lose - I let him win just now." For his son's happiness, he deliberately lost to Su Shengguo.
He truly was a great father.
Wen Ya rewarded her husband with a rare smile.
At this time, Su Ci and Lu Zhe also returned for dinner.
Su's Mother immediately had her daughter sit beside her, "Ci Ci, did you have fun?"
"This place is really nice." Su Ci was in a good mood.
Su's Mother saw the smile in her daughter's eyes, her beautiful features filled with joy. She held back a sigh - it wasn't the resort that was nice, it was probably because Lu Zhe was with her.
Su's Mother unconsciously glanced toward the Lu family's side, where she saw the young man quietly taking his seat, his posture straight and dignified, neither humble nor arrogant, indeed a good match for her daughter.
Su's Mother withdrew her gaze - it was a pity he had a terminal illness.
Dinner was very pleasant, and the resort even put on a fireworks display.
Their dining position was perfect, next to large floor-to-ceiling windows that directly overlooked the fireworks blooming between the mountains.
Little Su Ning and Little Tiancai were excited, constantly exclaiming in wonder.
While everyone else was looking out the window, Su Ci turned to look at the young man.
Lu Zhe happened to be looking at her too.
Su Ci's eyes curved into crescents, and only then did she happily turn to watch the blooming fireworks outside.
It was nearly eight o'clock after dinner.
Su's Mother accompanied her daughter back to her room, and even though she knew the resort was very secure, she still checked the room's safety once more.
"Mom, go rest, I'll be fine by myself," Su Ci said to her mother.
"Will you be alright? Your father and I are next door, remember to knock if you need anything," Su's Mother reminded her.
"Mom, if anything happens, I can call the front desk for resort staff. You and dad should just rest well, don't worry about me." After saying this, Su Ci deliberately yawned.
She had figured it out - why was her mother lingering, seemingly reluctant to leave?
Could it be that she wanted to keep watch over her?
Seeing her daughter's sleepy appearance, Su's Mother finally smiled and said, "Alright, alright, if you're tired, get some rest early."
"Mm." Su Ci obediently agreed.
Only after Su's Mother left and closed the door did she let out a sigh of relief.
Su Ci took out a small camisole and ultra-short denim shorts from her suitcase - she hadn't brought a swimsuit, so this would have to do for the hot spring.
Taking the clothes, Su Ci first took a shower before changing into the camisole and shorts.
Coming out of the bathroom, she picked up her phone from the bed and sent a message to Lu Zhe: I'm coming over to see you, open the door.
With her parents' room right next door, she didn't dare ring Lu Zhe's doorbell or knock on his door.
However, the young man only replied with four words: Go to sleep early.
Su Ci was used to being willful and wouldn't listen to him. She sent another message: I'm going to knock.
After sending the message, Su Ci opened her door with a smile, and sure enough, she saw the door diagonally opposite was already open, with the young man standing straight behind it.
Su Ci's eyes curved with joy.
She checked that there was no one else in the corridor, quickly went over to Lu Zhe's side, and pushed him back inside.
"I knew you'd open the door." Su Ci's eyes crinkled with a smug smile.
Lu Zhe looked at the girl's outfit - she wore a crop top that showed her midriff, perfectly outlining her curves, and shorts that revealed her long, slender legs, gleaming white and eye-catching.
His gaze darkened, "What did you want to see me for?"
"I came to use the hot spring," she said. Her room had one too, but what was the point of using it alone?
Su Ci took Lu Zhe's hand, "Let's go together."
She deliberately moved closer to Lu Zhe, "Don't you want to? Using the hot spring together, just thinking about it is exciting."
Lu Zhe pulled her back to his side, "No." His dark eyes looked at her, "Go back to your room and use your own."
Su Ci was held back, her feet in soft disposable slippers. She unhappily kicked at Lu Zhe's foot with her toe, "I'm going to use this one, and I want to use it with you."
Su Ci had put thought into her outfit.
When she changed clothes, she had looked in the mirror - she had a good figure, and even in a simple camisole and shorts, she looked very alluring. She couldn't help admiring herself in the mirror, so why was Lu Zhe showing no reaction?
"Come on." Su Ci's bright eyes looked at him.
Lu Zhe pressed his lips together.
The weather was nice at night, and the moon was enchanting.
Su Ci thought the mountain moon was particularly bright. She deliberately splashed some water onto Lu Zhe across from her.
She pouted in boredom, "Who gets into a hot spring fully clothed?" The young man hadn't undressed, he had gotten into the water wearing all his clothes, completely covered up.
Lu Zhe's rigid face was wet from the water, softening his features, making him look even more handsome. He avoided looking at the bright-eyed girl across from him, who had mischief in her eyes, "This is fine."
"Why are you so far away from me?" Su Ci's eyes were full of complaint, she asked him, "Are you coming here, or should I go there?"
The hot spring pool was two meters long and one meter wide.
Currently, they were at opposite ends.
Lu Zhe finally gave the girl a long look. Under the moonlight, she was like a little sprite trying every way she could to tease him.
She always forgot the pain once the wound healed, and was being willful again.
Lu Zhe leaned against the pool edge, his arms spread out resting on the stone walls. He curved his lips in a slight smile, "Come here."
It made sense - someone so resistant to waking up early couldn't possibly be interested in watching the sunrise.
Lu Zhe didn't rush to ask her what was wrong. He sat quietly with her behind the rock, his eyes full of indulgence.
Su Ci checked the time - it was almost five o'clock. Why hadn't Li Chenyu arrived yet?
The sky was brighter than before, with bits of golden light breaking through the clouds.
Su Ci was getting bored waiting. It was past five, and she wondered if Li Chenyu was still coming. She was supposed to fall down the mountain at six.
Suddenly, Su Ci realized a serious problem.
Fugui had only said that Li Chenyu died from falling down the mountain. She had instinctively assumed it was from the peak, but what if Li Chenyu had fallen while climbing up, halfway through when she ran out of energy?
That would still count as falling to death from the mountain.
Su Ci was stunned.
Had all her efforts been in vain?
Just as Su Ci was caught in this dilemma, she heard a girl's complaining voice.
Su Ci's expression changed instantly, and she became alert.
Was that Li Chenyu?
Beside her, Lu Zhe observed Su Ci's expression. He had already figured out that she hadn't come to the mountaintop for the sunrise; rather, she seemed to be waiting for someone. And now, that person had arrived.
On the other side, Li Chenyu was completely exhausted. She was breathing heavily and said in a delicate voice, "I must have been crazy to listen to you and put myself through this torture."
The girl next to Li Chenyu was also breathing rapidly, but clearly in better shape. She consoled Li Chenyu, "Xiaoyu, your effort will be worth it."
Li Chenyu's expression softened a bit as she thought of the person in her heart.
"Let's go over there to watch, the sun is about to rise," the girl said to Li Chenyu with a smile.
Li Chenyu looked in the direction she was pointing. The spot did seem perfect, so she walked over.
Behind the large rock, Su Ci quietly poked her head out. She opened her phone, switched to video recording mode, pressed start, and then handed the phone to Lu Zhe, asking him to film Li Chenyu.
Although she knew Li Chenyu was about to die, she wasn't foolish enough to rush out and stop her. Not only did Li Chenyu dislike her, but who would believe something that hadn't happened yet? They might just think she was crazy.
Whether or not they could save Li Chenyu, at least they would have footage of the accident to prove her and Lu Zhe's innocence.
Now, she just needed to wait.
Su Ci asked Fugui, "There are two minutes left before Li Chenyu rolls down the mountain, right?"
Fugui: [Yes, master.]
Su Ci felt inexplicably nervous as she watched Li Chenyu walk to the edge, with the other girl following her.
The girl stood behind Li Chenyu's right side, and suddenly reached out her hand toward her.
Su Ci's heart skipped a beat. Could it be that Li Chenyu was going to be pushed down?
One minute left.
At this moment, Li Chenyu suddenly turned her head and said impatiently, "Why hasn't the sun come up yet?"
Who could answer such a demanding question?
The girl maintained her good temper and naturally withdrew her hand. "Just wait a little longer. When the sun rises, remember to make a wish."
Li Chenyu turned away from her. "As if I needed you to tell me that."
The girl behind her smiled even more broadly and reached out her hand again.
Sensing intense danger, Su Ci stepped out from behind the large rock and said coldly, "What are you doing?"
Li Chenyu and the girl hadn't expected anyone else to be on the mountaintop. They turned to Su Ci in shock, their faces pale with fright.
Especially the girl, who instinctively withdrew her hand in fear.
"Su Ci, why are you here?" Li Chenyu's voice nearly cracked from shock.
Su Ci replied matter-of-factly, "This entire mountain resort belongs to my family. Why shouldn't I be here?"
Her cold gaze swept over the girl before finally landing on Li Chenyu's wrist, where she noticed the life value had changed to seven yellow squares.
Li Chenyu was speechless, unable to argue.
"Rather, what are you doing up here?" Su Ci asked Li Chenyu.
Though scared, Li Chenyu couldn't do anything against Su Ci. She replied irritably, "I came to watch the sunrise."
"Oh, you were willing to risk your life just to see the sunrise," Su Ci's eyes curved upward. "How admirable."
"What do you mean risk my life?" Li Chenyu couldn't understand Su Ci's words at all.
Su Ci prompted her, "You can ask your friend standing next to you."
"Did you understand what she meant?" Li Chenyu asked Li Xiaoli.
Li Xiaoli didn't know what this suddenly appeared girl had seen or how much she had seen, but the meaning in her words suggested she knew her intentions.
Li Xiaoli steadied herself and shook her head at Li Chenyu, "I don't understand either."
The golden light at the horizon was growing stronger, and the sun was about to rise. Li Chenyu didn't dare provoke Su Ci, and she had more important things to do anyway. She didn't want to deal with Su Ci. "Su Ci, if you have something to say, just say it. I want to watch the sunrise."
Su Ci decided to be direct, "Sunrise? If it weren't for me, you'd already be lying at the bottom of the mountain, dead. Still thinking about watching the sunrise? Your friend here just tried to push you down the mountain."
"Don't make things up," Li Xiaoli quickly defended herself. "It was so dark just now, how could you have seen me trying to push her?"
Li Chenyu was shocked and quickly moved away from the dangerous edge. "You were going to push me?"
Li Xiaoli was on the verge of tears. "Xiaoyu, how could I possibly push you? You can't believe what this person is making up."
"I'm not making anything up. I saw you reach out with your right hand just now," Su Ci said lightly.
Li Xiaoli challenged Su Ci, "I don't know you. Why are you trying to frame me?"
Li Chenyu's eyes were full of confusion, not knowing whose words to believe.
"You reached out with your right hand twice," Su Ci said calmly. "I saw it all."
Li Xiaoli froze, then shook her head with red eyes, "This isn't something to joke about. Please don't randomly accuse people. I can't bear the burden of a murder charge."
Seeing Li Xiaoli's wronged expression, Li Chenyu bit her lip and asked Su Ci, "Did you really see her try to push me?"
"Do you think I have so much free time that I'd make fun of you for no reason?" Su Ci watched as the girl called Li Xiaoli rubbed her eyes pitifully, and her lips curled into a smirk.
Tch, trying to fake cry in front of her?
Su Ci offered sincere advice: "Rubbing your eyes won't force tears out. I suggest pinching your thigh, or your arm works too. Wherever is most sensitive, pinch there."
Back when she couldn't cry on cue, she used to pinch her thigh hard to make herself cry from pain. As for why she didn't use eye drops? It was to make the director think she was dedicated to her craft.
Li Xiaoli's movements stopped. She suppressed her anger, wondering how someone could be so annoying.
Su Ci felt she had played enough. Seeing that she had pushed the other person to the brink of breakdown, she smiled and said, "I'm just kidding."
Li Xiaoli was completely confused by her. So, she had been joking earlier? She hadn't actually seen anything?
Li Chenyu was also dumbfounded. Around Su Ci, she always felt not only inferior in presence but also in intelligence.
This was also why she disliked Su Ci.
Su Ci ran back behind the large rock, bent down to kiss the young man's cold thin lips, and pulled him up.
Li Chenyu and Li Xiaoli were shocked again to see another person on the mountaintop. Who else could be up here?
"Who is he?" Li Chenyu felt mentally exhausted. She had worked so hard to climb the mountain to watch the sunrise, only to encounter Su Ci, who then accused Li Xiaoli of trying to push her down. She was completely confused.
"You don't need to know who he is," Su Ci took the phone from Lu Zhe's hand and waved it at Li Xiaoli. "The evidence is right here."
Then, Su Ci played the video Lu Zhe had recorded and showed it to Li Chenyu.
Beside them, Li Xiaoli's face turned pale.
When Li Chenyu saw Li Xiaoli reach out her hand the first time, her heart started racing. Fortunately, she had turned around at that moment. When Li Xiaoli reached out the second time, Su Ci had appeared just in time.
If Su Ci hadn't shown up, it meant she really would have been pushed down the mountain by Li Xiaoli.
Thinking about rolling down from this height, Li Chenyu felt a chill run from her feet up her spine.
Aliali: 6754ee2abd5e46c308a836c6
"Why did you try to kill me?" Li Chenyu slapped Li Xiaoli across the face, her hand still trembling.
"I didn't..." Li Xiaoli continued to deny.
"You attempted to murder me. I'm calling the police," Li Chenyu, both frightened and angry about her near-death experience, glared fiercely at Li Xiaoli, looking as if she wanted to bite her to death.
Li Xiaoli grabbed Li Chenyu's hand, "We can't call the police. I wasn't trying to kill you."
Su Ci casually twisted the knife, "I can give you the video as evidence."
Li Xiaoli shot Su Ci a fierce glare - she had almost succeeded.
"Don't glare at me, I'm so scared," Su Ci leaned against Lu Zhe, saying softly, "Lu Zhe, she's frightening me."
Lu Zhe naturally embraced the girl, his fingers gently pinching her cheek. In his mind, she was usually the one scaring others - how could this little troublemaker be scared of anyone else?
Li Xiaoli's breath caught in her throat.
How could there be such a shameless person in this world!