Chapter 235

"We'll be staying for about three or four days, right?" "Uh, probably." "I can ask Sister Li Xue and Brother Shan Qing later... One more or one less day shouldn't be a problem, it just depends on whether they have any thoughts about the long closure..." "Okay, I'll look at the specific travel guides." "In that case, it's probably better to stay close to the attractions we want to visit, and it also needs to be cost-effective enough. Hmm... I'll look into some nice guesthouses." "Actually, there are a lot of travel guides online, but they're not necessarily suitable for everyone, so it's best to summarize them based on our own time and purpose." "..." "Slurp (chew chew chew)" Hua Xin finished the last bite of noodles in her bowl. Although it was a very plain bowl of noodles, it was surprisingly delicious. Perhaps it was because Xia Yan made it? The girl then silently dismissed this thought. How to put it... it had a special feeling. It wasn't the special taste that a girl would make with the help of Thirteen Spices and various strange alchemical potions, nor was it the freshness and deliciousness unique to luxurious ingredients. Instead, she felt a warmth she had never experienced before. Hua Xin stared blankly at the bowl of noodle soup, its surface still reflecting the lamplight, while Xia Yan beside her was scribbling on a pen and paper, looking at his phone. The room was empty except for the two of them. She was eating the food he had prepared, while he was busy with their affairs. Hua Xin seemed somewhat dazed, momentarily forgetting that she should have gone to ask Li Xue about the travel dates. Unconsciously, wasn't this the scene she had always carefully kept hidden in her heart, one she hadn't even dared to imagine? Quiet yet warm, without arguments or fights. Without the sound of breaking glass. "What's wrong?" "You're not full? I'll cook you some more." "I haven't bought any groceries these past few days, all we have left are noodles..." A rare hint of embarrassment appeared on Xia Yan's face, seemingly feeling a little ashamed and guilty about the rather simple bowl of noodles. After all, he was the one who had invited the girl to stay at his house, yet he hadn't prepared a decent dinner. Hua Xin quickly reacted to Xia Yan's question, placing her chopsticks on her bowl and saying in a low voice, "You really think I'm a pig, don't you?" "I'm full." The girl snorted softly, getting up and walking towards the kitchen with her bowl. She paused slightly, then said with a touch of pride, "It was quite delicious..." Her eyes immediately filled with amusement. Xia Yan watched her retreating figure gently and reminded her, "I've washed the fruit; your portion is in the kitchen." "Oh, I know." Hua Xin washed the dishes while looking at the fruit she had bought, most of which was already in the fruit bowl. "I hate 'warm-hearted' guys..." the girl murmured softly, but there was no hint of disdain in her eyes. The sound of running water drifted gently from the kitchen. After staying at Xia Yan's house for a few nights, the girl seemed to have become quite familiar with it, as if it were her own home. But for the cook, receiving affirmation from others was the most gratifying thing. Especially when that affirmation came from someone even more important to him, making Xia Yan exceptionally happy. He was also very much looking forward to this trip. Xia Yan had never had a particularly strong desire for spontaneous travel; instead, he wanted to focus on improving himself little by little. A stable life was more important. He had been holding onto a grudge for a while. He wanted to prove that he could live well on his own and excel as a so-called "elite," to show his parents and grandfather his achievements. But people mature over time. After experiencing some things, he too had grown. Rather than those childish sulking thoughts, Xia Yan wanted to protect and continue the beauty of his present. He also had someone he loved. Even... at night. He had initially thought it would just be a simple discussion about the travel itinerary with Xia Yan, since they wouldn't be traveling with Li Xue Xueshan and Qing, only driving together to their destination. Two couples traveling together would inevitably result in them being third wheels at times. Therefore, the most important thing was to plan how to have a good travel experience without being too tired during these few days. They had read through many travel guides and then made a detailed plan. Thinking of this, Hua Xin's eyes showed a little guilt. Although Xia Yan had done most of the work... The information explosion era has obviously brought a lot of convenience, and there are experiences shared by people who have been there on various software. But Hua Xin did not expect that several hours would pass by in this chat. When she came to her senses, it was already past ten o'clock. The four of them were leaving early the next morning, so they had to get some rest early tonight. The girl pulled the blanket up on her body until it covered half of her face, leaving only the area above her nose exposed. Her phone was charging beside her. The surroundings were unusually quiet. "Hoo..." Hua Xin exhaled softly, the warmth of the blanket warming her face. A faint smile and longing appeared on her face for no reason. It all felt like a dream. Traveling seemed to be something that had nothing to do with her no matter what. From childhood to adulthood, she had never left that small house. Her parents' departure seemed to have no impact on her; after all, whether they were there or not, she lived independently. Hua Xin had seen countless beautiful landscapes, watching videos almost daily of people traveling the world in their own ways. Mountains and seas, grasslands and magnificent architecture. Having grown up in this one place for the previous nineteen years of her life, how could she not want to see it? The girl was deeply moved, but the outside world seemed so terrifying to her. She lived in Shanghai, yet had never seen the sea. From the perspective of maintaining her identity, she shouldn't have agreed to this trip, nor should she have asked Xia Yan to take her along. But the girl still brought her ID card. She didn't want to have any regrets, even if there were great risks. Hua Xin had researched beforehand; many places required an ID card when traveling. It wasn't just about avoiding high-speed rail for a self-driving trip; accommodation, attractions, tickets... the large "male" on that ID card could become the clue and evidence that ignited everything, and perhaps destroy everything she had finally achieved. Even so, "Ding-dong." The phone screen suddenly lit up, slightly illuminating the dark room. Hua Xin's eyes widened slightly as she stretched her slender arm out from under the covers and unplugged the charging cable. Xia Yan: "Goodnight, get some rest." The emoji was a Pleasant Goat fast asleep. Looking at the message, a smile flashed in the girl's eyes as her fingers slowly typed on the phone screen. "Goodnight." She also wanted to leave behind memories that belonged only to Xia Yan. Even if they might eventually go their separate ways. 178. Hua Xin on the Principles