"Hm?"
Chen Hao's eyes snapped open, a flicker of surprise crossing his deep gaze. He then looked toward the northern horizon, his eyes seeming to pierce layers of clouds and countless mountains and rivers.
Something pulsed in the northern sky. It was neither sound nor light, but an energy fluctuation on some deeper, more fundamental level.
Chen Hao walked to the window.
What exactly was it? It seemed this world held far more dormant secrets than he had imagined. He tapped his fingertips lightly against the windowsill, his gaze growing ever deeper.
The night passed without incident. As the first pale light appeared on the horizon, they prepared to take the cruise ship back to Yazhou.
When Cai Jingwen handled the paperwork at the pier, a staff member took one look, then courteously escorted them to the most luxurious suite on the top deck.
Chen Siyao put down her luggage and walked onto the terrace. The sea breeze swept over her, carrying a salty tang.
Out on the distant water, several fishing boats moved slowly along, white seagulls chasing the waves behind their sterns.
"The view's really nice." Cai Jingwen came out too and leaned against the railing.
"I'm in a much better mood than on the way here." Yang Wanqing held Xiao Yue in her arms. The wind blew Xiao Yue's ears backward, and she narrowed her eyes, looking thoroughly content.
Chen Hao was the last to leave the suite. He set a tea set on the terrace's coffee table and began brewing tea. Its fragrance drifted through the salty, damp sea breeze, mingling with an indescribable fresh sweetness.
The cruise ship slowly pulled away from the pier, and Yongle City's skyline receded behind them.
The women strolled around the deck and took plenty of photos. Yang Wanqing held